Ri Science Podcast

Cell signalling, heart disease, and the hidden physics of light - with Izzy Jayasinghe and Alfredo Carpineti 24.06.2026 41m

This pride month, we hear from two exceptional queer scientists about their research and journeys in STEM. Izzy Jayasinghe is the Head of Molecular Medicine at UNSW in Sydney, and her research investigates how cell signalling mechanisms impact cardiac health, and the microscopy methods used to observe these mechanisms. Alfredo Carpineti is an astrophysicist, science journalist, and founder of Pride in STEM, whose first book 'Invisible Rainbows' explores the scientific discoveries beyond the visible light spectrum.Resources:Pride in STEMLGBTQ+ STEMoSTEMRSC LGBT+ toolkitJoin us for Alfredo's talk on Monday 6 July!Alfredo will also be featuring in our For Your Inspiration event for young people on Saturday 25 July, exploring all things space science.Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and our new ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Book tickets to upcoming talks on our website Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us: @ri_science on Instagram and TikTok Producer and presenter: Lia HaleMusic: Joseph Sandy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the Theatre: The past, present, and future of space exploration - with Anu Ojha 10.06.2026 38m

This month we're bringing you an exploration of space science From the Theatre. In his talk back in 2024, Anu Ojha OBE from the UK Space Agency explores the discoveries made through applications of space science, climate change and engineering and how they have changed humanity's perspectives of our position in the universe, and ask what difference space, science and technology have made to our everyday lives.This talk was recorded at the Ri on 20 January 2024, in collaboration with the UK Space Agency.From the Theatre episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month, revisiting a talk from our public programme. Regular Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of the month.Watch Anu's full talk on YouTubeRevisit our From the Lab series in collaboration with UCLFollow us: @ri_science on Instagram and TikTok Book tickets to upcoming talks on our website Presenter and producer: Lia HaleMusic: Joseph Sandy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unveiling the ghost particle: Neutrinos and their impact on particle physics - with Kirsty Duffy 27.05.2026 41m

Neutrinos are the most important particle you were never taught about. They are created in radioactive decays in the sun, the centre of the Earth, supernovae, and even beer. Particle physicist Kirsty Duffy joins us this month to discuss the origins and properties of neutrinos, as well as her work on a research project that may hold the key to answering some of the most fundamental questions in physics.Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and our new ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! •Explore our Summer Programme on our website •Subscribe to our YouTube channel •Follow us: @ri_science on Instagram and TikTok Producer and presenter: Lia HaleMusic: Joseph Sandy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the Lab: Treating cancer with light through photodynamic therapy - with Stephen Bown 15.05.2026 22m

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is offering a revolutionary new treatment option for a range of diseases, particularly cancers. By combining the skills of physicists and physicians, PDT uses light to kill living cells without damaging the structural integrity of the surrounding tissue.Stephen Bown is the founder of the National Medical Laser Centre, and has decades of experience both developing and implementing PDT. He joins us for this month's From the Lab episode ahead of his Discourse on Friday 29 May. About 'From the Lab':This is the fifth of our new 'From the Lab' series, taking the place of our 'From the Theatre' episodes. UCL are celebrating their 200th anniversary in 2026, and we've collaborated with them to host UCL researchers as our Discourse speakers throughout 2026. As part of this collaboration, we'll be bringing you episodes with each of these speakers two weeks before their Discourses to explore their research topics further and give you a sneak peek of what's to come in their Discourse.Buy tickets to Stephen's Discourse on Friday 29 May on our website.Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and our new ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! •Book tickets to upcoming talks on our website •Subscribe to our YouTube channel •Follow us: @ri_science on Instagram and TikTok Producer and presenter: Lia HaleMusic: Joseph Sandy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does epigenetics impact the placenta? - with Jennifer Frost 29.04.2026 35m

How are segments of DNA preserved from ancient viruses impacting the functioning of the placenta? And how does this lead to pregnancy complications? Jennifer Frost leads a team of researchers at Kings College London, investigating the role of transposons in the placenta which leads to pregnancy complications. She joins us this month to explore what transposons are, why the placenta is so susceptible to their influence, and how this can manifest in pregnancy.Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and our new ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Explore our Summer Programme on our website Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us: @ri_science on Instagram and TikTok Producer and presenter: Lia HaleMusic: Joseph Sandy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the Lab: Nanoparticles and their applications - with Ivan Parkin 10.04.2026 22m

