Erin Pallott is a Science Communication Officer at The University of Manchester, working across the Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation and the Manchester Cell-Matrix Centre.  

Her role is all about helping researchers share their work in ways that are clear, engaging and accessible. Through one-to-one support, training and outreach activities, Erin helps researchers build confidence in communication. 

She also delivers her own public engagement work, from school sessions and public talks to online engagement, making complex scientific ideas feel relevant and approachable. 

At the heart of Erin’s work is a desire to encourage others to give things a go, especially when they feel nervous or unsure. It is something she understands from personal experience. At school, Erin had not expected to go to university, or to get the grades she needed. She has since completed a PhD on the immune regulation of goblet cells and, despite beginning her PhD with a fear of public speaking, went on to reach the national finals of FameLab, a science communication competition where participants explain a complex concept to a general audience in just three minutes. You can watch Erin’s performance here.  

Erin wanted to overcome her fear of public speaking, get on a stage and talk about her research in an accessible way. Now, through her training, she helps others feel more comfortable with public speaking and public engagement. According to Erin, science communication comes down to two key things: simplicity and energy. Having a clear, focused message, alongside enthusiasm and empathy, is what helps ideas connect with different audiences.   

For Erin, science communication has been transformative. It has helped her grow in confidence and discover a passion that feels authentic. She also highlights the importance of bringing her full self into her work with funky earrings, pink makeup and pink hair. Seeing someone who looks and communicates differently in science can help students feel that they belong, and encourages them to see science as something that is open to everyone 

Alongside supporting others, Erin is actively involved in science outreach herself. She contributes to initiatives such as Pint of Science and The Brilliant Club, and regularly engages with school audiences, for instance bringing in parasite samples. She focuses on making science approachable and engaging. Erin says, “I most enjoy hearing people laugh, get excited, ask silly questions.” 

Throughout her PhD, Erin also led on ResearchHive, a platform that gives early career researchers the opportunity to publish accessible, jargon-free writing and develop their communication skills in a supportive environment.  

Looking ahead, Erin is keen to expand opportunities for public engagement, particularly by reaching schools that are further from universities and may not have the same access to research-led activities. She is also interested in developing more structured communication training across the University, helping to embed public engagement into everyday research practice. For Erin, building confidence in communication is key not only for researchers, but also for strengthening the connection between research and wider society.