Physics World Stories Podcast

The latest episode of Physics World Stories takes you inside CUWiP+, the Conference for Undergraduate Women and Non-Binary Physicists, and the role the annual event plays in shaping early experiences of studying physics. The episode features June McCombie from the University of Nottingham, who discusses what happens at CUWiP+ events and why they are so important for improving the retention of women and non-binary students in STEM. She reflects on how the conferences create space for students to explore career paths, build confidence and see themselves as part of the physics community. Reflections and tips from CUWiP+ 2025 University of Birmingham students Tanshpreet Kaur and Harriett McCormick share their experiences of attending the 2025 CUWiP+ event at the University of Warwick and explain why they are excited for the next event, set for Birmingham, 19–22 March 2026. They describe standout moments from 2025, including being starstruck at meeting Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who discovered radio pulsars in 1967. The episode provides practical advice to get the most out of the event. Organizers design the programme to cater for all personalities – whether you thrive in lively, social situations, or prefer time to step back and reflect. Either way, CUWiP+ offers opportunities to be inspired and to make meaningful connections. Hosted by Andrew Glester, the episode highlights how shared experiences and supportive networks can balance the often-solitary nature of studying physics, especially when you feel excluded from the majority group.

Peering into a near future where quantum science blends with AI. What are the implications for science, society and the arts?

Exploring how quantum ideas can inspire liberation, identity and community

Inside the training, science and imagination that inspire ESA's new generation of astronauts

This episode of Physics World Stories explores a new book that restores women to the early history of quantum mechanics

A journey into the artist-in-residence programme at the Yale Quantum Institute

From swirling oil paints to the grin of a Cheshire cat, this Physics World Stories episode brings quantum science to life

Songs, science and satire collide in this month's Physics World Stories podcast with Lynda Williams

Kevlin Henney discusses his new quantum-themed flash fiction and the power of short stories

How artificial intelligence is accelerating discoveries – and raising profound questions – about the future of physics

Hear from volcanologists about these stunning geological phenomena and the thrill of working in volcanic landscapes

100 years since Heisenberg made his mythical trip, a select group of quantum researchers will retrace his footsteps

Towards a unified vision of nature, humans and machines

Astronaut Eileen Collins and filmmaker Hannah Berryman discuss the new documentary SPACEWOMAN and the thrill of pushing human frontiers

Learn how the science of crowd movements can help shepherds and urban designers

Quantum professionals describe the emerging industry, and the skills required to thrive

Peering behind the comms curtain at the world's most famous particle physics lab

Scientists have investigated whether we could mimic basilisk lizards, on Earth or elsewhere

Hear from two physicists whose passion for sport has shaped their careers and lives

Discover the geophysics of Taylor Swift concerts and the hidden physics within our new podcast jingle

Exploring the multi-layered story about humanity's first contact with an alien civilization

Amanda Lee Falkenberg describes the process of turning mysterious worlds into music

Two researchers who have switched sides in this heated cosmic debate

With its wartime origins and iconic facilities, radio astronomy has always inspired curious tinkerers

Chad Orzel discusses the pivotal breakthroughs in the history of laser cooling

A conversation with Kai Bird, co-author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of Robert Oppenheimer

Hear from two physical scientists applying their knowledge to create a more equitable world

Harnessing energy directly in space and from the ocean flow

What the new discovery of gravitational wave imprints in pulsar signals can reveal about the cosmos

Demands for computer power continues to soar, but can the hardware keep up?

Large language models are changing the way physics is taught and practised

Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell won a $3m prize and is giving it all to physics PhD students from under-represented groups

Circular economies and alternative lithium sources could reduce the environmental impacts

Music generated by quantum computers is intriguing from musical and scientific perspectives

Astrophysicist's story shows the power science and human connection

ESA launches parastronaut feasibility study to make spaceflight more inclusive

Our traditional end-of-year episode will give you some holiday reading ideas

The 2022 Nobel Prize for Physics celebrated research that is underpinning a tech transformation

Investigating how sporting events can become more sustainable without losing their magic

Political wrangling over the UK's status in the Horizon Europe research programme leaves scientists in limbo

Ray's eclectic work is a treasure trove for scientists

Reflecting on that historic day, 10 years later

Bioglass can heal our bones while fending off harmful microbes

More efficient coding and quantifying climate impacts are among the solutions

Physics World Stories examines the recent breakthrough at the Joint European Torus experiment

From spiderweb harmonies to a viral hit inspired by the COVID-19 spike protein

Now the mission has reached its destination, what lies ahead for the science programme?

Some of the year's best popular-science books and a Stephen Hawking quiz

High-spec microscope is helping malaria diagnosis in Tanzania

Astronomers are looking for the technosignatures of advanced civilizations

Pioneers of free and open-source software discuss opportunities and challenges for science