From thin film coatings to drug delivery and even antimicrobial resistance, nanoparticles have a huge range of applications. In this month's From The Lab episode, chemist Ivan Parkin explores some of these applications pursued by his research group at UCL ahead of his Discourse in April. About 'From the Lab':This is the third of our new 'From the Lab' series, taking the place of our 'From the Theatre' episodes. UCL are celebrating their 200th anniversary in 2026, and we've collaborated with them to host UCL researchers as our Discourse speakers throughout 2026. As part of this collaboration, we'll be bringing you episodes with each of these speakers two weeks before their Discourses to explore their research topics further and give you a sneak peek of what's to come in their Discourse.Buy tickets to Ivan's Discourse on Friday 24 April on our website.Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and our new ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Book tickets to upcoming talks on our website Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us: @ri_science on Instagram and TikTok  Producer and presenter: Lia HaleMusic: Joseph Sandy   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The science of consciousness: Could a conscious AI exist? - with Anil Seth 25.03.2026 39m

The science of consciousness is a complex and constantly evolving field of research. Neuroscientists are still understanding how it originates in humans, but the question now arises of whether Artificial Intelligence could ever become conscious. Cognitive and computational neuroscientist Anil Seth discusses the current theories for consciousness, and the probability of AI ever becoming conscious, in his essay 'the mythology of conscious AI' which won him the 2025 Berggruen Prize Essay Competition.   Read Anil's winning essay here. Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and our new ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Book tickets to upcoming talks on our website Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us: @ri_science on Instagram and TikTok  Producer and presenter: Lia HaleAssistant producer: Georgina Gonzalez and Freddie Rodgers Music: Joseph Sandy   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the Lab: The future of sound wave engineering - with Sriram Subramanian 13.03.2026 25m

In this month's From the Lab episode, we discover the power of sound waves and how they can manipulate small objects with engineer Sriram Subramanian, ahead of his Discourse at the end of March. Sriram explains the science behind acoustic holography and levitation, and how we could see these concepts in practice in industries ranging from gaming to medicine.About 'From the Lab':This is the third of our new 'From the Lab' series, taking the place of our 'From the Theatre' episodes. UCL are celebrating their 200th anniversary in 2026, and we've collaborated with them to host UCL researchers as our Discourse speakers throughout 2026. As part of this collaboration, we'll be bringing you episodes with each of these speakers two weeks before their Discourses to explore their research topics further and give you a sneak peek of what's to come in their Discourse.Buy tickets to Sriram's Discourse on Friday 27 March on our website.Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and our new ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Book tickets for upcoming talksSubscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us: @ri_science on Instagram and TikTok Producer and presenter: Lia HaleMusic: Joseph Sandy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can ancient DNA reveal about the past? - with Pooja Swali 25.02.2026 25m

How can ancient DNA help us understand how diseases spread? This month, geneticist and pathogen genomics expert Pooja Swali explains how samples of DNA from the past can reveal how diseases have spread across the world over time. We explore the what, where, how, and why of ancient DNA research, and what doors these questions have opened for the future of the field. Pooja has worked extensively on Yersinia pestis, the bacteria responsible for plague, and uncovered the existence of plague thousands of years earlier than previously anticipated. Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and our new ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Book tickets to upcoming talks on our website Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us: @ri_science on Instagram and TikTok  Producer and presenter: Lia HaleMusic: Joseph Sandy   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the Lab: Investigating exoplanets - with Jonathan Tennyson 13.02.2026 24m

