BIO -Dr. Hugh Mortimer
Who I Am
I am a planetary scientist at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in the largest space science department in Europe. My primary research focus is in developing and applying hyperspectral imaging techniques for the analysis of atmospheric gases in planetary atmospheres. However I am especially passionate about the communication of space science and its role in inspiring and educating the next generation of scientists. This has led me to work on incredible outreach projects that bring science and the arts together. I have been a science adviser on the international arts programme "invisible dust" and have worked with the Turner prize winning artist Elizabeth Price on the piece Sunlight as well as many other sci-art projects. I have also provided scientific advice on films, such as Ridley Scott's “Prometheus” and National Geographic "Year Million". For further details of my science communication and advice work please click here.
Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere.
- Carl Sagan
DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGHLY MINIATURISED INFRARED SPECTROMETER
The main focus of my research is based around a novel spectroscopic technique that I developed in 2010. This has since been patented and developed into spin-out company that is based around this technology. For more details of this company go to http://keit.co.uk/
INFRARED CALIBRATION OF SATELLITE INSTRUMENTATION
In a departure from traditional techniques, I have developed a satellite sensor calibration technique that uses Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (FTS), rather than the typical grating monochromator. In this method interferograms of the convolved spectral response of the spectrometer and sensor are collected rather than the direct measurements of the convolved spectral responses as is common with the monochromator. Further details of this technique and its advantages can be found here: http://spie.org/Publications/Journal/10.1117/1.JRS.8.084980
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION THROUGH THE ARTS
Science is a based on substantiated facts, with no latitude for the scientist to add their subjective opinion, leaving them to find the raw patterns within life, the stars and the cosmos. Art can provide the interpretation that can bring that science to life, show meaning to those that are untrained and provide insight to the way that humanity understands and interacts with their surroundings.
i have been developing Art/Science based collaborative projects over the last 10 years and have a portfolio of work that ranges from film, fine and contemporary art, dance and music. For further details please go to the "Art" section of this website.
Contact me to learn more about my research.