The Long Game

In this episode Ross and Sandy discuss the complexities of dementia, exploring its impact, the science behind it, the economic costs, and the biotech industry's efforts in prevention and early detection. The conversation covers the future of disease treatment, encouraging industry to explore opportunities, practical and personal advice for disease prevention. We close with our 'wee bit of joy' and...

Most companies overlook a massive opportunity in early diagnosis for cardiovascular disease, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. On this episode of The Long Game , Ross and Sandy reveal how Scotland’s thriving biotech ecosystem is turning understanding of the “broken heart” into ground breaking tech that could save lives and billions in healthcare costs. Right now, Scotland faces an alarming crisis...

Most medical trust is based on a simple signature, until it isn’t. A 19th-century Glasgow doctor’s deadly misuse of that trust not only shocked the nation but also helped shape the foundation of modern forensic science. Discover how one man’s dark deeds as the "Glasgow Poisoner" exposed horrifying weaknesses in a system that still challenges us today and why verifying trust has never been more cru...

In this episode we attempt to uncover how AI is transforming the human mind, from decoding thoughts to rewriting emotions. Imagine a future where your dreams, memories, and even your emotional states are not private. We delve into the mind-bending capabilities of cutting-edge AI that’s learning to read, modify, and potentially control our inner worlds. From neural implants that detect and influenc...

In this episode Ross and Sandy delve into the applications of AI in biology, drug discovery, and clinical trials, highlighting the potential of AI to revolutionize the healthcare industry. It explores the role of AI in drug design, protein modelling, gene editing, and cancer vaccines, as well as the challenges and opportunities in clinical trials and drug approval. The conversation delves into the...

In part 2 of this episode, Ross and Sandy continue their conversation with Dr. Deborah O'Neill where we discusses her leadership in the biotech industry, the challenges in biotech infrastructure, the economic impact of life sciences, regional investment and opportunities, and creative problem solving in the industry.

In this episode, join Ross and Sandy in discussion with Dr. Deborah O'Neill, CEO of NovaBiotics. Released in two parts, in this first part of the interview Deborah discusses her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, sharing insights into the science and story behind the formation of NovaBiotics. We hear about the fascinating work they are doing to combat microbial resistance and the potential...

In this episode, the principal themes revolve around the application of AI in healthcare, focusing on efficiency, productivity, and patient care. The discussion also delves into the concept of virtual hospitals, the impact of AI on radiology imaging, and its role in emergency services.

In this episode Ross and Sandy explore the history and impact of MRI technology, highlighting its development in Scotland and its global significance. It delves into the challenges and breakthroughs in medical imaging, emphasising the contributions of Scottish scientists and the commercial impact of their innovations.

Most biotech start-ups struggle just to find space, but Scotland is pioneering a solution that could revolutionise how life sciences companies grow and thrive. In this episode Ross and Sandy peel back the curtain on the critical infrastructure bottleneck threatening Scotland’s $25 billion biotech ambitions, revealing how innovative models and hefty public investment are building state-of-the-art s...

In this episode we explore the economics of the health data revolution and learn about how a surprising and relatively unknown archive in Scotland could change everything. What if your genetic history, kept since 1965 in a vault, is the ultimate resource for life sciences innovation? This episode reveals how Scotland’s hidden DNA archive (over 2.5 million newborn blood cards) may be the key to rev...

In this conversation Ross and Sandy delve into the complexity of cancer, the challenges in finding a cure, and the innovative approaches being pursued in the field of oncology. It also explores the economic impact of cancer research and the potential for the Scottish biotech ecosystem. The discussion emphasizes the need to embrace the chaos of cancer and the business opportunities it presents.

Most people think of cancer research as solely focused on survival, but what happens when the goal shifts from "get past five years" to "live long with cancer"? In this episode, we explore the game-changing trend transforming oncology from a battle against death to a fight for quality of life. Join Ross and Sandy as they sit down with world-renowned surgeon and cancer scientist, Professor Andrew B...

We are joined by Ishani Malhotra, Founder and CEO of Oncocine, for a conversation on personalised mRNA cancer vaccines, AI-driven precision medicine, and the realities of building a biotech company in Scotland. And, as always, we finish with our Wee Bit of Joy — this week featuring rugby, David Byrne and love, and a moment away from the lab bench.

In Episode 2 of The Long Game , Sandy Weir and Ross Cagan explore Scotland’s biotech ecosystem, from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Aberdeen, and discuss the science, capital, data, and ambition needed to build a £25 billion life sciences sector. They end with their traditional Wee Bit of Joy, from signs of spring and golf plans on Bute to an unexpected encounter with Scotland’s lapidary tradition.

We are scientists, bioentrepreneurs, friends, and golf partners. In The Long Game , Sandy Weir and Ross Cagan use clear, friendly conversations to explore the science shaping our lives and driving Scotland’s biotech economy. In this introductory episode, we explain why we started the podcast, what questions we want to tackle, and how great ideas become real-world medicines, devices, and life scien...

In Episode 1 of The Long Game , Sandy Weir and Ross Cagan explore why people in Scotland die, what those patterns reveal about cancer, heart disease, dementia, and drug deaths, and why prevention and early diagnosis matter not only for health, but for the future of Scotland’s biotech economy.