Lab Matters

Helen Pearson is an award-winning journalist, editor at Nature, and honorary professor at UCL - and her new book, Beyond Belief, asks a question that feels more urgent than ever: why don't we follow the evidence, even when it could save lives? In this episode, we trace Helen's journey from a comprehensive school in Essex to Cambridge, Edinburgh and the pages of the world's most influential science...

In this episode of Lab Matters, we speak to Dr Rachel Wells, senior scientist and honorary professor at the John Innes Centre, about the science behind protecting oilseed rape in the UK.   Rachel shares how her career evolved from an early interest in veterinary science to a deep focus on plant genetics, crop resilience and sustainable agriculture. The conversation explores the impact of pesticide...

Season 6 starts with the story behind one of the UK's most successful life science startups. In this episode of Lab Matters, Harriet talks to Paul Colbon, CEO of Liverpool ChiroChem (now LLC Technologies), about his journey from chemistry student to entrepreneur, building a company from the ground up, navigating investment, leading through uncertainty and ultimately achieving a successful acquisit...

What does it mean to make chemistry sustainable? In this episode of Lab Matters, host Jonathan Smith speaks with Tom Welton, the first Professor of Sustainable Chemistry at Imperial College London. Tom reflects on his journey from a North London council estate to becoming a leading voice in sustainable chemistry. Along the way, he shares how early curiosity about atomic structure, inspiring mentor...

In this episode of Lab Matters, Harriet Gould speaks with Roger Highfield, Science Director at the Science Museum and former Science Editor at The Telegraph. Roger’s career spans physics, journalism, bestselling books and decades of science communication. From researching ultra-thin molecular films at Oxford to covering the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster and interviewing future Nobel Prize wi...

In this episode of Lab Matters, we sit down with chemical policy strategist and toxicologist Camilla Alexander White to explore a career that spans industry, academia and the highest levels of scientific advisory. From growing up as a young carer and discovering chemistry through fireworks and inspirational teachers, to advising the Food Standards Agency and contributing to international regulator...

In this episode of Lab Matters, we step inside the Old Operating Theatre Museum with historian Dr Sophie Wearing to explore how science really moves through society. Surrounded by 19th-century surgical instruments, we discuss everything from blood-stained surgeons and the slow acceptance of germ theory to the evolution of medical authority and expertise. Sophie reflects on how science professional...

Artist Stuart Luke Gatherer reflects on creativity, chemistry, and meaning, exploring how science, symbolism, and paint intersect in his work.

In this episode of Lab Matters, Harriet Gould is joined by STEM educator, technician and mentor Lawrence Dawkins-Hall (Science Council) for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about what shapes a science career - and what needs to change next. From early inspiration sparked by the Apollo missions and Attenborough, to the realities of working life in labs, Lawrence shares the highs, the hard lesson...

Would-be rebel, Ola Wlodek, on the Joy of peptide engineering.