Foundation for Science and Technology

This week we are discussing engagement between academics and policy professionals – and some of the recent programmes and activities in this area in the UK. Here to discuss that is Sarah Chaytor, Director of Research Strategy & Policy at University College London.

Ahead of COP29, Professor Nathalie Pettorelli from The Institute of Zoology at the Zoological Society London (ZSL) joins us to explore how climate change and global biodiversity loss intersect, how solutions can address both, and how policy decision makers can do more.

This week we talk to Charles Harris, PhD student at The University of Cambridge who is looking at marrying the lessons learnt by 2024 Chemistry Nobel Prize winners and their game-changing AI tool for predicting protein structures called AlphaFold with generative modelling and drug discovery.

Our guest this week is Nicole Brown, Head of Research Ethics and Integrity at University College London (UCL)’s Institute of Education. Nicole discusses what academic teams need to do next to make Science and Technology more inclusive for those with disabilities, chronic illness and neuro divergence. She also looks at issues with disclosure, the importance of role models and the far reaching benefits of progress in this area.

Our guest this week is Rachel Youngman who has worked extensively in the legal profession, and in social justice particularly with young people and with refugees. For the last 10 years she has brought that society experience to science to help improve diversity and international collaboration. She is currently Chair of the Engineering Council’s Committee and has been a member of the External Advisory Board of the Quantum Hub for Sensors and Metrology and until March, Deputy CEO at The Institute of Physics. Today we are discussing the importance of science and technology in society, science communication and the importance of making STEM a space for all.

In this podcast, Professor Sir Peter Knight, Chair of the UK National Quantum Technology Programme Strategic Advisory Board, discusses quantum technologies in the UK - what they are, how close they are to market, and what support might be needed from the UK Government.

To discuss all things quantum, our guest is Professor Hatef Sadeghi, Professor of Computational Quantum Engineering at the University of Warwick, a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow and also a former Foundation for Science and Technology Future Leader. This is the first podcast in a short series to discuss quantum technologies, in advance of an event being organised by the Foundation for Science and Technology on 24th September at The University of Strathclyde.

Welcome back to the FST podcast! After a short summer break, we are back. This week, we are discussing Precision Health with Professor Rameen Shakur, Professor of Genomics and Precision Cardiovascular Medicine, Director of Brighton Integrative Genomics (B.I.G) Unit and Director of Centre of Research Excellence in Precision Health and Translational Medicine at the University of Brighton.

In this episode, we talk to Clara Nörenberg, ETH (Swiss Polytechnical) University mechanical engineering student. She is team leader for aCentauri - a group of students who have built a solar powered car from scratch. They have recently raced the car across an Australian desert but aren't technically racing fans. Our communications officer chats to Clara about how the car works and what she hopes to see in the future of sustainable engineering.

In this episode we talk to journalist and political commentator, Loretta Napoleoni about technology, capitalism, Artificial Intelligence and the risks of technological innovation ‘boxed inside profitability’, particularly when it comes to sustainability and getting to NetZero.

Energy storage equalises the supply of renewables with the demand for electricity. This week we talk to Professor Seamus Garvey, Professor of Dynamics at the University of Nottingham about the different forms of energy storage, how it works, why it is the best way to ensure secure supply on the road to Net Zero, and what the future holds.

In the third of a special sequence of podcasts recorded at the fifth international conference of INGSA (the International Network for Governmental Science Advice), we are joined by Pascal Gatabazi, Chief Technical Adviser for the Ministry of Education here in Rwanda.

In this special sequence of podcasts recorded at the fifth international conference of INGSA – the International Network for Governmental Science Advice in Rwanda, we are joined by Dr Doyin Odubanjo, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Academy of Sciences, and Chair of INGSA Africa. We discuss the changing face of science advice in Africa, the challenges and effects of the pandemic and what the future holds for the science policy landscape across the continent.

Professor Rémi Quirion, Chief Scientific Adviser of Quebec and President of INGSA (the International Network for Governmental Science Advice) discusses the work of INGSA and INGSA's biennial conference taking place this week in Kigali.

