Podcasts about University of Oxford

We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2022: at the Oxford university debating society in the 80s, a generation of aspiring politicians honed the art of winning using jokes, rather than facts By Simon Kuper. Read by Andrew McGregor. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and one of the most elite. But can its students measure up to Charlie Kirk? Charlie takes questions from the head of the Oxford Union on abortion after rape, birthright citizenship, and Joe Rogan, then faces off with the crowd on South Africa and far more in one of his most magnificent debates ever. Watch every episode ad-free on members.charliekirk.com! Get new merch at charliekirkstore.com!Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and one of the most elite. But can its students measure up to Charlie Kirk? Charlie takes questions from the head of the Oxford Union on abortion after rape, birthright citizenship, and Joe Rogan, then faces off with the crowd on South Africa and far more in one of his most magnificent debates ever. Watch every episode ad-free on members.charliekirk.com! Get new merch at charliekirkstore.com!Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us as for the finale of Season 11, as we discuss J.R.R. Tolkien's Valedictory Address to the University of Oxford, given in 1959 as he retired from the University. We break down his attitude towards the modern state of research-focused education, the problems in separating Language from Literature, and why Tolkien's essays matter more and more today.Follow us on X! Give us your opinions here!

Ed Bussey, CEO of Oxford Science Enterprises, discusses why time is running out to solve British tech's scaleup funding gap, why the potential for the UK tech industry is so much greater than its current performance and an out-there idea to improve the competitiveness of the London public markets.  Oxford Science Enterprises is a venture capital firm managing assets worth more than £800m. The group operates in partnership with the University of Oxford and is a prominent backer of spinouts from the university. 

How economically grounded is the UK's net zero commitment? Listen to Jason Mitchell discuss with Professor Sir Dieter Helm, University of Oxford, about what new forces and factors are reshaping net zero ambitions; how the UK should think about optimal climate policy; and why a realist approach is critical for navigating the political economy factors of climate action.

In this episode of Drafting the Past, host Kate Carpenter is joined by historian Dr. Lyndal Roper. Lyndal is a professor at the University of Oxford and the author of six books on gender, religion, witchcraft, and German history. Her newest book out this year is a history of the sixteenth-century German Peasants' War titled Summer of Fire and Blood. The book follows the movement, beliefs, hopes, and actions of the peasants in this mass uprising. I loved the opportunity to talk with Lyndal about how she wrote about such a massive and relatively obscure event for a general audience, the way her own movement across the land shaped her work, why she prefers the screen to the handwritten page, and much more.

Plants have their own underground network with each other, but how do they use it? Thomas Scott, postdoctoral researcher in evolutionary theory at the University of Oxford, digs in to find out. Thomas Scott is a postdoctoral researcher in evolutionary theory at the University of Oxford. In his research, he uses mathematical models to tackle […]

"Cities are part of the extended phenotype for the kind of knowledge that is produced by human civilisation."Are you interested in how quantum physics is influencing the future of cities? What do you think about the connection between knowledge and urban evolution? How can we create better urban environments for knowledge creation? Interview with Chiara Marletto, Scientific Researcher at University of Oxford. We will talk about her vision for the future of cities, the effects of scientific evolution, the best environment for knowledge creation, and many more as a special edition part of the Podcasthon 2025. Chiara Marletto is a Research Fellow at Wolfson College and the Physics Department, University of Oxford. She holds degrees from Oxford and the University of Turin. Her research focuses on the foundations of physics, spanning quantum information theory, condensed matter physics, quantum biology, and thermodynamics. Chiara has pioneered a novel approach to physics, constructor theory and has applied it to fundamental questions of control, causation and the nature of information in physics. Her work has also explored how essential features of living systems, such as self-reproduction and evolution, align with fundamental physical laws. Recently she has discovered a new method to test quantum effects in gravity, based on constructor-theoretic ideas. She is the author of The Science of Can and Can't, her first trade book.This is also a special episode to be part of Podcasthon 2025 - a globally coordinated effort for podcasts to highlight a charity of their choice. WTF4Cities is happy to participate in this 3rd edition of the Podcasthon with thousands of podcasts worldwide. The charity where you can support Chiara and her research is through Wolfson College at the University of Oxford with New Frontiers reference. Donations will be held in a dedicated fund, controlled by Chiara, and she'll be able to keep donors updated on the progress of her research and what their generosity has made possible. So if you want to help the research move ahead: Name: Wolfson College, University of Oxford Reference: New FrontiersLearn more about Chiara through these links: Chiara Marletto on LinkedIn Chiara Marletto website Chiara Marletto at Wolfson College Chiara Marletto on Wikipedia Chiara Marletto on Google Scholar Quantum New Frontiers Hub in Wolfson college The Science of Can and Can't - book by Chiara Marletto The Beginning of Infinity - book by David Deutsch The Fabric of Reality - book by David DeutschConnecting episodes you might be interested in: No.156 - Interview with Fanni Melles about urban conscious evolution No.180 - Interview with Ben Vass about knowledge creation No.272 - Interview with Frank Elavsky about philosophy No.307R - The Science of Can and Can't (book summary)What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@WTF4Cities⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wtf4cities.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ website where the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠shownotes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ are also available.I hope this was an interesting episode for you and thanks for tuning in.Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lesfm ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

