Mike Simpson
SSI fellow
Newcastle University
My background is in computing and game development, and my main research interests are data visualisation and the applications of video game technologies. I worked in the games industry for a few years before starting a PhD, which involved using tools from the games industry to create and evaluate real-time 3D engineering simulations. I worked as an RA for several years, then became a founding member of the RSE Team at Newcastle University. I have also been actively involved with the wider RSE community. I was on the organising committee for the RSE Conference, before becoming a trustee of the Society of RSE. I was elected as Vice-President of the Society in 2024.
I am also a keen storyteller, which I use whenever I teach, do science communication or talk about my work. I also like to write fiction, as well as blog posts about a range of topics, including mental health and my experience of becoming a father during lockdown. This is what has inspired me to apply for the fellowship. I want to continue to raise awareness, break down some of the stigmas surrounding mental health, and find ways to support mental health in our community.
During my fellowship, I gave a number of talks, where I shared my story and encouraged people to continue the conversation around mental health in the workplace. You can view a recording of this talk from RSECon25 on the RSE Society YouTube channel. I also produced a number of resources, which are included on the ConveRSE website: a hub for mental health information and support for the Research Software Community. You can also learn more about what I've been up to by reading the blog posts below
Online Presence
