Podcasts about Aston University

Guests:Professor David Webb, Professorial Research Fellow at Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies at Aston University in the UKDr Shelley Brady of DCUDr Shane Bergin of UCD

With the election of Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the formation of a new German government, expectations are mounting for revitalised German leadership at the heart of Europe. As the EU grapples with a formidable economic policy agenda, shaped by the landmark reports of Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi and influenced by shifting global dynamics under a new U.S. administration, the question arises: where does Europe go from here? In his address to the IIEA, Johannes Lindner, Co-Director of the Jacques Delors Centre at the Hertie School in Berlin,offers a unique vantage point on the evolving policy landscape from Berlin and Brussels. He discusses the EU's ability to find consensus and deliver on key economic issues, such as common industrial policy, budget reform, increased defence spending, financial integration, regulatory simplification, and transatlantic trade. About the Speaker: Johannes Lindner is Co-Director of the Jacques Delors Centre at the Hertie School in Berlin, where he leads the Centre's think tank work on economic and financial policy. He also teaches at the Hertie School and is an Honorary Professor at Aston University, Birmingham. From 2003 to 2022, he worked at the European Central Bank (ECB), including ten years as Head of the EU Institutions and Fora Division. He holds master's degrees from the London School of Economics and the University of Cologne and completed his PhD in political science at the University of Oxford.

Story of the Week (DR):UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty steps down for 'personal reasons' MM DRUnitedHealth Under Investigation: UnitedHealth Group is facing a criminal probe by the U.S. Department of Justice for potential Medicare fraud related to its Medicare Advantage program. The company is also dealing with a civil fraud investigation and has suspended its 2025 financial forecast amid rising medical costs. CEO Andrew Witty resigned unexpectedly this week.Steve will receive a golden hello again consisting of a one-time $60M option award. While the company claims there will be no additional annual equity awards during the first three years of Steve's employment, there are no performance hurdles tied to this award meaning Steve could make a boatload of cash even if the stock market goes up independent of his work as CEO.A Kohl's board member resigned because she was 'continually disappointed' by governance and a lack of transparency MM DRKohl's Director and Compensation Committee Chair Christine Day resigned from the board on May 5, 2025.Kohl's initially claimed: “Ms. Day's decision [to resign] was not due to any disagreements with the Company on any matter relating to the Company's operations, policies or practices.”Day later sent an email (included in SEC filing) saying:I want to stress my concern that this is an inappropriate way to handle this. All shareholders deserve the same access to the same information. [ . . .] and for us to not respond to ISS is not good governance. In the 8K filing, for my departure, it would not be accurate to say I have no disagreements with the board. Unfortunately I have been continually disappointed with the level of governance process. The 8k needs to reflect this.”In another email she called out Board Chair Michael Bender: “There is no delegation to committees or chairs, Michael “handles” everything, maybe speaks to one person or 2, then “tells” everyone what the decision is. Some people know more than others leading to board members feeling alienated, out of the loop, and worse—developing a culture where real discussions rarely occur.”In a meeting held yesterday (may 14), only 5% of Kohls shareholders said NO to Board Chair Michael Bender while 45% said NO on Pay while average director support was 92% YESJohn Tyson joins Tyson Foods Inc. board, 9 months after criminal charges led him to step down as CFO MM DRDespite being part of the controlling family, The Tyson children will be paid $315,000 annually like all other non-employee directors.FedEx board member David Steiner to lead US Postal ServiceLD since 2009; CEO Waste Management; $15M in sharesGoodliest of the Week (MM/DR):DR: Boulder's landmark lawsuit against Suncor, Exxon can proceed, Colorado Supreme Court rulesMM: NLPC Urges Exxon Mobil Shareholders To Vote Against Election Of CEO Darren Woods For Board On Exxon Mobil's 2025 Proxy Ballot DR MMThey are running a vote no campaign on Darren Woods… for being too woke! After suing his own shareholder who wanted him to be woke!Assholiest of the Week (MM):NasdaqNasdaq Supports Texas Senate Bill 29, Strengthening Corporate Governance and Business Growth in the State DREd Knight of Nasdaq says: “Senate Bill 29 is a milestone for corporate governance in Texas. By embracing smart, innovation-focused regulation like SB 29, Texas is showing the world what it means to lead on economic growth and modern, clear governance principles,” said Ed Knight, Executive Vice Chairman of Nasdaq. “We commend Senator Bryan Hughes, Representative Morgan Meyer, and Governor Greg Abbott for advancing legislation that strengthens Texas' position as a global center for capital formation.”The major features include a Musk “board independence” rule that allows an evidentiary hearing by a court to say a committee overseeing a transaction is “independent”, then they can exclude any lawsuits or challenges to the committee findings/approval - say, on something like a massive pay package - without the ability of a shareholder to get recourseThey also can refuse books and records if they THINK you might sue them, and they only allow derivative lawsuits for groups with 3% or more of the sharesEd Knight biography: A Texas native, Knight received his Bachelor of Arts, with honors, in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law.Stewardship teamsHarley-Davidson Leaders Survive Proxy FightThe company didn't reveal the preliminary vote total during its shareholder meeting. About 48% of shares voted withheld support from Zeitz, while about 40% withheld support from directors Thomas Linebarger and Sara Levinson, two people familiar with the tally said.Harley's bylaws require directors to resign if more than 50% of shares voted withhold support.Seriously investors? Seriously? Levinson has been a director since Clinton's FIRST TERM - AND SHE HAS A CHECKMARK FOR INDEPENDENT. 30 years isn't too much for you investors? 30? For an ex NFL and MTV executive at a company that makes motorcycles? If you're anti-woke, isn't this an easy vote out?? Not even for her woman-ness, but for the fact that she has literally nothing to do with making motorcycles? She started a women-focused dot com media company called “Club Mom”!If Blackrock and Vanguard voted to support Harley directors, they truly do not care - and ISS's fuckwit half-assed non-assessment is what's driving investors to do-nothingness. And I know ISS is listening, we've been told they don't like our criticism - tough shit, your assessments are feckless bullshit nothingburger with no real backing, and pension funds are starting to notice you give them a whole lot of puffery for 200k a yearIn other news… BlackRock wins 67% support for pay as CEO Fink assures on global economyEach of its 18 director nominees were easily elected with average support over 98%.Press ReleasesLumen Technologies Appoints Michelle J. Goldberg and Steve McMillan to Board, Strengthening Company's AI and Digital StrategyBecause no one cares, no one reads the bios to determine if, at least on paper, the headline matches the humans - “strengthening company's AI and digital strategy”Michelle J. Goldberg brings over 20 years of experience in early-stage technology, finance, and board governance. She served as a Partner at venture capital firm Ignition Partners and currently sits on the boards of both Bakkt Holdings and Ally Financial, previously having held board roles at Legg Mason, Taubman Centers, and Plum Creek Timber. Her expertise and guidance in early-stage technology startups has helped scale businesses through critical phases of innovation and expansion. Michelle holds a BA from Columbia University and an MA from Harvard University.Steve McMillan is a seasoned executive in global enterprise technology strategy, data analytics and big data. Since 2020, he has served as President and CEO of Teradata Corporation. His previous leadership roles at F5, Oracle, and IBM specialized in security, cloud management, and managed services—making him a key voice in modernizing technology platforms for customer success. Steve earned a First-Class Honours degree in Management and Computer Science from Aston University in Birmingham, England.So… not AI or digital strategy experts?Headliniest of the WeekDR: Elon Musk says everyone will want their 'personal robot' — but warns of 'Terminator'-style risksDR: Elon Musk's AI says it was ‘instructed by my creators at xAI' to accept the narrative of ‘white genocide' in South AfricaMM: Women contribute less to climate-heating emissions than men, study finds - this explains the anti woke movement, the atmosphere is super woke MM: Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC failed to pay swing state petition signers, new suit allegesWho Won the Week?DR: Olivia Tyson, for being the nepobaby nobody notices (when standing next to John R. Tyson)MM: The A in AI, since Elon has proven that you really don't need the “intelligence” part.PredictionsDR: After Disney CEO Bob Iger hears me on The Responsible Investor Podcast with Gina Gambetta he sends a cease and desist letter forcing me off all podcasts until 1001 years of the next popeMM: Exxon sues the NLPC for its exempt solicitation, and no one knows who to root for.

Welcome to episode 174 [originally broadcast on Wednesday 30 April 2025] of #mhTV​​​​​​​​. This week Nicky Lambert and David Munday spoke with guest Sam Chapman about the Good mental health, children and schools. SC: Sam is a mental health nurse and Specialist Practitioner in mental health having worked in mental health services since 2003. Sam has had the privilege of working with adults and young people who have experienced mental health difficulties. She currently works at Aston University as a Teaching Fellow and is the programme lead for the pre-registration mental health nursing programme. Sam is currently undertaking her Doctoral studies including co-production workshops with young people in one UK secondary school as part of her Doctoral research. Sam is passionate about enabling young people to influence and shape research, and generally passionate about understanding the world that young people live in, creating research outcomes underpinned by young peoples lived experiences and knowledge. Some Bluesky links to follow are: VG - https://bsky.app/profile/vanessamhn.bsky.social NL - https://bsky.app/profile/niadla.bsky.social DM - https://bsky.app/profile/davidamunday.bsky.social SC - https://bsky.app/profile/sam--chapman.bsky.social Credits: #mhTV Presenters: Vanessa Gilmartin, Nicky Lambert & David Munday Guest: Sam Chapman Theme music: Tony Gillam Production & Editing: David Munday

What's the science behind a sweet tooth? James Gallagher explores whether sugar really can be addicted and what happens in our bodies when we want it and when we eat it. He's joined by Professor Susanne Dickson, who specialises in the neurobiology of appetite at the University of Gothenburg, and Professor James Brown from the School of Biosciences at Aston University.With Easter coming up, James meets dental hygienist and researcher Dr Claire McCarthy from King's College London in the BBC loos to get some top tips on keeping our teeth clean and gets a few pointers on where he could do with brushing up on his technique. Presenter: James Gallagher Producers: Tom Bonnett and Hannah Robins Assistant Producer: Anna Charalambou

