A NASA expert will talk in Oxford about technology advances in aviation.

Dr Jaiwon Shin, associate administrator for NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, will begin the line-up at a series of Oxford University talks aimed at non-academics.

He will speak at the first of the institution’s Oxford Sparks LIVE events, which will explore academics’ research in the subjects of maths, physical and life sciences.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the free event on Thursday, November 30 at 5pm, at the Mathematical Institute in Woodstock Road.

Organiser Dr Neil Ashton, from the university’s Department of Engineering Science, said: “We wanted to create a public lecture series that would allow non-academics to see the sort of research that is being undertaken at the university, as well as some of the companies and organisations that we work closely with.

“This is the first event in a series of talks, showcasing the exciting research being carried out at the university.”

Dr Ashton said ‘many academics’ at Oxford are working with NASA to progress technology in aviation.

The talk is aimed at people over the age of 16 and there will be an opportunity to chat to researchers about their area of expertise.

To book tickets visit bit.ly/sparkslive.