The PhD Pod

Episodi

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  Evolution of bacterial resistance & the transition from industrial research to a PhD 17.12.2025 56min

  When humans develop a new therapy to fight potentially dangerous bacteria, they, in turn, might be able to generate new strategies to counteract our medicines. Maria explains how the evolution of the bacterial defence mechanisms occurs and how much we should worry about. In the second part of the interview, she describes her transition from a well established laboratory research job in the private sector to a PhD in academia.
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  Natural language processing (NLP) & science-based comedy 10.12.2025 57min

  What are the possible applications of language models (such as the famous chatGPT)? In this episode, Antonia talks us through how text documents can be “mined” by machine learning algorithms, the ethical consideration of their use, and how analysing language can reveal medical insights for some brain conditions. Additionally, she tells us her involvement in a collective that communicates science via comedy shows (warning: deadpan jokes included!).
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  Sustainable cellulose production & Work-life balance 15.10.2025 44min

  Cellulose is used everywhere today, from textile to food production, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Divya explains how we can make cellulose in a sustainable way from microbes by using ocean water instead of fresh water, the scientific challenges of this production and the socio-economics aspects of her project. We also discuss work-life balance as a PhD student, how to maintain it and what to do if one loses this balance.
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  Microplastics in our body & Parenthood + PhD 08.10.2025 1h 6min

  What are microplastics and nanoplastics and what are their effects on our bodies? In this episode, Ida tells us about her research on these plastics, the ways they can be degraded and how to evaluate the risk they cause for our environment and our health. We also talk about Ida’s reflections on the gender gap in academic research and her involvement with WiES at DTU. Finally, we discuss Ida’s experience with parenthood during her PhD, the challenges she had to overcome and how being a parent helps her keep a work-life balance.
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  Advancing osteoporosis treatment & a PhD after being a travel agent 01.10.2025 49min

  In this episode, Lisbeth tells us about her research on osteoporosis and how certain medications can be used to rebuild the bone. What are the effects of these medications on the cells inside the bone? And how can these treatments be improved? We also talk about her path to research and how she decided to start a PhD after her professional career as a traveling agent.
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  Public participation in research & Staying sane during a PhD 27.06.2025 59min

  Why involve the general public in academic research? And if so, how can they be involved in meaningful ways? In this episode, Lauge tells us about his research on public involvement in research. Lauge explores how barriers can be removed and how the experience for both citizens and researchers can be improved. We also talk about Lauge’s personal journey to a PhD and how he sees it as a singular experience rather than a career path necessarily leading up to academia.
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  Understanding human proteins & the role of activism in academia 06.05.2025 47min

  How do human cells administer and organise the proteins they produce? In this episode, recorded in November 2024, Javier tells us about his research with human proteins and how their lifespan, their location and even their function is influenced by a peculiar protein: ubiquitin. We also talk about the importance of activism in academia, and how students and researchers can make their voices heard.
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  Advancing wastewater treatment & life as an industrial PhD student 17.04.2025 42min

  What is wastewater treatment, and how can we make it better? In this episode, Francisca tells us about her research on wastewater treatment and how heat is recovered from it. She also shares her experience as an industrial PhD student, what her everyday looks like and why she thinks it is the best of two worlds.
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  European border policy & becoming a Postdoc 26.03.2024 44min

  What does digitalisation mean for EU-border policy? Together with our guest Clemens we try to dissect EU-policy, explore the complexities of border management and talk about the challenges and rewards of pursuing a Postdoc position in today's world.
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  Shining light on Alzheimer & living the startup life 19.03.2024 38min

  From “zapping” brains with light to juggling PhD life with startup vibes: In this episode Maibritt gives us insights into the research frontier in Alzheimer and shares her experience as an industrial PhD in growing startup.
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  Perfecting mozzarella & staying connected to home 10.03.2024 37min
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  Solving cold cases with science & “blending in” in Denmark 03.03.2024 35min

  Have you ever wondered how much of the DNA forensics you see on TV is actually true? In this episode we are debunking TV myths and learning about mitochondrial DNA & modern forensics. Also, our guest Floor shares some stories of her personal journey of adapting to Danish culture, language struggles, and culinary adventures.
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  The voices in your ear and the importance of art 14.08.2023 32min
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  Psychiatry in the 18th century and tools bridging the ages 26.06.2023 41min
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  Trust in medicine and the challenges of fieldwork 19.06.2023 47min
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  Anything but meat and the road to PhD ft. Tessa Canoy 29.05.2023 43min
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  Prejudiced Models and Coping with Stress ft. Terne Sasha Thorn Jakobsen 22.05.2023 48min
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  Gases from the Arctic and Sailing Tall Ships ft. Sam Faucherre 15.05.2023 43min