Discussions around ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and their role in public health have gained significant traction in recent years. While some advocate for categorizing and regulating these foods due to their potential negative health effects, others argue that such classifications can oversimplify the issue and detract from more actionable dietary changes. In this episode, Dr. Duane Mellor, a registered dietitian and researcher, joins us to explore the complexities of the UPF debate. Rather than dismissing the concept outright, Dr. Mellor emphasizes the importance of nuanced discussion, bridging the gap between research findings and practical, evidence-based dietary guidance. Throughout this conversation, we unpack the broader implications of ultra-processed foods in the food system, consider how added fat, salt, and sugar contribute to public health challenges, and explore realistic approaches for dietary improvements. Guest Information Dr. Duane Mellor, PhD is a registered dietitian, academic researcher and science communicator. Dr. Mellor is currently working in clinical dietetics, working to support people, families and carers living with diabetes. Previously Dr. Mellor worked in medical education at Aston University, holding the position of Associate Dean for Public Engagement in the College of Health and Life Sciences. After initially working in the areas of clinical trials, Dr. Mellor's other research interests focused on improving nutrition and health by working with communities to celebrate their heritage through food and help tackle barriers resulting from societal inequalities. Timestamps [03:02] Interview start [06:39] Understanding the NOVA classification [09:53] Potential pitfalls and policy implications [14:52] Food science and technology perspectives [20:47] Challenges in food classification [26:13] Health equity and policy considerations [42:31] Communication and public perception [50:30] Final thoughts and advice [51:15] Key ideas segment (Premium-only) Related Resources Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Paper: Mellor, 2024 – The role of food science and technology in navigating the health issues of ultra-processed foods Go to sigmanutrition.com

April 1 marks the beginning of Autism Awareness Month in the U.S. and the U.K. so I invited neuroscientist Dr. Gina Rippon on the pod to talk about what autism is, the history of its diagnosis, and how women and girls have been overlooked in autism research.About our guest: Professor Gina Rippon is Professor Emeritus of Cognitive NeuroImaging at Aston University in the UK. Her research involves the use of state-of-the-art brain imaging techniques to investigate developmental disorders such as autism, profiling different patterns of brain activity in autistic children and adults. Her current research explores the under-recognition of autism in women and girls, especially in neuroscience research. Her new book on this topic: The Lost Girls of Autism (UK)/Off the Spectrum (US) is released in April 2025.

Alex Conner discusses with Ivan six things which should be better known. Alex Conner is an ADHD coach and brain scientist who combines his personal experience with ADHD to be a trusted voice in psychoeducation. He is co-founder and co-host of The ADHD Adults podcast, one of the UK's most popular ADHD resources. Alongside James Brown, Alex co-founded ADHDadultUK, a registered charity, and Focusmag.uk, an evidence-based online magazine for adults with ADHD. Alex has published research and articles on ADHD and, as an honorary Professor at Aston University, he also delivers ADHD coaching and training to thousands of people. His new book, co-written with James Brown, is ADHD Unpacked, which is available at https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/adhd-unpacked-9781526679369/ ADHD is not new or over-diagnosed. ADHD is not a superpower for everyone who has it. ADHD is more than inattention and hyperactivity: the emotional side of ADHD. Stigma: adding insult to injury. ADHD doesn't come alone for most people: co-existing conditions/neurodivergences. Nobody is neurodiverse, and nobody is neurotypical. Why the language of ADHD matters. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

Chief Executive Andrew Carter is joined by Dr Tasos Kitsos, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics and International Business and member of the Centre for Business Prosperity, Aston Business School, Aston University and Holly Lewis, co-founding partner of We Made That. They discuss the findings of Tasos' new paper ‘Don't Shoot the Pianist: Creative Firms, Workers, and Neighborhood Gentrification', written alongside Max Nathan and Diana Gutiérrez-Posada.

In Episode 16, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom is joined by Helen Blaikie, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Aston University, where they discuss the comprehensive programme they've executed to help them build a truly data confident organisation, which includes;The implications of covid on the higher education sectorHow her non-data/technical background has helped her to a better CDOWhy you have to be a strong salesperson as a CDOWhy you shouldn't be using the ‘D' worldBuilding a data confident workforce instead of a literate or fluent oneEstablishing 54 measures of success for the organisationDeveloping data products to measure the measures of successIgnoring conventional wisdom and thinking big but also starting bigThe importance of tailoring the language of the data confidence programme to something the organisation would understandThe key components of the programme and the major benefits and challenges experiencedThe learnings from attempting to personalise the programmeCreating pathwaysEmbedding data confidence requirements into the recruitment process for non-data rolesTips on building advocacy and creating championsWhy training should be the last thing you doWhy timing is key when thinking about the training component of these programmesWhy it's important that you have the correct foundations to deliver a data confidence programmeThe qualitative and quantitative measures of success of a data confidence programmeThe power of true business partnering to improve data productsMeasuring lead indicators to quantify business outcomesThanks to our sponsor, Data Literacy Academy.Data Literacy Academy is leading the way in transforming enterprise workforces with data literacy across the organisation, through a combination of change management and education. In today's data-centric world, being data literate is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.If you want successful data product adoption, and to keep driving innovation within your business, you need to start with data literacy first.At Data Literacy Academy, we don't just teach data skills. We empower individuals and teams to think critically, analyse effectively, and make decisions confidently based on data. We're bridging the gap between business and data teams, so they can all work towards aligned outcomes.From those taking their first steps in data literacy to seasoned experts looking to fine-tune their skills, our data experts provide tailored classes for every stage. But it's not just learning tracks that we offer. We embed a deep data culture shift through a transformative change management programme.We take a people-first approach, working closely with your executive team to win the hearts and minds. We know this will drive the company-wide impact that data teams want to achieve.Get in touch and find out how you can unlock the full potential of data in your organisation. Learn more at www.dl-academy.com.

In this episode, Jamie Gaskarth and Laura Southgate discuss the evolving dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region. They talk about the region's economic importance and growing tensions due, at least in part, to the strained relationship between China and the US. They also discuss the implications for other powers, especially the UK, in seeking to balance security interests in both Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Jamie is Professor of Foreign Policy and International Relations at the Open University. Laura is Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Aston University.

In this episode, host Jason Foster sits down with Osama Khan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Professor in Finance at Aston University, Birmingham.  Together, they explore how data is transforming the landscape of higher education, from revolutionising decision-making to navigating the challenges and opportunities brought about by AI.    Osama also shares insights into Aston University's pioneering initiatives, including programs designed to equip students with essential skills in AI, sustainability and future-focused competencies that prepare them for the evolving world.    ***********      Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023, and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024.  

This is the tenth episode of our special podcast series exploring the Sept/Oct themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine's Health & Fitness Journal on professionalization and advocacy. In this episode, we'll explore the exciting topic of technology, with Dr. Atkinson, the lead author for the article in the themed issue entitled "Emerging Health Technologies: Opportunities and Practical Applications for the Exercise Professional."Dr. Atkinson, a leading behavioral scientist, explores the cutting-edge intersection of the exercise profession and health technologies. Discover how wearables, smart equipment, and digital platforms are transforming the way exercise professionals enhance their services and improve public health outcomes. Dr. Atkinson sheds light on the critical role of embracing these innovations, not as threats to job security, but as powerful tools to better serve clients and bridge the gap between fitness and healthcare.This episode delves into the real-world applications of wearable tech and digital therapeutics in exercise routines. Learn how these tools can provide personalized exercise prescriptions, boost client engagement, and streamline administrative tasks. We also address the potential risks like health anxiety and emphasize the essential role of professional guidance in interpreting data, ensuring a balanced approach that leverages both technology and human expertise.The conversation doesn't stop there. We tackle the broader implications of integrating technology into the fitness industry, from making physical activity prescriptions accessible to a wider population to fostering virtual communities that motivate through gamification. Dr. Atkinson discusses the economic and ethical dimensions of wearable devices and highlights the significance of diversity, equality, and inclusion. Tune in to understand how this technological revolution can bridge the gap between fitness professionals and the medical community, ultimately enhancing public health across the board.Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episodeacsm10Our Guest: Dr. Lou Atkinson, Ph.D., M.Sc., B.Sc.Dr. Atkinson is a behavioral scientist and exercise professional, withmore than 15 years experience conducting applied health research, and over two decades of practice in the health and fitness industry. Her research and practice focus on the understanding and influencing the psychosocial determinants of health behaviors, including developing, delivering and evaluating behavior change interventions to reduce disease burden and address health inequalities. Alongside holding honorary posts at Aston University and the University of Warwick in the UK, Lou is the Head of Research at EXI: Exercise Intelligence. EXI is an FDA Class 1 digital therapeutic that provides personalized exercise programs and behavior change support for people with long-term health conditions. EXI is the global MedTech partner of ACSM's Exercise is Medicine® program.Follow us on social at the links below: https://www.facebook.com/wellnessparadox https://www.instagram.com/wellnessparadox/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellness-paradox-podcast https://twitter.com/WellnessParadox

