Arqus Knowledge Pills

Arqus European University Alliance
Arqus Knowledge Pills

Granada, Graz, Leipzig, Lyon 1, Maynooth, Minho, Padua, Vilnius and Wroclaw, together are Arqus, an Alliance that specifically focuses on people, on students, researchers, teachers and everyone who works in European higher education. Together we want to build a multicultural, multilingual and inclusive Europe that is ready for all the challenges to come. How do we want to do that? Well, join in and listen. This is the Arqus podcast. This is “Arqus Knowledge Pills”.

  1. 41: What can sinkholes tell us about our planet’s future?

    HACE 4 D

    41: What can sinkholes tell us about our planet’s future?

    What causes the Earth to suddenly collapse beneath our feet? Can geophysics help us predict—and perhaps even prevent—natural disasters? These are just some of the fascinating questions explored in the latest episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast with special guest Professor Djamil Al-Halbouni, expert in Applied Geophysics and Remote Sensing at Leipzig University. In this episode, Professor Al-Halbouni guides us through the invisible forces shaping our landscapes—from sinkholes in the Dead Sea region to erosion in Bronze Age archaeological sites. Drawing on his international research experience and innovative use of numerical simulation, remote sensing, and fieldwork, he explains how water-related processes such as subsidence and collapse can reveal urgent insights into both our past and future environments. The conversation also highlights his recent Arqus course in the Granada Geopark, where students explored how geophysical methods connect natural history with cultural heritage. Geoparks offer unique learning opportunities that bridge science, sustainability, and storytelling. Professor Al-Halbouni also discusses the social impact of natural hazards on vulnerable communities, especially those living along the receding shores of the Dead Sea. He reflects on the potential of new technologies, including AI and satellite data, to support early-warning systems and more resilient planning strategies. Learn more about Djamil Al-Halbouni: Djamil Al-Halbouni is a Junior Professor of Applied Near-Surface Geophysics and Remote Sensing at Leipzig University. His research focuses on geophysical modelling and monitoring of near-surface hazards, with particular expertise in sinkhole formation and subsidence processes. He played a leading role in the international project DESERVE, investigating sinkholes and landslides around the Dead Sea, one of the world’s most dynamic and vulnerable regions to such geohazards. Al-Halbouni holds a diploma in Geophysics from the University of Göttingen and completed his PhD at the University of Potsdam and the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), including a research stay at the University of Adelaide and CSIRO in Australia. His work also spans groundwater dynamics in karst aquifers, hydromechanical modelling of canyon systems, and the stability of salt caverns in Brazil and Germany. Before joining Leipzig, he held postdoctoral positions at GFZ, GEOMAR, and the University of Malta.

    25 min
  2. #40: Are we ready for AI Twins? Legal and ethical challenges ahead: Innovation, privacy, and the future of digital identity

    30 MAY

    #40: Are we ready for AI Twins? Legal and ethical challenges ahead: Innovation, privacy, and the future of digital identity

    Are We Ready for AI Twins? Legal and Ethical Challenges Ahead: Innovation, Privacy, and the Future of Digital Identity — Explore everything behind the topic in the latest Arqus podcast episode! What are AI twin assistants and how could they change the way we work, create, and interact? What legal and ethical questions do they raise around data privacy, ownership, and identity? These are the core questions addressed in this episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast. In this brand-new episode, we welcome a very special guest: Dr Paulius Jurčys, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Law of Vilnius University and expert in data privacy, copyright, and emerging technologies. Together, we explore the fascinating world of AI twin assistants: digital versions of ourselves that can write, speak, and act on our behalf. How do they work? Who owns the content they generate? And what are the legal and ethical risks when our voices and identities can be cloned? From data ownership to AI-generated creativity, and from deepfakes to digital fairness, this episode dives into the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence, law, and innovation.  Tune in to discover how AI twins could reshape our understanding of creativity, fairness, and personal data in the digital future and why now is the time to think critically about the rules that will shape it. Learn more about Paulius Jurčys: Paulius Jurčys is a senior lecturer at Vilnius University Law Faculty where teaches data privacy and copyright law courses at Vilnius University Law Faculty and serves as an affiliate fellow with Harvard’s CopyrightX program. A technology lawyer and admitted to practice law in California. He is also a co-founder of Prifina, a San Francisco company that builds personal-data technologies for individuals. Paulius Jurčys holds an LL.M. from Harvard and a Ph.D. from Kyushu University, and in 2025 became a visiting scholar at UC Berkeley School of Law. In 2025, he won the MyData Global “Thought Leadership” award. He served as an expert member of the International Law Association committee on Intellectual Property, which drafted the 2021 Guidelines on Intellectual Property and Private International Law.

    25 min
  3. #39: What can Marriage Bars teach us about gender discrimination in the workplace?

    30 ABR

    #39: What can Marriage Bars teach us about gender discrimination in the workplace?

