Research Stories

University of Glasgow

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EDUCATION
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From the University of Glasgow, Research Stories features an in-depth conversations with researchers, offering insight into their career journeys, collaborations, and the impact of their research. The show aims to foster curiosity, demystify research, and open new conversations about how research is done across disciplines.

12/10/2025

Qammer Abbasi: From Body-Centric Networks to All-Senses Holography

Professor Qammer H. Abbasi, Professor of Applied Electromagnetics & Sensing, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow. How close are we to a future where nano sensors inside the human body can detect disease before symptoms appear? Or where holograms can be “teleported” with all five senses intact? This episode features Professor Qammer Abbasi, whose research explores body-centric wireless communication, nanoscale terahertz networks, and the ethical challenges of emerging technologies. Abbasi explains why interdisciplinary collaboration is essential, and why engineers, medics, data scientists, environmentalists and others must work together to shape technology responsibly. This episode explores: Body-centric wireless networks and their applications in healthcare Nanoscale terahertz communication for early cancer detection The role of industry collaboration in shaping usable technologies Ethical challenges in 6G and integrated sensing Abbasi’s vision of “all-senses holography” and the future of human connection Guest Bio Professor Qammer H. Abbasi is Professor of Applied Electromagnetics and Sensing at the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering, where he co-directs the Communication, Sensing & Imaging (CSI) Hub and the EPSRC CDT DiveIn. His research covers antennas for 5G/6G, terahertz sensing, body-centric wireless networks, nano-communication, and biomedical applications of electromagnetics. He has published more than 500 papers and 11 books, secured over £13M in research funding, and serves on editorial boards and IEEE committees. Resources & Links Professor Qammer Abbasi’s Research Profile: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/engineering/staff/qammerabbasi/ James Watt School of Engineering: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/engineering/ Communication, Sensing & Imaging Research Unit: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/csi/ Hosted and produced by Nick Bruce, with questions, recording, editing, mixing, artwork and original music by Nick.

28 min
05/10/2025

Nicola McEwen: Inside the UK’s Intergovernmental Relations

Nicola McEwen, Professor of Public Policy and Governance, Director of the Centre for Public Policy, University of Glasgow How does impartial research shape real-world decisions? Nick Bruce sits down with Professor Nicola McEwen, Director of the Centre for Public Policy and a leading expert on territorial politics and multi-level governance, to demystify how evidence informs government without taking sides. Nicola explains how she safeguards intellectual independence while advising ministers, how the Centre’s “policy labs” bring unlikely partners together to depolarise thorny issues like net zero, and why constitutional language and intergovernmental relations matter more than most of us realise. If you’ve ever wondered how universities help turn research into change - calmly, rigorously and impartially, this episode is a must-listen. Guest Bio Professor Nicola McEwen is a Professor of Public Policy and Governance and Director of the Centre for Public Policy at the University of Glasgow. Nicola’s work spans intergovernmental relations, territorial politics, nationalism, multi-level government and policy-making, and multi-level parties and elections. She is actively involved in informing debate within the wider policy and political community, providing analysis in broadcast, print and social media. Nicola also provides advice to governments and parliamentary committees. Resources & Links Centre for Public Policy (University of Glasgow): https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/ Nicola McEwen’s Research Profile: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/staff/nicolamcewen/ Centre for Public Policy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uofg-centre-for-public-policy/ A selection of Nicola’s essays and papers: The Sewel Convention and Brexit: https://constitution-unit.com/2020/04/07/the-sewel-convention-and-brexit/ Between Two Unions: The Constitutional Future of the Islands after Brexit: https://www.centreonconstitutionalchange.ac.uk/research-projects Hosted and produced by Nick Bruce, with questions, recording, editing, mixing, artwork and original music by Nick.

31 min
28/09/2025

Jude Robinson: Social Anthropology and the Realities of Health Inequalities

Professor Jude Robinson, Professor in Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow. Social Anthropologist Professor Jude Robinson sits down to discuss her work examining how peri-urban communities in Kenya can access safer water. Jude is passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration, without which her work wouldn’t be possible. In this conversation she explains how this works in practice, the challenges involved, and what success looks like. Jude also discusses the lifespan and reusability of products like plastic bottles, which are often used to transport water in peri-urban communities. Guest Bio Jude Robinson researches critical public health, focusing on the health of women with young children living on low income. Her research includes examining how people relate to others, their natural and social environments, and other species, framed through a ‘one health’ perspective. Her current work in Kenya investigates how people in peri-urban communities access water, and its safety and quality. This interdisciplinary project involves microbiologists, medical and veterinary scientists, epidemiologists, and social anthropologists. Jude explores strategies used in resource-limited settings to improve human and livestock health without harming the environment. Resources & Links Professor Jude Robinson Research Profile: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/staff/juderobinson/# Spotlight on Research: https://youtu.be/GbtP0DTDEhk?si=8jahJyNiUIfO8y1B Hosted and produced by Nick Bruce, with questions, recording, editing, mixing, and original music by Nick.