A team of Aston University researchers has been awarded a prestigious £500,000 grant to lessen the environmental impact of cooling - one of the UK's fastest-growing energy needs. They will be exploring new methods of using renewable energy to power clean cooling technologies to alleviate the increasing stress on national energy supplies. The new network, which will be led by Aston University, is called Renewable Energy Access for Future UK Net-Zero Cooling (Reef-UKC). It is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and supports a consortium of Aston University experts led by Dr Ahmed Rezk. Dr Rezk said: "There's an urgent need across various sectors, both in the UK and globally, to reduce carbon footprints and adopt more sustainable practices for cooling. However, the cooling industry, which plays a critical role in sectors like food and beverage, data centres, steel, cement, pharmaceuticals, supermarkets, hospitals, and district cooling hasn't received the same attention in terms of sustainable innovation. Reef-UKC is an impact-driven network designed to address this important gap. "Reef-UKC offers a collaborative platform for academia and industry to come together and explore sustainable cooling solutions, particularly focusing on technologies that harness waste heat and other forms of renewables. It also aims to expand the project's outreach to regions like India, China, Africa, and the Middle East, where cooling is a critical requirement in many industries." A 2023 study shows that cooling already accounts for 10-20% of the UK's total energy consumption, and demand is expected to multiply in the years ahead causing more heat waves and stressing the national grid. The Aston University research team believes that the issue is further compounded by the growing cooling requirements of emerging industries like hydrogen production, where ammonia production alone demands 2.8 gigajoules of cooling per ton. The Reef-UKC network will also focus on circular economy business models, policies, and regulations. As a first step, the research team has announced a £100K seed funding call to support eight to 10 new research seed-funding projects which lead to larger, multidisciplinary, and impact-driven projects. Professor Patricia Thornley is the director of Aston University's Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI), which was founded to explore sustainable resources to deliver an affordable, resilient, and low-carbon energy future. She said: "Through this project, Aston University reaffirms its commitment to leadership in renewable energy innovation. Reef-UKC represents a vital step toward a net-zero cooling solution that not only supports environmental goals but also aligns with the UK's economic, societal, and policy landscape." The network aims to bring together a community and develop a research agenda that will provide an opportunity to drive forward research and secure UK leadership as part of the engineering net zero mission-inspired priority to discover and develop the next generation of renewable energy technologies. Aston University will be working with researchers from London South Bank University, the University of Oxford, the University of Birmingham, the University of Warwick, the University of Glasgow, the University of Edinburgh, Brunel University London, Ulster University, Imperial College and the University of Cranfield. They will also be collaborating with several industrial partners including Star Refrigeration, Phase Change Materials Products Ltd, Tyseley Energy Park, PAK Engineering, Birmingham City Council, and Belfast City Council. Aston University's history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world. Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to its formation as the School of Met...

John Maytham speaks to Gina Rippon, Emeritus Professor of Cognitive Neuroimaging at the Aston Brain Centre at Aston University in Birmingham, England, about spotting myths in brain research related to gender differences. She presents a set of ‘magic guidelines' that identify five sources of misrepresentation to look out for.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Aston University student is running a charity that is successfully ‘talent scouting' homeless people to get them off the streets and into work. Christy Acton used lessons learned from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme at Aston University to set up Standing Tall. This charity provides employment opportunities to homeless people trying to turn their lives around. Mr Acton, the founder and chief executive of Standing Tall, was talking about his experiences in the latest episode of the ‘Aston means business' podcast, presented by journalist Steve Dyson. He said Standing Tall, which started in 2020 during Covid lockdown, had since helped almost a hundred people. And the success of the initiative, launched in Birmingham and now operating in six cities, is encapsulated by ‘Steve', who was helped off the streets and into a job, and has now just got married. Mr Acton said he got the idea while managing a night shelter in Birmingham and seeing some people who were “ready for full-time work: “We knew a couple of businesses in the city and matched up some of the people and it went really well. They grabbed the opportunity and were able to get ready to get their own place. I thought this has got potential.” He said the charity, which also operates in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Bristol, works with companies who have stable, full-time jobs available: “We then go and find the right person who has been through homelessness, who has the talent and the motivation to work hard.” Mr Acton says they have a member of staff in each city:  “We call them talent scouts, and that's entirely intentional because that's what we do; we go and find the talent.” Once a homeless person is ready to start a full-time job, Standing Tall also places with a host, someone with a spare room in their home where they can live for six months until they are ready to get their own place. “We are being really careful to work with somebody for a period of time before we decide if one of our jobs is right for them. At the moment, 80 per cent of the people we are helping are in the same job one year later.” Mr Acton said what he learnt on the Aston University programme helped him build up Standing Tall: “Whilst we are a charity, we are also a trading business. We charge a placement fee for each person we match, which enables us to have financial independence.” Also interviewed in the podcast was Michael Lambe, managing director of family business M. Lambe Construction, which offers entry level positions to people matched by the charity. Tragically, Mr Lambe lost his younger brother, also named Christy, two years ago following long-term mental health issues.  Mr Lambe said:  “It gave us pause for thought about what was important in life, what the business really was for.” The result was the Christy Lambe Foundation which supports a number of local charities, including Standing Tall. “We're an avid supporter because we have seen the impact it has on people's lives. For me, it became clear very quickly that we have to do something positive with all the pain that we all felt.  “Fundamentally, business is an under-utilised tool for social good and there are opportunities within any organisation to make a difference.” That is certainly true of ‘Steve', who had been living on the streets for several months after splitting up with his wife. Mr Acton, who met him in 2021, added: “He used to be a plasterer by trade, so at the time we had a role at Lambe's and matched him up. He moved in with a host for six months and was then able to get his own flat. “He is still at Lambe's now and, last month, my wife and I were invited to his wedding, which was very special to see him so happy and leading a normal life.” More information about Standing Tall can be found at: https://www.standingtall.org.uk/

“Bromance” is a term that is often used to describe close friendships between men. These relationships contain elements of emotional intimacy, but physical intimacy may occur as well, such as cuddling. Sometimes there's even a sexual component, such as when two male friends participate in a threesome together. In today’s show, we’re going to discuss the psychology behind bromances. We'll also talk about why a lot of men struggle when it comes to being vulnerable with their friends. I am joined once again by Mark McCormack, a Professor of Sociology at Aston University. His research examines how social trends related to gender and sexuality map onto everyday experiences of individuals. To date, he has published more than 80 scientific works. Some of the specific questions we answer in this episode include: What does it really mean to have a bromance? What do these relationships look like? Why do a lot of heterosexual men find it difficult to open up to their male friends? How common is physical intimacy in bromances? What are bromances like among men who identify as something other than heterosexual? You can click here to connect with Mark on Twitter/X. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  Xersizer is the world's only FDA regulated hydropump and it provides a discreet and effective way to exercise an area of the body that’s neglected in the gym. To learn more and get a 20% discount off of your purchase, visit xersizer.com/SAP. *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

What does it really mean to be “kinky?” It can be difficult to say because kink is a subjective term that means different things to different people. Kink can also be a fantasy, a practice, or even an identity. It’s time for a new way of thinking about kink that can capture all of this complexity. In today’s show, we’re going to explore the brand new Kink Orientation Scale, a scientific quiz designed to measure how kinky a given person is in a comprehensive way. My guest is Mark McCormack, a Professor of Sociology at Aston University. His research examines how social trends related to gender and sexuality map onto everyday experiences of individuals. To date, he has published more than 80 scientific works. Some of the specific topics we discuss in this episode include: What does it mean to have a “kink orientation?” Is kink itself a sexual orientation? What are the five different components that make up a kink orientation? Why is it important to think about kink as running along a continuum instead of being a binary thing (i.e., kinky vs. vanilla)? You can click here to take the Kink Orientation Quiz for yourself. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  Are you looking for a space that celebrates diverse perspectives, explores new frontiers and brings all of your favorite people together?  The Annual Sexological Conference hosted by Sexual Health Alliance is where sexuality leaders gather. Get your ticket to be inspired, educated, and empowered. Head over to SexualHealthAlliance.com, select the Annual Sexological Conference page and save your spot today! The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University has been a trusted source for scientific knowledge and research on critical issues in sexuality, gender, and reproduction for over 75 years. Learn about more research and upcoming events at kinseyinstitute.org or look for them on social media @kinseyinstitute. *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Industry experts and university researchers have joined together to ask the government to address the climate impact of organic, carbon-based chemicals. While demand for fossil fuels as energy is expected to fall in the coming decades, the petrochemicals sector is set to grow significantly according to experts and is set out in a 2018 report by the International Energy Agency. Important climate impact of organic, carbon-based chemicals Members of the Supergen Bioenergy Hub which is based at Aston University and the Biomass Biorefinery Network believe the issue has yet to receive proper attention and is calling for a strategy that addresses this key component of our greenhouse gas emissions. They want a move to a more circular economy, managing supply and demand levels and transitioning away from fossil feedstocks which are raw materials required for some industrial processes. In their paper Carbon for chemicals How can biomass contribute to the defossilisation of the chemicals sector? they highlight that carbon-based chemicals cannot be decarbonised but can be defossilised through a transition to renewable carbon sources such as biomass, recycled carbon and carbon dioxide. Many products in modern society contain carbon such as pharmaceuticals, plastics, textiles, food additives, cosmetics, and cleaning products. These chemicals are derived from fossil feedstocks, so they are classed as petrochemicals. As a result, they contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Carbon is embedded in organic chemical products and released when they break down at end-of-life, for example through incineration. To address the emissions from carbon in chemicals and accelerate the development of bio-based chemicals, the group want a cross-party consensus to support a sustainable chemical system. Director of Supergen Bioenergy Hub, Professor Patricia Thornley, said: "We need to consider the UK's future feedstock and chemicals production and use, and how it relates to net zero, agriculture, environment, economy, trade, and just transition policy objectives. There are opportunities here for the UK to lead the way on sustainable chemical production, but we need to carefully plan a roadmap for the transition, that delivers opportunities around jobs and the economy as well as sustainable greenhouse gas reductions. "There is a definite role for biomass here. But it is essential that any future use of biomass in the chemicals sector is underpinned by rigorous, trusted, and enforceable sustainability governance to build confidence, deliver sustainability benefits, and minimise negative impacts. That requires improvements in sustainability governance and regulation. "We think there are real economic and trade opportunities by the UK accelerating sustainable chemicals. At the moment bio-based chemicals, and chemicals derived from other renewable carbon sources, are not being expanded in the UK because there are no explicit incentives that prioritise them over fossil-based production." The group argues that the UK has significant academic and industrial research expertise to underpin the development of sustainable bio-based products and could be a global leader in bio-based products and sustainability governance. They believe that to date little of this has manifested as UK-based scale-up and manufacturing, whilst there are numerous examples of UK-led research being scaled up elsewhere. The paper was delivered at a webinar on 7 August. Carbon for chemicals How can biomass contribute to the defossilisation of the chemicals sector? https://www.supergen bioenergy.net/output/carbon for-chemicals-how-can-biomass contribute-to-the defossilisation-of-the chemicals-sector-policy briefing/ Author: Joanna Sparks (formerly Aston University) With contributions from: Cristiane Scaldaferri (formerly Aston University), Andrew Welfle (University of Manchester), Patricia Thornley (Aston University), Ashley Victoria (University of Leeds), Caspar Donniso...

