Episodes
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About the Lecture:A tapestry of cosmic events stretching over the past 13.8 billion years have shaped our existence in a vast universe. This lecture will explore how the computer simulations to study the cosmos have developed in tandem with more down-to-earth pursuits like weather forecasting. We will see how the resulting computer codes have unlocked our understanding of the universe, from galaxies and black holes to the essence of matter. And the lecture will conclude with a look at the multiverse and the contentious idea put forward by some philosophers and scientists that we may already be living inside a simulation, Matrix-style. The talk is based on the lecturer's critically-acclaimed book “The Universe in a Box”, published in 2023.About the SpeakerAndrew Pontzen, Professor of Cosmology at UCLAndrew Pontzen is a professor of cosmology and author of the recent highly-acclaimed book The Universe In A Box. His award-winning research uses computer simulations to shed light on the cosmos. He has written for the Guardian, New Scientist, BBC Sky at Night and BBC Science Focus; appeared on BBC, Amazon Prime and Discovery Channel documentaries; and contributed to BBC radio programmes including Inside Science, CrowdScience and The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry.
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About the Lecture:
Understanding reproductive health is key for everyone, whether we want children or not. Since writing a book called Your Fertile Years, Professor Harper has been researching into all aspects of reproductive health education and heads the International Reproductive Health Education Collaboration who aim to deliver reproductive health education to everyone. She created a survey to ask teenagers around the world their attitudes and knowledge to reproductive health. So far data has been obtained from the UK, Belgium, Greece and Japan. And she asked UK teenage girls how they feel about having a period. She has also surveyed over 6000 women to ask their attitudes and knowledge of their periods and menopause. Through this research, resources have been created to help teachers and health professionals provide education and she is heading the development of the UK Menopause Education and Support programme, so that all women in the UK can understand what happens during menopause.
About the Speaker
Joyce Harper, Professor of Reproductive Science at UCL
Joyce Harper is an award-winning educator, author, podcaster, academic, and scientist. She is Professor of Reproductive Science at University College London in the Institute for Women’s Health where she is Head of the Reproductive Science and Society Group.
She has worked in the fields of fertility, genetics and reproductive science since 1987, written over 240 scientific papers and published three books.
She is leading the development of a UK Menopause Education and Support Programme with support from key organizations.
She is co-founder of the UK Fertility Education Initiative (www.fertilityed.uk) and founder of the International Reproductive Health Education Collaboration (www.eshre.eu/IRHEC). She is working with schools in the UK and globally to help deliver reproductive health education.
Her latest book, Your Fertile Years, What you need to know to make informed choices, was published in 2021 by Sheldon Press.
Her podcast is called Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Is available on all podcast channels.
Further information – www.joyceharper.com
Follow on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Tiktok and Linkedin - @ProfJoyceHarper -
Missing episodes?
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In part two of a two part medical special we focus on the question 'If I am good at Maths and Biology and I want to go into Neurosurgery and Science, do I have to start out as an ordinary doctor? I am also interested in Pathology, where do I start with this?' In this episode we focus on the second question and Dr. Shoba Poduval talks us through a career in Pathology.
Date of episode recording: 2024-03-19T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:11:37
Language of episode: English
Presenter: Roberta Livingston
Guests: Dr Shoba Poduval
Producer: Roberta Livingston and Emma Bryant -
In part one of a two part medical special we focus on the question 'If I am good at Maths and Biology and I want to go into Neurosurgery and Science, do I have to start out as an ordinary doctor? I am also interested in Pathology, where do I start with this?' In this episode we focus on the first question and Dr. Shoba Poduval talks us through applying for medical school and how to pursue a career in Neurosurgery.
Date of episode recording: 2024-03-19T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:11:37
Language of episode: English
Presenter: Roberta Livingston
Guests: Dr. Shoba Poduval
Producer: Roberta Livingston and Emma Bryant -
This week we’re looking at disputes between states and international investors. How are they resolved? And why should every one of us care about them?
Date of episode recording: 2024-02-29T00:00:00Z
Duration: 38:13
Language of episode: English (UK)
Presenter: Prof Alan Renwick
Guests: Lauge Poulsen
Producer: Eleanor Kingwell-Banham -
This week we’ll be examining online death threats and asking how online platforms ought to respond.
Date of episode recording: 2024-02-22T00:00:00Z
Duration: 31:27
Language of episode: English (UK)
Presenter: Dr Emily McTernan
Guests: Jeffrey Howard and Sarah Fisher
Producer: Eleanor Kingwell-Banham -
This week we ask: how should the European Union handle the political, social, and economic diversity amongst its member states – and what can it do about democratic backsliding?
Date of episode recording: 2024-02-15T00:00:00Z
Duration: 39:08
Language of episode: English
Presenter: Dr Emily McTernan
Guests: Richard Bellamy
Producer: Eleanor Kingwell-Banham -
Marking LGBT+ History Month, this week we’re looking at the battle for LGBT+ rights around the world. How great are the challenges facing rights campaigners today? And how could they be addressed?
Date of episode recording: 2024-02-08T00:00:00Z
Duration: 40:42
Language of episode: English
Presenter: Prof Alan Renwick
Guests: Phillip Ayoub
Producer: Eleanor Kingwell-Banham -
This week we’re looking at how parliaments question prime ministers. How does questioning work? And does it actually do any good?
Date of episode recording: 2024-01-25T00:00:00Z
Duration: 37:22
Language of episode: English
Presenter: Prof Alan Renwick
Guests: Ruxandra Serban
Producer: Eleanor Kingwell-Banham -
This week we’re looking at the politics of power-sharing in Northern Ireland. What is it? Why is it not currently working? And what is its future?
Date of episode recording: 2024-01-11T00:00:00Z
Duration: 40:31
Language of episode: English
Presenter:Prof Alan Renwick
Guests: Conor Kelly and Alan Whysall
Producer: Eleanor Kingwell-Banham -
Join hosts Doctor Xand van Tulleken and Dr Rochelle Burgess for Season 4, Episode 3 of Public Health Disrupted. "It's not our children who are disordered, it's the environment in which we're expecting them to operate." In this month’s episode, our experts explore the pressing issue of children's mental health in the UK. With one in five young individuals facing probable mental health disorders, the urgency for effective support systems is undeniable. Joining the conversation are Kate Silverton, renowned broadcaster turned qualified child therapist, and Professor Nicola Walshe, a proponent of climate change and sustainability education. Together, they dissect the challenges faced by schools and parents in supporting children's mental health and the innovative ways to foster well-being through nature and the arts.
Kate Silverton shares her insights on the variability of mental health support in schools and the critical need for standardised, professionally trained mental health professionals on-site. She emphasises the importance of understanding the neuroscience behind children's behaviour and offers a sneak peak of some of the practical, science-backed strategies found in her latest book, ‘There’s still no such thing as naughty: parenting for the primary years’. Professor Nicola Walshe discusses her work with the UCL Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Education, highlighting the transformative power of combining arts with nature to improve children's mental and emotional well-being. She presents compelling evidence from the Eco-Capabilities project, illustrating how such practices not only benefit the students but also reinvigorate teachers' passion for their profession. This episode is an impassioned call to disrupt the status quo of public health and education systems, advocating for a holistic approach that prioritises emotional well-being and connection to nature as the foundation for learning and growth.
Public Health Disrupted with Rochelle Burgess and Xand Van Tulleken is produced by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative
For the transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/health-of-public/transcript-redefining-classroom-nurturing-mental-health-through-nature-and-arts
Date of episode recording: 2024-02-19T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:40:00
Language of episode: English
Presenter: Xand van Tulleken; Rochelle Burgess
Guests: Kate Silverton; Nicola Walshe
Producer: Annabelle Buckland -
For this podcast we are visited by Chris Layne (Nova Southeastern University) to discuss the topic 'Resilience in grief and bereavement'. The podcast is hosted by Shi-Hui Kau (UCL). This podcast covers:
1. What are the similarities between posttraumatic stress and grief reactions?
2. Does the circumstances or reasons of death affect the way a bereaved person grieves and build resilience?
3. What is multidimensional grief theory?
4. How can the average person help a close friend or loved one who is currently grieving?
For the transcript: https://resiliencerg.wixsite.com/mysite/podcasts
Date of episode recording: 2024-02-20T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:52:35
Language of episode: English
Presenter: Shi-Hui Kau
Guests: Chris Layne
Producer: Jennifer McGowan -
In this episode, we’re moving beyond the UK to explore global climate policy in the wake of COP28. Hosts Mark and Simon are joined by Pierre Cannet, the Global Head of Public Affairs and Policy at Client Earth, to discuss how the law can be used to create change.
More about Client Earth: https://www.clientearth.org/
For more information and to access the transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/podcasts-videos/generation-one-climate-podcast
Sign up to our climate newsletter here: https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/6T06-7DL/subscribe-to-ucl-climate-hubs-newsletters
Date of episode recording: 16th February 2024
Duration: 27.12 minutes
Language of episode: English
Presenter: Mark Maslin and Simon Chin-Yee
Guests: Pierre Cannet, Global Head of Public Affairs and Policy at Client Earth
Producer: Adam Batstone -
In this episode, we are hosting Professor Maria Todorova from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to revisit her illuminating book 'Imagining The Balkans.' Professor Todorova specializes in Eastern Europe, particularly the Balkans in the modern period, focusing on historical demography, nationalism, socialism, and post-communism. Her work has had a major influence on the study of the Balkans and Orientalism as interconnected subjects and project.
Date of episode recording: 2023-07-18T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:42:25
Language of episode: English
Presenter: Dr. Sertaç Sehlikoglu; Meryem Zișan Köker; Hazal Aydın.
Guests: Professor Maria Todorova
Producer: Dr. Sertaç Sehlikoglu; Meryem Zișan Köker; Hazal Aydın. -
Hosted by Olivia Moir, this very special episode discusses prenatal therapy with Prof Anna David, Director of the Institute for Women's Health here at UCL. Today we cover the basics of what the field of prenatal therapy is about, discussing the general lack of prenatal therapy in clinic and some of the factors behind why this is. We talk about the importance of conducting research to advance clinical practise in this field, supporting mums and the new generations to come.
For more information and to access the transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/womens-health/it-all-starts-here-ega-ifwh-institute-womens-health-podcast
Date of episode recording: 2023-12-04
Duration: 36:15
Language of episode: English
Presenter: Olivia Moir
Guests: Prof Anna David
Producer: Olivia Moir, UCL Changemakers -
We are back for season 2 of It All Starts Here! Listen in as your longtime host Olivia Moir introduces you to our new hosts joining us this season, Kathryn Hunwick and Niamh Kenny. Kathryn is a a long-time educator, therapist and yogi, who’s all about helping women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) to understand and support themselves holistically: body, mind and spirit. She is currently completing her masters in women's health at UCL to further her work. Niamh has always been extremely passionate about science and in particular menstrual health. She completed her bachelors in Molecular Medicine in Dublin and is currently pursuing a masters in women’s health here at UCL. This season, our mission remains the same: to bring awareness to critical topics in the fields of reproductive science and women's health, that are often pushed to the sidelines of conversation. We will also be shining a spotlight on the social aspects that shape these fields. From societal stigmas to cultural influences, we'll dive into the intersectionality of reproductive science and women’s health uncovering the layers of complexity that often go unnoticed. On top of this, we will be branching out and bringing in guests from various institutions around the UK. Tune in to learn more, we are so excited to guide you through another season of learning and communicating about reproductive science and women's health! Follow us on instagram @itallstartsherepodcastucl
Date of episode recording: 2024-02-28T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:05:52
Language of episode: English
Presenter: Olivia Moir, Kathryn Hunwick, Niamh Kenny
Guests: N/A
Producer: Olivia Moir, UCL changemakers -
Celebrate International Women's Day with a special first episode of the new series of Life of PIE! Onya, your host, delves into the complex world of women's health alongside Kris Teow, an MSc PIE alum from the 2022-23 cohort. Kris shares findings from her qualitative study on the experiences of Malaysian corporate women, shedding light on the diverse ways women's health is perceived and managed globally. From the cultural construction of women's bodies to the stigma surrounding menstruation and menopause, the conversation explores the nuanced factors that shape women's health. Join them as they navigate cultural nuances and societal expectations and raise crucial questions. How do cultural norms shape women's health? What challenges do women face in different corners of the world? Join this eye-opening episode to unravel the complexities of women's health on a global scale, as Onya and Kris invite you to explore, question, and advocate for a more inclusive approach to women's well-being. More about Kris Teow: Kris is highly passionate about women's health as well as equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) issues, Kristina is currently in the Partnerships team of The Forward Institute, an organisation focused on strengthening leadership for positive impact. Prior to this, she'd advised early-stage start-ups at UCL's enterprise incubator, the Hatchery, and earlier on, led the people and culture team at a Series A healthtech in Southeast Asia. She started her career in a global leadership advisory firm, working with large technology companies across APAC. Outside of work, she enjoys being an amateur yogi and swimming at whichever pool she can find." You can find out more about Kris and connect with her on LinkedIn. Production: The Life of PIE podcast is produced by Juan Manuel Fournier Castillo, an MSc PIE alumni and Creative strategist. All voice actors are MSc PIE alumni and we are grateful to the team for taking the time to co-create this season.
Date of episode recording: 2024-03-04T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:35:32
Language of episode: English
Presenter: Dr Onya Idoko
Guests: Kristina Teow
Producer: Juan Manuel Fournier Castillo -
We are back with the second series of the Life of PIE podcast. Dr Onya Idoko lets us know what we can expect from this season.
Date of episode recording: 2024-03-04T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:02:28
Language of episode: English
Presenter: Dr Onya Idoko; Juan Manuel Castillo
Producer: Juan Manuel Castillo -
Introducing episode 3 of season four! Our hosts Mark and Simon continue this series with a discussion on the fallout from COP28 for the UK, and what needs to be done on a national, governmental and local level.
Joining them are our guests Ian Townsend (ONS Divisional Director of Environment), Robbie Macpherson, (APPG lead at Uplift), Annabel Rice (Political Advisor at Green Alliance) and Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy at Greater London Authority, Shirley Rodrigues, to talk national feeling and climate policy.
For more information and to access the transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/podcasts-videos/generation-one-climate-podcast
Sign up to our climate newsletter here: https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/6T06-7DL/subscribe-to-ucl-climate-hubs-newsletters
References
ONS release calendar: https://www.ons.gov.uk/releasecalendar/
Key ONS environmental releases:
Important issues facing the UK (5.1-5.13), http://bit.ly/ONSimpactCOL
https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/environmentalaccounts
Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain Statistical bulletins:
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/bulletins/publicopinionsandsocialtrendsgreatbritain/previousReleases
Business insights and impact on the economy bulletins: https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/business/businessservices/bulletins/businessinsightsandimpactontheukeconomy/previousReleases
Date of episode recording: 14th and 23rd February 2024
Duration: 27 mins, 14 secs
Language of episode: English
Presenter: Mark Maslin and Simon Chin-Yee
Guests:
Ian Townsend, ONS, Divisional Director of Environment
Annabel Rice, Political Adviser at Green Alliance and UCL alum (Environment, Politics and Society 2021)
Robbie MacPherson, Political and Climate Change APPG Lead, Uplift
Shirley Rodrigues, Deputy Mayor, Environment and Energy at Greater London Authority
Producer: Adam Batstone -
We are most likely to think about environmental data as sets of facts, but have you thought of it as having a social life? In this episode, we explore how those who collect and prepare environmental data may not necessarily be the ones to use or benefit from it: Dr Tone Walford and Dr Cecilia Chavana-Bryant draw on their experiences of collecting data across the Amazon in Brazil, French Guiana and Peru, and more recently in Hampstead Heath in London, the UK, to consider more collaborative and equitable forms of environmental data. We discuss how bringing together anthropologists, artists, forest ecologists, remote sensing specialists, and the UK’s Ancient Tree Forum, is helping to frame alternative modes of collecting, accessing, and sharing environmental data. Tone Walford is a Lecturer in Digital Anthropology, based in UCL’s Anthropology Department. Their work explores the new forms of data politics that underpin current efforts in international observational science to measure, archive, and manage the Earth. Cecilia Chavana-Bryant is a forest ecologist and a National Centre for Earth Observation Postdoctoral Research Fellow, based in UCL’s Geography Department. Her work broadly focuses on the ecology and function of temperate and tropical forests canopies. For the podcast transcript, details of our other podcasts and activities visit: http://tinyurl.com/mubmxu4n
Date of episode recording: 2024-01-25T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:32:32
Language of episode: English
Presenter: Lili Golmohammadi
Guests: Tone Walford, Cecilia Chavana-Bryant
Producer: Matt Aucott, Cerys Bradley - Show more
