Maggie Philbin

Two parcels will arrive at Downing Street and Whitehall this morning, with the  six books shortlisted for  the Science Book of the Year.

I’m not sure I should really show you my bedroom at the moment. I’m still weaving my way through book stalagmites to get to my wardrobe…but that’s the only drawback to being invited to be one of the judges for the annual prize run by The Royal Society.

I was thrilled to be asked… not only because it’s such a treat to have the best science writing delivered to your door but it’s also a chance to meet some brilliant fellow judges : author Tracy Chevalier, comedian Robin Ince, and Professor Tim Birkhead and  Dr Janet Anders both Royal Society fellows. We’ve worked our way through a scary amount of coffee, cakes and biscuits to reach our decisions.

It’s been an absorbing, mind-stretching and challenging few months. Over 150 books, covering every imaginable area of Science. From sea ice to unknown medieval geniuses, the natural history of everything from unicorns to teenagers,the inner workings of the brain to the wonders of the universe.

The 150 became 12 and we’re  now re-reading the final six, before making the final decision on the winner in October. In the meantime, I’d love to hear about the Science and Technology books you’ve enjoyed over the years, while I put up a few more bookshelves.

I’m chairing a conference next week where the consumer electronics industry will debate the future of “the digital home”.  I’m there to represent the voice of the consumer, so I’d love to have your input.

NTL Telewest’s imagined home of 2020

There’s an impressive line-up of speakers and having chaired the event last year, I know that the audience don’t hold back with their questions. But it would be good to be able to reflect your voice.

In 2010, we’re using many different devices to access content and, in theory , it’s getting easier to move content around the home. We’ve come a long way from the first home computer , and the arrival of satellite television seems a very long time ago. But are the manufacturers and broadcasters delivering the “digital home” we want? What do you find frustrating with home technology?

If you have a moment – I’d love your comments, either below or @maggiephilbin on Twitter – which I promise to pass on.

What is the most important piece of technology you own in the home and why?

Do you watch TV on the internet?

Do you think it’s important that devices are connected to the internet?

Are you excited about 3D TV?

Do you own a digital radio, if not would you buy one?

Do you think you’ll be spending more or less on technology in the future?

Do retailers do a good job of explaining technology and what it can do?

Today’s the day to celebrate women in technology by writing a few words about a woman you find inspiring. There’s more about Ada and how you can join in here.

I’ve read some of the blogs which have already come from all over the world and they’re brilliant. From clever mates at school, to talented podcasters, to unsung heroines. It’s a powerful insight into the nature of inspiration but most importantly a great record of female achievement.

On Friday, at an event for for 300 teenagers I asked the room to imagine a scientist. After a few seconds I asked  if anyone had imagined a woman. Just six hands were lifted.

Tonight, at the  Potluck Unconference I’ve a few minutes to talk about one woman who’s inspired me. I’m finding it very difficult to make a choice, which is why  some old colleagues from Tomorrow’s World may have  their ears burning. Friends like Judith Hann, who you’ll know and brilliant producers like  like Cynthia Page, Fiona Holmes, Dana Purvis, Caroline van Den Brul, Bettina Lerner, Sue Spindler, Sally Dixon, Teresa Hunt, Jane Aldous, Hilary McGough and Annis Barr, who made sure Judith and myself were never seen as technology handmaidens.

But while I decide, let me  celebrate my mum,  forced to leave school at 14 by her father (an engineer), who didn’t believe education for girls was important. For her, the war provided a great opportunity; she was swift to volunteer and went out to Egypt and Palestine with the WAAF, working in Signals with radar and as a wireless operator, jobs she loved.

Along with her friends,  she played a huge part in overthrowing received ideas about what women could and couldn’t do.

And later, she made sure that I had the education she missed. Thank you Mum.

What do your children want to be when they grow up? A new report  ”The Shape of Jobs to Come” by Fast Future Research and commissioned by the Science : (So what? So Everything) campaign takes a look at the jobs they might be doing in 2030 , jobs which don’t yet exist.

It’s very detailed but one of the engaging conclusions is a long list of 110 “new ” professions. They’ve focussed on 20 of these, providing a projected “Day In the Life” for future careers ranging from “Nano-medic” to “Virtual Clutter Organiser”.

What about Vertical Farming? More about this at http://www.chrisjacobs.com/?cat=3

The real purpose is to encourage children to see that there are many more opportunities in science and technology than they might have realised.  And that if you really want to make a difference to  a world challenged by climate change, population growth and an ageing demographic, then carrying on with maths and physics is a good idea.

Here’s the list:

1. Body Part Maker

2. Nano-Medic

3. Pharmer of Genetically Engineered Crops and Livestock

4. Old Age Wellness Manager / Consultant Specialists

5. Memory Augmentation Surgeon

6. New Science Ethicist

7. Space Pilots, Architects and Tour Guides

8. Vertical Farmers

9. Climate Change Reversal Specialist

10. Quarantine Enforcer

11. Weather Modification Police

12. Virtual Lawyer

13. Avatar Manager / Devotees - Virtual Teachers

14. Alternative Vehicle Developers

15. Narrowcasters

16. Waste Data Handler

17. Virtual Clutter Organizer

18. Time Broker / Time Bank Trader

19. Social ‘Networking’ Worker

20. Personal Branders