Marco Forgione MCIEx, Director General at The Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade as well as Visiting Professor, at Aston University and Ashray Lavsi, Principal at Efficio, discuss global supply chain challenges in recent years, including the impact of events like the CrowdStrike IT outage.

A “breakthrough” non-invasive dried blood sample test has been developed at Aston University to detect prostate cancer in 15 minutes. Nasa discovers new Earth electric field ‘countering gravity'. Secret of strongman Eddie Hall's power revealed in Loughborough University tests.Also in this episode:Junk food risk to body ‘in just 3 weeks'Free blood pressure checks at dentists and opticiansDid online bot army snap up Oasis gig tickets?Titanic wreck: bronze statue discovered by robo-sub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the new Labour government pushes to get the UK economy growing, is it time we became a big manufacturer once again? For decades the driver of the economy has been services, but is that too difficult to sustain? Should we go back to making stuff - this time microprocessors, software, AI programs? Ali Bigdeli, Professor of Industrial Service Innovation at Aston University tells Roger and Phil what the shape of the new economy could be. It's all to do with servitisation apparently. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Jane Willis answers your questions about task-based learning (TBL). In this episode, Jane provides examples of TBL in practice, explores the difference between task-based and task-supported learning, and closes with suggestions on how the latest technology can fit into a TBL framework.Click here to watch this episode with closed captions.KEY TALKING POINTSDefining Task-Based LearningJane simplifies TBL with practical examples, such as "describe and draw" tasks and planning school rules. She emphasises the following features of TBL: clear purpose, focus on meaning, and freedom to utilise their language.Common MisinterpretationsJane clarifies the difference between task-supported learning, which integrates tasks within traditional methods, and task-based learning, which starts with and focuses on tasks. She explains the three-part task cycle— planning, task, and reporting—and highlights the importance of planning to boost learner confidence and extend language use.Integrating Technology with TBLJane discusses using technology, such as Zoom, to record and review lessons and transcription software to analyse language use. She also talks about using AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance tasks, such as refining story prompts and generating dialogues.Future of EducationJane talks about the possibilities AI and technology bring to TBL while also stressing the importance of cautious and informed use of new technologies.ABOUTJane worked extensively overseas (Ghana, Cyprus, Iran, Singapore) as an English teacher and trainer. In the 1980s, she and her late husband, Dave, met Prabhu and began experimenting with Task-based Language Teaching, writing several prize-winning books. She also taught for 12 years on the TESOL Masters programs at Aston University in UK. Jane now lives in the English Lake District and enjoys fell-walking. She teaches tai chi and is still quite active on the TBLT scene. In 2022, she received the inaugural Distinguished Practitioner Award from the International Association of Task-based Language Teaching. Visit Jane's website here to learn more.REFERENCESWillis - ELT. Task-Based Lesson Plans are available here.Willis, D. and Willis, J. (2007) Doing Task-based Teaching. OUP Willis, D. (2003). Rules, Patterns and Words: Grammar and Lexis in English Language Teaching. Cambridge University Press (illustrates how to teach grammar through TBL)Willis, J. (1996). A framework for task-based learning. Ebook edition 2012 Intrinsic publications available on Google Play and Rakuten Koko.Say thanks with coffeehttps://ko-fi.com/tesolpopCREDITSProducer Laura WilkesEditor Haven TsangThanks to our kind guest, Jane Willis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aston University researchers are helping to make rice straw processing in India and the Philippines less environmentally damaging. The University will be contributing to a new international collaboration, the Renewable, Inclusive Carbon-negative Energy (RICE) project, funded by Innovate UK Energy Catalyst programme to unlock renewable energy for rice farmers. Rice straw to help greenhouse gas emissions savings Already the University has worked with UK company Straw Innovations in the Philippines and now the two are expanding their collaboration to benefit more of the continent. Rice straw is a crop waste byproduct and each year across Asia 300 million tonnes of it go up in smoke when burnt after harvest. This releases emissions and air pollutants that triple risks of increased respiratory diseases and accelerate climate change. India and the Philippines are the world's second and eighth largest rice producers respectively and together they produce 130 million tonnes of both rice and straw per year. Aston University and Straw Innovations and will be collaborating with an Indian award winning small and medium sized enterprise, Takachar. The firm has developed small scale, low-cost, portable equipment which can convert agricultural waste on-site into higher value bioproducts such as fertilizer blends, chemicals and biofuels. "The company will develop a super-sized version which is 10 times bigger than their current device, make it adaptable to rice mills, and will send it to Straw Innovations, so the two firms can test out different business models for farmer adoption/benefit. Straw Innovations will also send their machines from the Philippines to India mid-project and the two countries will test out different business models for farmer adoption/benefit. And for the first time they will tap into the heat produced in the waste process to dry rice, instead of using diesel or kerosene. University researchers will lead on assessing the sustainability of the project, calculating the greenhouse gas emissions savings of the new systems introduced by Straw Innovations and Takachar. Sustainability expert Dr Mirjam Röder will also engage with the farming community and rural stakeholders to quantify how the systems can increase farmer incomes, equality of opportunity, food security and decarbonisation benefits, whilst highlighting any trade-offs. Dr Röder who is based at Aston University's Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) said: "Environmentally, rice produces 48% of all global crop emissions, due to methane from flooded fields. This is halved when the straw is removed and reduced further when its carbon is stored in biochar. We are aiming for carbon negative which means removing carbon dioxide (CO?) from the atmosphere or sequestering more CO? than is emitted. "Our new research leads on from our rice straw bio gas hub project with Straw Innovations, SEARCA and Koolmill and we're pleased to be building further relationships with new partners in India. In January Biomass and Bioenergy published a paper about the topic written by Dr Röder, the director of EBRI Professor Patricia Thornley and Craig Jamieson of Straw Innovations called The greenhouse gas performance and climate change mitigation potential from rice straw biogas as a pathway to the UN sustainable development goals. Craig Jamieson from Straw Innovations said "We've been pioneering rice straw work with the team at Aston University for the past seven years. We're delighted to continue that strong partnership and widen it to include Takachar in this new project. "Takachar is a leader in making biochar from crop residues and our partnership with them is very strategic. We look forward to combining our new improved straw harvesting technology with their scaled-up biochar production. It will be a step change, creating a new, more efficient system for carbon negative energy and soil improvement for rural communities across Asia." Mohan who founded Takachar said: "We are ...

Project to transform human sewage sludge into clean water and energy awarded a share of £4.5 million by Ofwat. Involves extracting energy from the waste produced during sewage and water treatment. Gases obtained can be used to power engines or heat people's homes. An Aston University project that could transform sewage sludge into clean water and energy has been awarded a share of £4.5 million by Ofwat. The University project with engineering consultancy ICMEA-UK involves extracting energy from the waste produced during sewage and water treatment and transforming it into hydrogen and/or methane. The gases can then be used to power engines or heat people's homes. Homes heated by human sewage The aim is to create a sustainable and cost-efficiently run wastewater processes, plus extra energy. The initiative was one of ten winners of Ofwat's Water Discovery Challenge, of which the Aston University scientists and two industrial partners have been awarded £427,000. Dr Jude Onwudili based at Aston University's Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) is leading the team of scientists who will work with the partners to develop a trial rig to transform solid residues from wastewater treatment plants to hydrogen and/or methane. The two-stage process will involve the initial transformation of organic components in the sludge into liquid intermediates, which will then be converted to the fuel gases in a second stage. The project is called REvAR (Renewable Energy via Aqueous-phase Reforming), and Dr Onwudili will be working with lead partner and engineering consultancy company ICMEA-UK Limited and sustainable infrastructure company Costain. REVAR combines the use of hot-pressurised water or hydrothermal conditions with catalysts to achieve high conversion efficiency. The technique can treat sewage sludge in just minutes, and it is hoped that it will replace existing processes. In 2013, a Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management report stated that the sector is the fourth most energy intensive industry in the UK. Dr Onwudili said: "This project is important because millions of tonnes of sewage sludge are generated in the UK each year and the water industry is struggling with how to effectively manage them as waste. "Instead, they can be converted into valuable feedstocks which are used for producing renewable fuel gases, thereby increasing the availability of feedstocks to meet UK decarbonisation targets through bioenergy. "We will be taking a waste product and recovering two important products from it: clean water and renewable energy. Overall, the novel technology will contribute towards meeting UK Net Zero obligations by 2050 and ties in with the University's purpose to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation." The Water Discovery Challenge aims to accelerate the development and adoption of promising new innovations for the water sector.?Over the next six months, winners will also receive non-financial support and will be able to pitch their projects to potential water company partners and/or investors. The 10 winning teams are from outside the water industry and were chosen because of their projects' potential to help solve the biggest challenges facing the sector. The competition is part of the Ofwat Innovation Fund, run by the water regulator Ofwat, with Challenge Works, Arup and Isle Utilities and is the first in the water sector to invite ideas from innovators across industries. Helen Campbell, senior director for sector performance at Ofwat, said: "This competition was about reaching new innovators from outside the sector with different approaches and new ideas, and that's exactly what the winners are doing. "The products and ideas recognised in this cross-sector challenge will equip water companies to better face challenges of the future - including achieving sustainability goals and meeting net zero targets - all while providing the highest-quality product for consume...

