Podcasts about Imperial College London

Public research university in London, United Kingdom

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Latest podcast episodes about Imperial College London

War Studies
The Helsinki Brief, Episode 3: Finland's Comprehensive Security Model

War Studies

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2026 49:04


In this third episode of The Helsinki Brief: Inside Finnish Intelligence and Security, Dr Paul McGarr (King's College London) is joined again by Hannamiina Tanninen of the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service (SUPO) to explore Finland's 'comprehensive security' model — a point of reference in international debates on resilience. They unpack what “comprehensive security” means in practice: an all-of-society approach designed to keep Finland functioning as normally as possible during crises, from major disruptions and natural disasters to heightened security threats. The conversation looks at how the model is embedded across government, the private sector and civil society — and why joint exercises, consultation and coordination are central to making it work. The episode also looks at the foundations that make this approach work in Finland — including high public trust, the welfare state, a broad-based education system and mandatory conscription — as well as the role of the National Emergency Supply Agency. Finally, the discussion considers which elements of the Finnish model might be transferable elsewhere — and which are rooted in Finland's specific history, size and social cohesion. Hannamiina Tanninen is a doctoral researcher at the National Defence University in Finland, researching on modelling the strategic environment of the Finnish security of supply system with emphasis on defining economic intelligence and economic security in intelligence studies. She is also a visiting researcher at Imperial College London.

PRS Global Open Deep Cuts
Professor Sydney Ch'ng: "Fitting In, Standing Out" – A "Giants in Plastic Surgery" Interview

PRS Global Open Deep Cuts

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 36:28


In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, we speak with Professor Sydney Ch'ng, Professor of Surgery at the University of Sydney and one of the few surgeons fully trained in both head and neck surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr Ch'ng reflects on her journey from arriving in Australia as a Malaysian Chinese woman to building a distinguished surgical career across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the United States. She shares what it felt like adapting to a new country, how her perspective on fitting in and standing out evolved, and the mentors who shaped her path. We discuss her route through medical school, surgical training, research, fellowships, and her transition into consultant practice, including her experience at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan and MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Dr Ch'ng also offers insight into the challenges and rewards of combining cancer resection, reconstruction, and aesthetic surgery, and reflects on whether aesthetic training should play a larger role in plastic surgery programs. Beyond surgery, she speaks candidly about mentorship, academic publishing, setting up a practice, life outside medicine, and what it means to build a career with both technical excellence and cultural identity at its center. Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 4 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery. #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #GiantsPlasticSurgery

Intelligence Squared
How Do Hormones Shape the Way We Feel, Think and Age? With Dr Saira Hameed

Intelligence Squared

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 44:00


In this episode, science broadcaster Dr Güneş Taylor speaks with endocrinologist Dr Saira Hameed about her new book Signals: The Inside Story of Our Hormones. From exhaustion and infertility to appetite, mood and libido, Hameed explores the vast and often misunderstood hormonal system that regulates almost every aspect of human life. Drawing on patient stories and recent medical research, Hameed explains how hormones act as the body's internal signalling network — and what happens when those signals misfire. The conversation examines new approaches to diagnosis and care, the discovery of previously unknown hormones linked to fat and metabolism, and the realities behind the growing wellness market around testosterone and male health. Dr Saira Hameed is a Consultant Endocrinologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and a Senior Tutor and Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London. She is the author of Signals: The Inside Story of Our Hormones. Dr Güneş Taylor is a science broadcaster and Fellow at the Centre for Reproductive Health. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events  ...  Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. … Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

21st Century Vitalism
Connection is Our Greatest Resource with Dr. Rosalind Watts

21st Century Vitalism

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 64:56


To Support the Show:  Like, Comment, and Subscribe!  Sign up on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/islandsofcoherence. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islands.of.coherence/  Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/islands-of-coherence/id1532910535 Joining us on the show this week is Dr. Rosalind Watts to talk about the ever important topic of human connection! Dr. Rosiland Watts is a clinical psychologist and leading researcher in psychedelic medicine. She served as a clinical lead of the Psilocybin for Depression study at Imperial College London, where she developed the ACE therapeutic framework for psychedelic therapy. She's been named one of the 50 most influential people in psychedelics and is known for her focus on integration, harm reduction, and inclusion in the psychedelic space. She's also the founder of ACER Integration which is a yearlong online global community helping participants ground the big experiences of their lives. To stay plugged in with her work and online community, head on over to acerintegration.com.

Fun Kids Science Weekly
Beyond the Last Star: Journey to the Edge of the Universe

Fun Kids Science Weekly

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2026 26:12


Welcome to Science Quest!

universe saving blueprint imperial college london marine conservation world ocean british geological survey marina ventura
Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning
Leonidas-Romanos Davranoglou: the last Hellenes and the children of the Yamnaya

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2026 80:29


On this episode of Unsupervised Learning Razib talks to geneticist Leonidas-Romanos Davranoglou about two papers, Ancient DNA evidence for the history of the Albanians and Uniparental analysis of Deep Maniot Greeks reveals genetic continuity from the pre-Medieval era. He is an entomologist and evolutionary biologist specializing in insect morphology, biomechanics, bioacoustics, systematics, and taxonomy. Born in Greece, Davranoglou earned a B.Sc. (Hons) in Zoology from Imperial College London (2012–2015) before completing a DPhil (2015–2020) in insect morphology and biomechanics at the University of Oxford under supervisors Graham Taylor and Beth Mortimer. He is currently a Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellow at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History (with support from the John Fell OUP Fund), where he investigates the evolutionary origins of sound production in hemipteran insects. He also serves as Curator of Hemiptera and a senior researcher at the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History in Tel Aviv. Over the course of the episode Razib and Davranoglou cover the intersection of history, archaeology and genetics. Who are the Greeks of the Mani peninsula, south of Sparta? Are they particularly "genetically pure" compared to other Greeks, and what is their connection to the ancient Greeks? How do Albanians differ from other Balkan populations and what are their deep origins? The podcast explores genetic results that demystify the demographic history of the southern Balkans, and two of the deeply indigenous peoples to the region.

Soft Robotics Podcast
Ghost Circuits: Machines That Think Without Code

Soft Robotics Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 83:21


What if intelligence doesn't come from code at all? Thrishantha Nanayakkara, professor of robotics at Imperial College London, explores this idea in Ghost Circuits. The book shows how computation can emerge from physical materials, geometry, and body–environment interactions, suggesting that “thinking machines” may not need traditional software at all.

A Different Perspective
A Different Perspective with Dr Zaid Al-Fagih: How AI Can Make Medicine More Human

A Different Perspective

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026 52:40 Transcription Available


This week Nick talks to Dr Zaid Al-fagihZaid is Founder and CEO of Rhazes AI, an award-winning AI-powered virtual assistant designed to transform clinical workflows. Drawing on his experience as an NHS doctor and humanitarian first responder, he founded Rhazes AI to help clinicians improve productivity, reduce errors and burnout, and strengthen patient care. A graduate of Imperial College London and the University of Oxford, Dr Al-Fagih combines expertise in medicine, policy, and AI, and has published research on the application of emerging technologies in healthcare.  Nick and Zaid discuss Zaid's journey from NHS doctor to founding Rhazes AI, an AI-powered clinical assistant designed to reduce administrative burdens, improve diagnostic support, and give doctors more time with patients. They explore the challenges facing modern healthcare, including clinician burnout, inefficient workflows, regulatory barriers, and slow technology adoption, while examining how AI can transform healthcare delivery without replacing human judgement. The conversation also covers entrepreneurship, fundraising, healthcare innovation in the UK versus the US and Gulf region, and Zaid's vision for a future where AI acts as a trusted co-pilot for clinicians, making medicine both more efficient and more human. Zaid's Book Choices David Copperfield by Charles DickensGuns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond Zaid's Music Choicesal nahr al khalid - eternal river (m. abd al wahhab) Don't Worry be Happy by Bobby McFerrinThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.

