ResearchPod

ResearchPod

ResearchPod science podcasts connect the research community to a global audience of peers and the public, raising visibility and impact. www.researchpod.org. All content is shared under the Creative Commons CCBY-NC-ND 4.0 licence. For further information, email contact@researchpod.org

  1. Engineering Blood Cells | The Enterprise Sessions with Profs Ash Toye and Jan Frayne

    1 APR

    Engineering Blood Cells | The Enterprise Sessions with Profs Ash Toye and Jan Frayne

    In this episode of Enterprise Sessions from the University of Bristol, Professor Michele Barbour sits down with Professor Ash Toye and Professor Jan Frayne, two leading biochemists whose long‑standing research partnership has evolved into one of the UK’s most exciting biotechnology spin‑outs: Scarlet Therapeutics. Together, Ash and Jan share the remarkable journey from academic collaboration to scientific breakthrough — and ultimately to founding a company built on the promise of lab‑grown and engineered red blood cells. What began as a quest to understand red blood cell development became a platform capable of producing universal donor cells, modelling rare diseases, and creating “blood as medicine” through engineered therapeutics. This episode goes far beyond the science. Ash and Jan discuss the reality of spinning out a wet‑lab biotech, the commercial challenges, the importance of the right CEO, and the dynamics of co‑founding a company with a long‑term academic collaborator. They also speak candidly about funding frustrations, scientific obsession, conflict‑of‑interest tightropes, and the excitement of helping their postdocs become industry scientists. 🔍 In the episode: Bristol as the UK’s “red blood cell corner”Making red blood cells in the lab: from stem cells to clinical trialsThe origins of Scarlet Therapeutics — and why the first idea “wasn’t enough”Immortalised red blood cell lines and the role of CRISPRTherapeutic blood: treating metabolic disorders using engineered cellsHow to pick a CEO — and why neither founder wanted to be oneWhat happens when a US company beats you to your ideaThe emotional rollercoaster of fundraising and venture capitalNavigating dual identities as academics and directorsThe power of co‑founding: creativity, challenge and complementary personalitiesWhat lab‑grown blood means for rare donor groups and transfusion medicineHow spin‑out life feeds inspiration back into academic researchAdvice for researchers considering commercialisation or co‑founding  🌐 About the Enterprise Sessions  The Enterprise Sessions bring together a diverse mix of company founders and researchers who talk openly about their personal experiences of forming spinouts and start-ups, raising capital, academic-industry partnerships and the joys of translating research discoveries into real-world impact. The series aims to inform, inspire and challenge myths and stereotypes about research commercialisation and how businesses and universities can work together to tackle society’s biggest challenges.   👍 Like, Share, Subscribe, Explore  If you found this episode inspiring or informative, please don’t forget to like and share. Visit our website or subscribe to the University of Bristol’s YouTube channel for more Enterprise Sessions.   https://www.bristol.ac.uk/enterprise-sessions

    1hr 10min
  2. Discover Reading: World Meteorology Day 2026

    23 MAR

    Discover Reading: World Meteorology Day 2026

    What if one university helped shape modern climate science? Discover how the University of Reading became synonymous with the field and why it remains at the centre of that story. This World Meteorology Day 2026, we trace the evolution of climate science, from the Antarctic ozone hole in 1985 to today’s global challenges, and explore how Reading became a hub for the ideas, research and people driving the field forward. In this episode, Professor Hannah Cloke OBE from the University of Reading's Department of Meteorology speaks with Professor Keith Shine FRS, the UK’s Regius Professor of Climate Science, and Dr Jolene Cook OBE, climate science advisor to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the UK’s representative to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Together, they examine Reading’s role in climate science and reflect on the field’s growth and future. Their journeys, shaped in part by the university, offer insight into how the discipline has developed, how universities and government are preparing the next generation of climate scientists, and the opportunities ahead for early career researchers. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Discover Reading, a global centre for climate science 00:52 – Meet the voices, Keith Shine and Jolene Cook 02:10 – Pathways into climate science, where it all began 04:32 – 1985 and beyond, the ozone hole and growth of atmospheric science 07:25 – A defining role, the UK’s first Regius Professor of Climate Science 09:00 – Learning at Reading, shaping a generation of scientists 12:52 – From science to policy, the role of the IPCC 17:00 – Preparing the next generation, universities, government and early career opportunities 25:30 – Reading at 100, looking ahead to the next century of climate science