In this episode, we talk to sleep therapist Dr Katharina Lederle about the science of sleep, circadian rhythms, and the experience of shift workers and cultural norms when it comes to getting rest.

In this episode, we talk to Dr Jack Stilgoe, professor in science and technology studies at University College London, about driverless vehicles. We discuss what technologies are being tested, future prospects, questions of control, risk and regulation. Professor Stilgoe researches the governance of emerging technologies, is part of the UKRI Responsible AI leadership team and was principal investigator of the ESRC Driverless Futures project (2019-2022).

In this episode, we talk to Dr Geoffrey Neale, Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellow and Lecturer in the Composites and Advanced Materials Centre at Cranfield University. Dr Neale tells us about his work with composite materials within the aerospace and automotive industry and how they will help us move towards our NetZero goals here in the UK.

This week, we are discussing the Diamond Light Source, the UK’s flagship synchrotron facility, based on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire. Diamond’s first user beams were in 2007, and agreement has recently been reached for the Diamond II Upgrade.

This week, we are discussing nuclear fusion in the UK – from a technological, commercial and policy perspective with Warrick Matthews, Chief Executive Officer of Tokomak Energy.

A special edition episode broadcast live from the Northern Ireland Science Festival, we talk to leading expert on AI, Toju Duke. Toju is the founder of Diverse AI and author of “Building Responsible AI Algorithms”. She previously worked as Programme Manager for Responsible AI at Google. We talk about what responsible and diverse AI looks like and why it is significant.

In this episode, we chat to Dr Melanie Garson, who is Cyber Policy and Tech Geopolitics Lead at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, as well as an Associate Professor in International Conflict Resolution & International Security at University College London. We look at cyber politics, conflict in the digital age, equal access, Artificial Intelligence as well as the challenges around physical infrastructure required for key digital technology.

During this month of February 2024, we will be having a series of discussions about digital technology and AI, in the run up to an event that the Foundation for Science and Technology is holding on 28th February in London. For the second of these podcasts, we are joined by Lord Clement-Jones, Liberal Democrats House of Lords spokesperson for Science, Innovation and Technology. Lord Clement Jones is the former Chair of the Lords Select Committee on AI, the current Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on AI, and a founding member of OECD’s Parliamentary Group on AI, amongst several other roles.

During this month of February 2024, we will be having a series of discussions about digital technology and AI, in the run up to an event that the Foundation for Science and Technology is holding on 28th February in London. For the first of these podcasts, we talk with Jor-El Benjamin (JB)- tech entrepreneur and founder of Kryotech about his focus on digital privacy and equity. We also talk about his views on the regulation of Artificial Intelligence and his experience as a black CEO in the tech world.

In our first podcast of 2024, we discuss innovation in healthcare and in the NHS with Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Regius Professor for Medicine at the University of Glasgow and Chief Scientist (Health) at the Scottish Government.

In this podcast Stephanie Baxter, Head of Policy at the Institution of Engineering and Technology, discusses engineering skills and the results of their recent survey.

In this podcast we are joined by Beatrice Barleon, from Engineering UK, to discuss a recent inquiry into engineering and technology apprenticeships, led by Lord Willetts and Lord Knight. The report set to investigate the reasons behind the worrying decline in engineering, manufacturing and technology apprenticeships starts seen over recent years in the UK. Visit Engineering UK to find the report: https://www.engineeringuk.com/research-policy/fit-for-the-future-growing-and-sustaining-engineering-and-technology-apprenticeships-for-young-people/#:~:text=Led%20by%20former%20Labour%20and,recent%20years%20in%20the%20UK.

To coincide with National Engineering Day, we're joined by Stewart Edmondson, CEO of the UK Electronic Skills Foundation, to discuss the electronics industry, and in particular how to tackle skills shortages in this sector.

This week we are discussing healthcare technologies and in particular the challenges of bringing data systems into life sciences and the NHS. Our guest is Professor Clive Badman who has had an extensive career in life sciences and the pharmaceutical sector.

This week we are discussing chemistry, the defence industry and things that go BANG! To provide an insight into this area is Professor Jackie Akhavan – Head of the Centre for Defence Chemistry at Cranfield University, and an expert is explosives chemistry.