Oxford+
Oxford+ in Brief with Riham Satti, co-founder and CEO of MeVitae

Oxford+

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026 5:07 Transcription Available


What does success really look like when we get hiring right? In this Oxford+ in Brief, Susannah de Jager puts forward four questions to Riham Satti, co-founder and CEO of MeVitae. Riham describes success as a workplace where people feel they belong, feel empowered, and stay because their work feels like a career worth building. She offers candid advice for anyone entering the Oxford ecosystem, reflects on what the city does brilliantly and where it could connect its specialised pockets more effectively, and imagines what Oxford might look like by 2050. With a recent large-scale study finding that AI hiring tools can systematically reject qualified candidates (Stanford HAI, May 2026), her closing wish, a magic wand for fairness at work, could not feel more timely. Riham Satti: Riham Satti is the co-founder and CEO of MeVitae, an award-winning people intelligence platform that combines neuroscience, behavioural economics, and responsible AI to help organisations make fairer, faster, and fully explainable workforce decisions. A neuroscientist by training, Riham studied medical engineering at Imperial College London before completing her research at Oxford, where she developed a deep fascination with how the brain makes decisions. Through the Oxford University Innovation incubator, she co-founded MeVitae with computer scientist Vivek Doraiswamy to tackle bias and inefficiency in hiring. MeVitae now works with global enterprise clients including Transport for London, HS2, and Taylor Wessing, delivering up to 90% time and cost savings while reducing employee turnover by 25%. The company has been honoured with the Norrsken Impact/100 Award, nominated by Microsoft, and was selected by the UK Information Commissioner's Office to co-develop the national AI Data Protection Audit. Riham is a TEDx and keynote speaker and sits on the TechUK Council, advising on the responsible use of AI in business.Connect with Riham on LinkedInSusannah de Jager: Susannah is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.Connect with Susannah on LinkedIn and Subscribe to the Oxford+ Newsletter for Exclusive ContentOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager and supported by Mishcon de Reya, HSBC Innovation Banking, and James Cowper Kreston.Produced and Edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

More or Less: Behind the Stats
The known unknowns of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

More or Less: Behind the Stats

Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2026 8:58


On the 17th of May the World Health Organisation declared a new outbreak of Ebolavirus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as an International Emergency. Ebola virus is an extremely nasty viral disease with a high death toll. But despite its severity, very little is known about the number of infections in this current outbreak, in part because this particular species of Ebola is a rare one. Headlines recently stated that modelling shows that the number of infections could be almost 1,000 more than recorded. We speak to Dr Ruth McCabe, an epidemiologist at Imperial College London, who worked on the modelling behind those estimates. Presenter: Tim Harford Producer: Lizzy McNeill Sound Mix: James Beard Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Editor: Richard Vadon

The Manly Catholic
Ep 207 - Good News Friday: Bombshell on AI, 80 Martyrs Becoming Saints, and More!

The Manly Catholic

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 12:05


You are not an algorithm. You are not a data point. You are a son of God and no machine can replicate that. The Pope just put the full weight of the Church behind that statement, and this week's good news is stacked.Five stories. Five reasons to walk into your weekend fired up.On Pentecost Sunday, Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical: Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity). Forty-two thousand words. The Church's first major teaching document on artificial intelligence. He signed it on the 135th anniversary of Rerum Novarum. Now he is addressing the machines again. Eighty martyrs of the Spanish Civil War killed between 1936 and 1937 for no reason other than their faith, are officially on the path to beatification. They died forgiving their executioners. Meet Pedro Ballester, born in Manchester in 1996, chemical engineering student at Imperial College London, Opus Dei member, diagnosed with advanced bone cancer at 18, dead at 21, and the Diocese of Salford just formally opened his cause for canonization. Pope Leo launches a new catechesis series on Vatican II's constitution on the sacred liturgy, and invites the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church to St. Peter's Square as a sign of unity and a prayer toward full communion.

Dental Slang With Dr. Christopher Phelps And Dr. Jodi Danna
Whole-Body Health with Dr. Hugh Coyne

Dental Slang With Dr. Christopher Phelps And Dr. Jodi Danna

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 62:33


In this conversation, Dr. Reza Ardalan sits down with Dr. Hugh Coyne, a London-based family medicine practitioner and the son of a pediatric dentist, who built Coyne Medical with his wife and clinical partner Dr. Lucy Coyne specifically to practice the kind of preventive medicine the NHS 10-minute appointment window does not allow. His training at Imperial College London and postgraduate work in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatric health, and sports medicine give him a panoramic view of the screening opportunities most dentists are sitting on without realizing it. Dr. Coyne walks through the short blood panel he would build into every dental practice: HbA1c for diabetes risk that directly changes wound healing and periodontal outcomes, highly sensitive CRP for the kind of cardiovascular inflammation a UK Biobank study of over 400,000 people linked to a 61% higher risk of cardiovascular death, vitamin D with the K2 pairing that keeps calcium out of arterial walls, renal function, and a full blood count. From there, Dr. Coyne and Dr. Ardalan move into the oral microbiome shift from pathogen elimination to ecosystem restoration, the role of P. gingivalis in rheumatoid arthritis through citrullinated protein antibodies, and the cardiometabolic markers most patients never get tested for, including apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein(a). The third act covers GLP-1 medications, the Gila monster origin story, the medieval cautionary tale of Sancho the Fat, and the dental-chair implications most patients will never volunteer on a health history form. In this Episode:  The short blood panel any dental practice can start with: HbA1c, highly sensitive CRP, vitamin D, renal function, and a full blood count Why vitamin D supplementation without vitamin K2 may direct calcium into the wrong tissues, including arterial walls How a UK Biobank study of more than 400,000 people linked elevated hs-CRP to a 61% higher risk of cardiovascular death in patients otherwise considered well What the 87% of patients open to in-chair screening tells you about how to introduce blood testing in your practice without losing trust The rule of halves for blood pressure, and why a 158 reading caught on a second visit can be profoundly consequential for a patient's long-term survival How the oral microbiome model has shifted from pathogen elimination to ecosystem restoration, and what that changes about prevention Why P. gingivalis turns up in rheumatoid arthritis tissue, and how oral pathogens correlate with colorectal, pancreatic, and esophageal cancers The bachelor-party analogy for apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein(a), and why every dentist should know their own Lp(a) number What every dental practice needs to know before sedating a patient on a GLP-1 medication   Dr. Hugh Coyne is a London-based GP and the co-founder, with his wife Dr. Lucy Coyne, of Coyne Medical, a family medicine practice focused on preventive care and the early detection of disease. Dr. Hugh Coyne trained at Imperial College London with postgraduate degrees in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatric health, and sports medicine, and is a featured speaker at the Wellness Dental Forum 2026. Find him on Instagram and TikTok at @drhughcoyne and the clinic at @coyne_medical. Want to go deeper on the oral–systemic connection? Dentistry & Whole-Body Health is a 3-part live CE series on reading the medical signals hiding in your patients' bloodwork — and knowing what to do with them. Session 1:  Hidden Signals · Saturday, November 7, 2026 The bloodwork your patients already have, read through a dentist's lens. HbA1c, hs-CRP, vitamin D, CBC — and when to monitor, pause, or refer. Session 2: Cardiovascular Clues · Saturday, November 21, 2026 The lipid markers most panels skip (ApoB, Lp(a)) and the oral–heart connection behind them. Yes — this is the bachelor-party one. Session 3: The New Weight Loss Era · Saturday, December 5, 2026 What GLP-1s are quietly doing to how your patients eat, metabolize, and heal — and the chairside adjustments that come with it. All 3-hour sessions run 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET / 4 PM UK, with 30-day recording access if you can't make it live. 9 AGD-PACE-approved CE credits across the series. Nothing here asks you to become a doctor — it gives you the medical layer that's already shaping your outcomes. Enrollment opens soon: $1,497 → Or try a single session — $625 More details coming soon!

