The economy needs more science graduates and we especially need more women in science. Did you know that just 20% of physics A-level students are girls; a figure which hasn’t changed for 25 years? Studying science leads to meaningful, interesting and well-paid careers but many students are put off because they aren’t aware of the opportunities.

I want to help change this. I’m working on probably the most exciting science outreach project since Tim Peake went into space. I'm climbing Mount Everest this year and showing the science that improves our chances of getting safely to the summit. I am a physicist and I’m fascinated by the science of exploration. I want to use my experience to inspire young people – especially young women – by showing them the importance of science in our lives through an exciting challenge. And I need your help.

I have a whole outreach programme planned which involves: 10 short videos on the Science of the Summit ; schools’ workshops and talks ; blogs and articles; social media updates from the mountain.

See http://bit.ly/MWEverest for details of the project, its aims and outputs.

I'm funding the climb myself and I’ve been offered support in kind from various places* but I am desperately in need of funding to help to deliver the outreach objectives.

I'm fundraising here for the production of the videos on the Science of the Summit. We would like to make 10 videos at an average cost of £1500 each, which covers filming and editing. I will also be filming on the mountain.

The videos will be aimed at 15-18 year olds, but they will be accessible on YouTube to all ages. They will be used as engaging educational resources for schools and will give young people an insight into how science skills are used in a variety of careers. We hope they will help engage young people globally with science.

Climbing Everest is such a giant event for me and can be so inspirational for others, so it’s a huge opportunity. Please help to fund the outreach project associated with my climb so we can benefit as many students as possible.

Thank you.

My background: I have a PhD in fusion energy, and am a Communications Consultant for fusion start-up Tokamak Energy. I’ve worked in education with the Ogden Trust, Anturus and Your Life. I am author of Aurora: In Search of the Northern Lights and Star Chambers: the Race to Fusion Power. As a former lecturer for the Institute of Physics’ annual Schools and Colleges lecture series, I have delivered talks to countless GCSE/A-level students, and been credited by many young people as their inspiration for studying science.

* Silver Agency, Montane, Institute of Physics, Justin Roberts at Anglia Ruskin University – thank you.