    What can Marriage Bars teach us about gender discrimination in the workplace? Explore this forgotten policy and its surprising legacy in the latest episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast! In the 20th century, many countries enforced so-called "Marriage Bars" – rules that required women to leave their jobs once they got married. While most countries abolished these policies by the 1950s, Ireland maintained its Marriage Bar until the 1970s. What impact did this have on the lives of Irish women, and what can we learn from it today? In the 39th episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast, Dr Irene Mosca, lecturer in Economics at Maynooth University, takes us on a journey through her research on Marriage Bars in Ireland and beyond. Drawing on data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), she reveals the lasting economic and social consequences of this institutionalised form of gender discrimination. Dr Mosca explains how women affected by the Irish Marriage Bar tended to have shorter working lives and lower personal incomes, yet also more children, more educated children, and – paradoxically – greater household wealth. She also sheds light on the political and social arguments that kept such policies in place and reflects on how the legacy of the Marriage Bar still echoes in today’s debates on gender equality. Learn more about Irene Mosca: Dr Irene Mosca is a lecturer in Economics at Maynooth University and has a strong track record in applied health, population, and labour economics. She is also a research fellow at the IZA Institute of Labor Economics and the Global Labor Organisation, and an Executive Committee Member of the Irish Society for Women in Economics.

    18 min
  4. #38: Why strengthening bonds between generations is key to our future?

    25 MAR

    #38: Why strengthening bonds between generations is key to our future?

    What impact do intergenerational relations have on our society? What initiatives are needed between generations to ensure the effective transfer of knowledge, education, and resources? How can we fight ageism and discrimination to create a more inclusive world? These are the key questions explored in this episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast.  In this episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast, we explore these critical questions with Carolina Campos, a researcher at the Macrosad Chair in Intergenerational Studies at the University of Granada. Dedicated to bridging the gap between generations, the Macrosad Chair plays a vital role in shaping policies and programs that ensure knowledge is shared, education is strengthened, and wealth is distributed sustainably across time—between those who have been, those who are, and those who will be. Carolina shares insights on the significance of intergenerational research, the challenges of fostering meaningful connections, and how knowledge transfer can drive real-world impact. She also highlights a key issue: despite the clear benefits and urgent need for these connections, institutional and legal frameworks often create barriers that separate age groups rather than bringing them together—whether in education, housing, or care systems. As the world rapidly changes, ensuring sustainability over time requires meaningful connections between people of all ages. Tune in to this insightful conversation and discover how we can build a more connected and inclusive future—together. Learn more about Carolina Campos Rueda: Carolina Campos Rueda is member of the Macrosad Chair in Intergenerational Studies at the University of Granada, where she has been a research staff member since 2019. Graduated in Occupational Therapy and specialised in Intergenerational Projects, she has specific training in intergenerationality, such as the certificate “Together Old and Young: An Intergenerational Approach”, or the “International Certificate in Intergenerational Learning”, as well as training in qualitative and quantitative research techniques. At the Chair, she carries out research, training and dissemination work, as well as all those activities that derive from the lines of action of the Chair. Her work is also closely connected to CINTER (Macrosad's Intergenerational Reference Centre in Albolote, Granada); to the research projects led by the Chair (currently focused on the validation of Intergenerational Contact Zones in Andalusia and Extremadura, or on the development of quality indicators in intergenerational practices and spaces); and to practical actions such as the intergenerational project “Harmonía” or the national coordination of the worldwide movement “Global Intergenerational Week”.

    18 min
  5. #37: Can we win the fight against antibiotic resistance?

    5 MAR

    #37: Can we win the fight against antibiotic resistance?

    Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest challenges of modern medicine, threatening the effectiveness of treatments and putting millions at risk. But what if the key to overcoming this crisis lies in nature itself? This month’s episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast features Dr Agata Dorotkiewicz-Jach, a microbiologist at the University of Wrocław, who explores groundbreaking and sustainable antibacterial therapies. Dr Dorotkiewicz-Jach discusses alternative treatments such as bacteriophages, plant-based compounds, and anti-virulent therapies, highlighting their potential in fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria. She also shares insights on the impact of climate change on antimicrobial resistance and the need for global cooperation. For the 37th episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills, Agata explores how research and interdisciplinary approaches can help shape the future of medicine. Learn more about Dr Agata Dorotkiewicz-Jach: Dr Dorotkiewicz-Jach specializes in alternative antibacterial therapies at the University of Wrocław. She has led research on innovative treatment strategies and plays an active role in the Arqus Alliance, coordinating climate change and sustainability initiatives.

    27 min
  6. #36: Facial recognition and ethics

    23 ENE

    #36: Facial recognition and ethics

    What misconceptions lie beneath this widely used technology? What ethical and societal debates about its use are emerging? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Helena Machado discusses her work in this episode of Knowledge Pills. Facial recognition technologies, while promising convenience and security, raise critical issues like invasion of privacy, surveillance normalization, discrimination, and inaccuracies. This episode delves into these technologies' societal impacts, examining how they shape citizenship and public engagement. In this episode, Professor Helena Machado discusses the project fAIces, which integrates diverse perspectives to reshape technology’s societal role, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire creative, activist-driven approaches to ethics and engagement. For the 36th episode of Arqus Knowledge Pills, “Facial recognition and ethics,” she highlights her efforts to develop innovative ethical frameworks, such as “etho-assemblages,” and explore alternative futures for facial recognition technologies that prioritize inclusivity, creativity, and public empowerment. Learn more about Helena Machado  Helena Machado is a leading researcher in the sociology of science and technology. Full Professor of Sociology at the Institute for Social Sciences, University of Minho (Braga, Portugal), she is the Director of the PhD Programme in Sociology; and founding member and coordinator of the AIDA Social Sciences Network, a social sciences’ research initiative focusing on artificial intelligence, data, and algorithms.

