In this episode, in discussion with Elin Rhys, Dr Rhian Meara, Senior Lecturer in Geography discusses the eruption of the Eldfell volcano in 1973, on the island of Heimaey, Iceland. The eruption itself is famous as the small town was saved by spraying cold sea water onto approaching lavas.Although the story of the eruption is well-known to many, the stark realities of life during this unexpected eruption and the on-going impacts 50 years on are often not widely discussed. Interviews, surveys, archival research and field work have allowed some of these stories to be shared, often for the first time in English. Understanding these long-term impacts is essential, not only to support the residents of Heimaey, but also to support others in similar situations such as the residents of Grindavík, south Iceland, who have been driven from their homes after volcanic activity began near the town after an 800 year hiatus.

Yn y bennod hon, mewn trafodaeth ag Elin Rhys, mae Dr Rhian Meara, Uwch-ddarlithydd Daearyddiaeth, yn trafod echdoriad llosgfynydd Eldfell ym 1973 ar Ynys Heimaey, Gwlad yr Iâ. Mae'r echdoriad ei hun yn enwog oherwydd achubwyd y dref fach drwy chwistrellu dŵr oer y môr ar y lafâu wrth iddynt nesáu.   Er bod hanes y echdoriad yn adnabyddus i lawer o bobl, nid yw gwirioneddau llym bywyd yn ystod y echdoriad annisgwyl hwn, na'r effeithiau parhaus 50 mlynedd yn ddiweddarach, yn cael eu trafod yn eang. Mae cyfweliadau, arolygon, ymchwil archifol a gwaith maes wedi caniatáu i rai o'r straeon hyn gael eu rhannu, yn aml am y tro cyntaf yn Saesneg. Mae'n hanfodol deall yr effeithiau hirdymor hyn er mwyn cefnogi trigolion Heimaey ond hefyd er mwyn cefnogi pobl eraill sydd mewn sefyllfaoedd tebyg, megis trigolion Grindavík, yn ne Gwlad yr Iâ, sydd wedi gorfod ffoi o'u cartrefi ar ôl i weithgarwch folcanig ddechrau'n agos at y dref ar ôl bwlch o 800 o flynyddoedd.

Dr Gulzat Botoeva takes listeners on a journey into the intricate socio-economic landscape of small-scale gold mining in Kyrgyzstan's Naryn region, exploring local communities' involvement in protests against and in support of official mining companies.   Through insightful research and analysis, Dr. Botoeva uncovers the broader socio-economic conditions that shape individuals' stances towards gold mining, beyond mere criminality or economic opportunism. By hearing the stories and perspectives of various stakeholders, including former illegal miners, villagers dependent on mining-related benefits, and workers at official mines, Dr Botoeva discloses the diverse array of interests and concerns at play.

The debate surrounding the inclusion of transgender and Difference in Sex Development (DSD) athletes in the female category has sparked significant controversy, particularly in elite sport and considering factors like inherent advantage and biological differences. So to maintain fair competition should we retain sex-based categorisations or adopt more inclusivity focused policies? In this episode, host Dr Sam Blaxland and Dr Shane Heffernan, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Science and Engineering talk about how we can openly discuss these complex issues. Dr Heffernan talks about the DATES project (The DSD and Transgender Elite Sports Study), which examines eligibility criteria in elite sports from the perspective of athlete opinions. Dr Heffernan also discusses the OMNIPLaNT study (Omnivorous & Non-meat eater Integrative PhysioLogy and NutriTion), which is investigating the impact of plant-based diets on human physiology, including muscle, bone, cardiovascular health, and exercise performance.

Wales has a long history of welcoming those fleeing persecution. It is estimated that there are 10,000 refugees in Wales, which is about 0.3% of the population. Barriers to accessing healthcare can arise from immigration status. It is important to understand the rights of asylum seekers and refugees. As defined by Amnesty International, ‘an asylum seeker is a person who has left their country and is seeking protection from persecution and serious human rights violations in another country, but who hasn't yet been legally recognized as a refugee and is waiting to receive a decision on their asylum claim’. In this podcast episode, Dr Ashra Khanom talks about her work which aims to address the needs of people seeking sanctuary, including how they access healthcare services.

