Johnny Ball
Doctor of Science

Johnny Ball is a popular broadcaster and author. He was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his work in popularising science and mathematics, writing and producing 23 fact-based television series and five educational stage musicals.

Johnny’s solo television series for children included Think of a Number, Think Again, Think Backwards (BBC), and Johnny Ball Reveals All (ITV). His TV shows and videos have won 12 awards, including a BAFTA, a New York International Emmy nomination, and the ITVA Presenter of the Year Craft Award.

One of his stage musicals, Tales of Maths and Legends, launched Maths Year 2000, and packed major theatres and was closely followed by Tales of Blooming Science for the Department for Education and Skills (DFES) Science Year.

Johnny is a prolific public speaker – he once made 40 speeches in two weeks – and has addressed the Oxford Union twice, RAF Cranwell, Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Unilever, Toyota Lexus, Airbus UK, Dyson and many more. He has written seven books and devised GET SET which puts 400 girls through 26 projects at Imperial College, London every year.

Johnny was a successful stand-up comedian in the 60/70s. He featured in Playschool for 17 years, wrote Playaway and adult TV comedy before turning to factual information. He has worked with over 30 universities and was Rector of Glasgow University for three years (1993–96).