Biography
Jean Balchin is a writer and science communications professional with a background in literature, history, and public engagement.
At Oxford she completed an MSt in English (1830-1914) and an MSt in Global and Imperial History. Her academic interests include colonial literature, Social Darwinism, and race and inequality in historical contexts.
Jean is an accomplished pianist, exhibited artist, a public speaker and has a green belt in Judo. Jean is active in mental health advocacy, particularly suicide prevention, including work with the Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust. She is also a passionate advocate for disability rights. Jean is a regular columnist for the Otago Daily Times and is currently working on her first book.
Jean is passionate about science communication and is currently working on the HDR UK-funded Inflammation and Immunity Research Driver Programme, where she helps to translate complex scientific and health data into accessible content.