In this podcast we're discussing the challenges of delivering healthcare in rural and remote areas of Scotland with Dr Marion Slater, Consultant Physician, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Associate Postgraduate Dean for Medicine, North of Scotland.

In this podcast, Professor Adam Sobey discusses data-centric engineering. This is following a launch in July of a phase 2.0 Data-Centric Engineering Programme- a partnership between LLloyd's Register Foundation and The Alan Turing Institute. https://www.turing.ac.uk/research/research-programmes/data-centric-engineering

After a summer break, our podcast is back! To kick us off, we are joined by Dr Leslie Kanthan, co-founder and CEO of TurinTech, a London-based AI company. We are discussing all things AI, its rapid development, its potential to transform society, and how we might need to regulate it in the future.

In this podcast, we're discussing the innovation strategy published by the Scottish government last year. We're joined by Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principle of the University of Strathclyde, President of Royal Academy of Engineering and Co-Chair of the steering group for the innovation strategy.

Today, the UK Committee on Research Integrity has released their first annual statement. It highlights ongoing efforts to ensure UK research is trustworthy, ethical and responsible, and identifies areas for further work. Read it here: https://ukcori.org/our-work/annual-statement-2023/ To discuss the publication is Professor Rachael Gooberman-Hill, Co-Chair of the UK Committee on Research Integrity.

In this podcast, Paul Mason, Director of Innovation Policy at Innovate UK, discusses the work of the company, the importance of innovation in the UK and the progress yet to be made.

This week we are discussing the use of AI in healthcare with Professor Chris Holmes, Programme Director for Health and Medical Sciences at the Alan Turing Institute.

This is the third of a series of podcasts about semiconductors, in advance of an event being held by the Foundation for Science and Technology on 24 May on the UK Semiconductor Strategy. This week Ian Croston, General Manager of Coherent, discusses the company's recent scale-up, challenges facing the field and what he would like to see in the government's strategy.

This is the second of a series of podcasts about semiconductors. Scott White, Founder and Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives at Pragmatic, tells us about the company and their technology for making flexible, low cost transistors and chips.

Professor Rachel Oliver, Professor of Material Science at The University of Cambridge and Director of The Cambridge Centre for Gallium Nitride, tells us about the importance of semiconductors to industry and society.

In this podcast, Pedro Lourenco, Head of Digital Transformation Consulting at the Kaizen Institute, discusses the rapid digital transformation of organisations in both private and public sectors. What's driving this really significant set of changes, and where will we end up?

This week we are discussing global plans to reach Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050. Listen to Lord Adair Turner, Chair of the Energy Transitions Commission, discuss the current challenges and necessary commitments to reaching this goal. This is in advance of a webinar being hosted on this subject by the Foundation on 21st March.

In this podcast, Dr Helen Walker, discusses science using neutrons. In particular, she tells us about her research with the ISIS neutron and muon source, her role as an instruments scientist, and the potential uses and benefits of balcaloric materials.

In this podcast we are discussing a new project by the Campaign for Science and Engineering, CASE, called Discovery Decade, which is being launched today, 28th February 2023. Dr Ben Bleasdale, Director of the Discovery Decade project at CASE, tells us about the project and its implications for R&D.

In this podcast we are looking at the fashion industry with Jenny Holloway, Chief Executive of Fashion-Enter Ltd. We discuss technology in fashion and its potential to transform the industry’s contribution to global carbon emissions and pollution.

In this podcast David Pheonix, Vice-Chancellor of London South Bank University & CEO of LSBU Group, discusses technical education and technical skills in anticipation of our event on the 22nd of February. He tells us the unique approach of LSBU group, its results and reproducibility.