Sliced Bread
Food Containers

Sliced Bread

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 32:49


Is it ok to store food in plastic containers?That's the question put by listener Joe Tattersall in this, the last episode in the current series of 'Sliced Bread'. Joe's noticed scuffs and abrasions on his reusable plastic containers and is concerned about whether that increases the risk of 'chemical leaching' into his food, or ingesting microplastics. He's keen to know if alternatives like glass, silicon, or metal containers could better for our health, as well as for the planet.And what about putting them in the microwave to heat food, using them to freeze food after batch-cooking, or putting them in the dishwasher to clean? To find out more, presenter Greg Foot is joined by Dr Stephanie Wright, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Toxicology at Imperial College London; and Jane Muncke, Managing Director and Chief Scientific Officer at the Food Packaging Forum.We're taking a break to prepare another batch of Sliced Bread but we're as hungry as ever for your suggestions of wonder products to investigate. Please do send your ideas to us either on email to sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk or to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807.RESEARCHER: PHIL SANSOM PRODUCERS: SIMON HOBAN AND GREG FOOT

Sliced Bread
Food Containers

Sliced Bread

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 32:49


Is it ok to store food in plastic containers?That's the question put by listener Joe Tattersall in this, the last episode in the current series of 'Sliced Bread'. Joe's noticed scuffs and abrasions on his reusable plastic containers and is concerned about whether that increases the risk of 'chemical leaching' into his food, or ingesting microplastics. He's keen to know if alternatives like glass, silicon, or metal containers could better for our health, as well as for the planet.And what about putting them in the microwave to heat food, using them to freeze food after batch-cooking, or putting them in the dishwasher to clean? To find out more, presenter Greg Foot is joined by Dr Stephanie Wright, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Toxicology at Imperial College London; and Jane Muncke, Managing Director and Chief Scientific Officer at the Food Packaging Forum.We're taking a break to prepare another batch of Sliced Bread but we're as hungry as ever for your suggestions of wonder products to investigate. Please do send your ideas to us either on email to sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk or to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807.RESEARCHER: PHIL SANSOM PRODUCERS: SIMON HOBAN AND GREG FOOT

Your Brain On
Your Brain On... Microplastics

Your Brain On

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2026 31:08


Headlines warned us about microplastics in our brains. A chemist says the study may have been measuring brain fat instead. In 2025, a study claiming microplastics accumulate in human brain tissue dominated our feeds. We covered it. Then Dr. Michelle Wong, a chemical scientist and science communicator, flagged a problem with the methodology. So we went to the primary literature, read the critique, and brought in one of the first scientists to publicly challenge the findings: Dr. Oliver Jones, Professor of Analytical Chemistry at RMIT University in Melbourne. In this episode, we unpack what went wrong with the measurement method, what it means for the broader microplastics conversation, and why being willing to say "I was wrong" is so vital for good science. In this episode: How pyrolysis GC-MS works and why it can confuse plastic breakdown products with brain fat Why potassium hydroxide digestion creates soap, which also mimics plastic signatures The contamination problem: body bags, centrifuge tubes, plastic storage containers, and lab air Why 7 grams of microplastic per brain is more than what researchers find in raw sewage The Marfella study in The New England Journal of Medicine: microplastics in arterial plaques and why it also lacked blank controls How microplastics could enter the body: skin absorption, ingestion, and inhalation Why PM2.5 monitoring already captures the most relevant airborne microplastic exposure What the WHO, FDA, and European Food Safety Authority have concluded about microplastic harm What better microplastics research would actually look like Why the real lesson is about how we evaluate headlines, not just microplastics Dr. Oliver Jones is Professor of Analytical Chemistry and Associate Dean of Biosciences and Food Technology at RMIT University in Melbourne. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (FRACI), he holds degrees from Imperial College London and Cambridge. He is one of only 118 scientists worldwide named to the IUPAC Periodic Table of Outstanding Younger Chemists. His research focuses on developing methods to measure environmental contaminants, including microplastics, and he was among the first scientists to publicly challenge the methodology of the viral "microplastics in the brain" study. Follow Dr. Jones: @dr_oli_jones RMIT faculty page: rmit.edu.au/oliver-jones Dr. Michelle Wong (Lab Muffin Beauty Science) first flagged the methodological concerns to us. Hosted by Drs. Ayesha & Dean Sherzai Subscribe to The Synapse (free weekly newsletter): https://thebraindocs.com/newsletter  Follow @TheBrainDocs on Instagram

@BEERISAC: CPS/ICS Security Podcast Playlist
Ric Derbyshire on Living-Off-the-Plant OT Cyberattacks

@BEERISAC: CPS/ICS Security Podcast Playlist

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2026 24:22


Podcast: Nexus: A Claroty Podcast (LS 32 · TOP 5% what is this?)Episode: Ric Derbyshire on Living-Off-the-Plant OT CyberattacksPub date: 2026-05-25Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationRic Derbyshire, a Principal Security Researcher at Orange Cyberdefense and an Honorary Researcher at Imperial College London, joins the Nexus Podcast to discuss how attackers are able to gain lateral movement across operational technology (OT) assets through a tactic known as Living Off the Plant.Similar to Living-off-the-Land attacks, Living-Off-the-Plant TTPs leverage native functionality specific to OT, with a potential negative impact on physical assets and safety concerns. Subscribe and listen to the Nexus Podcast here. The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Claroty, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.

Oxford+
Unconscious Bias, Responsible AI, and the Future of Workforce Decisions

Oxford+

Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2026 41:02 Transcription Available


What if the key to fairer hiring lies not in better policies, but in understanding how our brains actually make decisions?In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager speaks with Riham Satti, co-founder and CEO of MeVitae, about her journey from studying neuroscience at Oxford to building an AI-driven platform that transforms workforce decision-making. They explore how cognitive biases shape recruitment, why ten seconds of CV screening can derail a hiring process, and how organisations can use data and responsible AI to make fairer, faster, and smarter people decisions.With recent research showing that recruiters using biased AI tools mirror those inequitable choices up to 90% of the time, the conversation could not be more timely. Riham explains how MeVitae integrates neuroscience, anonymised recruiting, and transparent algorithms to help organisations identify hidden risks, improve candidate experience, and build genuinely inclusive workplaces. From bootstrapping with grant funding to working with global enterprise clients, her story is a blueprint for turning academic curiosity into commercial impact.(00:00) - Welcome to Oxford Plus (01:42) - The Academic Path to Entrepreneurship (03:12) - Stumbling into the World of Startups (04:21) - From a CV App to Uncovering a Broken Industry (06:37) - Funding the Early Days with Grants and Grit (09:59) - How MeVitae Evolved from B2C to Enterprise AI (13:58) - Neuroscience in Action: Eye Tracking and Hiring Bias (15:55) - Practical Steps to Reduce Unconscious Bias (22:16) - The Benefits Beyond Efficiency: Candidate Experience (27:48) - Connecting HR Data to Uncover Hidden Risks (32:12) - Company Retreats and Building Team Culture (37:01) - The Future of MeVitae and Responsible AI Riham Satti: Riham Satti is the co-founder and CEO of MeVitae, an award-winning people intelligence platform that combines neuroscience, behavioural economics, and responsible AI to help organisations make fairer, faster, and fully explainable workforce decisions. A neuroscientist by training, Riham studied medical engineering at Imperial College London before completing her research at Oxford, where she developed a deep fascination with how the brain makes decisions. Through the Oxford University Innovation incubator, she co-founded MeVitae with computer scientist Vivek Doraiswamy to tackle bias and inefficiency in hiring. MeVitae now works with global enterprise clients including Transport for London, HS2, and Taylor Wessing, delivering up to 90% time and cost savings while reducing employee turnover by 25%. The company has been honoured with the Norrsken Impact/100 Award, nominated by Microsoft, and was selected by the UK Information Commissioner's Office to co-develop the national AI Data Protection Audit. Riham is a TEDx and keynote speaker and sits on the TechUK Council, advising on the responsible use of AI in business.Connect with Riham on LinkedIn Susannah de Jager: Susannah is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.Connect with Susannah on LinkedIn and Subscribe to the Oxford+ Newsletter for Exclusive ContentOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager and supported by Mishcon de Reya, HSBC Innovation Banking, and James Cowper Kreston.Produced and Edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

Aperture: A Claroty Podcast
Ric Derbyshire on Living-Off-the-Plant OT Cyberattacks

Aperture: A Claroty Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2026 24:22 Transcription Available


Ric Derbyshire, a Principal Security Researcher at Orange Cyberdefense and an Honorary Researcher at Imperial College London, joins the Nexus Podcast to discuss how attackers are able to gain lateral movement across operational technology (OT) assets through a tactic known as Living Off the Plant.Similar to Living-off-the-Land attacks, Living-Off-the-Plant TTPs leverage native functionality specific to OT, with a potential negative impact on physical assets and safety concerns. Subscribe and listen to the Nexus Podcast here. 

The Naked Scientists Podcast
Dealing with depression

The Naked Scientists Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 33:14


Today, the basis of depression and how science is helping in its management. Neuroscientist Trevor Robbins defines this condition; GP Munro Stewart tells us how it might be diagnosed and managed through medication; Jackie Rogers at the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy examines the role of talking therapy; and Imperial College London's David Nutt looks at how ECT, deep brain stimulation and psychedelic drugs can play their part... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Discovery
The Life Scientific: Washington Yotto Ochieng

Discovery

Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 26:30


As a child growing up on the shores of Lake Victoria in western Kenya, Washington Yotto Ochieng once watched a plane cross the night sky and told his mother he wished he could travel on it. But he remembers her encouraging him to dream bigger... Today, Washington is a Professor of Engineering at Imperial College London, and President of the Royal Institute of Navigation. Over a career bridging industry and academia, he has helped shape the movement of urban transport; how satellites guide us and locate us; and how governments manage the technologies underpinning so much of modern life. Professor Jim Al-Khalili speaks to Washington about his inspirational upbringing, how reliant we've become on technologies such as GPS, and his work encouraging the next generation of engineers in both the UK and Africa.

