On the GRID

Heriot-Watt University
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  • EDUCATION
  • MONTHLY

Through thought-provoking conversations and fresh perspectives, we explore the ideas and innovations transforming our world. From groundbreaking research and enterprise to pioneering education across the world, each episode reveals how we are tackling global challenges and delivering solutions that make a real difference. Discover stories of sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and human ingenuity as we bring our mission to life — advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and shaping a brighter, more sustainable future.

Episodes

  1. On the GRID: How dangerous is loneliness?

    20/11/2025

    On the GRID: How dangerous is loneliness?

    In this episode of On the GRID, we sit down with Associate Professor Mhairi Bowe to explore how our social identities, relationships, and communities profoundly shape our health and wellbeing. From the role of national and family identities to the impact of belonging, inclusion, and marginalisation, we delve into how our social worlds influence us in powerful ways. Mhairi Bowe is an Associate Professor in Social Psychology and Deputy Director for the Centre for Applied Behavioural Research Methods within the Department of Psychology and the School of Social Sciences at Heriot-Watt University. Her research spans applied social psychology, including prosocial behaviour and volunteering, the effects of stigma in food aid provision, social prescribing, loneliness, and community belonging. Her work has informed policy and practice across local and national government, food aid organisations, and international bodies such as the UN. Sit back, relax, and let's learn something new together.

    33 min
  2. From Dandelions to Drones: How nature solves the toughest engineering problems

    29/10/2025

    From Dandelions to Drones: How nature solves the toughest engineering problems

    In this episode of On the GRID, we sit down with Professor Marc Desmulliez to discuss how nature can inspire the next generation of engineering solutions. From dandelion seeds guiding the design of battery-free drones to sawflies inspiring innovations in surgical tools we explore the innovations happening around us everyday. Marc is a Professor of Microsystems Engineering at Heriot-Watt University, based in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and a leading researcher in Nature Inspired Solutions. His work focuses on how natural systems use minimal resources, ambient conditions, and elegant design principles to achieve extraordinary complexity and efficiency.   Sit back, relax and let's learn something new together.

    30 min
  3. On the GRID: Diagnostics, Defence & Dignity - unexpected uses of photonics

    15/07/2025

    On the GRID: Diagnostics, Defence & Dignity - unexpected uses of photonics

    In this episode of On the GRID, we sit down with Professor Duncan Hand to explore the fascinating world of photonics and its powerful, wide-ranging applications - from removing barnacles from ship hulls to creating life-changing tools in medicine. Duncan is a professor in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University and Director of the Medical Device Manufacturing Centre (MDMC). With a career focused on harnessing the precision of laser technology, Duncan’s work is at the intersection of research and real-world impact, bringing innovations from the lab into industry and healthcare. Sit back, relax and let’s learn something new together.

    16 min
  4. On the GRID: Skin Sensors Transforming Healing

    27/02/2025

    On the GRID: Skin Sensors Transforming Healing

    In this episode of On the GRID, we sit down with Dr Michael Crichton to discuss patient friendly micro technologies for healthcare, including his development of simple, effective skin-based sensors that are transforming modern healing.  Michael is an Associate Professor in Biomedical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University’s School of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Michael is also part of our Global Research Institute in Health & Care Technologies, where he leads the ‘Sensing for Chronic Diseases’ theme.  Sit back, relax and let's learn something new together.

    22 min
  5. On the GRID: Nitric Oxide, Heart Health & Beetroot Juice

    23/01/2025

    On the GRID: Nitric Oxide, Heart Health & Beetroot Juice

    In this episode of On the GRID, we sit down with Professor Chris Easton to discuss how ageing reduces our nitric oxide production, a molecule our bodies produce to regulate vital functions like blood pressure, muscle contraction and immune response and how we can counter this through exercise, sunlight and green leafy vegetables.   Chris is a professor of exercise physiology from the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure, and Society here at Heriot-Watt University. He’s also affiliated with the Health and Care Technologies Global Research Institute.   Sit back, relax and let's learn something new together.

    17 min
  6. On the GRID: Advancing Socially Assistive Robots

    15/11/2024

    On the GRID: Advancing Socially Assistive Robots

    In this episode of On the GRID, we sit down with Doctor Marta Romeo to discuss her work in developing socially intelligent robots and how they can be used as tools for ageing in place, social isolation and mental health aids. Doctor Marta Romeo is an assistant professor from the computer science department in the school of mathematical and computer sciences at Heriot-Watt University. Doctor Romeo is also part of the Healthy Ageing theme in our Health and Care Technologies global research institute as well as being affiliated with the National Robotarium. Sit back, relax, and let's learn something new together.

    17 min
  7. On the GRID: Uncovering the Geoenergy Revolution

    15/11/2024

    On the GRID: Uncovering the Geoenergy Revolution

    In this episode of On the GRID, we sit down with Professor Andreas Busch to discuss the definition of geoenergy and to explore how subsurface energy production and storage is key to a sustainable future. Professor Andreas Busch from the school of energy, geoscience, infrastructure and society here at Heriot-Watt University, is also the co academic lead for the Lyell Centre our global research institute of marine and earth science as well as the theme lead for geoenergy as part of iNetZ+ our global research institute for a net zero future. Sit back, relax and let's learn something new together.

    23 min
  8. On the GRID: Fighting Cancer with Ultrafast Light

    15/11/2024

    On the GRID: Fighting Cancer with Ultrafast Light

    In this episode of On the GRID, we sit down with Professor Robert Thomson to discuss his work in photonics and the future of cancer fighting lasers, exploring the potential impact of his research on personalised cancer treatment. Robert is a professor from the school of engineering and physical sciences here at Heriot-Watt University, and co-lead of our global research institute for health and care technologies. Sit back, relax and let's learn something new together.

    21 min
  9. On the GRID: Redefining Energy in Buildings

    15/11/2024

    On the GRID: Redefining Energy in Buildings

    In this episode of On the GRID, we sit down with Professor David Jenkins to discuss sustainable energy in our buildings, exploring how this affects our communities and the impact this has on the net zero economy. David is a professor of energy and buildings and leads both the Urban Research Energy Group here at Heriot-Watt University and the theme of Energy in Buildings as part of our global research institute, iNetZ+. Sit back, relax and lets learn something new together.

    16 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Through thought-provoking conversations and fresh perspectives, we explore the ideas and innovations transforming our world. From groundbreaking research and enterprise to pioneering education across the world, each episode reveals how we are tackling global challenges and delivering solutions that make a real difference. Discover stories of sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and human ingenuity as we bring our mission to life — advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and shaping a brighter, more sustainable future.

Information

  • Creator
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Heriot-Watt University
  • Show Website
    On the GRID