Are the weeks going by more quickly? Or are the days merging into one? *(Relate)able family this episode is well overdue, our guest this week is the GURU of Women's Financial Wellbeing, Ms. Davinia “The Rainmaker' Tomlinson. She is dropping some serious gems this week and we ask you all to check out the amazing work she's doing. We're taking a stand listeners, and Davinia is here giving us the tools to “Make it rain”We want to thank our sponsors LesBohemes and NDYGO, and don't forget to use the word RELATABLE for a 20% off if you decide to join us on the retreat in Dominica from the 27th of October to 3rd November 2024. There's no UTMT this week, and if you have any feedback, comments, or for sponsorship opportunities, be sure to get in touch with us via email on relateablepodcast@gmail.com or via Instagram on @the_relatable_podcast_ Show Notes:Rainchq With Davinia TomlinsonCash is QueenDavinia Tomlinson is an award-winning entrepreneur, podcaster, and published author of Cash Is Queen: a girl's guide to spending, securing and stashing cash. She is the founder of rainchq, established in 2018 to help women build sustainable long-term wealth and live life entirely on their own terms. She is also CEO of St Kitts based Rosewood Advisory Services, set up to serve clients across the OECS region. Both businesses exist to help people take control of their financial futures through qualified and regulated financial advice, retirement and estate planning, as well as financial education delivered to adults and children. She has two decades experience within the investment management industry including roles at Fidelity Investments and PwC. She is an experienced trustee and an accomplished published speaker including appearances on BBC, Talk TV and CBS.Davinia has a First Class Honours degree from Aston University, an Executive MBA from City University and holds the CFA Investment Management Certificate.She has two daughters and lives in St Kitts. LesBohemes - Sign up for the Dominica Retreat right here!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/relateable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aston University is working with an engineering company to make industrial gas burners less environmentally damaging. The University has entered a knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) with Lanemark Combustion Engineering to enable gas or propane burners users to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing the carbon footprint of gas burners A KTP is a three-way collaboration between a business, an academic partner and a highly qualified researcher, known as a KTP associate. The UK-wide programme helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. Aston University is a sector leading knowledge transfer partnership provider, with 80% of its completed projects being graded as very good or outstanding by Innovate UK, the national body. Warwickshire-based Lanemark has been supplying industrial gas burners to sectors including petrochemical, car plants, breweries and food manufacturers for more than 40 years. The overall aim of the KTP is to help transition burners to use low carbon fuels such as hydrogen or biogas to meet new environmental standards. Lanemark has developed their burner designs over several decades using different software applications. To calculate the impact of using new fuels either alone or in different mixes with propane or natural gas, Lanemark's engineers currently have to transfer data between different software applications which is time consuming and inflexible. Aston University will be sharing its expertise to create a single software package to calculate the impact of using different fuels and to integrate these into existing designs. The programme will analyse factors such as exhaust gases, flame length and heat transfer, and ensure equipment remains agile and competitive in a changing market. Aidan Lewis, technical manager at Lanemark said: "We are a relatively small company in our industry, so it's important that we aren't left behind by some of the bigger players. Having this new software will make us more agile in responding to new regulatory requirements and customer demands, which will keep us in a competitive position." Aston University will provide Lanemark with access to specialist research expertise in areas critical to low-carbon industrial heating systems, including heat transfer, heating systems, and burner design. Lanemark will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain and adapt the software in the future as required, which is tailored to meet the specific needs and expectations of the company's clientele. The company is working with Aston University's Dr Muhammed Imran from the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute and Dr Martin Rudorfer from the School of Computer Science and Digital Technologies. Dr Imran is a senior lecturer in mechanical and design engineering, whose research focuses on developing innovative thermal energy systems and improving the energy performance of existing energy systems. Dr Rudorfer is a lecturer in applied AI and robotics, who has expertise in software engineering and intelligent automation of processes. Together with KTP Associate Dr Tarun Kumar, the research team has been working to understand the requirements of the new software and how it will be used by different people within the company. This has enabled them to build the user interface for the software, which will allow design engineers, sales agents and customers to access the complex engineering that underpins the burner designs. The software is being built within a commonly used computational platform called MATLAB. Lead academic, Dr Muhammad Imran said: "With fundamental research, impact can take a long time, but with a KTP, the outcomes are far more immediate. Not only will this collaborative research help Lanemark commercially, it will also significantly improve the carbon reduction potential for their products. To contribute to that is very satisfying, particularly as we will start to see the impact i...

In this inaugural episode of our new three-part series, we dive into the world of pharmacy careers within the pharmaceutical industry. We are joined by special guest Gina Bariah, a dynamic and intuitive industry leader with extensive experience spanning numerous therapy areas at country, regional, and global levels within medical affairs.  Gina's pharmacy training at Aston University and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, provided diverse experiences but made her realize that the conventional career path in hospital pharmacy might not align with her long-term ambitions. Feeling limited by the rigid career ladder in hospital pharmacy, Gina explored unconventional career avenues, including contemplating roles in banking, relocating, and even considering a career in the army. Her quest led her to a profound realization—there's an entire world of career opportunities within the pharmaceutical industry that extend beyond the confines of what she'd encountered in hospital settings. Through independent research, Gina uncovered a multitude of roles spanning medical affairs, marketing, regulatory affairs, and more, a revelation that highlighted the information gap surrounding industry careers for pharmacists. Transitioning from hospital to industry roles wasn't without obstacles. Gina faced rejection due to a lack of direct industry experience. Overcoming these hurdles required perseverance and a strategic approach. Networking emerged as a crucial element in her journey, ultimately leading her to secure her breakthrough role at Pfizer, marking her entry into the pharmaceutical realm. Motivated by her challenges, Gina established PharmAffinity, a platform designed to assist pharmacists in transitioning into pharmaceutical careers. The platform offers an array of resources, networking events, and mentorship opportunities, aimed at bridging the gap between hospital pharmacy and the pharmaceutical industry. Stay tuned for part two, where Gina will delve into the essential skills necessary for success in the pharmaceutical industry. SIGN UP to my NEWSLETTER below so you'll be the first to know when new episodes are being released. You'll also receive regular inspiration, tips, tools, and free content. https://pharmacistdiaries.ck.page/newsletter PARTNERSHIPS: The Naked Pharmacy is offering my podcast listeners a 20% discount on all their products. Use discount code PD20 at checkout to receive the offer. https://www.thenakedpharmacy.com/ Healf is offering my podcast listeners a 10% discount on all their products. Use the following link to purchase products and the discount code will be applied at checkout. https://healf.com/?snowball=ANISHA11032 FREE PDF GUIDE: 5 Steps to Streamline Your Week and Add 5 Extra Hours to Your Schedule! Inside these digital pages, you'll discover a carefully crafted strategy designed to bring order to the chaos, providing you with the keys to unlock additional time in your week. As we step into a new year, it's the perfect moment to redefine how you approach your days, allowing you to reclaim precious hours for what truly matters. Let's make 2024 the year of transformation and unparalleled efficiency! Don't miss out on all this FREE content friends. Here's the link to⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! https://pharmacistdiaries.ck.page/news CONNECT WITH GINA: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginabariah⁠ PharmAffinity Website: ⁠https://www.pharmaffinity.co.uk/⁠  PharmAffinity Forum: ⁠https://forum.pharmaffinity.co.uk/⁠  TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ginabariah⁠    CONNECT WITH ME: Website: https://www.pharmacistdiaries.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pharmacistdiariesuk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pharmacistdiariesuk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anisha-patel-a95b9562/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/PharmDiariesUK Email: info@pharmacistdiaries.com FILMED AND EDITED BY: Sunjay Vyas: ⁠⁠https://www.sunjav.uk/⁠⁠ Follow me on⁠⁠ My Website⁠⁠,⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠,⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠,⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠,⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠, and/or⁠⁠ Twitter⁠⁠. Feel free to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite podcast platform so you can be notified when a new episode is released or leave a review on apple podcasts. If you have any suggestions for guests you want me to talk to or if you'd like to come on yourself, please feel free to contact me via social media, or email at info@pharmacistdiaries.com.

Researchers to explore the use of gel electrolyte materials to improve lithium-ion batteries to help build greener batteries The batteries are the most commonly used in electric vehicles and electronics Will use non-harmful, non-flammable and renewably sourced materials for next generation battery technologies. Aston University researchers are to explore the use of gel electrolyte materials to make lithium-ion batteries - the most commonly used for electric vehicles and electronics - safer and less environmentally damaging. Working to have greener batteries The University has received a grant of £443,058 from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to develop safe, reliable, sustainable and commercially relevant gel electrolyte materials. Currently batteries and other energy storage devices are assembled via multiple laborious processing steps and typically use flammable solvents and fossil fuel-derived materials with poor thermal and chemical stability. The researchers will develop renewable ionogels which conduct electrically charged ions. Gel electrolyte materials in the lab The gel electrolyte materials will replace current harmful, flammable components and will help prevent batteries from leaking. The Aston University team is led by Dr Matt Derry, a lecturer in chemistry, who is based in the University's College of Engineering and Physical Sciences He said: "There is a need to identify new solutions for sustainable energy storage but one of the biggest barriers to the uptake of renewable energy is the lack of scalable methods of storing electrical energy. "We will create recyclable gel electrolytes using non-harmful, non-flammable and renewably sourced materials for next generation battery technologies." In addition to the research grant to start on 1 March 2024, Dr Derry and his team have just had a paper published in Chemical Science, the Royal Society of Chemistry's flagship open access journal: "Block copolymer synthesis in ionic liquid via polymerisation-induced self-assembly: a convenient route to gel electrolytes", which showcases the generation of ionogels via their new approach. He said: "This transformative research programme will deliver new sustainable, responsive ionogel materials which are easier to manufacture. "The ionogels developed in this project will help to address the significant shortcomings in the underutilisation of renewable energy in the coming years and will contribute to the UK's drive to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. "Given the desperate need for sustainable energy storage solutions, as recognised by the UN with Sustainable Development Goal 7 on affordable and clean energy, the proposed research is timely and impactful." As a result of the ongoing research, PhD student Georgia Maitland who contributed to the scientific paper will be employed as a post-doctoral researcher at Aston University. The research project will end in February 2027. Block copolymer synthesis in ionic liquid via polymerisation induced self-assembly: a convenient route to gel electrolytes is published in Chemical Science https://doi.org/10.1039/ D3SC06717C Georgia L. Maitland, Mingyu Liu, Thomas J. Neal, James Hammerton, Yisong Han, Stephen D. Worrall, Paul D. Topham and Matthew J. Derry Author affiliations Aston Advanced Materials Research Centre, Aston University, Birmingham, UK EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh, UK Department of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK For more details of the project view https://gtr.ukri.org/projects? ref=EP%2FY005309%2F1 See more breaking stories here.