    31 min
  3. Improving Youth Mental Health | The Enterprise Sessions with Dr Myles-Jay Linton

    18 MAR

    Improving Youth Mental Health | The Enterprise Sessions with Dr Myles-Jay Linton

    In this episode of Enterprise Sessions from the University of Bristol, Professor Michele Barbour speaks with Dr Myles‑Jay Linton, Senior Lecturer in the School of Education, whose career has woven economics, health research, digital innovation and co‑production into a distinctive, socially impactful research portfolio. Myles‑Jay reflects on his journey from an interdisciplinary PhD at the University of Exeter to applied healthcare work in Bristol Medical School, a prestigious Vice‑Chancellor’s Fellowship, and now pioneering work on the intersection of youth mental health and digital life. Along the way, he has collaborated with clinicians, policymakers, university leaders, young people, and—unusually for his field—a commercial mental health app developer. From shaping national guidance on information‑sharing in student mental health crises, to co‑creating digital toolkits with practitioners, to supporting developers integrating AI into peer‑support platforms, this episode explores how enterprise and social impact can coexist powerfully in research that is compassionate, rigorous, and deeply collaborative. 🔍 In the episode: Moving from economics into applied health researchThe value of not specialising too earlyWorking with patients, clinicians and the public on locally‑rooted healthcare projectsMeasuring student mental health: tools, policies and global collaborationCo‑production as a core research practice—why it mattersInforming national policy on emergency contacts and circles of supportCollaborating with a commercial mental health app (Tell Me) to support young adultsEthical, practical and emotional considerations for researchers working in sensitive areasDigital Dialogues: improving practitioner conversations about online life and wellbeingScaling training for mental health professionals—and the policy questions that followThe future of digital mental health and Myles‑Jay’s emerging entrepreneurial mindset  🌐 About the Enterprise Sessions The Enterprise Sessions bring together a diverse mix of company founders and researchers who talk openly about their personal experiences of forming spinouts and start-ups, raising capital, academic-industry partnerships and the joys of translating research discoveries into real-world impact. The series aims to inform, inspire and challenge myths and stereotypes about research commercialisation and how businesses and universities can work together to tackle society’s biggest challenges. 👍 Like, Share, Subscribe, Explore If you found this episode inspiring or informative, please don’t forget to like and share. Visit our website or subscribe to the University of Bristol’s YouTube channel for more Enterprise Sessions. https://www.bristol.ac.uk/enterprise-sessions Connect with our Guests: Prof. Michele Barbour – LinkedIn Dr. Myles-Jay Linton – LinkedIn

    47 min
  4. Powering the Future of Semiconductors and Clean Energy | The Enterprise Sessions with Prof Martin Kuball and Dr Katie Hore

    4 MAR

    Powering the Future of Semiconductors and Clean Energy | The Enterprise Sessions with Prof Martin Kuball and Dr Katie Hore

    In the first double-guest episode of Enterprise Sessions from the University of Bristol, Professor Michele Barbour speaks with Professor Martin Kuball and Dr Katie Hore for a compelling conversation about Rewire — the UK’s flagship Innovation and Knowledge Centre transforming the future of power electronics, semiconductors and clean energy.  Together, they unpack how advanced semiconductor materials, national-scale collaboration, and deep industry partnerships are accelerating the shift to reliable, efficient and sustainable electrical systems. From 5‑minute EV charging to radiation‑hard materials for fusion reactors and space missions, discover how Rewire is shaping technologies that will power our future.  Learn how Martin and Katie’s very different career journeys converged on the shared mission of building a national semiconductor ecosystem — one that spans curiosity‑driven research, cutting-edge materials science, industrial co‑creation, and the training of the next generation of innovators.  🔍 In the episode:  How Rewire is reinventing semiconductor technology for the UK and beyond The surprising links between fundamental science and real‑world engineering impact What Innovation and Knowledge Centres are — and why they matter Building an ecosystem: 35+ industrial partners, three universities, and government The future of power electronics: efficient grids, EV charging, aerospace & fusion How students, postdocs and startups join and benefit from the Rewire community Career reflections: taking opportunities, embracing uncertainty and finding the fun   🌐 About the Enterprise Sessions   The Enterprise Sessions bring together a diverse mix of company founders and researchers who talk openly about their personal experiences of forming spinouts and start-ups, raising capital, academic-industry partnerships and the joys of translating research discoveries into real-world impact. The series aims to inform, inspire and challenge myths and stereotypes about research commercialisation and how businesses and universities can work together to tackle society’s biggest challenges.    👍 Like, Share, Subscribe, Explore   If you found this episode inspiring or informative, please don’t forget to like and share. Visit our website or subscribe to the University of Bristol’s YouTube channel for more Enterprise Sessions.    https://www.bristol.ac.uk/enterprise-sessions   Connect with our Guests:   Prof. Michele Barbour – LinkedIn Prof. Martin Kuball - LinkedIn Dr. Katie Hore - LinkedIn REWIRE - LinkedIn