Are you interested in how quantum physics is influencing the future of cities? What do you think about the connection between knowledge and urban evolution? How can we create better urban environments for knowledge creation? Trailer for episode 308 - interview with Chiara Marletto, Scientific Researcher at University of Oxford. We will talk about her vision for the future of cities, the effects of scientific evolution, the best environment for knowledge creation, and many more as a special edition part of the Podcasthon 2025. Find out more in the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Episode generated with ⁠⁠⁠Descript⁠⁠⁠ assistance (⁠⁠⁠affiliate link⁠⁠⁠).Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lesfm ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you were hunting for some fossilised dinosaur footprints, where would you go? To a remote part of North or South America, perhaps? A deserted wilderness for sure... But how about Oxfordshire? We chat to Dr Duncan Murdock from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History about an incredible discovery made right on our doorstep. Photo © Dr Emma Nicholls / Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Humans are social creatures; we live in family groups, socialise with friends, and work with colleagues both in person and online. Yet, how many friends do you really have? Evolutionary psychologist Professor Robin Dunbar says it won't be more than 150. Proposed in the 1990s, ‘Dunbar's number' puts a limit on the number of stable relationships humans can maintain at any given time, and his ‘social brain hypothesis' suggests that brain size is directly related to social group size in mammals. In short, the bigger the group, the bigger the brain. In this interview with our sister publication, Research Outreach, we find out how Dunbar's education moved from philosophy to psychology and how his research moved from primates to people, as well as why size matters when it comes to social groups and evolution.Read more in Research Outreach 

How can cutting-edge nanoscience transform medicine and inspire groundbreaking startups within Oxford? In this episode, Susannah de Jager sits down with Professor Dame Molly Stevens, John Black Professor of Bionanoscience at the University of Oxford. Together, they explore Molly's extraordinary journey in interdisciplinary research, the process of spinning out successful companies from academia, and the unique opportunities Oxford offers for scientific innovation. Molly also shares insights on fostering diverse teams, driving impactful research, and the future of quantum sensing in biomedical applications.(00:00) - Bringing Science to Society with Molly Stevens (00:18) - Meet Professor Dame Molly Stevens (03:59) - Innovative Biomedical Applications (04:38) - Breakthrough Technology: SPARTA (06:38) - Interdisciplinary Opportunities at Oxford (09:51) - UK-Wide and International Collaborations (11:08) - Spinning Out Companies: Challenges and Insights (23:10) - Championing Diversity in Entrepreneurship (27:44) - The Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery About the Guest:Molly Stevens is the John Black Professor of Bionanoscience at the University of Oxford, with part-time positions at Imperial College London and the Karolinska Institute. As a world-leading expert in biomaterial interfaces, her multidisciplinary research spans regenerative medicine, advanced therapeutics, and diagnostics. She is a serial entrepreneur, founding successful companies such as Spot by Discovery and she serves as Deputy Director of the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery. Recognised internationally, Molly is a Fellow of the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and numerous other prestigious academies.Connect with Molly on LinkedInAbout the host:Susannah de Jager 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 LinkedInVisit our website to learn more and subscribe to our newsletter - oxfordplus.co.ukIf you have a question for Susannah, please get in touch - oxfordplus.co.uk/contactOxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager, supported by Mishcon de Reya and produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

Electric eels are pretty amazing creatures. Their bodies can release powerful electric charges - in some cases reaching 650 volts! So, what can scientists learn from these animals? Could nature hold the key to advancing our own energy solutions? We chat to Dr Yujia Zhang about how electric eels might inspire the batteries of the future.

John speaks with Dr. Nigel Biggar and Dr. Stephen Chavura to explore the complexities of history, challenging one-sided narratives of colonisation and conflict. Their discussion sheds light on the nuanced relationships between settlers and Indigenous peoples, revealing both moments of mutual respect and undeniable tragedy. The discussion emphasises an understanding of history within its true context, free from oversimplifications. They also examine contemporary issues affecting Indigenous Australians, including the widening gaps in remote communities despite progressive policies. Each of them advocate practical solutions that focus on integration, education, and equal justice, rather than divisive narratives perpetuating victimhood. Dr. Nigel Biggar CBE is Emeritus Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at the University of Oxford, author and theologian. His most recent books are Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning (William Collins, 2023) and What's Wrong with Rights? (Oxford University Press, 2020). Dr. Stephen Chavura teaches European and Australian history at Campion College, Sydney. His most recent (co-authored) books are The Forgotten Menzies: The Mind of Australia's Longest-Serving Prime Minister (Melbourne University Publications, 2021), and Reason, Religion and the Australian Polity: A Secular State? (Routledge, 2019).

Send us a textIn this video, I talk about how two years studying Theology at the world's most prestigious theology undergraduate program has impacted by development as a Christian. I share my honest reflections and thoughts about how it has opened my mind to non-Orthodox beliefs as well as a newfound appreciation of the depth in nuance and development in Christianity. I hope you enjoy these reflections. Support the show--------------------------If you would want to support the channel and what I am doing, please follow me on Patreon: www.patreon.com/christianityforall Where else to find Josh Yen: Philosophy YT: https://bit.ly/philforallEducation: https://bit.ly/joshyenBuisness: https://bit.ly/logoseduMy Website: https://joshuajwyen.com/

Join us as we delve into the world of RA/predoc positions in Economics with valuable insights and expert tips from Laura, a quantitative research assistant at the Department of International Development at the University of Oxford.

Evolutionarily speaking, it makes sense to have a lot of children. At the very least, we might expect a population to replace itself, with each couple having an average of two children. However, this evolutionary logic is not mirrored by current data: birth rates are falling in the UK, with many people choosing to either have one child, or no children at all. We speak to evolutionary anthropologist Dr Paula Sheppard about the drivers, and consequences, of this observed trend.

Frank Schaeffer In Conversation with philosopher and author Mark Rowlands, exploring the themes of his book, The Happiness of Dogs._____LINKShttps://www.theguardian.com/books/article/2024/aug/18/i-wag-therefore-i-am-the-philosophy-of-dogshttps://www.lovechildrenplanet.com/events/in-conversation-with-frank-schaeffer-bonus-episode-mark-rowlands_____I have had the pleasure of talking to some of the leading authors, artists, activists, and change-makers of our time on this podcast, and I want to personally thank you for subscribing, listening, and sharing 100-plus episodes over 100,000 times.Please subscribe to this Podcast, In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer, on your favorite platform, and to my Substack, It Has to Be Said.Thanks! Every subscription helps create, build, sustain and put voice to this movement for truth.Subscribe to It Has to Be Said. Support the show_____In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer is a production of the George Bailey Morality in Public Life Fellowship. It is hosted by Frank Schaeffer, author of Fall In Love, Have Children, Stay Put, Save the Planet, Be Happy. Learn more at https://www.lovechildrenplanet.comFollow Frank on Substack, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube. https://frankschaeffer.substack.comhttps://www.facebook.com/frank.schaeffer.16https://twitter.com/Frank_Schaefferhttps://www.instagram.com/frank_schaeffer_arthttps://www.threads.net/@frank_schaeffer_arthttps://www.tiktok.com/@frank_schaefferhttps://www.youtube.com/c/FrankSchaefferYouTube In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer Podcast

What if we could predict the economy the way we predict the weather? What if governments could run simulations to forecast the effects of new policies—before they happen? And what if the key to all of this lies in the same chaotic systems that explain spinning roulette wheels and rolling dice?J. Doyne Farmer is a University of Oxford professor, complexity scientist, and former physicist who once beat Las Vegas casinos using his scientific-based methods. In his recent book “Making Sense of Chaos: A Better Economics for a Better World” Farmer is using those same principles to build a new branch of economics called complexity economics—one that uses big data to help forecast market crashes, design better policies and find ways to confront climate change.But can we really predict the unpredictable? And how will using chaos theory shake up well-established economic approaches?