This is our first podcast of 2023, so Happy New Year to you all. This is also the first podcast in a series looking at technical education and technical skills, in advance of an event being run by the Foundation on 22 February 2023. In the podcast, Dr Hilary Leevers, Chief Executive of Engineering UK, discusses the issue of the technical skills gap. Inquiry: https://www.engineeringuk.com/research-policy/fit-for-the-future-growing-and-sustaining-engineering-and-technology-apprenticeships-for-young-people/?utm_source=EUK&utm_medium=news+story&utm_campaign=FFTF

This is the 4th and last of a series of podcasts looking at the experiences of black researchers in science and technology. Exploring some of the issues is Dr Bernadine Idowu, Associate Professor of Biomedical Science at the University of West London.

This is the third podcast in a sequence looking at the experiences of black researchers in science and technology. Discussing some of these issues is Paulette Williams, Founder and Managing Director of Leading Routes, and Dr Michael Sulu, a Lecturer in University College London’s Department of Biochemical Engineering, and the STEM lead within Leading Routes.

Funding institutions have a significant role to play in ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion within the UK science and technology community. In this podcast, Dr Diego Baptista, Head of Research and Funding Equity at Wellcome Trust discusses some of the work in this area carried out by Wellcome. This is the second podcast in which we are looking at the experiences of black researchers in science and technology, in advance of an event being run by the Foundation on 7 December 2022.

In this week's podcast we welcome Sigourney Bonner, Co-Founder of Black in Cancer UK, PhD student at Cancer Research UK and a speaker at our upcoming event! We discuss Black in Cancer and its mission to increase the number of black cancer researchers, how this can be achieved, and whose responsibility it is.

In this podcast, we're joined by Simon Andrews, Executive Director of Fraunhofer UK Research. We discuss the Fraunhofer centre for applied photonics in Glasgow, and its impact across the UK both in industry and in education. We touch upon the Scottish innovation strategy (soon to be published) and what we would expect to see.

In 2022, 'National Engineering Day' is held on the 2nd November as a celebration for the impact of engineering and engineers. In this podcast, Joe Trigg (Director of Communications and Engagement at the Royal Academy of Engineering) discusses the significance of day, the importance of engineering globally and the limitations still faced by the field.

In this podcast, Peter Marsh, Founder of Made Here Now, discusses Hardtech manufacturing, the opportunities and challenges it faces, and it's contribution to the UK economy,

Katherine Bennett, Chief Executive of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, discusses the value of high-value manufacturing in the UK.

In this podcast we discuss the topic of advancing towards a Science Superpower, and particularly the characteristics of a science superpower, how the UK measures up against those characteristics, and possible policy interventions to move the UK towards becoming a science superpower. We are joined by Matthew Burnett, Head of Science and Technology at Onward.

In this podcast we discuss scenarios for a science superpower, including the meaning of a " science superpower", the different options for achieving it, and the choices and trade offs for those different options. Joining us is Professor Graeme Reid, Chair of Science and Research Policy at University College London, and Professor Sarah Main, Executive Director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering.

In this podcast we discuss the regulatory environment for clinical trials, including international comparisons, current opportunities, the role of the MHRA and the Government, and the importance o the NHS. We are joined by Dr Giles Campion, Managing Director of Silence Therapeutics, and Professor Sir Gordon Duff, Chairman of the Science Advisory Board of Silence Therapeutics.

In this podcast we will be discussing the UK Energy Security Strategy, including energy efficiency, offshore and onshore wind, nuclear power, and next steps to be taken. Joining the discussion is Dr Doug Parr, Chief Scientist and Policy Director at Greenpeace.

In this podcast, Dr Mina Golshan, Safety, Security and Assurance Director at Sizewell C, discusses the plans for developing Sizewell C and the challenges involved.

In this podcast we discuss science advice in BEIS, including the role of a Chief scientific Adviser, energy security strategy, areas of research interest, internal and external science advice, as well as supporting innovation in business, with Prof Paul Monks, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

In this podcast we discuss heat pumps, as a replacement of domestic gas boilers, barriers to greater roll out of heat pumps and ways to overcome them, costs and efficiency, as well as co-ordination and policy drivers. Joining us is Ashita Anand, Strategy Lead at National Grid.

In this podcast we discuss interdisciplinary research, its definition, government initiatives to promote it, the formation of UKRI, among other aspects with Prof James Wilsdon, Director of the Research on Research Institute, University of Sheffield.