    1hr 5min
  5. How Global Science Supports Our Future Climate

    26 FEB

    How Global Science Supports Our Future Climate

    The climate crisis is one of the most pressing challenges of our time; but diverse sources of knowledge may help us navigate it better. This was the thematic focus of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change workshops recently hosted at the University of Reading. In this live Q&A, Professor Jim Skea (chair of the IPCC) was joined by Rowan Sutton (Met Office), Sarah Honour (Dept. of Energy Security and Net Zero) and Professor Ed Hawkins (University of Reading) to discuss the role of indigenous voices, the withdrawal of the US from climate agreements, and the importance of making climate information accessible for future generations. This episode was recorded live on February 9, 2026, at the University of Reading. Find out more about the University of Reading, it's relationship with IPCC and how it has carved out a position at the heart of climate change conversations. Chapters: 02:20 Why the IPCC is looking to involve diverse ‘knowledge systems’04:26 How the UK Government and Met Office work with the IPCC process09:35 What it’s like to be a researcher involved in the IPCC report cycle 12:02 How the IPCC has evolved and how it might evolve in the next 40 years21:34 Audience question #1: Impact of the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement24:22 Audience question #2: How is the IPCC actively involving diverse voices? 26:35 Audience  question #3: How can young people make a positive impact in combatting climate change?

    32 min
  6. Digital Futures & Ancient History: Bridging Worlds Through Games | The Enterprise Sessions with Dr. Richard Cole 

    18 FEB

    Digital Futures & Ancient History: Bridging Worlds Through Games | The Enterprise Sessions with Dr. Richard Cole 

    In this episode of Enterprise Sessions from the University of Bristol, Professor Michele Barbour sits down with Dr. Richard Cole, Lecturer in Digital Futures within the Department of Classics and Ancient History, for a fascinating deep dive into the unexpected synergy between ancient narratives and cutting-edge technology.   Discover how Richard’s journey from historical fiction to virtual reality and AI-powered gaming led to the creation of the Bristol Digital Game Lab, a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration between academia and the gaming industry. From algorithmic bias to postnatal depression, learn how game jams and immersive storytelling are being used to tackle complex societal challenges.   🔍 In the episode:   The intersection of classics and digital innovation  How games can be tools for humanistic inquiry  Collaborating with industry to build meaningful experiences  The future of AI-driven gameplay and museum engagement  Empowering students through game design and research  🌐 About the Enterprise Sessions  The Enterprise Sessions bring together a diverse mix of company founders and researchers who talk openly about their personal experiences of forming spin-outs and start-ups, raising capital, academic-industry partnerships and the joys of translating research discoveries into real-world impact. The series aims to inform, inspire and challenge myths and stereotypes about research commercialisation and how businesses and universities can work together to tackle society's biggest challenges.     👍 Like, Share, Subscribe, Explore  If you found this episode inspiring or informative, please don’t forget to like and share. Visit our website or subscribe to the University of Bristol’s YouTube channel for more Enterprise Sessions.   https://www.bristol.ac.uk/enterprise-sessions

    55 min
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

ResearchPod science podcasts connect the research community to a global audience of peers and the public, raising visibility and impact. www.researchpod.org. All content is shared under the Creative Commons CCBY-NC-ND 4.0 licence. For further information, email contact@researchpod.org

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