Profile
Rory Back
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About Me:
I am an industrial scientist working for a global glass company. I studied at Durham University. I live and work in West Lancashire, but I get to travel the world for my job.
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Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, reading novels, and experiencing live music.
I also volunteer on the committee of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Liverpool Local Section, helping to bring science to communities.
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My pronouns are:
He/Him.
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My Work:
Industrial Glass Scientist working on applications including buildings, vehicles, solar energy, gadgets, and decarbonisation.
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My Typical Day:
I enjoy exercising and swimming before arriving at the office.
Typically, I spend time meeting with colleagues, thinking about new ideas, and designing new products.
Often I will visit factories, conferences, and universities.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I would use it in conjunction with volunteering with the Royal Society of Chemistry, to help bring science, education, and careers to all kinds of people.
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Education:
Primary School: Bishop Eton, Liverpool.
Secondary School: St. Francis Xavier’s College, Liverpool
Durham University, Bachelor’s (3 years) degree in Chemistry.
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Qualifications:
10 GCSEs.
4 A Levels.
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Durham University.
Awarded ‘Chartered Chemist’ by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
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Work History:
Tesco, Customer Care Assistant (student job)
NSG Pilkington Glass: 2015 – Present.
I began as a Graduate Technologist.
I then progressed to become an Advanced Technologist.
Then I became R&D Incubator Technical Manager, my current position.
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Current Job:
R&D Incubator Technical Manager
Tech Scouting for new applications of glass technology; materials start-ups Incubator & Accelerator; Architectural, Automotive, Solar, Technical, Flake, Fiber Glass applications
The Incubator is a dedicated R&D resource for building partnerships with start-ups, global companies, and univeristies. Its purpose is to enable early-stage innovation to find new methods, products, and applications for glass technology.
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Employer:
NSG (Nippon Sheet Glass), better known in the UK as Pilkington.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Glass-fascinated chemist
What did you want to be after you left school?
Inventor
Were you ever in trouble at school?
No
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
Working at sea
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Prefab Sprout
What's your favourite food?
Belgian Cuisine
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
Health, prosperity, & happiness!
Tell us a joke.
The existence of the actors Tom Holland and Tom Hollander implies the existence of Tom Hollandest.
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