As the world population continues to grow, the demand for increased food production similarly rises. Crop pests pose a serious threat to food production and climate change is contributing to insect prevalence and the spread of vector-borne diseases. Chemical pesticides cause direct damage to human and animal health such as cancer and other diseases, but also indirectly through polluted water and impacted plant health. These pesticides have been banned in many countries, so there is an urgency to develop safe pesticides to safeguard food security for the future. In this episode, in discussion with our host, Dr Sam Blaxland, Dr Farooq Shah explores the need to trial and develop safe alternatives to harmful pesticides using living organisms such as fungi. ABOUT OUR EXPERT Dr Farooq Shah is Co-Lead and Manager of the Natural Products Biohub, a Swansea  University collaboration with Swansea Council. He is also founder and CEO of Razbio limited, a biotech company specialising in the development of Biopesticides and smart insect pest monitoring. Dr Shah has diverse fundamental and applied research experience of biological control of insect pests and the development of novel solutions and products for environmentally friendly insect pest control.  Dr Shah is also leading a consortium of UK and Pakistan based academia, industry and policy makers to establish a biopesticide hub in Pakistan to support capacity building and biopesticide uptake in Pakistan.

Dr Gabriela Jiga-Boy explores the concept of trust. With the danger posed by disinformation during societal crises (such as the pandemic or climate change), trust in facts and science seems more important now than ever. Does the public trust politicians and scientific experts? Conversely how much does the public feel trusted by those in power?   Dr Gabriela Jiga-Boy gained a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. After studying at Université Grenoble Alpes in France as an Erasmus exchange student, she fell in love with social psychology. Gabriela went on to gain a master’s degree and then a PhD degree in 2008 in experimental social psychology at Université Grenoble Alpes.Gabriela worked as a Research Assistant at Cardiff University before developing as a 3-year Postdoctoral Researcher at Swansea University in 2009, then becoming a Lecturer at Swansea University in 2012, promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2016.

Joanne Davies discusses how highly trained educators and sim technologies; high-tech mannequins and the world's largest installation of immersive wall technology simulation are advancing healthcare education.

In this episode Professor Brian Garrod in conversation with Dr Sam Blaxland, sheds light on the hurdles faced by neurodivergent children and their families on holiday and delves into how the tourism industry could adapt to be more accessible and welcoming. Brian Garrod is a tourism marketing and management expert and professor at Swansea University. His teaching focus is on sustainable tourism. He is the author of eight textbooks and more than 50 research articles. Professor Garrod’s most recent research has focused on neurodiversity: a topic familiar to him as the father of an autistic son. Generally, research on this topic has focused on schooling or the workplace, and little attention has been focused on leisure activities, such as a family holiday.

In this episode, in discussion with host Dr Sam Blaxland, Dr Luca Trenta uncovers states’ use of covert action, with a spotlight on the US Governments involvement in state-sponsored assassinations. Spanning the time period from the Cold War through to contemporary times, Dr Trenta unearths the intricate dimensions of these clandestine operations. Dr Luca Trenta is an Associate Professor in International Relations at Swansea University. Luca moved to the UK in 2009 to study a Master’s in International Studies at Durham University, followed by a PhD, that led him to a chance encounter to cook dinner for former US President Jimmy Carter. Dr Luca Trenta’s research centres around two main areas: the degree of state secrecy and state-sponsored assassinations. This research relies heavily on history and international relations scholarship on norms. It evaluates the US government’s degree of involvement in state-sponsored assassinations and the way in which these were debated, decided upon, and justified over the last 70 years.

Climate change is no longer something that we can think of as a problem of the future or only a matter of concern elsewhere in the world – it is already with us and can be viewed as the defining global challenge of our age. Our current situation is undoubtedly worrying, but there is a great deal that can be done to mitigate the worst consequences of climate change, adapt to those that cannot be avoided, and secure as much remediation as possible now and into the far future. This includes action at all levels from the institutional to the individual and the global to the local. In this episode, Professor Karen Morrow and Dr Victoria Jenkins  with host Dr Sam Blaxland discuss global climate and environmental governance and what people and institutions can do to mitigate and adapt to the consequences of climate change.