The 2024 edition of the AIG Global Trade Series explores the theme of ‘Back to the Future: A New Era of Managed Trade?'Digitally delivered services have experienced a four-fold increase in value since 2005 and now account for a significant share of all services exports. At a time of growing concern about the slowdown in global trade in goods, the boom in digital services trade is a comparative bright spot.But does this perception fully align with the reality? Are the pressures on the global trade system - such as geopolitics, the risk of trade fragmentation and non-tariff measures - really less disruptive of digital services trade than they are of trade in goods? How could the WTO help promote and protect digital trade and harmonise regulatory approaches to digital services? And what does a growth in digital services mean for development and inclusion?Panellists:        Richard Baldwin, Professor of International Economics, IMD Business SchoolJennifer Hillman, Professor of Practice, Georgetown University Law Center; Co-Director, Center for Inclusive Trade and Development (CITD)Emily Jones, Director of the Global Economic Governance programme, Blavatnik School of Government, University of OxfordJane Drake-Brockman, Executive Director, Australian Services InstituteModerator:      Rem Korteweg, Senior Research Fellow, Clingendael InstituteThis podcast episode was recorded on 12 September 2024.___ The Global Trade Series is a collaboration between AIG and the following international organisations with leading expertise on global trade: the Aspen Institute Germany; CEBRI - the Brazilian Center for International Relations; Chatham House (UK); CITD - the Center on Inclusive Trade and Development at Georgetown University Law Center (US); the Clingendael Institute (The Netherlands); Elcano Royal Institute (Spain); ERIA – the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (Indonesia); ISPI - the Italian Institute for International Political Studies; the Jacques Delors Institute (France); RIETI - the Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (Japan); and the St. Gallen Endowment for Prosperity through Trade (Switzerland).

Over the last few decades, the world has witnessed a technological revolution to tackle the climate crisis. However, more recently, there has been a growing consensus about the role of nature and nature-based solutions in tackling, not only the Three Planetary Crisis but also various pressing societal issues, such as poverty.  The goals of nature-based solutions are to restore, protect and sustainability manage both natural and modified ecosystems to  benefit both society and nature.  In fact, over a third of the climate mitigation required to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement can be provided by nature-based solutions.  Annually, flooding damages worth US $57 billion are averted by mangroves in India, China, the US, Mexico, and  Vietnam. In this episode, I interview Seth Thomas, a research assistant at the University of Oxford's Nature-based Solutions Initiative. With projects across Asia, South America, and the UK, the program aims to enhance understanding of the potential of nature-based solutions to address multiple global challenges whilst supporting the health of ecosystems. Additionally, the program aims to involve and respect the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. In this episode, we discuss the concept of nature-based solutions, their challenges, and their potential. Seth also elaborates on his extensive research work which covers the socioeconomic benefits of the legal wildlife trade and a global review of the large carnivore reintroduction, rewilding, and translocation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anishbanerjee.substack.com

Vili Lehdonvirta discusses his book "Cloud Empires" and how digital platforms like Amazon and others are overtaking our lives. We explore how we can regain control. Vili is Professor of Economic Sociology and Digital Social Research at the University of Oxford.  Host, Kevin Craine Do you want to be a guest?

Summer is here, and with heatwaves forecast, how do we keep our homes cool without relying on air conditioning?   In the UK, soaring summer temperatures can be brief but powerful. So, what can we do? Nicole Miranda, from the Department of Engineering, shares practical, energy-efficient and eco-friendly strategies to help you stay comfortable during the hot months. And yes, ice creams are encouraged!   This is the final episode of this season. We hope that you have enjoyed learning the science behind the many weird and wonderful aspects of our world. If you have a big question, get in touch and we will try to find you an answer in the next season.

We are raiding the Guardian Long Read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2021: After growing up in a Zimbabwe convulsed by the legacy of colonialism, when I got to Oxford I realised how many British people still failed to see how empire had shaped lives like mine – as well as their own. By Simukai Chigudu. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Scientists are returning to the moon, but when they get there, what time is it? Dr Carly Howett from the Department of Physics explains the basics: what time is, and how we found a globalised way of understanding time zones so we can meet for a 3pm coffee or international video call, and everyone is in the right place at the right time. But how does that translate to space and why could the consequences of incorrect timekeeping be disastrous for space craft docking missions? If you want to get to grips with the weird and wonderful world of lunar time, then tune in to our latest podcast to find out more!

Discover how the ancient art of origami is revolutionising sustainable energy! Researcher Jingyi Yang, from the Department of Engineering Science, has loved origami since childhood. Now she's channelling that passion to tackle engineering challenges. Using the intricate papercraft to develop clam-like models, Jinyi's creative engineering may be the key to improving the efficiency of energy produced by the waves hitting the UK's coastline.  Find out more about this imaginative approach to scientific discovery in this podcast!

Part 3 of 4. My guest for this week's episode is Quin Wills, CSO and Co-Founder of Ochre Bio, a pioneering biotechnology company developing RNA therapies for chronic liver diseases. Using a combination of genomic deep phenotyping, precision RNA medicine, and testing in live human donor livers, Ochre is developing therapies for liver health challenges ranging from increasing donor liver supply to reducing cirrhosis complications.

When you think of fossils, you probably imagine dinosaurs. But did you know that soft body parts, like the brain, can become fossils too?  In this episode, forensic anthropologist Alexandra Morton-Hayward explores the science of brain fossilisation. Skeletons have been found in wells, Incan temples, salt mines and many other unusual locations, often with no other organs, hair or skin preserved. With only a brain nested in the skull, we are asking … how can this happen? Listen now to find out and discover how this research is unravelling ancient human history!

