For much of the 20th century Bell Labs was a nursery of ambitious research, helping to usher in the information age with practical innovations including the transistor, lasers and photovoltaics.  Prof. Ben Eggleton is one Bell Labs alumni who has continued its culture of applied innovation, and the Eggleton Lab at the University of Sydney is now known as a global leader in optical physics, photonic computing, sensors and microwave signal processing. Ben's ability to bridge the gap between fundamental science and tangible technology is one of the factors that has seen Prof. Eggleton and his collages awarded sought after research grants including an ARC Centre of Excellence and multiple Laureate Fellowships, as well as awards including a Eureka Prize, and Ben's election to the Australian Academy of Science in 2016. Today Prof. Eggleton continues to lead his research team, is co-director of the NSW Smart Sensing Network, and has recently taken up the post of Pro-vice chancellor (Research) at the University of Sydney where he is now responsible for shaping research policy at this world-class academic institution. Join us to hear Ben's take on forging a career in applied research.   GUEST : Prof. Ben Eggletonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-eggleton-4250127 EGGLETON LAB :https://eggleton-group.sydney.edu.au/ UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY :https://www.sydney.edu.au/ NSSN :https://www.nssn.org.au/ EON LABS : https://www.eonlabs.org/ HOST :Dr. Leo Stevenshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leostevensinc/ MUSIC :Purple Planet Musichttps://www.purple-planet.comMixed by Dr. Nat Harris