Beth yn union yw ffuglen wyddonol, a sut mae genre o’r fath yn ein helpu i archwilio’r problemau byd-eang sy’n ein hwynebu o ddydd i ddydd? A all genre sy’n cael ei weld fel genre sy’n drwm dan ddylanwad diwylliant ‘Eingl-Americanaidd’, ac sy’n portreadu heb eu tebyg, fod yn berthnasol i ddiwylliannau lleiafrifol heddiw? Yn y bennod hon, mae Dr Miriam Elin Jones, mewn sgwrs ag Elin Rhys, yn trafod o ble ddaeth ei diddordeb mewn ffuglen wyddonol, a chyflwyno sut y gall y genre archwilio nifer o bryderon perthnasol i ddiwylliant lleiafrifol fel y diwylliant Cymraeg, drwy bortreadu tranc iaith a pherthynas iaith a thechnoleg.   Mae Dr Miriam Elin Jones yn Ddarlithydd yn y Gymraeg ym Mhrifysgol Abertawe, ac yn arbenigwr ym maes ffuglen wyddonol y Gymraeg. Datblygodd ei hymchwil yn sgil ei diddordeb yn y modd y mae’r berthynas rhwng ieithoedd lleiafrifol a thechnoleg, a goblygiadau tranc iaith i gymdeithas a’i diwylliant yn cael eu harchwilio mewn ffuglen wyddonol yn Gymraeg. Ar hyn o bryd, mae Dr Jones yn rhan o Rwydwaith Adrodd Newid Gwledig, sy’n cyfuno ei magwraeth wledig a’i hymchwil i ddadansoddi portreadau o ffermio a bywyd yng nghefn gwlad mewn testunau ffuglen wyddonol yn y Gymraeg. Yn llenor a dramodydd, mae ganddi hefyd ddiddordeb mewn beirniadaeth greadigol ac archwilio’r berthynas rhwng beirniadaeth ac ysgrifennu creadigol.

What exactly is science fiction, and how can it help us make sense of global problems we face in day-to-day life? Can a genre traditionally viewed as an ‘Anglo-American’ genre, portraying roaring machines and advanced technology, be relevant to a minority language culture? In this episode, Dr Miriam Elin Jones discusses with host Elin Rhys, her interest in science fiction, and how what could potentially be seen as an antithesis to Welsh-language culture, explores many relevant and pressing concerns, such as language death and a minority language’s uneasy relationship with technology.   Dr Miriam Elin Jones is a Lecturer in Welsh at Swansea University and an expert on Welsh-language science fiction. Her research stems from a keen interest in how Welsh-language science-fiction explores the relationship between minority languages and technology and the idea of language decline, and how that might effect a society and its culture. Dr Jones is currently part of the Narrating Rural Change Network, combining her upbringing with her research to explore portrayals of farming and rural life in Welsh-language science fiction. As a published author, she also has an interest in creative criticism, which offers the opportunity to combine literary criticism with creative writing.

A regular menstrual cycle is extremely important and a vital sign of good health and overall well-being. Nevertheless, women, girls and individuals who menstruate, often contend with debilitating symptoms associated with menstruation, such as fatigue, menstrual cramps, mood fluctuations, disrupted sleep, and headaches. Managing these symptoms pose a significant barrier to the participation in physical activities within schools and can negatively impact on the performance of elite athletes. In this episode, Dr Natalie Brown  in conversation with Dr Sam Blaxland discusses the perceptions and experiences of the menstrual cycle in elite sport and across schools in the UK, and how activity and good nutrition can manage menstrual-related symptoms.

Autistic people have worse physical and mental health than their allistic (non-Autistic) peers. This includes dying between 16 and 30 years early. Deficit narratives of Autism, discrimination towards Autistic people and significant healthcare inaccessibility all contribute to this. In this episode, Dr Aimee Grant with host Sam Blaxland discuss how their research looks to uncover Autistic people’s lived experiences and healthcare needs to reduce and reverse health inequalities.

Generative Artificial Intelligence is a branch of artificial intelligence that uses deep learning algorithms, trained on large datasets, to generate content such as text, images, videos, and music. ChatGPT is just one example of generative AI that can generate human-like responses to text prompts and can be used in a variety of applications such as chatbots, language translation, and content creation. As these technologies continue to evolve, they have the potential to revolutionise the way we interact with machines and each other. However, it's important to be aware of the potential ethical implications and to ensure that these technologies are used for the benefit of all. In this episode, Professor Yogesh Dwivedi and Dr Laurie Hughes with host Sam Blaxland discuss the potential benefits, challenges and risks associated with using generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT. What impact will it have in education and what are the implications for individuals, organisations and institutions in wider society?

