University of Cambridge

In this second episode, Lainy Malkani and Jack Ashby head to the storerooms of the University Museum of Zoology in Cambridge to take a closer look at one of the world’s finest collections of thylacine skins. They explore how what was done to thylacines and what was done to Tasmanian Aboriginal people was part of the same historical process. As populations of both were diminished, demand for their...

In this final episode, the spotlight falls on the Museum itself as Jack Ashby and Lainy Malkani ask what is to be gained from uncovering the hidden human stories behind natural history collections. A far greater diversity of people were involved in building these scientifically invaluable collections than has traditionally been told. By telling these histories more completely, museums can only inc...

In this episode of 'So Now What', host Catherine Galloway engages with Gates Cambridge scholars Jakub Szomalec, Raggenhilde Fregdaler, and Jansu Karabiak to explore how creative methods can address wicked problems in society. The conversation delves into the importance of arts in academia, the role of entertainment in cultural activism, and the power of personal stories in engaging audiences. The...

Richard Westcott talks to Diane Coyle, Jacques Crémer, and Paul Seabright about Europe’s position in competing with the US in technology. They explore the factors shaping Europe’s place in the global tech race—how data, policy, investment, competition and culture influence its potential to compete with the US. Our experts unpack the challenges and opportunities for Europe’s tech ecosystem. They co...

In this episode of Crossing Channels, Richard Westcott is joined by Dimitri Zenghelis, Ulrich Hege, and Mathias Reynaert to explore how green finance can support the clean transition. They discuss the shifting role of financial markets, the balance between public and private investment, and the policies needed to drive long-term change.

In this episode of So Now What, host Catherine Galloway talks to Gates Cambridge scholars Kevin Beckford, Emma Soneson, and Blanca Piera Pi Sunyer to discuss the pressing issues facing today's youth. The conversation explores the importance of empowering young people, the role of community and culture in their development, and the need for systemic change in education and mental health support. Th...

Gina Neff, Jeni Tennison and Jean-François Bonnefon discuss how algorithms and data influence our work, lives, and interactions, and the governance frameworks required for accountability and public good. Richard Westcott (Cambridge University Health Partners and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus) talks to Gina Neff (Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy), Jeni Tennison (Connected by Data), and...

Our experts discuss the definition of democracy and why statistics say it's in worldwide decline. In this episode, Richard Westcott (Cambridge University Health Partners and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus) talks to David Runciman (University of Cambridge), Kristin Michelitch (IAST) and Ahmed Mohamed (IAST) about the decline in democracy indexes worldwide, the cultural, technological, and institut...

In this episode, Richard Westcott talks to Gordon Harold, Anna Moore, and Olympia Campbell about the growing rates of mental health issues among young people. They discuss the key determinants and the most effective ways to support young people's mental health. Our experts examine whether mental health among young people is truly worsening or if we’re simply getting better at identifying it. They...

To kickstart Season Four of Crossing Channels, Richard Westcott talks to Alison Liebling, Nicola Padfield and Arnaud Philippe about the growing prison population, the prison experience, and the most effective ways to rehabilitate ex-offenders. Our experts discuss why the prison population is growing and the similarities and differences across European countries. They share their expertise on the i...

The conversation explores the role of culture in peacebuilding and the need to challenge narratives of conflict and division. The guests discuss their experiences in conflict-affected regions and the importance of empathy, healing, and resilience in creating cultures of peace. They highlight the need for education systems to promote peace and inclusion, and the importance of dismantling oppressive...

The podcast episode explores the concept of tolerance and how to create a more tolerant world. The guests discuss the importance of face-to-face interactions, trust, and cooperation in building tolerance. They also examine the role of technology and social media in promoting or hindering tolerance. The guests share their perspectives on using music, arts, and creativity as tools for fostering tole...

