How Radiotherapy Works

When we look at high-energy radiation we see a situational paradox, because it both causes and is used to treat cancer. Have you ever wondered why or how this is the case?

This talk will explain how radiation therapy works, giving an overview of the different treatment techniques and conducting a deep dive into external beam X-ray radiotherapy (the one that uses the big machines!). We will explore the surprisingly diverse science and engineering behind how the equipment works and present some of the latest developments.

The story of how the underlying technology came about – through both wartime and peacetime – is also very interesting, with strong connections to Chelmsford. This continues today, with cutting-edge developments at Teledyne e2v driving the latest advances in radiotherapy. The talk will touch on these as well.

Adam is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) with over 18 years' experience in multi-disciplinary design, innovation and technical leadership. He has worked in multiple technology sectors including healthcare, transport and defence, specialising in digital systems.

In his professional career, Adam has worked at Leonardo, designing thermal imagers, precision guidance solutions and latterly integrated mission systems; with Atkins as a consultant systems engineer to major transport infrastructure programmes; and at Teledyne e2v, developing RF Power products for radiotherapy.

As a volunteer, alongside his work with CSES, Adam is a STEM Ambassador, a trustee (governor) of Chelmsford County High School for Girls, a trustee of Culture Chelmsford and an IET Assessor / Interviewer. He is also a Senior Visiting Fellow of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Anglia Ruskin University.

Adam was born and lives in Chelmsford.

Refreshments will be available from 30 minutes before the advertised start time.

To book your FREE place, please click Register Now from the event page on our website. Alternatively, just turn up!

Please see this page for directions to ARU by various modes of transport. If driving, note that parking at ARU is free in the evening. Please use the Queen's / Sawyers car park via Hoffmanns Way. If the barrier is down, press the call button and ask for entry.