Planets outside of our solar system can unlock an abundance of secrets about our Universe. But how do we study them? Astrophysicist Jonathan Tennyson discusses his own research into exoplanets, and how researchers can use the stars to learn more about planets.About 'From the Lab':This is the second of our new 'From the Lab' series, taking the place of our 'From the Theatre' episodes. UCL are celebrating their 200th anniversary in 2026, and we've collaborated with them to host UCL researchers as our Discourse speakers throughout 2026. As part of this collaboration, we'll be bringing you episodes with each of these speakers two weeks before their Discourses to explore their research topics further and give you a sneak peek of what's to come in their Discourse.Buy tickets to Jonathan's Discourse on Friday 27 February on our website.Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and 'From the Lab' episodes are released on the second or third Friday of the month (two weeks before their respective Discourse). Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Book tickets to upcoming talks on our website Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us: @ri_science on Instagram and TikTok Producer and presenter: Lia HaleAssistant producer: Freddie RodgersMusic: Joseph Sandy  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The role of inflammation in Alzheimer's Disease - with Tomi Akingbade 28.01.2026 33m

Alzheimer’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the excessive build-up of proteins in the brain. Neuroscientist Tomi Akingbade joins us this month to explain how inflammation could be playing a role in the progression of Alzheimer’s, and what this could mean for future research. Tomi is also the founder of the Black Women in Science (BWiS) network, and discusses the profound impact it’s had on herself and the community around her since she started the network. Discover more about the BWiS networkFollow BWiS on Instagram Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Book tickets to upcoming talks on our website Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us: @ri_science on Instagram and TikTok Producer and presenter: Lia Hale Music: Joseph Sandy  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the Lab: How mathematics is powering medical innovation – with Becky Shipley 16.01.2026 33m

Medical research is continuously evolving with new technologies, but another key player in spurring this evolution is mathematics. Mathematician and healthcare engineering expert Becky Shipley joins us to discuss the role mathematics is playing in medical research, and some of the fascinating and innovative technologies she's been a part of developing. About 'From the Lab':This is the first of our new 'From the Lab' series, taking the place of our 'From the Theatre' episodes. UCL are celebrating their 200th anniversary in 2026, and we've collaborated with them to host UCL researchers as our Discourse speakers throughout 2026. As part of this collaboration, we'll be bringing you episodes with each of these speakers two weeks before their Discourses to explore their research topics further and give you a sneak peek of what's to come in their Discourse. Buy tickets to Becky's Discourse on Friday 30 January on our website.Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and 'From the Lab' episodes are released on the second or third Friday of the month (two weeks before their respective Discourse). Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Book tickets to upcoming talks on our website Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us: @ri_science on Instagram and TikTok Producer and presenter: Lia HaleMusic: Joseph Sandy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Best of 2025: Science wrapped 31.12.2025 45m

From the scientific mechanisms underlying ACL injuries, the application of computational fluid dynamics in the COVID-19 pandemic, and even the latest space mission on the way to Mercury, we've covered an enormous range of science on the Ri Science Podcast throughout 2025. In this year's Science Wrapped episode, we take a look back over our favourite moments from the past year to give you a snippet of what you might have missed, and a taste of what's to come in 2026.Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and our new ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Book tickets to upcoming talks on our website Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us: @ri_science on Instagram and TikTok Producer and presenter: Joshua HortonExecutive producer: Lia Hale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the Space Park: What will BepiColombo teach us about Mercury? - with Suzie Imber 10.12.2025 42m

We’re bringing you this month’s From the Theatre episode from the Space Park in Leicester, joined by Professor of Space Physics Suzie Imber. Suzie is a Co-Investigator on the Mercury Imaging X-Ray Spectrometer (MIXS) instrument onboard BepiColombo, the joint mission between ESA and JAXA currently on its way to Mercury. We explore the history of Mercury investigations, why it has been studied so much less than other planets, and what scientists are hoping to learn from BepiColombo. To discover more space science, tune into the 200th CHRISTMAS LECTURES from the Royal Institution with Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock on 28th, 29th and 30th December on BBC4 and BBC iPlayer. Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and our new ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Book tickets to upcoming talks on our website Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us: @ri_science on Instagram and TikTok Producer and presenter: Lia Hale Music: Joseph Sandy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tripping the light fantastic: Space science and 200 years of the CHRISTMAS LECTURES - with Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock 26.11.2025 45m