In this episode of Crossing Channels, Rory Cellan-Jones discusses with Diane Coyle, Ruth Mace, and Paul Seabright the impact of age on leadership, the consequences of having older leaders for society, and the case for implementing a compulsory retirement age. Leading experts discuss the trade-off between experience, expertise, skill and judgment as society’s leaders age. They draw on evolutionary...

The episode explores the topic of political legitimacy in a polarized world. The guests discuss the psychological and cognitive components of political beliefs, the impact of polarization on journalism, and the importance of understanding the perspectives of people on the ground. They emphasize the need for flexible thinking, reevaluating our own dogmas, and engaging in meaningful conversations wi...

In this episode of Crossing Channels, Rory Cellan-Jones talks to experts, Dr Stephanie Diepeveen and Prof Jordanna Matlon about the enduring legacies of colonialism on global economic inequalities, the climate crisis, and the digital space. Dr Stephanie Diepeveen and Prof Jordanna Matlon share tangible examples and critical insights into a nuanced understanding of how colonial legacies continue to...

The conversation delves into the urgency of addressing concerns about artificial intelligence, the impact of AI on society, and the need for ethical considerations. We explore the challenges of bias, misinformation, and the environmental impact of AI. The guests discuss the role of academia, big tech, and the public in shaping the future of AI. They also highlight the importance of transparency, r...

This is the third interview with Mrs Charity (Cherry) Hopkins, Life Fellow of Girton College, University of Cambridge. Mrs Hopkins was interviewed for the third time on 14 February 2024 in the Squire Law Library. For more information, see the Squire Law Library website at: http://www.squire.law.cam.ac.uk/eminent-scholars-archive

This is the second interview with Mrs Charity (Cherry) Hopkins, Life Fellow of Girton College, University of Cambridge. Mrs Hopkins was interviewed for the second time on 16 October 2023 in the Squire Law Library. For more information, see the Squire Law Library website at: http://www.squire.law.cam.ac.uk/eminent-scholars-archive

Why is the world protesting so much? How has protesting changed over the years? And what impact are mass protest movements having on policymaking? To explore these questions, Rory Cellan-Jones talks to Dr Felix Dwinger (IAST), Dr Giacomo Lemoli (IAST) and Dr Lauren Wilcox (University of Cambridge). Dr Lauren Wilcox, Dr Felix Dwinger, and Dr Giacomo Lemoli talk to Rory Cellan-Jones about why the wo...

Verity Harding, Gina Neff and Lawrence Rothenberg talk to Rory Cellan-Jones about whether nations competing for AI supremacy can really collaborate to slow down dangerous developments and what are the tradeoffs. In this episode, Rory Cellan-Jones (former technology correspondent for the BBC) chats with Verity Harding (Bennett Institute for Public Policy), Gina Neff (Minderoo Centre for Technology...

The episode explores the topic of extreme weather and its impact on communities and asks: What does extreme weather mean for us? The speakers highlight the importance of connecting research to real-world impacts and the need for collective action. They discuss the devastating losses of climate disasters, the challenges of adaptation and the power of nature. They also emphasise the importance of em...

Rory Cellan-Jones talks to Emmanuelle Auriol, Nina Jörden and Francesca Barigozzi about the underrepresentation of women in certain sectors, the persistence of the motherhood wage gap, and the impact of flexible work arrangement on women’s careers. This episode asks why are women disadvantaged in the workplace? Experts explore why women are underrepresented in certain professions. Why is the mothe...

This podcast, hosted by Gaia Dratwinska, looks at Nicholas Ong’s research into the life and music of Russian composer, Valentia Serova (1846-1925), the creator of the first opera by a woman to be performed at the Bolshoi theatre in Moscow. Produced by Claire Watt.

In this episode, Iona Warne interviews Dr Jo, of Dr Jo Science, to investigate some surprising facts about the human body, as well as looking into how science can best be communicated to children. Facebook.com/DrJoScience Produced by Claire Watt.

In this podcast, Soraya Shakibi talks to Clare Wilkes about her work with temperature scarves, exploring this unique blend of crafts and environmental consciousness. Produced by Claire Watt.