One of Asia's most elusive predators is the Clouded Leopard. Until 2006, the term clouded leopard referred to one ubiquitous species found across the Eastern Himalayas, mainland Southeast Asia, and the islands of Borneo and Sumatara. However, extensive genetic analysis of various populations revealed two sister species of clouded leopard. The first is the Mainland Clouded Leopard, distributed discontinuously across the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, South China, and South East Asia. The second species, the Sunda Clouded Leopard, is restricted to rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. Physically, the latter has a darker and smaller cloud pattern than the former. Studies suggest that both species diverged relatively recently (in evolutionary terms), approximately 2-0.9 million years ago. This has been attributed to the submergence of the land bridge connecting the Sumatran and Bornean rainforests to mainland Asia, hence resulting in extreme geographic isolation and hence speciation. The population of both species has declined significantly below 10,000 individual adults. None of the subpopulations of the two species have more than 1,000 individuals. Consequently, both species have been considered “Vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List for Threatened Species. Habitat fragmentation, due to unprecedented levels of deforestation, and commercial hunting for the illegal wildlife trade are the primary threats faced by clouded leopards.In this episode, I speak to Chrishen Gomez, a Ph.D. student at the University of Oxford's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit. He is currently a part of WildCRU's Clouded Leopard Programme. Established in 2010, the program has since conducted long-term ecological studies on both species of clouded leopards across their range, with the aim of improving the species conservation. Tune in to learn more about Chrishen's and WildCRU's research on Clouded Leopards. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anishbanerjee.substack.com

In this episode, we sit down with economist and author Professor Sir Dieter Helm to discuss his vision for a sustainable economy. Helm asks the question, "what would it look like to live in a sustainable economy?" and offers a framework for understanding and addressing climate change. He argues that the current narrative around net-zero is unrealistic and that a more balanced approach is needed, one that takes into account the realities of the global economy and the need for sustainable economic growth. Helm emphasises the importance of focusing on capital assets, rather than just flows, and of considering the intergenerational impacts of our actions. He also discusses the need for a new kind of economic thinking that takes into account the realities of the 21st century, rather than relying on outdated models from the 20th century. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the challenges and opportunities of achieving a sustainable future. This episode is brought to you by United Renewables in association with the University of Oxford.   REFERENCES Website: https://dieterhelm.co.uk Books: https://dieterhelm.co.uk/books   ******** This episode of Conversations on Climate is a podcast brought to you in association with UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD. We bring together the best minds from academia and business, to offer their experience and expertise in the face of climate change – from game theorists to corporate diplomats, and oil industry veterans to micro-algae entrepreneurs.  For more top-quality interviews with our incredible guests, subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on Twitter. We'd love to have you join us! Don't forget to share with your colleagues, friends, and family. We would love to hear your opinions and feedback, so please leave your comments on our platforms.   We talk about how the scope of the challenge before us is beyond that of any one individual or any one solution. We listen to thinkers, researchers, policymakers, and business leaders. They discuss a diversity of ideas and solutions to global climate and environmental issues and why they matter.   Season 3 is presented by Chris Caldwell and produced by UNITED RENEWABLES.   Tune into both the video and audio versions of this podcast NOW: https://www.unitedrenewables.co.uk/podcast   Please visit our YouTube channel, where all of our Conversations are available for you to enjoy. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL HERE: https://bit.ly/3GZpd7R  and ring the notification bell   Join us on Twitter: https://bit.ly/3MnhuSf  Join us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Q5UKcj  Join us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3tFEnK3    #leadership #organisationalbehaviour #climateaction #renewableenergy #conversationsonclimate #politics

In July 2022, we held an interdisciplinary panel at the University of Oxford on the role of beauty in science. The event was sponsored by Templeton Religion Trust and Magdalen College. The panel represented perspectives from diverse disciplines: mathematics, physics, biology, philosophy of science, and sociology.This is the third episode in the series. In this episode, I present results from the world's first large-scale survey of beauty in science. You can see the slides from the presentation on the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/t6AQ9O2MLUY?si=VQpoyHYaMSWYpBoN Following this presentation we'll have a discussion among panelists and Q&A from the audience.Support the Show.

