I wasn't always a scientist - Simon's story
4,115 views · Published 15 April 2015 · 7:43 · Indexed 6 November 2026
Channel: The Royal Society · 2015 · Science & Technology
In memory of Simon McQueen-Mason (1958-2022) Simon left school at 17 without any A-levels. He worked in boatyards in Southern California before returning to the UK and becoming a professional fisherman, eventually owning his own boat. His fascination with the natural world inspired him to study biology. Having not studied biology since the age of 13, he initially struggled, but Simon persevered and received a First at Portsmouth Polytechnic for his BSc in Biological Sciences. Simon has a multitude of responsibilities today but his favourite part of the job, as Director of the Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) at York University and Chair in Materials Biology, involves discussing research with people in his group and with other researchers around the world. This film featuring Professor Simon McQueen-Mason, University of York, is part of ‘I wasn’t always a scientist' series created by the Royal Society.
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