The Third Wave
Why Group Psychedelic Therapy Matters - Dr. Lauren Macdonald

The Third Wave

Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 55:54


In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Dr. Lauren Macdonald, a clinical trial physician and psychedelic therapist, about the evolving role of community in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-356/?ref=278  Lauren shares insights from her work at Imperial College London, where she contributed to research on psilocybin for anorexia and fibromyalgia, as well as DMT for treatment-resistant depression. She reflects on the limitations of purely individual therapeutic models and explores how group-based approaches can foster deeper healing through connection, shared experience, and what she describes as communitas. The conversation also touches on the contrast between clinical and ceremonial settings, the role of group dynamics in emotional processing, and the challenges of access and affordability as psychedelic therapy expands. Dr. Lauren Macdonald has a background in psychiatry, psychedelic-assisted therapy, and group retreat facilitation, working at the intersection of science, soul, and spirit. At the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, she has served as a clinical trial doctor and psychedelic therapist on studies exploring psilocybin for anorexia and fibromyalgia, and DMT for treatment-resistant depression. Highlights: Psilocybin therapy in clinical research Limits of individual therapy models Why group work deepens healing Communitas and shared experience Bridging science and spirituality Psychedelics in palliative care Relational safety in altered states Episode Links: Lauren Macdonald's Website The Reconnection: Women's Psilocybin and Somatic Retreats Bridging Worlds: 6-Month Training Episode Sponsors: The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization. Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.

Code for Thought
[EN] ByteSized: create your web-site with GitHub Pages - J Cohen, S Gibson

Code for Thought

Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 47:49


English Edition: In this ByteSized episode & online class we're talking about GitHub Pages and how it can help you to create a web-site for your research project (reasonably) quickly. With me are Sarah Gibson and Jeremy Cohen. I'd like to thank the UK STEP-UP project and Imperial College London for supporting this show. Links:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_GitHubhttps://docs.github.com/en/pages https://github.blog/developer-skills/github/github-for-beginners-getting-started-with-github-pages/ https://jekyllrb.com/docs/history/#v0-1-0https://jekyllrb.com/ https://liquidjs.com/tutorials/intro-to-liquid.htmlhttps://gohugo.io/https://jupyterbook.org/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_STFQc9Y2zY Sarah Gibson's tutorial on Hugo and GitHub Pages on YouTubehttps://www.markdownguide.org/basic-syntax/ https://docs.gitlab.com/user/project/pages/https://docs.codeberg.org/codeberg-pages/ Get in touchThank you for listening! Merci de votre écoute! Vielen Dank für´s Zuhören!Contact Details/ Coordonnées / Kontakt:Email mailto:peter@code4thought.orgUK RSE Slack (ukrse.slack.com): @code4thought or @piddie Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/code4thought.bsky.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pweschmidt/  (personal Profile)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/codeforthought/ (Code for Thought Profile)This podcast is licensed under the Creative Commons Licence:  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

RTÉ - CountryWide Podcast

As the Mayfly season gets underway.  Fisheries scientist, Ken Whelan, joined Sheila O'Callaghan along the banks of the Blackwater River near Virginia in Co Cavan, and Dr Samuel Fabian from the University of Oxford and his colleagues from Imperial College London reveals the science behind the Mayfly's dance in newly published research.

Edifice Complex Podcast
#112 Ian Rudolph - Regenerative Design

Edifice Complex Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 97:06


Quality, Consequences and the Construction Industrial Complex (part 467)Our guest this episode is Ian Rudolph talking about regenerative design, training and qualifying as an Architect, insurance and much more.If you enjoy this episode, share it with friends and give us a review, it helps more than you know.In this episode, we discuss:De-construction materials as waste in the wrong spaceDe-construction rather than demolition60% of UK waste generated by constructionActual regenerative projectsAnd much more…….More on IanIan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-rudolph-9396a512/Marks Barfield Architects: https://marksbarfield.com/Marks Barfield Architects Circular Economy Explainer: https://marksbarfield.com/projects/beyondsustainability/22 Baker Street case study: https://marksbarfield.com/projects/22-baker-street/Oasis Nature Building Case Study: https://marksbarfield.com/oasis-nature-building/The Lantern Case Study: https://marksbarfield.com/projects/the-lantern-75-hampstead-road/BioIan Rudolph BA (Hons) Arch, Dip (Hons) Arch ARB RIBA, is a Director at Marks Barfield Architects in London UK. A qualified architect since 1995, Ian began his career in Germany designing energy efficient mass-timber buildings. Today, he oversees a talented team delivering bespoke, low-carbon projects across the UK and internationally.Marks Barfield Architects, winner of over 100 awards, works across education, arts, culture, workplace, residential, and infrastructure sectors, advancing sustainable and circular design principles. Previously, Ian led major projects at Sheppard Robson, including Santander's London HQ and research facilities for Imperial College London, GSK, and MRC. His focus now is on integrating regenerative design into every facet of architectural practice

BBC Inside Science
The science behind hantavirus

BBC Inside Science

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 26:29


Following three deaths linked to the deadly hantavirus disease on a cruise ship this month, the scientific community is racing to answer the many unknown questions surrounding the outbreak.Tom Whipple speaks to Dr Emma Hodcroft, an epidemiologist at the University of Basel and co-founder of Pathoplexus, an online database of pathogen genomes, to explore what the new hantavirus genomic sequences can tell us.He also hears from Dr Nicole Luri, Executive Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response from the NGO The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness (CEPI), to hear what steps would be taken if the hantavirus strain had the potential to become a pandemic, and how far their "100 days" mission has come. With less than a month until the men's football World Cup kicks off in the United States, Canada and Mexico, there are warnings from climate scientists that football's global governing body FIFA needs to do more to combat the risks from the high temperatures both players and fans are expected to face. We speak to Dr Theodore Keeping from the World Weather Attribution team at Imperial College London to hear about the predicted conditions and the concerns they are raising.Plus, mathematician Kit Yates from the University of Bath brings us his pick of the week's science news you might have missed, including new hearing technology that might help you follow conversations in rowdy parties.Presenter: Tom Whipple Producer: Alex Mansfield Editor: Ilan Goodman Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth

Med Tech Gurus
When Every Minute Is Critical: Scaling AI to Save Stroke Patients

Med Tech Gurus

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 40:11


What if frontline clinicians everywhere had instant access to expert-level stroke imaging — no matter where a patient arrives? In this episode of Med Tech Gurus, we're joined by Michalis Papadakis, CEO and Co-Founder of Brainomix, an Oxford University spin-out using AI to transform how stroke is diagnosed and treated. With a background in neuroscience from Imperial College London, UCL, and the University of Oxford, Michalis built Brainomix with a singular mission: ensure patients don't miss out on life-saving stroke treatments due to delays or lack of imaging expertise. Under his leadership, Brainomix developed Brainomix 360 Stroke, the world's first fully automated AI imaging suite for stroke care — now deployed in more than 30 countries, backed by 50+ clinical publications, and processing patient scans in minutes with results delivered in under sixty seconds. In this conversation, we explore how starting with a true clinical unmet need, relentless evidence generation, and seamless workflow integration enabled Brainomix to scale globally and materially improve patient outcomes. If you care about AI in healthcare, stroke innovation, clinical adoption, or scaling medtech from academia to enterprise, this is a blueprint worth hearing.

CiscoChat Podcast
AI Insights - Ep.4: Can AI Pick Stocks by Reading the News?

