James Williams is a science lecturer and researcher at the University of Sussex

What is your favourite place in Sussex?

It has to be Ditchling Beacon and the amazing views you get from there.

What do you love most about living in Sussex?

The remarkable mix of people, from all over the world, from all walks of life. Walk through Brighton and you’ll always find fantastic people, full of life and gloriously individual.

What advice do you have for your 12-year-old self?

Exams are not the only thing in life. Try new things, fail or succeed you can always learn and that’s what education is, not just passing exams.

What is your most valued possession?

My grandfather Tom’s war medals. He was such a lovely, funny, kind man who, because of his dementia, had a childlike quality about him. He won medals for bravery, had been gassed in the trenches and survived which is incredible. War is horrific. I cannot imagine what he saw and lived through, He defended our country from invasion and, year on year, paraded in honour of those who lost their lives.

What is your biggest regret?

Not knowing my other grandfather, James Harris, better. I was named after him and apparently he cried when he found out and held me, as a new-born baby, for the first time. I do remember him vaguely, a very tall man with a kind face. I’d loved to have known him better and have a memory of his voice.

What is your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is not seeing my grandchildren grow and develop into wonderful adults achieving their dreams. I have six, so far.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement was getting my Master’s degree and for my father to attend my graduation.

Which five people (living or dead) would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?

Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace, Rosalind Franklin, Professor Alice Roberts and Sir David Attenborough.