39 min
21/09/2025

Nicol Keith: Failure, Collaboration, and the Culture of Research

Professor Nicol Keith, Professor of Molecular Oncology, University of Glasgow In this episode, Professor of Molecular Oncology Nicol Keith reflects on his career so far and gets candid about successes, failures, and lessons learned along the way. Our conversation goes deep into Nicol’s passion for interdisciplinary collaboration and how it has influenced his work. We also talk creative stamina, productive self-doubt, public engagement and much more, so tune in! Guest Bio Nicol is driven by curiosity about what lies ahead and by the potential for research to create real societal impact. His work focuses on translational cancer research, including biomarker development, clinical trials, and cancer cell immortality. He has successfully moved preclinical findings into clinical studies, and values global collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches. Nicol has played key roles in national, European, and international consortia, both as a contributor and as a leader. With extensive international experience in career, research, and policy development, Nicol chairs and serves on several funding committees spanning disciplines from medical sciences to social sciences and the humanities. His work with international funding agencies reflects his skill in building complex partnerships, understanding local needs in a global context, and developing and implementing effective impact evaluation. Resources & Links Professor Nicol Keith’s Research Profile: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/cancersciences/staff/nicolkeith/ The Curious Researchers: https://medium.com/the-curious-researchers Emerging Ecologies: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nicolkeith_experience-heritage-future-working-in-activity-7236401036104531968-8-Ie/ https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/331622/ Hosted and produced by Nick Bruce, with questions, recording, editing, mixing, and original music by Nick.

44 min
14/09/2025

Mia Perry: Rethinking Literacy in an Ever-Changing World

Mia Perry, Professor of Arts and Literacies in Education, University of Glasgow In this episode, Mia chronicles how she went from studying Theatre and Russian Studies to a career in pedagogical research, and how her background is woven into her current work. She explains her work with the Sustainable Futures in Africa Network and explores the ethical dilemmas of operating in a complex modern research system. The discussion also delves into the meaning of “pluriversal literacies”, and the role of arts and play within learning and knowledge exchange. Guest Bio Professor Mia Perry explores the ways in which we learn, communicate, and share knowledge. Mia is especially interested in how creating and experiencing arts and culture can shape the way we learn. She explores the relationships that are part of every act of reading, writing, and learning, and she looks at these experiences not just for what they represent, but for how they make us feel. Resources & Links Mia’s Research profile: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/education/staff/miaperry/ Pluriversal Literacies for Sustainable Futures: When Words Are Not Enough: https://www.routledge.com/Pluriversal-Literacies-for-Sustainable-Futures-When-Words-Are-Not-Enough/Perry/p/book/9781032285146?srsltid=AfmBOoptEiDyEnsNMdG6Wq2GTc1CHORyHIaxgZuq03jd5RUkdZ81V7ZZ Sustainable Futures in Africa Network: https://sustainablefuturesglobal.org/ Hosted and produced by Nick Bruce, with questions, recording, editing, mixing, and original music by Nick.

43 min
07/09/2025

Christina Young: Revealing the Hidden Secrets of Art

Christina Young, Professor of Conservation and Technical Art History, University of Glasgow. Art Conservator Professor Christina Young explains how her background in physics informs her work in art conservation, and how she uses technology to reveal the hidden histories of artworks. She explains why this work is important, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of “hidden things” and helping to contextualise historical artwork in today’s world. Guest Bio Christina is a Physics graduate who laterally found herself in the world of art conservation and never looked back. Her current research interests include: The history and significance of painted stage cloths (The Power To Transform). Crack formation and fatigue in painted wooden cultural heritage (IMPASTOW). Photonic Imaging Strategies for Technical Art History and Conservation. Structural Conservation of Paintings on Canvas combining technical art history, conservation and curatorial practice. Christina’s other long term research interests include: The conservation of modern and contemporary art. The development of non-invasive monitoring techniques, methods, and materials for structural conservation. The history of painted canvas in fine and decorative art, theatre and performance, social, political and religious contexts. Resources & Links Professor Christina Young’s Research Profile: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/cca/staff/christinayoung/ The significance of the Citizens Theatre paint frames: https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/340181/ The Hidden Message in ‘No Woman, No Cry’ by Chris Ofili: https://artsandculture.google.com/story/the-hidden-message-in-39-no-woman-no-cry-39/jwWBOxg6YyqCGQ?hl=en The Fountain by Marcel Durchamp, Tate Modern: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/duchamp-fountain-t07573 Hosted and produced by Nick Bruce, with questions, recording, editing, mixing, and original music by Nick.

32 min

6 Episodes

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

From the University of Glasgow, Research Stories features an in-depth conversations with researchers, offering insight into their career journeys, collaborations, and the impact of their research. The show aims to foster curiosity, demystify research, and open new conversations about how research is done across disciplines.

Creator

University of Glasgow
Years Active

2K
Episodes

6
Rating

Clean
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Research Stories