Andrew Pontzen, born near Oxford, is a cosmologist, currently based at Emmanuel College and the Kavli Institute for Cosmology in Cambridge. He received his PhD from Cambridge University in 2009. His research interests span everything from galaxy formation to the microwave background (the radiation left over from the big bang).

He's also been extensively involved with outreach work, indulging a passion for discussing cutting edge physics with anyone, anywhere. Andrew hopes to combine a research and communication career, sharing new steps in scientist's understanding with the wider world. At the end of the NESTA FameLab 2009 competition Andrew received the MasterClass Award, being chosen by the MasterClass trainers as the Finalist who demonstrated the highest level of ability, development and team work at the science communication training weekend.

Now part of the highly successful Naked Scientists team and also working with fellow FameLabbers Tom Whyntie and Matt Baker on projects like Climbing the Tree of Physics.