Humanists UK is delighted to announce the appointment of its newest patron, Alom Shaha. Distinguished science communicator, teacher and author, Alom joins a stable of 200 Humanists UK patrons with notable careers in arts, literature, science, academia, politics, and community and civic activism.
Alom Shaha has spent much of his professional life trying to share his passion for science and education with the public, taking a creative approach that has been recognised with fellowships from the National Endowment for Science, Technology, and the Arts (NESTA) and the Nuffield Foundation. In 2012, he published The Young Atheist’s Handbook: Living a Good Life Without God. The book chronicles his upbringing in a strict Bangladeshi Muslim area in south-east London in the 1970s and 80s and outlines the intellectual journey which led him to identify as a humanist. It was launched at an event organised by Humanists UK, which later ran a successful crowdfunder to distribute copies of the book to every school in the country. Alom is also a former trustee of Humanists UK.
Alom’s other titles include Mr Shaha’s Recipes for Wonder and Mr Shaha’s Marvellous Machines. His first children’s picture book, How to Find a Rainbow will be published in 2023 as well as his next book for adults, Why Don’t Things Fall Up? He’s written for a number of print and online publications including The Guardian, New Scientist, and New Humanist and formerly worked as a TV producer and director.
Commenting on Alom’s appointment, Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:
‘It’s fantastic to have Alom Shaha on board as our latest patron. As a former trustee, Alom has worked closely with Humanists UK for a number of years, most notably on the launch of his seminal Young Atheist’s Handbook. We look forward to working with him more closely once again and benefitting from his vast experience as a distinguished science communicator.’
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 020 7324 3072 or 020 3675 0959.
Humanists UK has 200 patrons who support its work in various ways through their expertise and prominence in various fields. Existing patrons include significant figures from the spheres of science, philosophy, human rights activism, politics, the arts, and broadcasting. The President of Humanists UK is the geneticist, science writer, and broadcaster, Dr Adam Rutherford. He is supported by Vice Presidents Professor Alice Roberts, Shaparak Khorsandi, Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Professor AC Grayling, and Polly Toynbee.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by 100,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.