Lab Matters

S5 E6: From Ionic Liquids to the United Nations: A Life in Sustainable Chemistry 31.03.2026 32:49 ↓

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...

S5 E5: From Neutron Physics to Science Journalism 12.03.2026 27:38 ↓

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...

S5 E4: The Scientist Who Helped Shape UK Policy 26.02.2026 26:03 ↓

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...

S5 E3: Blood, Germs & Expertise: How Science Really Changes 12.02.2026 31:47 ↓

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...

S5 E2: Hope, Chemistry & the Art of Ambiguity: A conversation with Stuart Luke Gatherer 29.01.2026 25:35 ↓

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

S5 E1: The Technician Journey: Recognition, Progression & the Future of Lab Careers 15.01.2026 41:44 ↓

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...

EP 48: Would-be rebel, Ola Wlodek, on the Joy of peptide engineering 05.03.2025 35:54 ↓

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

EP 47: CEO Roughan Sheedy speaks to Harriet from the business side of science 26.02.2025 44:23 ↓

CEO Roughan Sheedy speaks to Harriet from the business side of science

EP 46: Machine learning expert, Marcel Gehrung tells Harriet the one thing he does before confirming a single new hire 19.02.2025 40:57 ↓

Machine learning expert, Marcel Gehrung tells Harriet the one thing he does before confirming a single new hire

EP 45: Meet the boy from Bedford who’s making the biologics of the future 12.02.2025 34:14 ↓

Hear Ricky’s vision for the future of science - and much more!