CiscoChat Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 22:16


In this month's episode of The Cisco AI Insights Podcast, hosts Rafael Herrera and Sónia Marques explore the evolving landscape of sentiment analysis with Cisco machine learning engineer Joan Rossello. The conversation centers on the research paper from Imperial College London, “FinDPO: Financial Sentiment Analysis for Algorithmic Trading Through Preference Optimization of LLMs,” which proposes a new way to train large language models to better interpret nuanced human language. By comparing output quality, this preference-based training improved generalization and helped models interpret complex financial language without relying on simple memorization. Additionally, the discussion explored how sentiment scores derived from model probabilities were used to rank companies based on the strength of their news coverage, yielding promising results. A special thank you to the team that developed this month's paper. If you are interested in reading the paper yourself, please visit this link: ⁠ https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.18417

The Chris Voss Show
The Chris Voss Show Podcast – The Fixer: A Journalist's Accidental Journey through the Middle East by Amjad Tadros

The Chris Voss Show

Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2026 50:41


The Fixer: A Journalist's Accidental Journey through the Middle East by Amjad Tadros Amjadtadros.com https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4RFWG9Z Dive into the heart of the Middle East with The Fixer, Amjad M. Tadros's gripping memoir of life as a CBS News “fixer.” A Jordanian son of Palestinian refugees, Tadros survived a U.S. missile strike in Baghdad, only to be visited by Saddam Hussein in his hospital bed. From tracking 9/11 hijackers' origins to witnessing the Arab Spring's broken dreams, he navigated wars, dictators, and hope with a front-row seat to history. Straddling Arab and Western worlds, Tadros faced accusations of betrayal from both sides—labeled a spy by some Arabs, a defender of tyrants by Westerners. With humor, courage, and unflinching honesty, he unveils the truth behind the headlines, offering a rare glimpse into a region of chaos and resilience. Perfect for readers of The Forever War and Guests of the Ayatollah, The Fixer is a vibrant tale of identity, survival, and the search for truth in the Middle East—a place Tadros calls home. About the author Amjad M. Tadros is an award-winning investigative journalist and media entrepreneur with more than three decades of leadership in journalism, digital media, and communications. As CBS News’ Middle East producer from 1990 to 2023, he managed regional coverage of transformative events, including Iraq’s wars, the September 11 hijackers’ backstories, the Arab Spring, and Syria’s chemical attacks on civilians. His commitment to truth earned him four Emmy Awards, including for stories about Syria’s chemical gas attacks (2016) and White Helmets (2017), a 2008 Peabody Award, and two Alfred I. duPont Awards from Columbia Journalism School. In 2013, Tadros co-founded Syria Direct, an independent media organization empowering young Syrians to deliver impartial news about their country’s conflict. Publishing in Arabic and English, it reaches audiences in Syria, the Syrian diaspora, diplomats, and scholars. It serves as a resource for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees’ Commission of Inquiry on Syria. Syria Direct earned the 2017 McNulty Prize, the 2019 Migration Media Award, and the 2020 Free Press Unlimited Syria Co-Production Fund prize for its impactful journalism. Now retired from CBS News, Tadros focuses on strategic media initiatives and governance while managing his family’s Medjool date farm, exporting premium dates globally. He holds an honors degree in mechanical engineering from Imperial College London and a diploma in public narrative from the Harvard Kennedy School.

The Fertility Podcast
Endo, Eggs and IVF: the conversation we should all be having

The Fertility Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2026 32:59


If you have endometriosis and you're thinking about your fertility, this is one of those conversations I really want you to hear.In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Shirin Khanjani, Consultant Gynaecologist and accredited subspecialist in reproductive medicine and surgery, to properly unpack what's actually going on when endometriosis and fertility collide.This chat comes off the back of the government's Renewed Women's Health Strategy, which has once again highlighted just how many women are still being dismissed, delayed, or left without answers. And when it comes to endometriosis, the reality is still pretty shocking. On average, it takes seven to eight years to get a diagnosis.So this episode is about what happens next. Once you finally have that diagnosis, what do you actually need to know?We talk through everything, from how surgery can affect your egg reserve, to why IVF isn't a one-size-fits-all approach for endometriosis patients, to the emotional weight of trying to navigate all of this at the same time.What we cover in this episodeWhy endometriosis has been one of the biggest gaps in women's health and how that is slowly starting to shift The many different ways endometriosis can show up, from period pain to IBS, fatigue, back pain and infertility Why diagnosis still takes years and what you can do to advocate for yourself What to ask for at GP level and how to push for proper investigations The nuance around surgery and when it can help fertility or potentially reduce egg reserve What happens to ovarian reserve when chocolate cysts are removed Why fertility preservation, like egg or embryo freezing, should be considered before surgery in some cases How endometriosis changes IVF protocols and why specialist care matters The impact of fluid-filled tubes on implantation and when surgery becomes necessary The emotional and psychological toll of managing endometriosis alongside fertility treatment Why continuity of care makes such a difference to outcomes Common misconceptions around natural conception with endometriosis Why waiting too long without investigation can cost valuable reproductive time The impact of endometriosis in the workplace and why awareness still matters Why endometriosis and IVF is not one-size-fits-allOne of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that standard IVF pathways don't always apply if you have endometriosis.Dr. Khanjani explains that specialist protocols often need to include:Managing oestrogen levels carefully during stimulation Navigating more complex egg collections due to scar tissue or cysts Using antibiotics during egg collection to reduce inflammation risk Supporting the body after collection to keep endometriosis under control Her advice is simple but important. When you walk into a clinic, ask directly if they have specific protocols for endometriosis patients. If they don't, that tells you something.Misconceptions we really need to clear upThere are a few things Dr. Khanjani is very clear on:You can still fall pregnant naturally with endometriosis. The chances may be lower, but it's not impossible Egg quality is not automatically worse. IVF outcomes can be comparable once eggs are retrieved Surgery is not always the first step. In some cases, it can delay treatment or reduce egg reserve Being told to “just keep trying” without investigation can waste valuable time There isn't one perfect pathway. Everything needs to be individualised About Dr. Shirin KhanjaniDr. Shirin Khanjani is a Consultant Gynaecologist and accredited subspecialist in reproductive medicine and surgery.She holds a PhD from Imperial College London and is an Honorary Associate Professor at University College London. In her NHS role at UCLH, she focuses on low ovarian reserve, recurrent implantation failure and endometriosis.She is also a co-founder of Fitzrovia Fertility, a London clinic built around genuinely personalised, evidence-based care.Find out more: https://fitzroviafertility.co.uk https://fitzroviafertility.co.uk/about-usWhy this conversation mattersI hear from so many of you who've been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or passed from one specialist to another for years.By the time you get to a fertility clinic, you're often already exhausted, anxious, and unsure who to trust.This episode is about helping you feel more informed and more prepared. So when you walk into those conversations, you know what to ask and what to look out for.This episode is for you if you are:Newly diagnosed and trying to understand what this means for your fertility Considering surgery and want to understand the impact on your egg reserve About to start IVF and unsure whether your clinic has the specialist knowledge needed Trying to conceive and being told to wait without investigation Supporting someone navigating all of the above Support and resourcesThe Fertility Podcast is the official podcast for Fertility Action, a charity providing education, support and campaigning for fairer access to fertility treatment.Fertility Action runs free drop-in support sessions twice a week. No sign-up needed.This episode is sponsored by Wild NutritionNavigating supplements when you are trying to conceive can feel overwhelming.Wild Nutrition offers free one-to-one consultations with nutritional therapists so your support is tailored to your specific situation.Their supplements are formulated for optimal absorption, with 31 carefully selected nutrients including folate, zinc and B vitamins, and are trusted by over 50,000 couples.As a listener of The Fertility Podcast, you can get:50% off for 3 months A free personal consultation Visit: https://wildnutrition.com/fertilitypodcast Terms and conditions applySupport the podcastI'm climbing the Three Peaks this June to raise funds for Fertility Action. Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours.If this podcast has helped you in any way, even a small donation would mean a lot and you'll get a shout-out on a future episode.Here's how you can donate: Everyone who donates will get a shout-out on a future episode , so listen out for your name!Stay connectedFollow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddyIf you haven't already, please subscribe and leave a review. It really helps more people find the podcast.Thank you, as always, for your ear holes. Until next time.

Highlights from Moncrieff
What is the reason behind the ‘mayfly dance'?

Highlights from Moncrieff

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2026 6:38


Mayfly season is almost upon us, but why do they do the very unusual ‘mayfly dance'? Now, researchers think they have found the answer.Joining Seán to discuss is Sam Fabian, an Entomologist with Imperial College London…

The Life Scientific
Washington Yotto Ochieng on the navigation tech that keeps our world moving

The Life Scientific

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2026 28:25


As a child growing up on the shores of Lake Victoria in western Kenya, Washington Yotto Ochieng once watched a plane cross the night sky and told his mother he wished he could travel on it. But he remembers her encouraging him to dream bigger...Today, Washington is a Professor of Engineering at Imperial College London, and President of the Royal Institute of Navigation. Over a career bridging industry and academia, he has helped shape the movement of urban transport; how satellites guide us and locate us; and how governments manage the technologies underpinning so much of modern life. Professor Jim Al-Khalili speaks to Washington about his inspirational upbringing, how reliant we've become on technologies such as GPS, and his work encouraging the next generation of engineers in both the UK and Africa. Presented by Jim Al-Khalili Produced by Lucy TaylorA BBC Studios production

BBC Inside Science
Can we prevent the next pandemic?

