Speaker Series

‌

Episodes

‌

Speaker Series

We meet the people reshaping the world of research. Each month, we sit down with influential thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the research ecosystem to explore their ideas, insights, and the impact of their work. From open science and research integrity to cutting-edge data innovation and collaboration, our conversations uncover how technology, policy, and culture are transforming the way we discover, share, and apply knowledge. Join us as we navigate the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of research—one conversation at a time.

Episodes

Dr Danny Hillis on Technology and Truth

For our host Suze, the countdown to Christmas means three things - excitement, new gadgets, and an almost daily dose of Disney in one form or another. So, since it's December, let's tick off a hattrick of all three of those boxes with this special extra-long conversation with Dr Danny Hillis - inventor, innovator, and the founder of Applied Invention. Want to avoid that annual appraisal or procrastinate around your 2025 planning? Grab a drink and a chocolate orange, and spend 50 minutes hearing ...

Dec 03, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Professor Jenny Reardon on Science and Social Justice

As the Aaron Sorkin global political drama that is 2024 reached its season finale in the USA in November, Suze sat down for a chat about the politicisation of research with Professor Jenny Reardon, Professor of Sociology at the University of California Santa Cruz, and the Founder of Science and Justice Research Center. Jenny and Suze met back in June when they both attended a workshop on Science at Social Justice at the Lorenz Center in Leiden, The Netherlands, as a result of a session at Sci Fo...

Nov 05, 2024•34 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast

Dr Gilbert De Gregorio on Incentives for Innovation

People who win awards tend to win more awards in the future. Even putting yourself forward for self-nominated awards falls along the lines of privilege and confidence. And even if you win awards, there is no guarantee that it will have a positive impact on your research career as measured by traditional metrics of success. How can we diversify the talents we celebrate and support, and ensure that no groundbreaking discoveries are overlooked, to truly tackle the global challenges we are facing as...

Oct 01, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Dr Eugenia Cheng on the Reality of Maths

If I said the word “mathematics”, it is a fairly safe bet that reactions would be mixed. While many people love maths, the subject can provoke quite a different response in others. It is common for folks to be transported back in time to childhood memories of formulae written on classroom whiteboards in what feels like a different language. However, mathematician, concert pianist, and author Dr Eugenia Cheng – is on a mission to change that perception of the subject she loves and showcase the jo...

Sep 02, 2024•36 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast

Rodney Mullen on Science and Skateboarding

For this Speaker Series episode, Suze popped by the home of engineer and godfather of street skating Rodney Mullen in lovely Los Angeles to chat about culture, creativity and community in science and skateboarding. As a chemical engineer, an inventor and innovator, and a professional skateboarder responsible for revolutionising the sport and taking it from the pools to the streets, Rodney is no stranger to success, failure, and problem-solving. In this conversation, Suze asks him about the role ...

Aug 06, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Dr Maria Avxentevskaya and Dr Ben Johnson on the History and Future of Research

In this episode of our Speaker Series, Suze meets Dr Maria Avxentevskaya, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, and Dr Ben Johnson, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion. The Max Planck Institute has played a role in many research breakthroughs that have impacted society. In this chat, Maria, Ben and Suze discuss the history and philosophy of science, exploring topics such as the role of scientific institutions, cycle...

Jul 02, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Alice Meadows on the Power of Persistent Identifiers

Alice Meadows has been working in community engagement with research infrastructure for many years now, with leadership roles at both ORCiD and NISO . Most recently, Alice co-founded the MoreBrains Cooperative , a consultancy that helps research stakeholders better understand how to build solutions that centre around the research community and respond to its varied and ever-changing needs. In this chat, Alice tells Suze about research infrastructure, persistent identifiers (PIDs), why metadata m...

Jun 04, 2024•34 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast

Dr Niamh O'Connor on Embracing Open Research

In this episode of our Speaker Series, Suze meets Chief Publishing Officer at PLOS, Dr Niamh O'Connor. Niamh started her career as a chemist, before moving into the exciting world of publishing. With a passion for open research, collaboration and inclusion in research, Niamh has been pivotal in nudging the culture of scholarly communications towards openness. As Chief Publishing Officer at PLOS , Niamh provides business leadership for the entire PLOS portfolio, ensuring that all outputs have a s...

May 06, 2024•30 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast

Professor Venki Ramakrishnan on Collaboration, Competition and Curiosity

In this episode of our Speaker Series, Suze chats with Nobel laureate and former President of the Royal Society Professor Venki Ramakrishnan. Venki began his scientific career as a physicist but, soon after his PhD, he felt he was missing out on researching the concepts that truly fascinated him. He embarked on a quest to find the research area for him and pivoted to structural biology, within which he has carved a successful career. In this chat, Venki talks about his career path, the biology o...

Apr 02, 2024•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Matyas Kovacs on Breaking Walls and Building Communities

Matyas Kovacs is the co-founder of futurehain , a strategy and creative agency that elevates the robustness and visibility of scientific ideas and helps them become a reality. He is also an Executive Advisor of the Falling Walls Foundation . In this episode, Matyas discusses the intersection of science and society. He shares insights into fostering collaboration, enhancing the visibility of scientific ideas, and building robust research communities. Matyas emphasizes the importance of open, tran...

Mar 05, 2024•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast

Professor Dame Athene Donald on Empowering Women in STEM from the Ground Up

In the ever-evolving landscape of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the underrepresentation of women remains a significant challenge. The impact of this gender disparity is far-reaching, affecting not only the individuals involved but also hindering the potential advancements and innovations that could arise from including broader perspectives and lived experiences and the diversity of thought that an inclusive workforce brings to problem-solving. To achieve true equity a...

Feb 06, 2024•32 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast

Dr Chris van Tulleken on Ultra Processed People

Dr Chris van Tulleken is an award-winning broadcaster, practising NHS doctor and leading academic, and author of "Ultra-Processed People: Why Do We All Eat Stuff That Isn't Food ... and Why Can't We Stop?" In this episode, Chris dives into the science behind ultra-processed foods and their profound impact on our health, bodies, and society. Drawing on insights from his book, Chris unpacks the hidden mechanisms that shape our modern diets and discusses what we can do to reclaim control over what ...

Jan 02, 2024•33 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast