Scientists Making a Difference: 47 Inspirational Scientists Changing the World and How You Can Join Them

By Author / Illustrator

Dr Shini Somara, illus Adam Allsuch Boardman & Manuel Šumberac

Genre

STEM

Age range(s)

11+

Publisher

What on Earth!

ISBN

9781804661895

Format

Hardback

Published

10-09-2026

Synopsis

Meet 47 scientists who are changing our world. Discover how they are answering some of the world's biggest questions and how you can join them. Are you always asking 'why' and 'how'?

Do you enjoy experimenting? Do you notice things that other people don't? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, then release your inner investigator and pursue a career in science! What do scientists do and why do they do it?

In Scientists Making a Difference, Dr Shini Somara goes straight to the scientists themselves to find out, revealing that science is for everyone and that you don't have to go to university to become a scientist - there are many exciting pathways into a career in STEM.. .

You'll meet Apprentices, Technicians, Professors and Entrepreneurs! They'll tell you in their own words about their work: growing human cells to test medicines, building quantum computers of the future, tracking and protecting African wild dogs, searching for life beyond our solar system, and so much more. These are some of the world's most amazing change-makers, who combine their passions with their work to make the world a better place.

Created in collaboration with Imperial College London, which is one of the top ten universities in the world, and the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, which gives charitable funding to science, education and arts projects. It has a strong focus on STEM subjects, encouraging young people to consider a career in science, including through apprenticeships and T-Levels. Includes a diverse range of scientists and shows that science is for everyone.

Written by mechanical engineer, broadcaster, producer, podcaster and author Dr Shini Somara, whose recent work includes shows for the BBC, Channel 4, UKTV and PBS Digital. Features 15 video interviews with scientists from the book, accessible via QR codes. Plus, another 15 videos produced by Dr Somara and to be posted on social channels to engage the future generation of scientists.

The first title in the series, Engineers Making a Difference, was shortlisted for the Royal Society Young People's Book Prize 2024. Why not become one of them to help answer the big questions of the future!

Reviews

Jacqueline

This is a book all about scientists of every variety, from botanists, to chemists to neuroscientists, and what they do as their jobs, alongside the actual science. 47 scientists have been interviewed about their work and the results presented in packed pages of information.

Written to challenge stereotypes and encourage more young people to study science, this is a book with a difference. The interview format makes it a really different type of text as the people are as interesting as their jobs. Dr Sagida Bibi, for example, comes from inner city Birmingham and is one of the scientists involved in creating COVID vaccines.

Scientists Making a Difference aimed at secondary schools and it would certainly be challenging for most Primary children - however, I do know a few who would find it fascinating and quite inspirational. The sheer variety of jobs makes it the sort of book you can dip in and out of and still keep on finding something new to learn.

224 pages / Reviewed by Jacqueline Harris, teacher