Foundation for Science and Technology

This week, we are exploring maths in schools. Is the way we teach maths keeping pace with an increasingly data-centred world? Does the current system provide all students with the mathematical skills they will need? And what does the future of maths education look like? Joining us is Professor Jane Clarke, Emeritus Professor of Molecular Biophysics at the University of Cambridge, and Chair of the Royal Society Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education.

This week, we explore equality of opportunity, changing stereotypes around disability, a pioneering staff network, and how institutions can embrace disability for what it can bring to science. We have Research Scientist in Medical MR Imaging Physics at The University of Manchester and Chair of the National Association of Disabled Staff Networks, Dr Hamied Haroon on the podcast to discuss this.

This week we deep dive into a new report published by the RSPB and British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) on the impacts of climate change on UK birds. With recent heatwaves a reminder that our planet is changing, the new report explores how the climate crisis is already impacting UK birds and why restoring nature is key to their future. We are joined by Simone Mordue from the RSPB Conservation Science team and co-author of the report, and Bethany Chamberlain, RSPB Senior Policy Officer.

This week, we dive into public attitudes to science, representation, ethics, and what young people are saying about STEM. To help us to explore all of this, we are joined by the Chief Executive of the British Science Association, Hannah Russell.

We explore evidence with Dr Sam ElBadry, Policy Projects Coordinator at Sense About Science. He talks to us about the importance of strong scientific evidence, the public’s view, and how evidence is used in Parliament and in policy decision-making.

This week we are joined by Saul Klein. With 32 years of experience as a founder, CEO, investor, and policy advisor across the U.K., Europe, Israel, and the US, Saul helps us explore the UK innovation ecosystem, his career and in particular, how he advises the government on supporting companies to scale up. Thank you to FST podcast volunteer and Civil Service Fast Streamer, Geena Goodwin for hosting this episode.

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 the workforce pipeline in place, such as specialised university courses in chip design. Thank you to our podcast volunteer and Civil Service Faststreamer, Geena Goodwin for coordinating and hosting this episode.

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 impacts of their work, Professor David Patterson and Dr Mark James of St Andrews University and SMMR champions joined us on the podcast.

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 Labs.

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, Science and Engineering Fast Streamer in the civil service and a volunteer with the Foundation.

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 space-related podcast episodes leading up to our evening discussion on space missions and their impact on UK space science and industry, in April.

This week, we explore the Space Technology Industry in Northern Ireland with Robert Hill, manager for the Northern Ireland Space Cluster and Chair of the Northern Ireland Space Special Interest Group. Robert is also Chair of Matrix, the Northern Ireland Science Industry panel, which in March 2025 published a report on the space industry in Northern Ireland.

This week we are discussing women and girls in tech; barriers, progress, skills and schooling. Here explore some of the issues is Dr Claire Thorne, co-chief executive of TechSheCan, one of Computer Weekly’s Top 15 Most Influential Women in UK Tech 2024, and more recently a council member of the The Foundation for Science and Technology.

This week we are discussing engineering biology, some of the standout innovations coming out of the sector, what the inclusion of it into the Government’s ‘Critical Technologies’ list means, and the role of intellectual property. With me to discuss all of that is Linda Bedenik, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the BioIndustry Association (BIA) and a 2025 Foundation Future Leader.

This week we discuss social mobility and closing the gap on careers in science and technology for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. With me to explore some of the issues is James Adeleke (FRSA), founder of Generation Success and co-opted member of the Education Board at the City of London Corporation.

In this episode we are discussing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in careers in science and technology. To explore some of the issues and where things could be improved are two members of the Foundation Future Leaders cohort of 2024. They are: Dr Lauren Thomas-Seale, Senior Lecturer at the University of Birmingham and Sam Islam, Systems Engineering Consultant at the Energy Systems Catapult.

In this podcast, we are in conversation with Yann Sweeney, Senior Editor for Computing and Robotics at Nature. We discuss recent developments in AI, how the UK and other countries are pursuing the opportunities it brings, and current developments in the area of regulation.

This week, our guest is Wendy Jarrett, Chief Executive of Understanding Animal Research. She discusses how, when, and why animals are used in research in the UK, along with the regulations governing this practice. Additionally, she addresses the controversies surrounding animal research and its future.

This week we are chatting with Dr Jing Jill Zhao, Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Construction Technology at UWE in Bristol. We discuss her research in a human-centred framework to deliver Net Zero in affordable housing. Also the progress and barriers to low carbon living in the UK. What more can be done to support the everyday person to achieve this?

This week we are discussing engagement between academics and policy professionals – and some of the recent programmes and activities in this area in the UK. Here to discuss that is Sarah Chaytor, Director of Research Strategy & Policy at University College London.

Ahead of COP29, Professor Nathalie Pettorelli from The Institute of Zoology at the Zoological Society London (ZSL) joins us to explore how climate change and global biodiversity loss intersect, how solutions can address both, and how policy decision makers can do more.

This week we talk to Charles Harris, PhD student at The University of Cambridge who is looking at marrying the lessons learnt by 2024 Chemistry Nobel Prize winners and their game-changing AI tool for predicting protein structures called AlphaFold with generative modelling and drug discovery.

Our guest this week is Nicole Brown, Head of Research Ethics and Integrity at University College London (UCL)’s Institute of Education. Nicole discusses what academic teams need to do next to make Science and Technology more inclusive for those with disabilities, chronic illness and neuro divergence. She also looks at issues with disclosure, the importance of role models and the far reaching benefits of progress in this area.

Our guest this week is Rachel Youngman who has worked extensively in the legal profession, and in social justice particularly with young people and with refugees. For the last 10 years she has brought that society experience to science to help improve diversity and international collaboration. She is currently Chair of the Engineering Council’s Committee and has been a member of the External Advisory Board of the Quantum Hub for Sensors and Metrology and until March, Deputy CEO at The Institute of Physics. Today we are discussing the importance of science and technology in society, science communication and the importance of making STEM a space for all.

In this podcast, Professor Sir Peter Knight, Chair of the UK National Quantum Technology Programme Strategic Advisory Board, discusses quantum technologies in the UK - what they are, how close they are to market, and what support might be needed from the UK Government.

To discuss all things quantum, our guest is Professor Hatef Sadeghi, Professor of Computational Quantum Engineering at the University of Warwick, a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow and also a former Foundation for Science and Technology Future Leader. This is the first podcast in a short series to discuss quantum technologies, in advance of an event being organised by the Foundation for Science and Technology on 24th September at The University of Strathclyde.

Welcome back to the FST podcast! After a short summer break, we are back. This week, we are discussing Precision Health with Professor Rameen Shakur, Professor of Genomics and Precision Cardiovascular Medicine, Director of Brighton Integrative Genomics (B.I.G) Unit and Director of Centre of Research Excellence in Precision Health and Translational Medicine at the University of Brighton.

In this episode, we talk to Clara Nörenberg, ETH (Swiss Polytechnical) University mechanical engineering student. She is team leader for aCentauri - a group of students who have built a solar powered car from scratch. They have recently raced the car across an Australian desert but aren't technically racing fans. Our communications officer chats to Clara about how the car works and what she hopes to see in the future of sustainable engineering.

In this episode we talk to journalist and political commentator, Loretta Napoleoni about technology, capitalism, Artificial Intelligence and the risks of technological innovation ‘boxed inside profitability’, particularly when it comes to sustainability and getting to NetZero.

Energy storage equalises the supply of renewables with the demand for electricity. This week we talk to Professor Seamus Garvey, Professor of Dynamics at the University of Nottingham about the different forms of energy storage, how it works, why it is the best way to ensure secure supply on the road to Net Zero, and what the future holds.