Celebrating science recordings

Some of the greatest scientific breakthroughs began with questions that seemed abstract, obscure at the time. Yet history shows that foundational, curiosity-driven research regularly spark revolutions in human understanding and ultimately the way we live our lives and interact with the planet (and beyond). In 2025, the University’s own Professor Richard Robson was awarded the Nobel Prize for discoveries that began as curiosity driven investigations into how molecules could be structured but ultimately paved the way for major advances in fields ranging from clean energy storage to catalysis. His achievement is a powerful reminder that transformative innovation often begins with curiosity. Hear from researchers whose fields were reshaped by work like Professor Robson’s, and learn how foundational research in chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics leads to real-world impact – often in unexpected ways.

Some say climate change isn’t happening or isn’t driven by human activities. Some worry that vaccines cause autism or are a lethal conspiracy. Only two-thirds of people in the USA aged 18-24 believe the Earth is round. Have you faced difficult conversations on these topics with family or friends? How concerned should we be about the unscientific opinions of social media influencers? If distrust in scientists, governments, and mainstream media is growing, what should we do?

Taxpayers, industry partners, private donors, and international students fund university research. How can we increase the tangible social, economic, and environmental returns on this investment? Hear three inspiring stories from scientists whose innovations are solving real-world problems. When many don’t, why did these researchers succeed in moving their great ideas out of the lab and into use?

What have we learnt about effective science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic? Between multiple TV interviews, press conferences, radio spots, and unrelenting social media refreshes - scientists and public health experts have been catapulted into the spotlight! How do we ensure complex science is understandable for a wide audience and how do we battle the rise in misinformation and misquotes?

Originally recorded on Wednesday 18 August. Presented by Joan Leach, Jason Chin, and Darrin Durant.

The world is facing multiple crises - what role should universities play in tackling these challenges? Featuring Professor Duncan Maskell, Professor Margaret Sheil, Associate Professor Michael-Shawn Fletcher and moderator Dr Jen Martin.

Most jobs in science require us to speak in front of other people but few of us find public speaking easy. In this mid-afternoon masterclass, Jen will give you some insight into how you can become a better public speaker. She’ll share a few questions you need to ask yourself before giving a talk, some ideas for how to begin your talk and tips on how to become a more confident speaker.

Recent crises have prompted discussion on ‘trust in science’. This raises the question: is science the kind of thing that can be trusted?

What have we learnt about effective science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic? Between multiple TV interviews, press conferences, radio spots, and unrelenting social media refreshes, scientists and public health experts have been catapulted into the spotlight! How do we ensure complex science is understandable for a wide audience and how do we battle the rise in misinformation and misquotes?

Data science is an amazing field that brings together mathematics and computer science – along with biology, physics, chemistry, policy, finance, climate science, advertising … you name it and data scientists are probably working on it.