Hosted by Foundation for Science and Technology
Episodes
191
Latest episode
Jun 2026
Language
EN
The Foundation for Science and Technology podcast - exploring issues of science, technology and innovation with experts from government, parliament, industry and the research community.
This week we are exploring AI for science (and what this means), using super computers in research and what this changing landscape means for UK Universities. To discuss this is Liz Wainwright, Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives at Edinburgh Innovations which is part of The University of Edinburgh.
This week we explore pesticides- how do we balance protecting the food we eat on a mass scale, with environmental and health issues? Could natural chemistry, based on plant-derived molecules offer some solutions? Chief Executive of Eden Research, Sean Smith joins us to investigate.
In this episode, we chat to Nick McKeown, Professor Emeritus of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at Stanford University, about building a sovereign AI chip design industry in the UK. Nick led the Council for Science and Technology (CST)'s recent letter of advice to the government (Aug 25) on building a sovereign AI chip design industry. He explores the skills needed to ensure the UK has the workforce pipeline in place, such as specialised university courses in chip design. Thank you to our podcast volunteer and Civil Service Faststreamer, Geena Goodwin for coordinating and hosting this episode.
This week we are exploring how science can shape policy and the mechanisms within parliament which inform policy decisions with scientific evidence. Our guests are Jenny Chapman, Biology and Health Advisor for the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology and 2026 Foundation Future Leader, and Annie O'Brien, PhD candidate at The University of Manchester and POST fellow.
This week we are exploring sustainability in space, the satellite innovation ecosystem, how satellite technology could help solve big issues on our planet, such as cancer treatments, and why communicating space science effectively can be tricky. To discuss this is Joaquin Perez-Grande, Partnerships and Policy Manager (Place) at the Satellite Applications Catapult and 2026 Foundation Future Leader.
This week we are discussing the urgent challenges facing the UK’s coasts and seas, balancing protection with demand and how one interdisciplinary group of scientists, policymakers, community and industry experts came together to tackle the problem. To explore how researchers and experts from different sides came together to form the Sustainable Management of UK Marine Resources Network, and the impacts of their work, Professor David Patterson and Dr Mark James of St Andrews University and SMMR champions joined us on the podcast.
This week we are discussing robotics, and the UK robotics industry. Here to explore that is Rory Daniels, Head of Emerging Technology and Innovation at TechUK.
This week we are discussing life sciences in the UK, and its contribution to the UK economy. This follows the publication by the Government of the Life Sciences Sector Plan and an event on life sciences which the Foundation for Science and Technology held on 12th November. With us to explore all things life sciences is Dr Kath MacKay, Chief Scientific Officer of Bruntwood SciTech.
This week we are discussing the science behind substance and addiction- the impacts of alcohol on the brain and contemporary alternatives, and how psychedelic research and brain science is being combined to tackle depression, addiction and anxiety. With me to explore this is Professor David Nutt, Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London and Chief Scientific Officer at GABA Labs.
How can we create cross-system collaboration and overcome challenges to develop strong, regional policy? This week, we are joined by Liz Shutt, Programme Director at Insights North East, to discuss how research and evidence can be used to support the North East’s place-based policy.
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Jeremy Snyder
Richey Malhotra
Drive Electric Alabama
Proxify
Rupa Singh
The National Academy of Sciences
