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, Policy, PR and Public Affairs at Energy UK helps us to explore this. This podcast was hosted by Defra Fast Streamer and 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.

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.