This December, space scientist and renowned science communicator Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock will be presenting the CHRISTMAS LECTURES in their 200th year titled ‘Is there life beyond earth?’. Maggie joins us on the podcast this month to explore the history of space imaging and the huge number of projects she has worked on throughout her career, as well as her experiences navigating the scientific world and some of the biggest questions remaining in space science today. Tune into the CHRISTMAS LECTURES this December between Christmas and New Year, on BBC Four and iPlayer. Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and our new ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Find out more about the 2025 CHRISTMAS LECTURES Book tickets to upcoming talks on our website Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us: @ri_science on Instagram and TikTok Lead producer and presenter: Lia Hale Assistant producers: Mohsina Asif, Poppy Aves, Mia Buxton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the Excel: Upcoming science in 2026 from New Scientist Live 12.11.2025 22m

In this month's 'From the Theatre' episode, we visited New Scientist Live at the Excel to explore what scientists are most excited about for 2026. From insects performing amputations to the latest developments at the Large Hadron Collider, discover what innovations are happening across a range of scientific disciplines. This episode was recorded on Sunday 19 October 2025.Presented and produced by Lia HaleMusic by Joseph SandyRi Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and our new ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Book tickets to upcoming talks on our website Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us: @ri_science on Instagram and TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How mechanical engineering is changing the world - with Shini Somara 29.10.2025 38m

Mechanical engineer and broadcaster Shini Somara joins us this month to uncover some of the fascinating and often under-appreciated innovations in the world of engineering, ahead of her double bill of talks at the Ri on Saturday 1 November. Shini discusses how computational fluid dynamics (CFD) transformed our understanding and management of Covid-19, and how the field has changed dramatically with the computing advancements and introduction of AI in recent years. Book tickets to join Shini this weekend for her family and adult talks Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us: @ri_science on Instagram and TikTok Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and our new ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Produced and presented by Lia HaleMusic by Joseph Sandy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the Theatre: Should computers run the world? - with Hannah Fry 08.10.2025 36m

In this month's From the Theatre episode, we revisit past Christmas Lecturer Hannah Fry's talk on the power of algorithms to continue celebrating our Discover200 campaign.Hannah Fry takes us on a tour of the good, the bad and the downright ugly of the algorithms that surround us. She lifts the lid on their inner workings, to demonstrate their power, expose their limitations, and examine whether they really are an improvement on the humans they are replacing.This talk was filmed at the Ri on 30 November 2018.Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released!Browse upcoming talks and livestreams on our website Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us: @ri_science on Instagram, TikTok and @rigb.org on Bluesky Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The science behind sickle cell disease - with Sara El Hoss and Stephanie George 23.09.2025 41m

Sickle cell disorder is an inherited blood disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells, and can have an extreme impact on all different areas of the body. September marks Sickle Cell Awareness Month, so we wanted to draw attention to the science underlying this often-misunderstood disease. We are joined by researcher Sara El Hoss and sickle cell patient and advocate Stephanie George to discuss everything from the diagnostic journey to the fascinating research investigating future treatment methods. Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of depression and self-harm. If you are struggling with things of this nature, we have linked some resources below to help you find the right support for you. Mental health resources: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/ https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ Sickle Cell resources: https://www.sicklecellsociety.org/ https://ascatconferences.com/ https://www.instagram.com/redcellsrus/ https://www.instagram.com/steph_has_sicklecell_/ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sickle-cell-disease/ Producer: Lia HaleAssistant producer: Poppy AvesMusic: Joseph SandyRi Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and our new ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Browse upcoming talks and livestreams on our website Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us: @ri_science on Instagram and TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the Theatre: The science of mental health - with Camilla Nord 09.09.2025 44m

We're bringing you even more Spotify content, by sharing one of our world-famous lectures on every second Wednesday of the month through 'From the Theatre' episodes. Don't worry, Ri Science Podcast episodes are still coming every last Wednesday, but these will help to tide you over in the meantime. How does the body affect our brain, and vice versa? Can exercise, psychedelics, or the gut biome improve your mental health? Find out with neuroscientist Camilla Nord.This talk was recorded at the Ri on 4 March 2024.Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and our new ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Book tickets to upcoming talks on our website Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us: @ri_science on Instagram and TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.