How big is the universe? Martin Hendry is working on the answer to that question. He is Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Glasgow, where he is also Head of the School of Physics and Astronomy.
He recently received an MBE from the Queen for his contribution to science. He lives in Shawlands, works in the West End and grew up in East Kilbride.
This year, as Chair of the Institute of Physics in Scotland, he has led a national programme of events to celebrate International Year of Light, which commemorates the 150th anniversary of the ground-breaking work of renowned scientist James Clerk Maxwell, Scotland’s “forgotten Einstein”.
In November Martin is a keynote speaker at the City Under Microscope conference, hosted in Glasgow for the Lighting Urban Community International Association.
He is really looking forward to Star Wars: The Force Awakens opening at the Glasgow IMAX.
Here’s some of his thoughts on our city.
What do you like best about Glasgow?
It’s hard to narrow it down to one, but I think my top three are the friendly people, the parks (it really still is a “dear green place”) and the proximity to some truly amazing scenery – all less than an hour’s drive from the city centre.
Best outdoors space?
I’ve got a soft spot for the South Front on the campus of Glasgow University, looking out over the city towards the Kelvingrove Museum with the Clyde in the background. On a sunny day the view is stunning, and on a cloudy day it reminds me of the cover of “Raintown”!
Best restaurant right now?
Again, so many good ones to choose from, but we really like Tribeca on Kilmarnock Road
Best pub?
Three Judges in Partick
Where do you like to pick up ingredients for cooking?
Most things we can find at our local Morrison’s or Sainsbury’s, but we also have a Whole Foods fairly nearby that we occasionally go to as well so we’re spoiled for choice.
Where would you meet us for a coffee?
Probably Tinderbox on the corner of Byres Road and University Avenue: I often call in there around 7am on the way to work – and usually run into friends and colleagues. There’s many a University problem that can be solved over an early-morning latte in Tinderbox!
Where do you shop for clothes?
Not very trendy I’m afraid: it’s usually M&S for me…
Glasgow needs more?
I’ve often thought we could do with some more good Thai food restaurants, and a few more Mexican restaurants would go down well too. Oh, and a castle wouldn’t do any harm! (I’ve always felt that gives Edinburgh an unfair advantage)
Glasgow needs less?
A few less boarded up shops would be good: we’ve lived in the Shawlands and Newlands area for more than a decade now and we like the Kilmarnock Road shops very much, but there’s an alarming number which have closed down in the past year or so – including my daughter’s favourite frozen yoghurt vendor “Cheer me up”.
Favourite Glasgow building?
The Hydro. Love it from the outside; love it even more on the inside. I was lucky enough to see some Commonwealth Games events there and the atmosphere was amazing.
Your Glasgow music?
I’m showing my age here. It’s a toss up between Hue and Cry and Deacon Blue.
Favourite Glasgow neighbourhood?
Although I work in the West End, and probably spend more of my waking hours there than anywhere else, I really like Shawlands.
Your Glasgow hero?
Well, he was born in Burnbank but that’s close enough! Jock Stein, for blazing a European trail with a team all born within 10 miles of Glasgow. Compared with the global financial juggernaut that is today’s Champions League, Stein’s achievements on a shoestring budget seem all the more unbelievable as each year passes.
When you are with friends in Glasgow, what do you like to do?
Usually enjoying a really good curry!
Follow Martin @martin_astro