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

Dr Shini Somara

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1804661899 ISBN 13: 9781804661895

Publisher: What on Earth!, 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
• 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. 

• Features a stunning gold foil cover, making it an eye-catching gift for curious young readers.
• 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.
• 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!

About this title

About the Authors

Dr Shini Somara is passionate about making science and technology accessible to all, through a variety of media platforms. Based in London, UK, she transforms cutting-edge science into heartwarming and captivating stories. Shini is the author of Engineers Making a Difference. Her recent work includes shows for the BBC, Channel 4, UKTV and PBS Digital. She has worked together with brands such as Williams Racing, Google, Dyson and National Grid, The Institute of Engineering and Technology and The Royal Academy of Engineering.

Adam Allsuch Boardman is an illustrator based in Leeds, UK, who constructs imagery to inform and amuse in a clear and concise manner. His work contains limited palettes, clean geometric shapes and exacting lines and has featured in museum exhibit displays around the UK, such as the Science and Media Museum. Adam has authored and illustrated three non-fiction titles; Engineers Making a Difference, An Illustrated History of Filmmaking and An Illustrated History of UFOs.

Manuel Šumberac is a Croatia-based illustrator and animator. He graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb where he was drawn towards the fascinating world of illustration. His work has been published and recognised in numerous book illustrations and book covers, such as Pinocchio, Snow White, The Night Before Christmas and Steampunk Frankenstein, amongst many others. Manuel creates his illustrations using digital techniques combined with traditional media.

Edition details

• Publisher: What on Earth!
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1804661899
• ISBN 13: 9781804661895
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Adam Allsuch Boardman, Manuel Šumberac
• Number of pages: 224