In July 2022, we held an interdisciplinary panel at Magdalen College the University of Oxford on the role of beauty in science. The event was sponsored by Templeton Religion Trust and Magdalen College. The panel represented perspectives from diverse disciplines: mathematics, physics, biology, philosophy of science, and sociology.You can see the slides from the panelists' presentations on the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/t6AQ9O2MLUY?si=VQpoyHYaMSWYpBoNThis is the second episode in the series; in our last episode we heard from Dr. Ben MacArthur and Dr. James McAllister. In this clip we're going to hear from three panelists:Dr. Milena Ivanova is Bye-Fellow at Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge. She is the co-editor of The Aesthetics of Science: Beauty, Imagination and Understanding (Routledge, 2020), author of Duhem and Holism (Cambridge University Press, 2021), The Aesthetic Nature of Scientific Experiments (Routledge).Dr. Robert Gilbert is Professor of Biophysics in the Nuffield Department of Medicine and Director of the University of Oxford's Medical Sciences Graduate School. He is the author of Science and the Truthfulness of Beauty (Routledge, 2018).Dr. Sabine Hossenfelder is the author of Lost in Math: How Beauty Leads Physics Astray (Basic Books, 2018) and Existential Physics: A Scientist's Guide to Life's Biggest Questions (Viking and Atlantic Books, 2022) and creative director of the YouTube channel “Science without the gobbledygook.”Support the Show.

In July 2022, we held an interdisciplinary panel at Magdalen College at the University of Oxford on the role of beauty in science. The event was sponsored by Templeton Religion Trust and Magdalen College. The panel represented perspectives from diverse disciplines: mathematics, physics, biology, philosophy of science, and sociology.We're going to share this conversation with you over the next few episodes. You can see the slides from the panelists' presentations on the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/t6AQ9O2MLUY?si=VQpoyHYaMSWYpBoNIn this first clip, we'll hear from Dr. Ben MacArthur, who is Director of AI for Science and Government and Deputy Programme Director for Health and Medical Sciences at the Alan Turing Institute. He is also Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and the School of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Southampton.Following that we'll hear from Dr. James McAllister, who is Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at Leiden University. He is the author of Beauty and Revolution in Science (Cornell University Press, 1996). We'll hear from our other panelists in our next episode.Support the Show.

Leslie Kenny is the Founder and CEO of Oxford Healthspan, a nutraceutical company based on Oxford research into healthy ageing compounds which can naturally slow down the effects of ageing. Oxford Healthspan bridges the gap between Eastern wisdom and Western science in the longevity space.In her early thirties, Leslie Kenny was diagnosed with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypothyroidism. However, by harnessing the power of nutrition, immune balance, and targeted supplementation, she defied the odds. Now, at 59, she boasts the biological age of a 21-year-old and lives free from the autoimmune diseases that once dictated her life.Leslie's story isn't just one of personal triumph; it's a blueprint for those looking to actively participate in their health and longevity. She introduces the concept of spermidine, a compound found in foods such as legumes, mushrooms, and peas, which has profound effects on cellular turnover and anti-aging. By understanding the body's needs and providing it with the right support, Leslie Kenny believes anyone can change their health destiny.TakeawaysLifestyle and diet impact autoimmune conditions.Collaborate with providers for better treatment.Spermidine-rich foods improve cellular health.Connect with Leslie KennyWebsite: https://oxfordhealthspan.comWebsite: https://oxfordlongevityproject.orgYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@LesliesNewPrimeConnectDr. Trip Goolsby & LeNae Goolsby are the co-founders of the Infinite Health Integrative Medicine Center, and are also the co-authors of the book “Think and Live Longer”.

House plants can be a cheerful pop of colour in your home. But do you find after the initial burst of life, your plants start to fade, looking sad and unhealthy?   M Garrido Davies, from the Department of Biology, shares top tips for helping house plants to flourish, starting with learning more about the biology of how plants grow in their natural environment.   Did you know that when you add too much water to your house plants, it starves their roots of oxygen, damaging the root system and actually creating a drought? And have you considered how much light and ventilation your household greenery is getting?   Discover more biology behind the blooms in this podcast!

Alex Teytelboym, Professor of Economics at the University of Oxford and Director of their Business Economics Programme, and Fiona Czerniawska, Founder & CEO at Source, caught up with Emma Carroll, Source's Head of Content, on the latest episode of our The Future of the Firm podcast. Alex and Fiona shared their insight on the following matters and more:  Climate change can be viewed as a failure of the market—in theory, this means that solving it could make everyone better off. Policy responses and regulation are lagging behind what is happening to the planet. It's very difficult to predict how the risks will manifest, but they will be complex and unpredictable. Business leaders should think about climate change as being about operating in a complex and unpredictable environment. That means we need to build in resilience and redundancy. There is going to be a lot of creative destruction. Successful businesses need to innovate early and broadly, thinking about innovation in terms of a portfolio. Consultants need to talk to clients about the long-term view and about the real problems climate change poses—this can be counterintuitive to consultants who like to be optimistic and target near-term wins. Voluntary carbon markets and carbon offsets are potentially a terrible way for businesses to meet their climate goals. Regulation is not sufficient and there are reputational greenwashing risks attached. Carbon measurement should be simple, but there's still a lot of difficulty measuring complex supply chains. The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is set to accelerate progress, and consulting firms will be in demand to help clients comply with this.   It's going to be harder to be an average manager with so many different goals to meet. This means it is going to be even more difficult for businesses to incentivise their people appropriately. We used to think about climate change as a slow process, but that's no longer true. To succeed in this space, businesses must move early and create a portfolio of innovations. Seventy-five percent of clients think that the way they are approaching sustainability needs to change.   If you enjoyed this conversation, don't miss our sister podcast, Business Leader's Voice. In our latest episode, we set out the big business challenges that clients say they'll be facing in the year ahead. 