BBC Inside Science

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2026 26:28


A phase 3 clinical trial is underway to determine the effectiveness of an mRNA vaccine for H5N1, a strain of influenza that is currently of concern. The virus, which is commonly found in birds across the world and is rarely transmitted to humans. However, when it is transmitted, the disease is often fatal, and scientists fear that if the virus were to mutate, it could lead to rapid, widespread infection. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world are keen to be better prepared for future threats. These latest efforts aim to develop an mRNA vaccine that could be rolled out on an unprecedented scale if the worst were to happen. John Tregoning, author of Infectious: Pathogens and How We Fight Them and Professor of Vaccine Immunology at Imperial College London, joins Tom to explain how these mRNA vaccines could revolutionise preparedness. In the lead-up to the 100th birthday of the world-famous broadcaster and behavioural ecologist Sir David Attenborough, Inside Science is shining a spotlight on a species of scientific importance that has been named after him. This week, Dr Frankie Dunn describes her discovery of a fossil that we now know to be the earliest animal predator. And Lizzy Gibney, senior reporter at Nature, shares the latest science news that may have slipped under the radar but is well worth your attention. Presenter: Tom Whipple Producer: Harrison Lewis & Katie Tomsett Editor: Martin Smith Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth

This Tantric Life with Layla Martin
The New Science of Psychedelics, Sex, and Deep Connection

This Tantric Life with Layla Martin

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2026 89:56


Shownotes    Layla's story of encountering aliens for the first time How psilocybin impacts people's sex lives compared to SSRIs What changed for Tomasso sexually after a guided psilocybin experience  What makes your romantic partner the best, or worst, thing for your nervous system Why a healthy, happy man can set a tone for an entire relationship Why choosing your partner is the most important decision you will ever make   Bio Tommaso Barba a PhD candidate at the Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London. Under the mentorship of Dr. David Erritzoe and Prof. David Nutt, he has co-authored more than ten high-impact publications, including five as first author, in prestigious journals like The Lancet EClinical Medicine and Nature Scientific Reports. His research explores the efficacy of psychedelics compared to traditional antidepressants, short acting tryptamines and the impact of psychedelics and MDMA on couples' intimacy, advocating for their potential in improving couples' connection within therapeutic settings. Tommaso's work has garnered widespread international and national media recognition, reflecting both its scientific importance and its societal relevance. He has been featured in Forbes USA, The Times, The Telegraph, Rolling Stone , CNN, Women's Health and more.   You can follow Tomasso's work on Instagram and on X, read his research here, and sign up to join Tomasso's Psychedelics and Couples Study. Follow Layla!

Ortho Science BYTES Podcast
Understanding and addressing syphilis trends in the United States

Ortho Science BYTES Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2026 13:07


Our latest episode of QuidelOrtho Science Bytes addresses a public health paradox: while early-stage syphilis cases in the U.S. are declining, congenital syphilis continues to rise despite being entirely preventable. Host Josh Casey is joined by Andrea Ott‑Vasconi, Director of Scientific Affairs and Regulatory at QuidelOrtho, to unpack CDC data and explain why missed or delayed screening during pregnancy is driving congenital infections. Together, they explore how syphilis testing works, when infections are being missed and why repeat screening is essential, especially later in pregnancy.   About Our Speaker:  Andrea Ott-Vasconi, Director of Scientific Affairs and Regulatory at QuidelOrtho Andrea holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and an MBA from New York University. Most recently, she earned a Master of Public Health from Imperial College London. With over 20 years of experience in the medical device industry, Andrea has worked in many different roles, including product development and clinical marketing. In her current role at QuidelOrtho, she manages a team responsible for the development of educational content, scientific publications and evidence generation. Andrea is passionate about increasing awareness of the clinical value of laboratory tests and their impact on improving patient outcomes.

Fuse - The 15 minute PR, Marketing and Communications podcast
Only 1% of UK Professors Are Black: How Imperial's Media Academy Backs BME Researchers

Fuse - The 15 minute PR, Marketing and Communications podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2026 21:50


In this episode of the PRCA Fuse podcast, Adrian Ma speaks with Maxine Myers, Communications Manager at Imperial College London, who helped set up Imperial as one of the Media Academies.The Media Academy is a three‑month programme for BME researchers from Imperial and partner institutions such as the Francis Crick Institute and the Institute of Cancer Research. It offers training in:- Media interviews and broadcast appearances- Social media and video storytelling- Public engagement and communicating with diverse audiences- Writing opinion pieces and blogs- Public affairs and policy – including how to get research in front of decision‑makersSince launching, the Academy has:- Trained over 130 researchers- Supported graduates to appear in 700+ national, international and industry media pieces- Seen participants present at the House of Lords- Helped secure funding for life‑saving research, from sickle cell care to rapid HIV diagnostics in sub‑Saharan AfricaConnect:Website: Maxine Myers LinkedIn: nMaxine Myers LinkedIn: Adrian Ma - Fanclub PR Website: https://www.fanclubpr.com/LinkedIn: Ike MgbenweluPRCA Fuse (Podcast Producer): ike.mgbenwelu@prca.globalDisclaimer: Views expressed by the guest are their own and not necessarily endorsed by the Fuse podcast.

Homeopathy Hangout with Eugénie Krüger
Ep 447: HRI: How does homeopathy work? - with Dr Alex Tournier

Homeopathy Hangout with Eugénie Krüger

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2026 48:18


Something about homeopathy that often gets questioned begins to make more sense when you hear it through the lens of science, and that's exactly what this conversation with Dr. Alex Tournier brings into focus. Alex shares how his journey started during a struggle with chronic fatigue, when a simple homeopathic remedy led to a surprising recovery and sparked his curiosity. With his background in physics, he explains the role of water, its unique properties, and how it may store and transmit information through oscillatory patterns. We also talk about the skepticism around homeopathy, the importance of experimental evidence across biological systems, and the ongoing work at Homeopathic Research Institute to build a stronger scientific dialogue. It's a grounded, thoughtful conversation that invites a more open-minded look at how homeopathy might work. Episode Highlights: 05:05 - Dr. Alex Tournier's Background and Journey into Homeopathy 10:52 - The Role of Water in Homeopathy 12:05 - Exploring Homeopathy's Mechanism of Action 18:04 - Quantum Electrodynamics and Water Properties 24:41 - Oscillatory Patterns and Biological Interaction 30:49 - Challenges in Homeopathy Research 35:36 - Consciousness and Field Effects in Homeopathy 40:14 - The Homeopathic Research Institute (HRI) Overview 44:38 - Thoughts on Skepticism and Open-Mindedness About my Guests: Dr. Alexander Tournier is a physicist and interdisciplinary researcher known for his work in the biophysics of water and complementary medicine research. He studied physics at Imperial College London and later pursued advanced theoretical physics at University of Cambridge. He completed his PhD in biophysics at University of Heidelberg, where his research focused on water-protein interactions and the physical properties of water in biological systems. Following his academic training, Dr. Tournier spent about a decade working with Cancer Research UK, conducting interdisciplinary research that applied physics and mathematics to biological questions. His work during this period strengthened his interest in understanding complex biological systems and the role that water plays in living organisms. In 2007, he founded the Homeopathy Research Institute, an international organization dedicated to promoting scientific research in homeopathy and complementary medicine. He later became a scientific collaborator at the University of Bern, where he continues to explore the physics of water and its possible relevance to biology and medicine. Find out more about Dr. Alexander Website: https://www.hri-research.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/homeopathyresearch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeopathyresearchinstitute/# Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HRIResearch If you would like to support the Homeopathy Hangout Podcast, please consider making a donation by visiting www.EugenieKruger.com and click the DONATE button at the top of the site. Every donation about $10 will receive a shout-out on a future episode. Join my Homeopathy Hangout Podcast Facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HelloHomies Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eugeniekrugerhomeopathy/ Here is the link to my free 30-minute Homeopathy@Home online course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqBUpxO4pZQ&t=438s Upon completion of the course - and if you live in Australia - you can join my Facebook group for free acute advice (you'll need to answer a couple of questions about the course upon request to join): www.facebook.com/groups/eughom            

