In the FST podcast, weekly one to one interviews allow a more in depth discussion of both topics being explored in Foundation events, and one-off discussions with senior figures across science, research, technology and innovation. It's available here, and can also be accessed on the main podcast hosting platforms.

We would welcome ideas for potential podcast topics or interviewees - please contact Gavin Costigan (gavin.costigan@foundation.org.uk).

Dr Jill Zhao - Progress and barriers to low carbon living in the UK

This week we are chatting with Dr Jing Jill Zhao, Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Construction Technology at UWE in Bristol. We discuss her research into a human-centred framework to deliver Net Zero in affordable housing. Also the progress and barriers to low carbon living in the UK. What more can be done to support the everyday person to achieve this?

Sarah Chaytor - Connecting research and policy

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.

Professor Nathalie Pettorelli - Why it’s key to connect the climate and biodiversity crises

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.

Charles Harris - Protein folding and machine learning

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.

Nicole Brown - Disability and STEM

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.

Rachel Youngman - social justice and science

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.

Professor Sir Peter Knight - Quantum Technologies

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.

Professor Hatef Sadeghi - All things Quantum

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.

Professor Rameen Shakur- Precision and personalised Healthcare

Welcome back to the FST podcast! After a short summer break, we have returned. 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.

Clara Nörenberg- Building a solar powered car

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.