In this podcast we discuss the collaboration in R&D between China and the UK with Dr Karen Salt, deputy director for research, culture and environment at UKRI.

In this podcast we discuss the China media centre, media and journalism in China, as well as collaboration between the UK and China.

In this podcast we discuss collaboration between UK universities and Chinese institutions in research and education, Chinese students studying in UK, funding, joint calls and avoiding “double jeopardy”, as well as concerns about collaborating with China and safeguards in place.

In this podcast we discuss R&D collaboration with China, development of Chinese research capability over last 30 years, opportunities, challenges and concerns, as well as developments going forward.

In this podcast we discuss the way UK energy grid needs to change between now and 2050, generating capacity from renewables, international comparisons, as well as priorities for next 5 years to achieve Net Zero emissions.

In this podcast we discuss the electricity grid, and the changes that will be needed to it if the UK is to reach Net Zero by 2050 with Nick Winser, Chairman of the Energy Systems Catapult.

In this podcast we discuss the new report launched by the Britain-Israel All Party Parliamentary Group on Accelerating UK-Israel Research Collaboration with Dr Matthew Godwin.

In this podcast we discuss artificial intelligence (AI), the Government’s AI Strategy, and how AI technologies are being deployed in the UK at the moment with Dr. Kate Devlin, Reader in Social and Cultural Artificial Intelligence at King’s College London.

In this podcast we discuss Science and Technology policy issues in 2022, including: political uncertainty, association with Horizon Europe, Levelling Up, current reviews into the science and research system, and the effects of the pandemic on research, with Professor Sarah Main, Executive Director of Campaign for Science and Engineering.

In this podcast we will be discussing the work of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in providing crucial data during the Covid pandemic.

In this podcast we will be discussing the way technology feeds into economy, the role of the government in innovation processes, “blue skies” vs “picking winners”, the importance of regulation, and priorities for government policy on innovation in technology.

In this podcast we will be discussing the mining industry in the UK, and in particular new technology and skills, with Kevin Sabin, Group Managing Director at TSA Ltd and Vice-President of ABMEC, the Association of British Mining Equipment Companies.

In this podcast we will be discussing the mining industry in the UK, and in particular new technology and skills, with Kevin Sabin, Group Managing Director at TSA Ltd and Vice-President of ABMEC, the Association of British Mining Equipment Companies.

This podcast discusses space and the Government’s recently published UK Space Strategy. Other topics discussed include: the work of UK Space Agency, promotion of the UK space industry, international collaboration and the European Space Agency, reduction of the environmental impact of space activities. With us to discuss that is Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency.

This is the second of two podcasts where we are looking at the outcomes of the COP26 Climate Summit held in Glasgow, and asking what does this mean now for policy and action in the UK. With us to discuss that is Professor Sir Charles Godfray, Director of the Oxford Martin School at the University of Oxford.

This is the first of two podcasts where we are looking at the outcomes of the COP26 Climate Summit held in Glasgow, and asking what does this mean now for policy and action in the UK. With me to discuss that is Baroness Young of Old Scone, Barbara Young, a member of the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Select Committee and with a long career working in environmental organisations.

Science Advice in the UK was the title of a major new report published last month by the Foundation for Science and Technology and Transforming Evidence. In this podcast we discuss that report and what it tells us about the state of science advice in the UK at the moment with the authors of that report Anna Numa Hopkins, Senior Researcher at Transforming Evidence, Sarah Foxen, Knowledge Exchange Lead at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology in the UK Parliament and Dr Kathryn Oliver, Associate Professor of Sociology and Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Amar Bhardwaj a member of the US-UK COP26 Youth Working Group who attended the conference in Glasgow, discussing the outcomes of the conference and progress so far, as well as recommendations from the youth working group in 4 areas: energy transition; global security; youth mental health; lands and ecosystems.

Dr Helen Pain, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, discussing the work of the society and , the role that chemistry can play in addressing key societal challenges.

Sir Martin Sweeting, Founder and Executive Chairman of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, discusses satellites, space technology, returning to the moon, the European Space Agency and the UK Government's recently published Space Strategy.

Paul Stein, Chief Technology Officer at Rolls-Royce plc, gives an overview of how innovation can be driven in the UK and the activities set out in the UK Innovation Strategy. Topics discussed include people and culture, the need for patient investment, demand signals from government, and underpinning issues.

Professor Mark Spearing, Vice-President Research and Enterprise at the University of Southampton, discusses the newly released UK Government Innovation Strategy and what it means for UK universities.

In this podcast Dr Alice Bunn, Chief Executive of the Institution for Mechanical Engineering, discusses the role of engineering in addressing global issues - such as climate change, transportation and power generation - the skills that are needed, and how engineering should feed into policy.

Rory Miles, Innovation Fellow at The Centre for Enzyme Innovation in the University of Portsmouth discusses the university business interface and how to scale up technology from academia into industry.

Professor Jeremy Watson, Professor of Engineering Systems at University College London, and Chief Scientist and Engineer at the Building Research Establishment discusses a system approach to get to Net Zero including: the main challenges to get to net zero, decarbonising buildings, and government action and priorities.

In this podcast, Professor Rebecca Lunn, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Strathclyde discusses a systems Approach to Net Zero and the National Engineering Policy Centre working group on this issue.

Louise Sanger, Applied Research and Outreach Manager, Lloyd’s Register Foundation, and a member of the Foundation for Science and Technology’s Foundation Future Leaders Programme discusses the Hindsight Perspectives project, including: the importance to safety of using hindsight and potential priorities in the maritime industry.

Dr Alex Brogan, Lecturer in Chemistry at King’s College London, and a member of the Foundation for Science and Technology’s Foundation Future Leaders scheme discusses new biotechnologies for sustainable manufacturing, including how biotechnologies can contribute to sustainability and industries with the greatest impact.

In this podcast, Professor Keith Bell, Scottish Power Professor of Smart Grids at the University of Strathclyde, discusses the changes needed in different interacting systems in order to get to net zero greenhouse gas emissions - including power generation, transport and buildings.

In this podcast, Isabelle Boscaro-Clarke (Diamond Light Source) and Neil Brown (Technopolis)discuss the socio-economic impacts of the Diamond Synchrotron, and a new report published on 26 May, including scientific, technological and societal impacts.

In this podcast, Professor Yadvinder Malhi, Professor of Ecosystems Services, University of Oxford, discusses G7 Science Academies statement on biodiversity loss, including processes for valuing and accounting for biodiversity, and the UN Biodiversity COP15 meeting.

Sarah Chaytor, Director of Research Strategy and Policy, UCL, Grace Gottlieb, Head of Research Policy, UCL, and Graeme Reid, Chair of Science and Research Policy, UCL, authors of a HEPI report on Regional policy and R&D discuss R&D in different regions of the UK, how to measure it, and future policy in this area.

In this podcast Dr Stephanie Wray, Director of Nature Positive and former President of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management discusses the UN Convention on Biodiversity and upcoming Biodiversity COP, and actions and policies needed in the UK.

In this podcast Professor Dame Wendy Hall DBE FRS FREng, Regius Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southampton and a member of the AI Council, discusses developing an AI Strategy for the UK, including funding in R&D, skills development, and trust in AI systems.

In this podcast Maria Tazi, Missions Publiques, discusses the “We the Internet” project, in which people in 80 countries were consulted about their views on the internet, how it should be regulated, disinformation, artificial intelligence and data. A report of the findings can be found here: https://wetheinternet.org/.

Professor Marcel Jaspars, Chair in Chemistry at the University of Aberdeen and Vice-President International at the Royal Society of Edinburgh, discusses science, research and higher education issues in Scotland, in advance of the Scottish Parliamentary elections. During the podcast, reference is made to a science hustings event, which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXoa_6rRsaU

In this podcast Dr Rameen Shakur, Clinician scientist in cardiology at MIT (USA)and Founder and CEO of Cambridge Heartwear, based in Cambridge(UK)discusses how AI can be used to help detect irregular heartbeats, the use of algorithms in medicine, and where AI could be used in the coming years.