Keith Hardie

At work...
I am Head of Year and a Physics and Maths teacher at The Edinburgh Academy. I also provide STEM Education consultancy for industry and am a member of the Institute of Physics Scotland Education Committee. Previously, I worked in the Education Office for the European Space Agency.

Break time...
When I’m not working, I can be found running various distance events with my longest run being 97km from Glasgow to Edinburgh. I love playing golf, amateur photography and building space themed Lego sets.

Other space outreach…
I appeared on an episode of Greg James’ and Bella Mackie’s Teach Me a Lesson podcast to discuss if we could live on the Moon. I have also had an article published in Science in Schools: The European Journal for Science Teachers.

We asked Keith...

Given the chance, would you go to space?
Without question! It would be my childhood dream come true. I can’t think of a more incredible and fulfilling experience. The benefit to mankind that space travel has provided is profound and I think astronauts serve as inspiration for us all to work towards common goals through unity and peace.

What's the best thing about science?
As children, we all began life as scientists constantly asking questions, exploring and seeking answers. Science allows us to foster that curiosity and encourages us to continue asking questions. The answers to those questions often provide positive change for all of humanity. To be curious is to be human.

What's the best thing about working at the National Space Academy?
Space is the most inspirational context for learning that I can think of. To be able to apply the science that pupils learn in the classroom to the context of real space missions is amazing. The National Space Academy allows me to inspire young people to see the space industry as a possible career path and to encourage them to stay curious.