Web3 with Sam Kamani
378: No KYC, No Minimum: Get SpaceX Exposure With Just a Solana Wallet with Guest Speaker Chan Ahn from Tessera Lab

Web3 with Sam Kamani

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2026 32:30


 sat down with Chan, founder of Tessera Labs, to explore how they are tearing down the walls around private equity investing. Chan spent over a decade at Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Credit Suisse before doing a PhD in computational finance at Imperial College London. He saw first hand that the best returns in private markets were locked behind accreditation requirements, massive minimum tickets, and years of illiquidity. Tessera is his answer to that. We talk about how they tokenized SpaceX participation rights on Solana, why they chose Chainlink for proof of reserve, how $75 million in trading volume happened in just a few months, and what their next product T-Kalshi means for everyday investors who want exposure to one of the hottest prediction market companies in the US right now. We also get into the legal architecture behind the Cayman SPC structure, why no KYC is intentional and not an oversight, the challenges of building in a regulatory gray zone, and what Chan would tell any founder building in the RWA space today. Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/--- CONNECT ---Tessera Website: https://tessera.peTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/tesseralabsWeb3 with Sam Kamani: https://www.web3pod.xyz/--- KEY POINTS WITH TIMESTAMPS ---• [00:00] Sam introduces Chan from Tessera Labs and the goal of disrupting the multi-trillion dollar private equity market• [01:03] Chan shares his background across Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Credit Suisse plus his PhD in computational finance at Imperial College• [02:28] The three interlocking problems Tessera solves: access, liquidity, and transparency in private equity• [04:25] A step-by-step walkthrough of how an investor gets exposure to Kalshi private shares through tessera.pe with no KYC and no minimum• [06:34] Why Kalshi's US regulatory access gave it a major revenue advantage over Polymarket• [08:13] Four advantages of tokenized private equity over traditional VC and PE funds including $75 million in T-SpaceX trading volume• [11:13] The two early user groups: crypto-native retail investors and trade professionals in Asia and MENA• [12:34] The hardest parts of bringing real world assets on chain: legal structure, Oracle design, and MPC custody• [14:31] How Tessera uses Chainlink proof of reserve, Cayman SPC legal isolation, and Fireblocks MPC to build trust• [16:29] Why Tessera chose Solana over Ethereum, BASE, and Arbitrum including Token 22 transfer hooks• [18:56] Advice for RWA founders: design for retail-native access first, get legal architecture right before product, and choose your Oracle carefully• [21:53] What Chan would do differently if starting Tessera Labs again today• [24:06] The biggest challenge ahead: navigating a regulatory landscape that recognises the space but has not yet legislated it• [26:25] Plans for staking and using T-tokens as collateral for borrowing and lending yield• [27:58] Why Tessera will stay focused on late-stage pre-IPO names for now and the opportunity around IPO lockup periods• [30:12] Chan's three asks: users to try tessera.pe, secondary liquidity partners to get in touch, and strategic investors who share the vision

Mergers & Acquisitions
Ventures and Virtues of Crypto: A Conversation with Wei Shi Khai and QZ

Mergers & Acquisitions

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2026 65:07


Series Summary The series brings together anthropologists, researchers, and practitioners to examine crypto as it unfolds across time and place. We follow crypto through its successive cycles, from early experimentation and speculative booms to moments of crash. These episodes highlight the value of an ethnographic lens to research the volatile landscape of crypto, showing how ideas of value, risk and trust are continuously reworked across communities, geographies, and cycles. Final Episode At a moment of industry soul-searching, host Al Lim sits down with venture investors Wei Shi Khai and Qing Ze (QZ) to take stock of crypto from Singapore and Asia. The conversation traces a long arc: from early idealism through hyper-speculation to today’s pragmatism, asking how practitioners make sense of crypto’s shifting meanings and futures. Topics range from privacy and censorship resistance to regulation, infrastructure, AI, and Singaporean governing logics, through to the role of anthropologists from an industry perspective. What does it mean to build in an industry that prides itself on being “the biggest collection of misfits,” and what might the future hold?     Guests Wei Shi Khai is Co-founder and General Partner of LongHash Ventures, with aggregate assets under management of approximately US$100 million since 2021. Shi Khai also co-founded and launched LongHashX, Asia's first globally focused blockchain accelerator backed by a Singapore sovereign wealth fund. Through LongHashX, he has overseen the acceleration of more than 70 early-stage companies and supported them in raising over US$250 million to date. Prior to LongHash Ventures, he was a consultant at McKinsey & Company in Malaysia, advising C-suite clients across the banking, telecommunications, and energy sectors on strategy, organisational design, and digital transformation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Imperial College London. Qing Ze (QZ) is a community builder and investor in the Ethereum ecosystem. Over the past several years, he has been deeply embedded in the space — organizing ETHSingapore, one of Southeast Asia’s flagship Ethereum events, and contributing to ecosystem development at Gitcoin. Building on this foundation, QZ co-founded the Ethereum Ecosystem Fund, a $30M seed-stage venture fund backed by Ethereum pioneers. This fund invests in early-stage projects that advance decentralized infrastructure and programmable financial systems.   Series Host Al Lim is an incoming Presidential Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Singapore Management University and a PhD candidate at Yale University, where his doctoral research examines the social ecology of crypto in Thailand. He has published in Environment and Planning E: Nature and Space, Urban Geography, and The Journal of the Siam Society, and holds an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a BA (summa cum laude) from Yale-NUS College. He also brings several years of professional experience in the crypto and AI sectors, including venture capital and ecosystem development.

The OCD Stories
Dr Sorcha O'Connor: The PsilOCD study investigating low-dose psilocybin for OCD (#532)

The OCD Stories

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2026 49:41


In episode 532 I chat with Dr Sorcha O'Connor. Sorcha is a neuroscientist and PhD graduate from Imperial College London, where she led the PsilOCD study investigating low-dose psilocybin for OCD.  We discuss Sorcha's background that led her to this work, what is psilocybin, the background to the study, what the actual study looked like for participants, the outcomes of the study, what's happening in the brain during a dose of psilocybin, future studies, how psychedelics may improve learning, integration sessions with a therapist, what people with OCD can take from this study, limitations of the study, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/sorcha-532 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Join many other listeners getting our weekly emails. Never miss a podcast episode or update: https://theocdstories.com/newsletter 

Full Story
What's behind the injectable peptide craze?

Full Story

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2026 18:08


Grey-market injectable peptides – a category of substances with obscure, alphanumeric names such as BPC-157, GHK-Cu and TB-500 – have developed a devoted following among biohackers and health optimisers. To understand how these unregulated substances have become mainstream and what they could be doing in our bodies, Madeleine Finlay hears from journalist Adrienne Matei and from Dr Anna Barnard, an associate professor at Imperial College London who researches peptides

Going anti-Viral
Neurodegeneration and Dementia Risk in Older Adults with HIV: Biomarkers and Epidemiology – Dr Alan Winston

Going anti-Viral

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2026 28:15


In episode 72 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Alan Winston joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss a presentation he gave at the 2026 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) entitled Neurodegeneration and Dementia Risk in Older Adults With HIV: Biomarkers and Epidemiology. Dr Winston is a Professor of HIV and Genitourinary Medicine at Imperial College London and Consultant Physician at St. Mary's Hospital, London. His research focuses on noninfectious comorbidities associated with HIV in the modern antiretroviral era, with a strong focus on central nervous system complications. He is the principal clinical investigator on the POPPY study, a cohort study describing the incidence and nature of comorbidities in HIV. Dr Winston and Dr Saag discuss the history and current understanding of neurodegeneration and dementia risk in older adults with HIV and review the impact of antiretroviral therapy and neuroinflammation. They review clinical assessment and screening for dementia and neurodegenerative disease including a detailed discussion of imaging techniques and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) examination.0:00 – Introduction 1:30 – HIV and neurodegeneration4:37 – Current manifestations of CNS disease in older adults with HIV8:28 – Assessing cognitive health in older adults with HIV12:29 – Screening for dementia and neurodegenerative disease18:20 – Neuropsychometric testing, CSF examination, and management of CSF escape24:23 – Imaging techniques and future directionsResources:CROI 2026: https://www.croiconference.org/ __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

Science Weekly
What's behind the injectable peptide craze?

