STEM in the Gorbals

There isn't a corner of the world not affected by COVID-19. But what is it? Where did it come from? And how does our immune system fight it? Join Maggie (14) and Jessica (13) in conversation with Immunologist Dr Megan Macleod and Infectious Disease Expert Professor Emma Thomson from the Centre for Virus Research at the University of Glasgow. Please note: this interview was recorded in Spring 2021.

What do rap and science have in common? What impact will COVID-19 have on children from deprived backgrounds? And how can we build better community projects? These are the questions covered in this episode, as Alistair talks to rapper, social activist and author Darren McGarvey (aka “Loki”). Please note: this interview was recorded in Spring 2021.

What is a vaccine? How do they work? And how do we make them? Join Jessica (14) and Annabelle (8) in conversation with Infectious Disease Expert Professor Emma Thomson (Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow) and Dr Sean Elias (The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford). Please note: this interview was recorded in Spring 2021.

In this episode Jessica and Maggie (13) explore the benefits of music, dance and language in helping to maintain good mental health, build community, and improve the lives of those living with dementia. Joining them are Lewis Hou (Science Ceilidh), Clare McBrien (Givin it Laldie), Andy Lowndes (Music Detective), and a couple of violins. This is the final episode in a six part series on mental health and wellbeing funded by a Pulse Grant from the British Podcast Awards and Wellcome Trust. Narration by Jessica (13); music by Jessica and Lewis Hou.

Join Jessica (13) and Health Psychologist Douglas Marks (University of the West of Scotland) as they explore the psychology of wellness, self-regulation and how to deal with the stress of exams and COVID-19. They also discuss a well-known animated movie and whether it effectively communicates the complexities of our emotions to younger audiences. This is the fifth episode in a six part series on mental health and wellbeing funded by a Pulse Grant from the British Podcast Awards and Wellcome Trust. Narration by Jessica (13).

Join Maryam (17) as she discovers the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on people’s long-term mental health and wellbeing with Prof. Helen Minnis, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Glasgow’s Institute of Mental Health & Wellbeing. This is the fourth episode in a six part series on mental health and wellbeing funded by a Pulse Grant from the British Podcast Awards and Wellcome Trust. Narration by Jessica (13).

Join Freya and Calvin (10) as they explore the mental health and wellbeing support available in schools with Mr Martin McCormick, Deputy Head Teacher and Health and Wellbeing Co-ordinator at Blackfriars Primary, and Mr Mark Symon Simon, Deputy Head Teacher and Head of Pastoral Care at Shawlands Academy. This is the third episode in a six part series on mental health and wellbeing funded by a Pulse Grant from the British Podcast Awards and Wellcome Trust. Narration by Jessica (13).

How can communities support mental health and wellbeing? Join Erin and Abrar (11) as they meet Michael Fullerton (New Gorbals Housing Association), Tricia McConalogue (Bridging the Gap) and Joe McConnell (The Barn) to explore some of the support available to the Gorbals community. This is the second episode in a six part series on mental health and wellbeing funded by a Pulse Grant from the British Podcast Awards and Wellcome Trust. Narration by Jessica (13).

What is mental health? What is self-harm? What makes adolescents vulnerable to mental health problems and how do we support them? Join Iman (14) as she meets Prof. Rory O'Connor, Chair in Health Psychology (Mental Health & Wellbeing) at the University of Glasgow for an open and honest discussion about mental health. This is the first episode in a six part series on mental health and wellbeing funded by a Pulse Grant from the British Podcast Awards and Wellcome Trust. Narration by Jessica (12).

Summer is an 11 year old pupil at St Francis with a passion for art. She also happens to be living with cystic fibrosis (CF), a life shortening condition that affects the lungs and pancreas. In this episode, Summer shares her experience of living with CF and explores the condition with the help of University of Glasgow researcher Maria Jackson, radiographer Les Melvin and Nicola Holland from the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

In the third and final episode of our Royal Observatory, Edinburgh miniseries Maggie meets engineer Angus Gallie for a fantastic chat about the role of engineering in our exploration of the universe. They talk instruments, telescopes, and how you get something the size of a tennis court into space!

In the second episode of our Royal Observatory, Edinburgh miniseries Adam meets astronomer Dr Alastair (Ali) Bruce to learn about ‘things that go bang in the night’. They talk about black holes, moon landings, and how a childhood love of science fiction developed into a full-blown love of science fact.

In this first episode of our Royal Observatory, Edinburgh miniseries Adam, Maggie and Erin meet Fiona Ross, the Public Engagement Officer at the observatory. Then Erin talks to astronomer Dr Beth Biller about her passion for planets outside our solar system, how she became a scientist and aliens! Episode 2, 'Ali's astronomical journey', coming soon!

Have you ever wondered who decides what you learn in school? We have, and thanks to Scotland’s First Minister we were able to find out! After our interview with Nicola Sturgeon in October 2018, she asked her good friend John Swinney to talk to us. Mr Swinney is the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, which basically means that he is responsible for all education in Scotland. In this episode Adam, Abrar and Isabel talk to Mr Swinney about STEM education in Scotland, his love for maths, his ambition to make sure that everyone in Scotland has access to a good education and making Scotland an ACE (adverse childhood experiences) aware nation. Image: John Swinney, MSP – Scottish Government (CC BY-NC 2.0)

You may have heard about cancer, but do you really know what it is? In this episode of the STEM in the Gorbals Podcast, Maggie and Erin find out everything you need to know about this illness from medical professionals, scientists and charity workers. Join them to find out what cancer is, where it comes from, how we treat it and what support is available for someone who finds out they have cancer. Interviews for this episode were recorded live at the STEM in the Gorbals event held at Blackfriars Primary in February 2019. The episode was supported the National Physical Laboratory (NPL).

In this episode, Adam and Maggie meet the First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon! Join our young podcasters as they lead a very grown up discussion on STEM education in Scotland, which touches upon women in STEM, education funding and governance, teachers pay and a community funding scheme called participatory budgeting, which the Gorbals is using to great effect! We also learn a bit about the First Minister’s role and inspiration, and she learns a banana fact that blows her mind! Tune in to find out what it is. Subscribe on iTunes and Stitcher!

In this first episode of the STEM in the Gorbals podcast, our young podcasters Maggie and Adam report on a recent cardiovascular and hypertension themed event held in the local community. Joining them on this journey of heart health discovery are a number of experts! First, David Riley (from Participatory Budget) explains the important role charities play in giving local communities a voice. Then, Dr Jana Anderson explains the importance of a healthily diet and Danny Chu gives us an insight into his life as a specialist paramedic. Throughout we’ll also hear from medical students Ben, Salil, Fiona, Kay and Shannon about hypertension and why it’s important to engage with communities.