Lloyd completed a BA (hons) in Business Administration at Staffordshire University and an MSc in Marketing Management at Aston University. He then proceeded to work in the advertising industry for several years before embarking on a career change in 2016.Lloyd returned to academia after a thirteen-year break and completed a Postgraduate Diploma (conversion degree) in Psychology at Birkbeck, University of London. After completion of the postgraduate diploma, Lloyd studied for an MSc in Applied Sport Psychology at St Mary's University and graduated in 2021.Lloyd has also held several committee and board member roles at the British Psychological Society (BPS), and he is currently Past Chair for the BPS London & Home Counties branch and an editorial board member for Sport & Exercise Psychology Review (SEPR) which is an international, peer-reviewed publication.Papers discussed-‘Pushing through the pain cave': Lived experiences of pain tolerance in male ultra-marathon runnersPortrayals of Pain in Children's Popular Media: Mothers' and Fathers' Beliefs and AttitudesLLoyd on X: @nathan78Academic profile: https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/staff-directory/lloyd-emeka-staff-profileResearchGate profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lloyd-EmekaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloyd-emeka-msc-gmbpss-1262662https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpain.2022.898855/fullSUBSCRIBE to Research Essentials for UltrarunningBuy Training Essentials for Ultrarunning on Amazon or Audible.Information on coaching-www.trainright.comKoop's Social MediaTwitter/Instagram- @jasonkoop

Aston University is to help one of the world's largest cassava processers develop a sustainable and faster way to dry its crops. The University has entered a knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) with the Tropical Starch Company, Ghana's leading cassava processing business. According to The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the country is the second biggest consumer of cassava and contributes to almost a quarter of the country's agricultural gross domestic product. More sustainable tech to dry cassava Despite its popularity cassava is difficult to process as it needs to be thoroughly cleaned, mashed, sieved, dried and packaged. Currently the Tropical Starch Company uses industrial uses bin dryers which need electricity or fossil fuels to generate heat and can only dry one crop per production line. They are expensive to run and as it is hard to regulate their temperatures sometimes products are overcooked or discoloured. A KTP is a three-way collaboration between a business, an academic partner and a highly qualified researcher, known as a KTP associate. The UK-wide programme helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. Aston University is a sector leading KTP provider, with 80% of its completed projects being graded as very good or outstanding by Innovate UK, the national body. The aim of the KTP is to develop an integrated drying device which can operate off-grid, using several different technologies. Aston University will develop an off-grid, solar-powered drying device that is faster, temperature-controllable, uses less energy and can process bigger volumes of raw cassava. Augustine Fiifi Amoah, who is a supervisor at the company said: "We already have the customers demanding it and so we are praying that we will be able to meet demand. "If we could produce 20 tons a day we would be so happy. We have the market, we just need the product!" Although some of these technologies are already developed individually, the way they will be integrated will be new. In particular, data needs to be collected to design and optimise the system which will be completed with computer simulation modelling. This will require expertise in several fields including modular design, desiccant drying techniques (where desiccant materials are used in a piece of industrial equipment to eliminate water) energy systems, post-harvest technology and food engineering. The project is supervised by Dr Ahmed Rezk, senior lecturer in mechanical engineering from Aston University's College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, an expert in thermal systems, whose mainstream research is in sustainable and zero-carbon heating and cooling technologies, in collaboration with Dr Tabbi Wilberforce Awotwe, a lecturer in engineering, who specialises in design optimisation of mechanical systems and energy storage modelling. Dr Rezk said: "The main goal of our research is to find more efficient and green ways of heating and cooling. They are two sides of the same problem, both requiring energy. "If we devise a good heating method through this project it could have implications for cooling methods in other countries as well." Dr Wilberforce Awotwe who is based at Kings College London, has previously conducted research at Aston University. He said "I'm a Ghanaian myself and my vision for this project goes beyond delivering work packages. "If we can get this done we will support many companies in this field, not just one, and address the issue of young people leaving the countryside in search of employment. "The long-term impact on the community is the most important thing." The project will also involve Professor Robert Sarpong Amoah and Dr Fatimah Abubakar Von from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. In addition a KTP associate will be recruited to work at the company's main site in Abura-Dunkwa, Ghana. Once the system has been agreed, the Tropical Starch Company will ...

Are you curious about the truth or myth in the differences between male and female brains? We had the opportunity to speak with Professor Gina Rippon Emeritus Professor of Cognitive Neuroimaging at the Aston Brain Centre, Aston University. She is the past President of the British Association of Cognitive Neuroscience, and her research involves state-of-the-art brain imaging techniques to investigate developmental disorders such as autism especially regarding unrecognized females on the autistic spectrum. Her research also involves the use of neuroscience techniques to explore social processes, particularly those associated with sex/gender issues. She is a passionate supporter of initiatives to address the underrepresentation of women in all spheres of influence, especially science, and advocates an understanding of ‘the neuroscience of belonging' as a framework to address the gender gaps. She is the author of “ Gender and Our Brain”. During our conversation, we discuss the myths associated with brain differences or the lack of them and how 18th-century beliefs have continued to the present day with little progress in shifting the thinking around our brains. It was positioned for men to be seen as superior and women inferior. We still see in today's world that most CEOs are men and that fewer women are representatives in positions of power. She clarifies that there is overlap in research data to point to the minimal differences in male and female brains but our environment plays a significant role in how our brains are developed. Whether that be starting as young as a newborn baby and how we condition the baby to engage with society. She cautions us to pay attention to our definitions and language as we speak about even things like the gender pay gap which are sex gaps. How boys are taught to be brave, and girls are taught to be perfect, these beliefs carry forward into how our lives are shaped and even in more progressive countries where there is still a little impact in more women working in the sciences, mathematics, technology, etc.  And finally, the elephant in the room is around AI, and how that will impact our society going forward. Without having more women and diversity engaging in the setup, design, input, and sharing of their personal experiences – we are in for a bigger challenge that will set us back even further.  Let us know your thoughts on this conversation. If you want to learn more about how you show up as a leader, take our free leadership quiz at www.wilempowered.com #neuroscience #brainandgender #Genderandourbrains #wilempowered #womenleaders #ginarippon 

In this inaugural episode of our new three-part series, we dive into the world of pharmacy careers within the pharmaceutical industry. We are joined by special guest Gina Bariah, a dynamic and intuitive industry leader with extensive experience spanning numerous therapy areas at country, regional, and global levels within medical affairs. Gina's pharmacy training at Aston University and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, provided diverse experiences but made her realise that the conventional career path in hospital pharmacy might not align with her long-term ambitions. Feeling limited by the rigid career ladder in hospital pharmacy, Gina explored unconventional career avenues, including contemplating roles in banking, relocating, and even considering a career in the army. Her quest led her to a profound realisation—there's an entire world of career opportunities within the pharmaceutical industry that extend beyond the confines of what she'd encountered in hospital settings. Through independent research, Gina uncovered a multitude of roles spanning medical affairs, marketing, regulatory affairs, and more, a revelation that highlighted the information gap surrounding industry careers for pharmacists. Transitioning from hospital to industry roles wasn't without obstacles. Gina faced rejection due to a lack of direct industry experience. Overcoming these hurdles required perseverance and a strategic approach. Networking emerged as a crucial element in her journey, ultimately leading her to secure her breakthrough role at Pfizer, marking her entry into the pharmaceutical realm. Motivated by her challenges, Gina established PharmAffinity, a platform designed to assist pharmacists in transitioning into pharmaceutical careers. The platform offers an array of resources, networking events, and mentorship opportunities, aimed at bridging the gap between hospital pharmacy and the pharmaceutical industry. Stay tuned for part two, where Gina will delve into the essential skills necessary for success in the pharmaceutical industry. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! I'm looking to create a digital course to help pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and/or pharmacists who are feeling the pressure of balancing professional responsibilities, academic commitments, and personal life but have a desire for a better work-life balance, a sense of control over their time, whilst making meaningful progress in their career alongside a supportive community of like-minded individuals who understand their challenges. I'm opening up 10 spots for early enrollment to my course at a HUGE discount in exchange for your feedback (and less than 5 minutes of your time each week for 5 weeks.) My future £399 course is available for a few days at a 50% discount.  Enroll today at £199! Click here to grab one of the 10 spots now. Early enrollment ends on 19th January 2024. FREE PDF GUIDE: 5 Steps to Streamline Your Week and Add 5 Extra Hours to Your Schedule! Inside these digital pages, you'll discover a carefully crafted strategy designed to bring order to the chaos, providing you with the keys to unlock additional time in your week. As we step into a new year, it's the perfect moment to redefine how you approach your days, allowing you to reclaim precious hours for what truly matters. Let's make 2024 the year of transformation and unparalleled efficiency! Don't miss out on all this FREE content friends. Here's the link to⁠ ⁠⁠subscribe⁠⁠⁠! CONNECT WITH GINA: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginabariah PharmAffinity Website: https://www.pharmaffinity.co.uk/  PharmAffinity Forum: https://forum.pharmaffinity.co.uk/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ginabariah 

The COVID-19 pandemic shone a spotlight on supply chains, with shortages in everything from baby formula to microchips. This spurred an on-going policy debate on the need for the U.S. to shore up its supply chains, in some cases literally moving production back to the U.S. or allied nations. However, new analysis published in the Brookings Papers on Economic Activity showed that effort may be more difficult than standard supply chain data suggests, especially when it comes to limiting exposure to China. In this episode, David Wessel, director of the Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy, interviews Rebecca Freeman of the Bank of England and Angelos Theodorakopoulos of Aston University on the “hidden exposure” that is revealed in U.S. supply chains with their new data. Show notes and transcript The Brookings Podcast on Economic Activity is part of the Brookings Podcast Network. Subscribe and listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu.