Science Weekly

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2026 17:42


Grey-market injectable peptides – a category of substances with obscure, alphanumeric names such as BPC-157, GHK-Cu, or TB-500 – have developed a devoted following among biohackers and health optimisers. To understand how these unregulated substances have become mainstream and what they could be doing in our bodies, Madeleine Finlay hears from journalist Adrienne Matei and from Dr Anna Barnard, an associate professor at Imperial College London who researches peptides. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

TechFirst with John Koetsier
Teaching robots like humans: 1000 tasks in 24 hours

TechFirst with John Koetsier

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 24:22


Imagine teaching a robot 1000 tasks in just 24 hours. Imagine teaching robots just like you teach humans.In fact, what if teaching a robot were as easy as showing it once?Humans can learn new skills almost instantly by watching, trying, or receiving a quick explanation. Robots, historically, haven't been so lucky. Training them often requires huge datasets with real or virtual data, massive engineering effort, and weeks or months of experimentation.But that may be changing.In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier talks with Edward Johns, Director of the Robot Learning Lab at Imperial College London, about a breakthrough in efficient imitation learning that allowed a robot to learn 1,000 different tasks in just 24 hours.Instead of collecting huge datasets, Johns' team combines simulation training, clever algorithm design, and single demonstrations to dramatically speed up how robots learn.We discuss:• How robots can learn from just one demonstration• Why breaking tasks into “reach” and “interact” phases makes learning faster• The role of simulation data in robotics AI• Why robotics doesn't have the same data advantage as large language models• The future of prompt-like robot training• Whether humanoid robots will actually learn like humansAs robotics hardware rapidly improves and costs fall, breakthroughs like this could be the key to making robots truly useful in homes, factories, and everyday life.If robots are going to become real collaborators with humans, they'll need to learn quickly ... just like we do.⸻GuestEdward JohnsDirector, Robot Learning LabImperial College Londonhttps://www.imperial.ac.uk⸻Subscribe for more conversations on AI, robotics, and the future of technology:https://techfirst.substack.com00:00 Can robots learn as fast as humans?00:51 Teaching a robot 1,000 tasks in 24 hours01:08 The two-phase learning approach02:14 Old-school robotics vs. machine learning03:29 The robotics data bottleneck04:47 The challenge of dynamic environments06:04 The coming wave of robot data06:59 Why robots must be teachable by users08:08 Why LLM-style scaling is harder in robotics09:42 Prompting robots with demonstrations10:54 Probabilistic robot behavior and safety12:20 What robots can do today13:53 Why hardware precision still matters16:53 When this reaches the real world17:59 Humanoids that look human vs. learn human18:40 The robotics boom around the world22:34 The risk of scaling too early23:46 Faster learning vs. more data26:20 The next frontier in robot learning

The Haskell Interlude
78: Jamie Willis

The Haskell Interlude

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2026 43:25


In this episode, we focus on a particular part of Haskell: teaching it. To help us, we are joined by Jamie Willis who is a Teaching Fellow at Imperial College London. The episode explores the benefits of live coding, and why Haskell is the best language for teaching programming.

Desert Island Discs
Professor Michele Dougherty, scientist

Desert Island Discs

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2026 52:15


Professor Michele Dougherty is President of the Institute of Physics and Professor of Space Physics at Imperial College London. She was appointed Astronomer Royal last year – the first woman to hold the post in its 350-year history.She was brought up in Durban in South Africa and studied for a Bachelor of Science degree in applied maths at Natal University. After completing a Master's and PhD she took up a fellowship at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Germany where she investigated solar wind and galactic wind outflows.In 1991 she joined Imperial College London where she helped devise a magnetic field model for the Ulysses mission. In 1997 she became principal investigator for the magnetometer instrument on board the Cassini probe which was sent to study Saturn and its system.She is currently lead investigator for the J-MAG magnetometer instrument on the European Space Agency's JUICE mission (Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer) which launched in 2023. It will reach Jupiter in 2031 and spend at least three years observing the planet and three of its largest moons, Ganymede, Callisto and Europa.Michele was appointed CBE in the 2018 New Years Honours List for services to UK Physical Science Research.DISC ONE: Puccini: Turandot, Act III: Nessun dorma! Performed by Luciano Pavarotti (tenor), John Alldis Choir, Wandsworth School Boys Choir and London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Zubin Mehta DISC TWO: Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: III. Adagio. Composed by Elgar. Performed by Jacqueline du Pré (cello) and London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir John Barbirolli DISC THREE: Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major, Op. 19: III. Moderato. Composed by Tchaikovsky. Performed by Frank Peters Zimmerman (violin), and Berliner Philharmoniker, conducted by Lorin Maazel DISC FOUR: We Three Kings of Orient Are - Robert Shaw Chamber Singers DISC FIVE: Dancing Queen - ABBA DISC SIX: Dance With My Father - Luther Vandross DISC SEVEN: Franck: Panis Angelicus. Performed by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa (soprano), English Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Barry Rose DISC EIGHT: Pie Jesu (From Requiem) Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Performed by Malakai Bayoh, Schola Cantorum of the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School and London Mozart Players, directed by Scott Price BOOK CHOICE: The Lord of The Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien LUXURY ITEM: An assortment of wine CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: III. Adagio. Composed by Elgar. Performed by Jacqueline du Pré (cello) and London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir John Barbirolli Presenter: Lauren Laverne Producer: Paula McGinleyDesert Island Discs has cast many space experts away to the island over the years including NASA's Dr Nicola Fox, the astronomer Carl Sagan and the astronauts Tim Peake and Chris Hadfield. You can hear their programmes if you search through BBC Sounds or our own Desert Island Discs website.

Science Weekly
The truth about fat, and its complex role in our health

Science Weekly

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 16:32


For a long time fat was seen simply as an inert yellow substance wrapping around our bodies, but now that's changing. Scientists are beginning to understand that our fat is actually intricate and dynamic, constantly in conversation with the rest of the body. It's now even considered by some to be an organ in its own right. To find out more about the complex role fat plays in our health, Ian Sample hears from co-host Madeleine Finlay and from Declan O'Regan, professor of cardiovascular AI at Imperial College London. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

TechFirst with John Koetsier
AI killing creativity: this scientist proved it

TechFirst with John Koetsier

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 25:17


Is AI killing creativity ... or just making it easier to be average?94% of creatives now use AI. But only 11% believe it actually makes them more creative. So what's really happening?In this episode of TechFirst, John Koetsier sits down with Saeema Ahmed-Kristensen, former head of design engineering research at Imperial College London's Dyson School and now leader of a £24M research portfolio at the University of Exeter. She's worked with companies like Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems, and she brings data to the debate.Her team analyzed 600 humans vs. 12,000 AI-generated ideas. The result? AI is excellent at fluency (lots of ideas) … but really bad a diversity. Humans still dominate in flexibility and true novelty.We explore:• Why generative AI clusters around sameness• Whether AI is creating a “sea of mediocrity”• Why 2026 may be a pivotal year for domain-specific AI• How experts should use AI differently than novices• The danger of AI that never says “no”• Where AI offers massive opportunity (especially healthcare & design)Saeema argues that creativity doesn't need substitution, it needs nourishment. The key? Standards, boundaries, and humans firmly in the loop.If you care about innovation, design, branding, product development, or the future of creative work, this conversation is essential.⸻

Discovery
The Life Scientific: Peter Knight

Discovery

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2026 26:29


There are problems and tasks so hard and complicated that it would take today's most powerful supercomputers millions of years to crack them. But in the next decade, we may well have quantum computers which could solve such problems in seconds.Professor Sir Peter Knight is a British pioneer in the realms of quantum optics and quantum information science. During his three decades as a researcher at Imperial College London, he has advanced our understanding of the physics which underpins how quantum computers work.Quantum optics was a new field of physics at the start of Peter Knight's career in the early 1970s and he tells Jim Al-Khalili about the excitement and opportunities for a young scientist at the birth of a new scientific discipline. He also talks about the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme. Since his retirement in 2010, Peter Knight has been the driving force behind this £1 billion government-funded endeavour which has positioned the UK as a world leader in the development and commercialisation of quantum computing and other revolutionary quantum inventions.

KERA's Think
Will vitamin c cure your cold?

KERA's Think

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2026 46:10


 If you're chugging orange juice or sipping chicken soup to battle colds, you might've been sold a bill of goods. Daniel M. Davis is head of life sciences and professor of immunology at Imperial College London. He joins host Krys Boyd to discuss the facts vs. myths of keeping your immune system healthy, why too strong an immune system might be detrimental, and the surprising remedies that actually work. His book is “Self-Defense: A Myth-Busting Guide to Immune Health.”  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices