Foundation for Science and Technology

This week, we talk to Professor Tyler Kelly, Pure Mathematics Professor and UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellow at Queen Mary University London, about their role as co-Chair of LGBTQ+ STEM. We also explore a pioneering mentorship scheme and what meaningful allyship looks like within the wider scientific 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...

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 im...

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 L...

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.

This week, we are joined by Mehwaesh Islam, Head of Research Policy at Universities UK. UUK is a membership organisation, representing the views of 141 UK universities to influence policy and opinion, coordinate action, and provide insight into universities. Together, we explore the future of UK R&D, in particular the challenges faced by the University sector. This week's host is Geena Goodwin, Sc...

This week, we are discussing fertility treatment in the UK. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) recently published its Fertility Trends report which revealed that 1 in 32 births in the UK are a result of IVF. To help explore this, as well as some of the science and policy surrounding fertility treatment, is Rachel Cutting, Director of Compliance and Information at the HFEA.

The UN has designated 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. In this episode, we explore how the quantum revolution shaped things to come, the intersection between quantum computing and AI, and what the UK is doing in this space.

This week we are discussing education-focused academia, equity in learning, the student experience and how interdisciplinary science can make for a more inclusive STEM landscape.

This week, we are discussing the co-benefits of the Warm Homes Plan, how to balance net-zero targets with community needs, and the unique challenges of heat decarbonisation. Louise Shooter, Head of heat decarbonisation at Energy UK helps us to explore this. This podcast was hosted by FST volunteer, Geena Goodwin.

This week we are discussing one of the more challenging aspects of the UK’s race to net zero by 2050 - decarbonising our homes and buildings. Jon Saltmarsh, Chief Technology Officer at Energy Systems Catapult helps us to explore this.

This week we are discussing returning to a career in research after a break for family reasons, health or caring responsibilities. We will explore challenges, the skills shortage in STEM, success stories and support available. With me to discuss all of this is Dr Katie Perry, Chief Executive at the Daphne Jackson Trust.

This week we are discussing chemical toxicity, and the effect of chemicals on human health and the global ecosystem. We are having this conversation to coincide with a major new report on pervasive toxicity being published this week by Deep Science Ventures (DSV). Our guest is Senior Associate for Climate at DSV, Harry Macpherson.

This week we are discussing advanced composite materials with Dr Monali Dahale, Advanced Research Engineer at the National Composites Centre. We explore key technologies, future aspirations and scaling up.

This week we are discussing STEM careers and the barriers faced by those from lower socio-economic groups to a successful career in STEM. To help us explore some of the issues is Lexie Papaspyrou, Project Manager for the Tech Futures Task Force at the Sutton Trust.

This week, we are joined by Antoinette Nothomb, co- founder of Cyanoskin, a female-led start-up that has created an algae-based paint designed to capture Co2 from the outside of buildings. We explore why algae is a sustainability superhero, big plans for the future, and her thoughts on UK and EU policy on decarbonising buildings.

This week we are joined by Foundation Future Leader, Dr Adam Berlie who helps us explore the weird and wonderful world of muon instrument research at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. We also talk about neurodivergence and inclusivity in research, the magic of hobbies, and transferable, 'soft skills' into STEM.

This week, we are exploring the interface of Government and the research ecosystem in the modern age. The Foundation’s Chief Executive and former Civil Servant, Gavin Costigan discusses this and the significance of knowledge brokers. For this episode, we are delighted to welcome guest host, Keegan Schroeder, science and engineering fast streamer at DEFRA.

This week we are discussing astrophysics, how to better understand changing clouds, their impact on Earth's climate, making the most of open data, unconventional career paths and the power of ‘paying it forward.’ With me to discuss all of that is Dr Jacqueline Campbell, Co-Founder & Partner Scientist at asterisk labs, ARIA R&D Creator and Schmidt Science Fellow. This is the second in a series of s...