In this special episode, we explore the world of Chief Data Officers and their complex challenges. Join us as we share insights from our recent 'Ask Me Anything' session, where data leaders asked their burning questions anonymously, creating a safe space for open discussion. Jason Foster, CEO at Cynozure, and Helen Blaikie, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Aston University, answer all these complex questions and share their views and thoughts on data valuation, success metrics, overcoming resistance to change, CDO placement, and more. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of data leadership.

What were the key factors shaping the 2023 Spanish general election? How did the progressive government of Pedro Sánchez defy expectations and secure enough votes that may allow it to continue in power? And how did mainstream parties engage with challenger parties such as the far-right Vox? Join Manoel Gehrke and Patricia Correa in this episode of the People, Power, Politics podcast to learn more about the strategies of political parties across the spectrum, the 2023 elections, and the dynamics of political activism and female representation. Patricia Correa is a Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Aston University. Manoel Gehrke is a Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham's Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability & Representation (CEDAR). The People, Power, Politics podcast brings you the latest insights into the factors that are shaping and re-shaping our political world. It is brought to you by the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR) based at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. Join us to better understand the factors that promote and undermine democratic government around the world and follow us on Twitter at @CEDAR_Bham! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

What were the key factors shaping the 2023 Spanish general election? How did the progressive government of Pedro Sánchez defy expectations and secure enough votes that may allow it to continue in power? And how did mainstream parties engage with challenger parties such as the far-right Vox? Join Manoel Gehrke and Patricia Correa in this episode of the People, Power, Politics podcast to learn more about the strategies of political parties across the spectrum, the 2023 elections, and the dynamics of political activism and female representation. Patricia Correa is a Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Aston University. Manoel Gehrke is a Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham's Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability & Representation (CEDAR). The People, Power, Politics podcast brings you the latest insights into the factors that are shaping and re-shaping our political world. It is brought to you by the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR) based at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. Join us to better understand the factors that promote and undermine democratic government around the world and follow us on Twitter at @CEDAR_Bham! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

What were the key factors shaping the 2023 Spanish general election? How did the progressive government of Pedro Sánchez defy expectations and secure enough votes that may allow it to continue in power? And how did mainstream parties engage with challenger parties such as the far-right Vox? Join Manoel Gehrke and Patricia Correa in this episode of the People, Power, Politics podcast to learn more about the strategies of political parties across the spectrum, the 2023 elections, and the dynamics of political activism and female representation. Patricia Correa is a Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Aston University. Manoel Gehrke is a Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham's Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability & Representation (CEDAR). The People, Power, Politics podcast brings you the latest insights into the factors that are shaping and re-shaping our political world. It is brought to you by the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR) based at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. Join us to better understand the factors that promote and undermine democratic government around the world and follow us on Twitter at @CEDAR_Bham! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/european-studies

What were the key factors shaping the 2023 Spanish general election? How did the progressive government of Pedro Sánchez defy expectations and secure enough votes that may allow it to continue in power? And how did mainstream parties engage with challenger parties such as the far-right Vox? Join Manoel Gehrke and Patricia Correa in this episode of the People, Power, Politics podcast to learn more about the strategies of political parties across the spectrum, the 2023 elections, and the dynamics of political activism and female representation. Patricia Correa is a Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Aston University. Manoel Gehrke is a Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham's Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability & Representation (CEDAR). The People, Power, Politics podcast brings you the latest insights into the factors that are shaping and re-shaping our political world. It is brought to you by the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR) based at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. Join us to better understand the factors that promote and undermine democratic government around the world and follow us on Twitter at @CEDAR_Bham! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Engagement is a hot topic in the ethics and compliance space—it impacts training, communications, and overall program effectiveness. But driving engagement gets tricky when you have a global presence or employee populations with different working conditions and technologies. How can E&C professionals foster engagement in a way that resonates with everyone—and even makes it fun? In this episode of LRN's Principled Podcast, host Dave Hansen talks with Kerry Ferwerda, the ethics and compliance manager for Europe at NSG Group, about how to plan a successful corporate ethics and compliance week. Listen in as the two discuss ideas and best practices around event content, communication, and participation.  For a transcript of this podcast, visit the episode page at LRN.com. Want to connect with your E&C peers? Apply here to join LRN co:lab, our award-winning community of ethics, compliance, legal, HR, and L&D professionals.   Guest: Kerry Ferwerda Kerry Ferwerda is the ethics and compliance manager for Europe at NSG Group, one of the world's largest manufacturers of glass and glazing products for architectural and automotive. it is also a leading supplier of technical glass products within its Creative Technology division. NSG has principal operations around the world with sales in over 100 countries.  A passionate advocate for doing business the right way, Kerry has worked within ethics and compliance for the past 10 years. During this time, Kerry has led E&C education initiatives across the group, operating across the business lines to develop and implement education programs that deliver value and embed a strong company culture.  Prior to joining ethics and compliance, Kerry worked within the group's Automotive Glass Replacement business unit for 12 years, gaining a wealth of experience in roles across multiple departments and functional disciplines—including Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, IS, and Customer Service.   Kerry holds a BSc (Hons) in Information Technology for Business from Aston University, Birmingham, UK. Host: Dave Hansen Dave Hansen is the global advocacy marketing director at LRN, an organization focused on ethics and compliance solutions that help people around the world do the right thing. His team drives LRN's customer obsession by building community, deepening customer engagement, and finding meaningful opportunities for collaboration. Dave is passionate about learning, having spent most of his career within higher education or training. He loves sharing customer stories and best practices in the name of continuous improvement. Dave is a proud dad, coffee enthusiast, drummer, and scuba diver. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking and reading!

The world is in a state of flux when it comes to energy production. Australian coal is being bought up by China as fast as it can be mined, Europe is coming to terms with Russian gas supplies being a bargaining chip in international politics, and the US is grappling with how to produce more energy whilst meeting green targets and keeping people in mining areas employed. It's a tough balancing act. So how can countries realistically become more energy independent in a sustainable way with the tech that's viable today? This is the first of a two part special. Next time we'll be looking at how to make the most of the energy we already have.We start off by meeting Doug Kothe, a Nuclear Scientist who, until recently, headed up the Exascale computing team at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the US. He's hugely excited by recent developments in the field, but is also a realist who understands that Fusion energy is still a way off being commercially viable and scaleable. So what are the alternatives? Professor Patricia Thornley from Aston University is Director of the Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute. They look at the energy potential of waste biomass - sewage and agricultural by-products - to provide not only electricity, but also materials such as plastics, and fuels such as gasoline, diesel and even jet fuel and hydrogen. Their research shows enormous promise -  up to 45% of the UK's energy needs could be provided in a carbon-neutral or even net negative way simply by processing agri-waste. In many parts of the world, close to 100% is achievable. But what about countries where land is at a premium? There's alternatives here, too. Carnegie Clean Energy is an Australian-based engineering firm who are perfecting their CETO wave-generation technology. They use submerged bouys pulling on cords to generate energy in an environmentally non-destructive way. As Carnegie CEO Jonathan Fievez explains, the difference in their technology is that the generators can pull on their own cords to raise, lower or angle themselves. That lets them both generate more electricity, and protect themselves from the bad weather and turbulent seas which have traditionally made the tech difficult to implement commercially. They do this via an ingenious AI tool called reinforcement learning, whereby an AI learns to control the bouys by being rewarded for the amount of energy they generate. Testing is currently ongoing, but early results suggest a 20-40% performance improvement with less wear and tear, which could be a lifeline for remote and island communities currently relying on diesel generators. Driving this AI technology is Hewlett Packard Enterprise Labs, who have been working in partnership with Carnegie. Christian Temporale and Maria Ridruejo have been implementing the project for HPE, and are excited by the progress that's been made. They believe that machine learning techniques such as this could make significant improvements in other technologies, such as 'smart' wind turbines, and developing better forms of solar panels.

Right now, we need a lot more energy.  In 2023, on average we use 60 kilowatt hours of electrical energy, each, per day. That's enough to boil approximately 600 litres of water. Which is a lot, especially when you consider that several billion of us are using a lot less than that. Demand is growing, too, by 3-5% globally every year. The IT industry is a major contributor to this, using around 6% of the world's electricity. So how can we make more, and use less? That's the topic of a two-part special of our sister podcast, Technology Untangled. This week, we're taking a look at some of the key findings from these special investigations in something of a highlights reel.We'd love to hear your one minute review of books which have changed your year! Simply record them on your smart device or computer and upload them using this Google form: https://forms.gle/pqsWwFwQtdGCKqED6Do you have a question for the expert? Ask it here using this Google form: https://forms.gle/8vzFNnPa94awARHMAAbout the experts featured in this episodePatricia Thornley from the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/patricia-thornley-66724b69CEO of Octopus Energy's Kraken Flex, Devrim Celal: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dcelalHPE Chief Technologist, John Frey: https://twitter.com/drjohnfrey?lang=enThis is Technology Now, a weekly show from Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Every week we look at a story that's been making headlines, take a look at the technology behind it, and explain why it matters to organisations and what we can learn from it.Joe Baguely of VMWare: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joebaguley/?originalSubdomain=uk

Right now, we need a lot more energy.  In 2023, on average we use 60 kilowatt hours of electrical energy, each, per day. That's enough to boil approximately 600 litres of water. Which is a lot, especially when you consider that several billion of us are using a lot less than that. Demand is growing, too, by 3-5% globally every year. The IT industry is a major contributor to this, using around 6% of the world's electricity. So how can we make more, and use less? That's the topic of a two-part special of our sister podcast, Technology Untangled. This week, we're taking a look at some of the key findings from these special investigations in something of a highlights reel.We'd love to hear your one minute review of books which have changed your year! Simply record them on your smart device or computer and upload them using this Google form: https://forms.gle/pqsWwFwQtdGCKqED6Do you have a question for the expert? Ask it here using this Google form: https://forms.gle/8vzFNnPa94awARHMAAbout the experts featured in this episodePatricia Thornley from the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/patricia-thornley-66724b69CEO of Octopus Energy's Kraken Flex, Devrim Celal: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dcelalHPE Chief Technologist, John Frey: https://twitter.com/drjohnfrey?lang=enJoe Baguely of VMWare: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joebaguley/?originalSubdomain=ukThis is Technology Now, a weekly show from Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Every week we look at a story that's been making headlines, take a look at the technology behind it, and explain why it matters to organisations and what we can learn from it.