    23 min
  7. #35: How does data analysis influence society today?

    16/12/2024

    #35: How does data analysis influence society today?

    What strategies can effectively promote constructive online interactions? How can we effectively moderate content on social media platforms? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jana Lasser discusses her work in this episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills. From developing counter-speech strategies to tackle online hate to exploring how data management can improve social interactions, this episode explores how data can offer positive alternatives to moderation and counters to hate speech in online spheres. In this episode, Professor Jana Lasser outlines the functionality and importance of such efforts from a data analysis perspective and provides a deeper understanding of the intersection between data science and social issues.  For the 35th episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills, Jana discusses the work she has done to develop countermeasures to hate speech in online spaces. Social media platforms are constantly changing, and she offers some insight into possible solutions. Learn more about Jana Lasser: Jana Lasser is a Professor of Data Analysis at the University of Graz where she leads the research group of Complex Social and Computational Systems at the interdisciplinary research centre IDea_Lab. She researches emergent phenomena in complex social systems, employing methods from machine learning, data science, natural language processing, and computational and statistical modelling to understand how humans behave in socio-technical environments. Her current research interests include the effectiveness of counter-speech strategies, the spread of misinformation on social media platforms, and the impact of social media content recommendation algorithms on societal outcomes.

    14 min
  8. #34: The governance of water: What is at stake for our planet?

    03/12/2024

    #34: The governance of water: What is at stake for our planet?

    What role does ecohydrology play in addressing the climate crisis and ensuring fair water distribution? How can research help us adapt to the changing environment? These are the key questions explored in Professor Andrea Rinaldo’s work, discussed in this podcast. In the latest episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast, we dive deep into the world of eco-hydrology with a special guest, Professor Andrea Rinaldo, a leading expert in water resources and hydrology. Professor Rinaldo is a Professor of Hydrology and Water Resources at the University of Padua and the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). He was awarded the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize in 2023 for his outstanding contributions to the field of water research. In this episode, we explore the critical importance of ecohydrology, a field that studies the interactions between water systems and ecosystems. Professor Rinaldo discusses the value of natural capital and how understanding the relationship between water, ecosystems, and human activities is vital to addressing the challenges of climate change, water distribution, and resource management. He also delves into the concept of “beauty” in the landscape, sharing how the cultural value of natural environments can be integrated into our development plans. As we face increasingly urgent issues like droughts, floods, and pandemics, Professor Rinaldo reflects on how his research provides insights into adapting to these changes, ensuring the fair distribution of water resources, and preventing future health crises. Additionally, the episode touches on his personal connection to Venice, his hometown, where his research into water governance and environmental protection is especially pertinent. Professor Rinaldo shares his thoughts on the future of this iconic city as it grapples with rising sea levels and other climate-related challenges. Learn more about Andrea Rinaldo: Andrea Rinaldo is an Italian hydrologist and engineer, widely recognized for his pioneering contributions to ecohydrology and water resource management. He is Professor of Hydraulic Engineering at the University of Padova and Director of the Laboratory of Ecohydrology (ECHO) at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), the world’s first laboratory dedicated to ecohydrology, which he founded in 2008.He has also collaborated with institutions like MIT and Princeton University. In 2023, he received the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize for his impactful research in hydrology, hydrogeomorphology, and epidemiology, advancing strategies to protect biodiversity and control waterborne diseases. Rinaldo played for Italy’s national rugby team in the 1970s and remains active in the sport at the managerial level. He is a member of several prestigious academies, including the National Academy of Sciences and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. With over 320 peer-reviewed publications, he has also written works for a broader audience, including Del rugby. Verso una ecologia della palla ovale (2017) and Il governo dell’acqua (2023), exploring environmental and climate issues.

    26 min
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Información

Granada, Graz, Leipzig, Lyon 1, Maynooth, Minho, Padua, Vilnius and Wroclaw, together are Arqus, an Alliance that specifically focuses on people, on students, researchers, teachers and everyone who works in European higher education. Together we want to build a multicultural, multilingual and inclusive Europe that is ready for all the challenges to come. How do we want to do that? Well, join in and listen. This is the Arqus podcast. This is “Arqus Knowledge Pills”.

Ficha técnica

  • Creado por
    Arqus European University Alliance
  • Años en activo
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodios
    41
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Derechos de autor
    © Arqus European University Alliance
  • Sitio web del podcast
    Arqus Knowledge Pills

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