Tim O’Brien is a Professor of Astrophysics and Associate Director of The University of Manchester’s Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics. Professor O'Brien's research is focused largely on the study of exploding stars using telescopes around the world and in space – including those at Jodrell Bank. He is currently planning to begin a search for extra-terrestrial intelligence using radio telescopes. Professor O'Brien also teaches in the Department of Physics at the University of Manchester and  alongside Professor Teresa Anderson he worked on the successful bid to make Jodrell Bank a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.Professor O'Brien is very active in public engagement with research. He has made regular contributions in the broadcast media, including phone-in shows on BBC Radio 5 Live, hosting the BBC Stargazing Live TV series at Jodrell Bank and being a regular guest on BBC Breakfast TV. He is also a Science Director for the bluedot festival of science, music & culture at Jodrell Bank. In 2014, he was awarded, along with Professor Teresa Anderson, the Kelvin Medal of the Institute of Physics for innovative public engagement.