Higher ed needs to provide more accessible, high-outcome internships to meet the current demands of the workforce and students. A recent McKinsey report finds that more than 85% of companies feel there is a skills gap between education and industry, and the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has identified several career readiness skills students must have upon graduation but can only obtain through internships. Meanwhile, more than a third of entry-level jobs require three years of work experience, and students who aren't getting employed after graduating are already questioning the ROI of their degree. In his latest podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton discusses the characteristics of a well-set-up intern program and how they can benefit students and higher ed with Daniel Nivern of Virtual Internships. This ed-tech company runs online internship programs across 18 career fields. Daniel discusses the pros and cons of each type of internship, what presidents should discuss with employers before creating internship opportunities, how internships should be structured to garner the best results, what communication should look like between the company and intern, how interns can become more part of a company's work culture, and how to better promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.   Podcast Highlights Universities need to ensure that the company and intern are both happy, which requires aligning the objectives of all parties involved. Identify what both sides seek regarding set criteria, tasks, and skills. What skills are companies looking to gain? What skills do they already have? What skills would the intern like to offer the company? Verbal communication must occur before the program begins and should involve identifying projects that the intern must complete by the end of the program. For example, three to five mini-projects can be devised for the intern so they feel they've accomplished something by the end of the program. Ad hoc and spontaneous assignments can be beneficial, but more structure is recommended.  Integrate two-way feedback to encourage strong communication throughout the internship. The host company supervisor needs to provide structured, formalized feedback so the intern knows how they are progressing and what tasks they've accomplished. Likewise, the intern needs to give feedback to the company to get accustomed to communicating upward and understanding what it means to show off what they've done. These communications are preferred daily, but must be done weekly at the very least. The company should help integrate the intern into the workplace, and the intern should also make an effort. This involves speaking to as many employees as possible in an in-person setting. In a virtual setting, it may mean being part of the online communication channels, such as Slack groups, the all-hands town halls the company may run, etc. This needs to be considered well in advance of the programming. It is encouraged to have these points agreed upon in writing, signed off by the company, and seen by the student before the internship. Failure to ensure alignment can result in a breakdown in the middle of the partnership. In addition to costing the employer extra money, only providing in-person internships can limit the number of students who can participate in the program while diminishing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Many students cannot dedicate additional commuting and in-person time outside of school by having to juggle family and work commitments, etc. Virtual internships are a more scalable, accessible, and equitable approach with many of the same advantages as in-person programs. Higher ed is highly encouraged to create credit-bearing internships. Data has shown that students feel much more satisfied with their university course when embedded into the curriculum and believe they have a higher return on investment.    Read the transcript on our website →   About Our Podcast Guest Dan Nivern Daniel is the Co-Founder & CEO of Virtual Internships, an ed-tech company that runs online internship programs across 18 career fields, bridging the gap between education and industry and helping learners from all backgrounds to gain global work experience. Virtual Internships is one of the top 100 EdTech startups in Europe in the Holon IQ Europe EdTech list and was named the 23rd best remote company to work for in the world in 2022. Through partnerships with institutions including ASU, Aston University, Botho University, and Kaplan, Virtual Internships has supported thousands of students undertaking remote internships. A graduate of Oxford University with a Master's in Management and Chinese, Daniel has been featured on CNBC, BBC News, and Bloomberg for his work in developing global employability programs. He is also the founder of CRCC Asia, a company that has helped over 10,000 students to complete internships in Asia.   About the Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton, the host of Changing Higher Ed®, is a consultant to higher ed institutions in governance, accreditation, strategy and change, and mergers. To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm's website, https://changinghighered.com/.    The Change Leader's Social Media Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdrumm/ Twitter: @thechangeldr Email: podcast@changinghighered.com   #Internships #WorkforceReadiness #HigherEdROI

Welcome to The Business Influencer Podcast where we interview and explore the success stories of entrepreneurs, business leaders, senior policymakers and get insights from thought leaders around the issues of the day. In this episode, our host interviews Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University. Professor Aleks Subic provides his views and insights about how the role of universities has changed today, its relationship with technology, innovation and the importance of people when creating a vision. Credits: Host - Ninder Johal DL Audio editing - Simren K. Johal Executive Producer - Narinder K. Johal Music - EWC/ Nachural Selection (Album) © Nachural Publishing Subscribe for more podcasts!

FULL EPISODE available at: patreon.com/Macrodose MACRODOSE EXTRA takes you behind the scenes to go in-depth with some of the leading voices from the world of economics. Subscribe today to hear our recent interviews with Greek politician Yanis Varoufakis, labour journalist Sarah Jaffe, and former finance trader Gary Stevenson. You'll also gain access to our upcoming interviews with author Rosie Collington and FT reporter Yuan Yang. Our guest today is Tom Mills. Tom is a Lecturer in Sociology at Aston University, and author of The BBC: The Myth of a Public Service. A book about the past, present and future of the BBC, how it shapes our understanding of the economy and society, and why we urgently need to rethink our public digital media ecosystem. Tom is also chair of Media Reform UK, a campaign for a more democratic and accountable media, where diversity, public interest and ethical journalism come before the private gain of a few media moguls.

It's hard to plan for the future when the present seems so grim. But is a nihilistic attitude to pensions creating a ticking time bomb for millennials? And have scandals and corporate embezzlement meant we have all lost faith in the safety net of our twilight years? Disillusioned Bunker host Marie Le Conte is joined by Dr. Hayley James, senior research fellow in the Centre for Personal Financial Wellbeing at Aston University, to ask what (if anything) can restore trust in the pensions system. “ We often hark back to a ‘golden age' of pensions that hasn't always existed.” “The gender pension gap is huge, bigger than the gender pay gap.” Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Marie Le Conte. Producer Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode we have Davinia Tomlinson, financial expert and founder and CEO of rainchq, an organization that helps women build sustainable long-term wealth and live life entirely on their own terms. She is the author of Cash is Queen, a book that empowers teens and young adults to learn about finance. During this episode, Davinia and Brianna discuss how we can support the next generation of young women and children by equipping them with the right tools to build financial literacy and how to be intentional about conversations and behaviors surrounding money.Davinia is the award-winning founder of rainchq, set up to help women take control of their financial futures. She has over 15 years experience across the investment management and professional services industries. Davinia has a First Class Honours degree from Aston University, an Executive MBA from Cass Business School and holds the Investment Management Certificate (IMC).Outside of rainchq, Davinia is a Trustee at Talawa Theatre Company, established more than 30 years ago to improve black representation in theatre. She is the mother of two young daughters who are the best mini-rainmakers and her ultimate inspiration.Davinia started rainchq in 2018 after 15 years working in the investment management industry and becoming frustrated with both the poor representation of women in senior management positions and low engagement of women in general when it came to their finances.In her view, one situation fuels the other – with so few women occupying a seat at the table in the financial services industry, it's virtually impossible to develop products and services designed to support us over the long term in making decisions that can help us meet our financial goals. It's a reality that's reflected in the data: despite women outliving men, we currently save up to 5 times less for retirement. A frightening prospect.rainchq was born out of Davinia's commitment to helping women overcome some of these challenges and in particular helping them take control of their financial futures and live their best, most financially abundant lives, once and for all. Davinia's Book: Cash is QueenDavinia's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/davinia-tomlinson-0a7b2448/ Davinia's/ rainchq Instagram: @rainchqrainchq website: www.rainchq.com/Brianna's Instagram: @mombossinaustinPodcast Instagram: @badassbasicbitch

Is space the final frontier for meat grown from animal stem cells? Elizabeth Hotson asks whether growing steaks under micro gravity conditions could help in the quest for food security and whether, back on earth, consumers could be persuaded to stomach meat reared in labs. We hear from Didier Toubia, the CEO of Aleph Farms who defends his space meat mission from accusations of gimmickry. Seren Kel, the science and technology manager for the Europe region of the Good Food Institute, gives her view on the environmental impact of cell-gown meat and Dr Jason Michael Thomas, senior lecturer in psychology at Aston University explains how reluctant consumers might be persuaded to try new and strange-sounding foods. Presenter: Elizabeth Hotson Producer: Elizabeth Hotson (Photo description: The Solar system. Credit: Getty Images)

Tom Mills, lecturer in sociology at Aston University and the author of The BBC: Myth of a Public Service, joins Long Reads for a discussion about the history of the BBC, its ideological and soft-power functions, and the future of public broadcasting.Read Tom's article "The Left Should Stand for a Democratically Run BBC" here: https://www.jacobinmag.com/2022/02/defend-bbc-funding-public-broadcasting-license-fees-conservative-toriesLong Reads is a Jacobin podcast looking in-depth at political topics and thinkers, both contemporary and historical, with the magazine's longform writers. Hosted by Features Editor Daniel Finn. Produced by Conor Gillies, music by Knxwledge. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.