Question: What impact do you think your invention or use of money is going to have on the world

Sophie Holles answered on 21 Mar 2013:

For the work I’m doing for my PhD.. we’re finding out that the noise we’re making underwater with all the ships and explosions and construction is stressing fish, crabs, whales and dolphins out. The effects are as bad as the effects we’re predicting for climate change in 100 years time with the changes in temperature and acidity in the ocean.. but these effects are already happening! This is scary because millions of people around the world rely on fish as their primary source of protein. We already have technology for making ships (the most widespread source of noise) quieter because of developments by the navy.. so I hope as a result of my research we’re going to start using the new technology to make ships quieter. I’m going to go to a meeting of the International Maritime Organisation with my results to make sure they’re aware of it!

For the money I might win from I’m a scientist.. I’ve been asked by a charity to give a talk to disadvantaged kids so they can get inspired about the kind of work you can do as a scientist.. I’d like to carry on doing that kind of work and use the money to raise awareness about the importance of doing science by introducing what I do and letting kids have a go with some of the equipment I use.