England and Wales currently has one of the highest prison populations per 100,000 capita in the western world. Current reoffending rates of those released from prison are between 40% - 60%. Many aspects of the penal system are not working.  Dr Gemma Morgan in discussion with host Sam Blaxland explores the real challenges people face when leaving prison, and how harnessing digital technology in innovative new ways can support those leaving prison or on probation to stop offending and achieve positive outcomes.

Commercial self-driving passenger and freight services has the potential to revolutionise public transport and passenger travel with many benefits that include reduced road traffic accidents due to human error, to improved connectivity to remote areas for goods and healthcare services. Yet building public trust and acceptance in autonomous systems and overcoming the perception of risk will be challenging.   In this episode, in discussion with Dr Sam Blaxland, Siraj Shaikh, Professor in Systems Security in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, talks about the evolution and future of self-driving technology; the risks and benefits, and how pushing industry standards can help build public trust in complex autonomous technologies.   Siraj Shaikh is a Professor in Systems Security at Swansea University (UK). His research interests lie at the intersection of cybersecurity, systems engineering and computer science addressing cyber-physical systems security for automotive and transport systems. Professor Shaikh is also Co-Founder and Chief Scientist at CyberOwl, which is dedicated to cyber-physical systems security monitoring for the maritime sector. He is also currently a Visiting Professor at Nebrija University, Spain and hosts the podcast "Higher Purpose" on Unity FM in Birmingham. The podcast's goal is to foster debate and discussion about issues and challenges experienced by minority communities in higher education.

We know from transport research that most car journeys in the UK are less than five miles with just one person in the vehicle, so how can we encourage people to use more sustainable travel options? In this podcast episode, Professor of Environmental Psychology Ian Walker explores the phenomenon of ‘Motor Normativity’. This is the idea that people have concluded without question that the world order, in terms of transport habits, is correct. When individuals or groups try to bring about change, for example, by encouraging people to drive less or shift the way they travel to active, cleaner modes of transport, there is very often a surprisingly aggressive backlash. Professor Walker’s research looks at behaviours that are triggered automatically and unconsciously by the environment an individual finds themselves in, specifically in the context of driving habits. His interest in this area of study stems from his own experience as a cyclist.

Warning: This podcast episode contains discussions about suicide, which may be distressing  to some individuals. We encourage listener discretion and self-care. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, please seek help immediately. Below are links to organisations in the UK and Wales that can provide support and assistance:   1. Samaritans: The Samaritans offer 24/7 emotional support to anyone in distress, including those feeling suicidal. You can call their helpline at 116 123 (UK) or 116 123 (Wales) or visit their website: https://www.samaritans.org/ 2. Mind: Mind is a mental health charity providing advice and support for anyone experiencing mental health problems. They have a helpline, local branches, and a wide range of resources available. Visit their website: https://www.mind.org.uk/ 3. PAPYRUS: PAPYRUS is a national charity dedicated to preventing young suicide. They provide confidential support and advice to young people and anyone concerned about a young person. Call their helpline HOPELineUK at 0800 068 4141 or visit their website: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ 4. CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): CALM is a leading movement against suicide, providing support for men in the UK. They offer a helpline and webchat service for anyone feeling down or in crisis. Visit their website: https://www.thecalmzone.net/ 5. Welsh Mental Health Helpline: The Welsh Mental Health Helpline provides confidential support and information to anyone experiencing mental health problems or emotional distress in Wales. Call them at 0800 132 737 or visit their website: https://www.callhelpline.org.uk/   In this episode, Professor of Health Data Science, Ann John and host Dr Sam Blaxland explore suicide and self-harm prevention and how anonymised data can help to design interventions and develop policies to help inform and train professionals in contact with those who are at risk of suicide.One of the biggest myths about suicide is that it’s inevitable, however suicide is eminently preventable. Over the last ten years, the rate of suicide in children and young people has been increasing. Research suggests for every death through suicide almost 135 lives can be affected.  Professor John’s research looks at anonymised data linking across sectors from school attendance and absences, examination attainment and medical appointments with the GP or in hospitals to social media, Google analytics and media reporting. Whilst this data is never linked to a named individual the patterns of behaviours of a number of individuals can build a picture of how interventions can be designed, protocols put in place and policies developed to help inform and train professionals in contact with those who self-harm or are at risk of suicide.