Cats are pretty adorable! Those big eyes, fluffy paws and cheeky personalities mean that most people find felines cute. But what is the science behind this reaction? Neuroscientist Professor Morten Kringelbach reveals how special technology can track what happens to signals in the brain in response to sounds and images of babies and small animals. In just a thousandth of a second, our brain decides that something is cute. This almost instantaneous cuteness reaction is thought to be a deep-rooted evolutionary feature of humans, encouraging us to look after young babies and animals to help species to survive. Cats (and other fluffy pets) can bring us so much joy, so next time you find yourself smiling at a cat video or your beloved pet, make sure to spread the love and bring someone else a dose of happiness.

You might have seen them in a hotel. You might have read about them in the news. Maybe you've seen them star in social media videos filmed on the London underground. But should we really be worried about bed bugs?   The little critters evolved from feeding on bats and birds to humans thousands of years ago and were part of society for hundreds of years. But with the invention of synthetic pesticides, bed bug populations declined significantly after the Second World War. However, as pesticide resistance grows and the world becomes increasingly connected, bed bugs are making a resurgence.   Entomologist Liam Crowley, from the Department of Biology, tells us what to look out for and how to keep them at bay in our latest podcast. But don't worry, they're not as common as you might think!

In this episode, we journey through the vast cosmos with Professor Chris Lintott, a distinguished astrophysicist and presenter of the BBC's 'Sky at Night.' Our discussion revolved around his latest book, "Our Accidental Universe," where Chris eloquently unraveled the accidental nature of astronomical discoveries. From the diverse worlds in our Solar System to the outer reaches of the observable universe, he shared captivating stories and insights. We delved into the charm of lazy astronomy, the profound connection to the cosmos, the allure of a dark night sky, and even the mysteries behind why Uranus and Neptune share the same colour. OUTLINE: Here's approximate timestamps for the episode. 00:40 Introducing Chris 00:57 Weather effecting stargazing! 01:45 Dogstars Podcast (will come back to this later in episode!) 02:26 Cosmic perspective 04:30 The Moon 06:27 Accessibility of astronomy and Jupiter 08:44 Fascination with Space 10:28 Uranus and Neptune are the same colour! 17:45 Keeping an open mind to astronomy 19:00 Vera Rubin Observatory https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vera_C._Rubin_Observatory 20:28 SETI 21:56 Chris's predictions for the future 24:20 Oumuamua - what was it? 27:40 Sky At Night 28:30 Challenges/Joy's of presenting Sky At Night/Science Communication 30:53 Our Accidental Universe Pre-Order Now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Our-Accidental-Universe-Discovery-Asteroids/dp/1911709186 31:25 Dog Stars Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dog-stars/id1663196276 33:22 Wrap Up and Socials Follow Chris Lintott X: https://twitter.com/chrislintott Sky At Night Profile: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/4jgzzH6CBH7b5K0qblb73nZ/professor-chris-lintott Book Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Our-Accidental-Universe-Discovery-Asteroids/dp/1911709186 Stay connected with us! Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us! Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast Website: www.astroben.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/ X: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

People have been interested in wine growing and quality vintages since the Roman times, but as the climate warms, what does this mean for the future of wine growers in the UK (and beyond)?   Andrew Wood, from the Department of Biology, has been studying the records of wine critics, which reveal much more than whether the bottle is a good vintage or not. The vintage can tell scientists what the growing conditions were like for the grapes in a given year – was it hot or cold? Was there flooding or drought? Was light more intense?   As the UK experiences more ‘BBQ summers', we may see new grape varieties flourishing, producing new flavours of wine. But it's not good news for all vineyards. Find out why in our latest podcast!

