Out Thinkers

Whether you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, celebrate the vibrant and diverse STEM community in Norfolk! Join Out Thinkers for a series of inspiring talks and a chance to network with LGBTQ+ scientists.

Hosted by Dr Sam Rowe and Dr Alfredo Carpineti, Out Thinkers serves to showcase the incredible talent of LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM, providing a welcoming platform where people can talk about their work while truly being themselves.

Speakers include Josh Horton (Quadram Institute), Dr Ellie Leech (British Trust for Ornithology) and Kit Marie Rackley (University of East Anglia).

These brilliant speakers will discuss their careers, current project and personal experiences as LGBTQ+ people working in STEM.

Free, booking essential
For ages 18+ only
The Great Hall, National Centre for Writing
what3words: plant.impose.indoor

Access Information

For access queries, please contact the team at:

About Dr Sam Rowe (he/they)

Sam has a background in chemistry research and science communication and he currently works as a project manager at the Quadram Institute in Norwich. He is passionate about public engagement, championing the LGBTQ+ in STEM community, and providing training and networking opportunities for researchers.

About Dr Alfredo Carpineti (he/him)

Astrophysicst and chair of Pride in STEM (among other things!). This event is our take on Out Thinkers, which provides a platform for LGBTQ+ scientists to share their work and personal experiences.

About Josh Horton (he/him)

Josh is a 3rd year PhD student based at the Quadram Institute on the Norwich Research Park. Outside of science, he can often be found on a run, photographing the lovely Norfolk countryside, or listening to Taylor Swift (or all at the same time!).

About Dr Ellie Leech (she/her)

Ellie is currently the Head of the Ringing & Nest Recording Scheme at the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), where she’s worked for the past 23 years, managing volunteer bird surveys. Ellie has been involved with natural history recording her whole life, mostly in Norfolk, and has absolutely no intention of stopping now!

About Kit Marie Rackley (they/she)

Kit Marie is an award-winning climate education specialist whose work is deeply informed by their perspective as a trans science communicator. Confronting the rise of populism and science denial, they champion a methodology of empathy, dialogue, and resilience - arguing that effective science communication must first acknowledge our shared humanity. This philosophy fuels their national work with the national Climate Ambassadors scheme and their advocacy as a UEA Staff Pride representative.