Dr. Oliver Scott Curry joins Jaclyn to discuss the groundbreaking research he is leading at kindness.org, how kindness has shaped his career, and understanding the science of kindness.Dr. Curry is Chief Science Officer at kindness.org, leading the innovative research hub, Kindlab. He is also a Research Affiliate at the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford. He received his PhD from the London School of Economics in 2005.As CSO at Kindness.org, Oliver and his team are working to answer questions like: Why are people kind? How kind are people, really? Why aren't people kinder? What are the most effective kind acts you can do? And, how can we make the world a kinder place? The work involves both pure and applied research on the causes and consequences of kindness.This podcast is one of the many ways we live out our organization's mission to educate and inspire people to choose kindness. Visit our site kindness.org and sign up to become a part of our global community which spans more than 100 countries. It's free to join and when you do you'll be the first to get access to our latest research, tools, and even episodes of this podcast. Let's build a kinder world, together. Contact us at podcast@kindness.org or on social at @kindnessorg. Sponsored by VerizonImportant links from this week's episode:kindness.orgFollow Oliver on social:Twitter: @Oliver_S _CurryCredits Host: Jaclyn LindseyGuest: Dr. Oliver Scott CurryProducer: Melissa MaloneAssociate Producer: Becca ReedAssistant Producer: Nina Zaborney KlineMusic Composition: Chris ChristianaDesign: Ben Gibson, Christine Do, Smithfield StudioTranscript available at this link. 

Scientific Sense ® by Gill Eapen: Prof. Barbara Petrongolo is a Professor of Economics at the University of Oxford. She is Fellow of the British Academy, Director of the CEPR Labor Economics Program and a Research Associate at the Centre for Economic Performance of the London School of Economics. Please subscribe to this channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ScientificSense?sub_confirmation=1 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scientificsense/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scientificsense/support

Welcome to an interview with the director of the Advanced Management and Leadership Programme at the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School, Dr. Andrew White. In this episode with Dr. Andrew White, we delved deeply into the changes and challenges of leadership, as well as the reason behind the negative tone of discussions around leadership. Dr. White also discussed how to know if you are approaching leadership in the right way, the indicators of healthy leadership, and how leaders can assess themselves to be better leaders. Dr. Andrew White is the host of the Leadership 2050 podcast, on which he has interviewed the likes of former Unilever CEO Alan Jope and Mercedes F1 team CEO Toto Wolff. He is also the CEO of Transcend.Space, a leadership coaching company. Dr White's work focuses on the type of leadership needed to transcend 21st-century challenges. Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

Episode Notes

We are raiding the Guardian Long Read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2020: What links an eccentric Oxford classics don, billionaire US evangelicals, and a tiny, missing fragment of an ancient manuscript?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 378, an interview with the director of the Advanced Management and Leadership Programme at the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School, Dr. Andrew White. In this episode with Dr. Andrew White, we delved deeply into the changes and challenges of leadership, as well as the reason behind the negative tone of discussions around leadership. Dr. White also discussed how to know if you are approaching leadership in the right way, the indicators of healthy leadership, and how leaders can assess themselves to be better leaders. Dr. Andrew White is the host of the Leadership 2050 podcast, on which he has interviewed the likes of former Unilever CEO Alan Jope and Mercedes F1 team CEO Toto Wolff. He is also the CEO of Transcend.Space, a leadership coaching company. Dr White's work focuses on the type of leadership needed to transcend 21st-century challenges. Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

Nuala speaks to a woman who discovered by chance that her fiancé was secretly filming her naked in the home they shared. Victoria, not her real name, reported him to the police and he later pleaded guilty and was convicted on voyeurism charges. Last month she also won £97,000 in compensation, some of which she is aiming to put towards trying to remove the images he made of her without her consent from the internet. According to data gathered from a global network of health scientists, five-year-olds in the UK are on average up to seven centimetres shorter than their peers in other wealthy nations. To discuss the contributing factors Nuala is joined by Anna Taylor, Executive Director of nutrition charity, The Food Foundation and also by Henry Dimbleby the former government food adviser who's also written a book "Ravenous" about our consumption of ultra processed food. In India, the majority of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in the later stages and between 2019 and 2021 less than 1% of women had undergone screening. But a team of blind and partially sighted women are trying to change this by training to become Medical Tactile Examiners where they use their hands to help detect the cancer at its earliest stage. Nuala is joined by Shalini Khanna, Director of The National Association of the Blind India Centre for Blind Women and Leena Chagla, President of the Association of Breast Surgery to discuss. Professor Irene Tracey is only the second ever female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford. In the last few weeks she has had to deal with several angry protests in Oxford over the appearance of Kathleen Stock at the Oxford Union. She allowed the talk to go ahead, saying, ‘we have to defend free speech'. Professor Tracey joins Nuala to talk about the battle over free speech, as well as what it's like being a woman in the world of academia. Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley Editor: Karen Dalziel