Disruptive Voices from UCL Grand Challenges

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In this series, guests from across UCL and beyond share their innovative solutions and ideas for addressing societal challenges, discussing topics from a cross-disciplinary perspective and inspiring and encouraging us to think differently about issues of local, national and global concern.

  1. SEP 25

    Shared Screens, Split Realities: Rethinking Online Safety Together

    In the first episode of our Inequalities mini-series, host Ethne James Souch is joined by Prof Jessica Ringrose, Dr Marc Tibber, and Sophie Wilson to delve into the complex intersection of social media, mental health, and regulation. The conversation spans topics from online safety and digital literacy to phone bans in schools and the lived experiences of neurodivergent communities. It explores how we can better support young people in navigating digital spaces without reinforcing inequalities. Drawing from research, policy, and lived experience, this episode offers a rich and nuanced discussion on what it means to build an inclusive and just digital future. With insights from two UCL Grand Challenges-funded projects, Ethne and guests consider the risks and possibilities of online life, the evolving landscape of regulation, and the power of co-production in developing ethical and effective interventions.  Date of episode recording: 2025-07-31 Duration: 00:33:15 Language of episode: English Presenter: Ethne James Souch Guests: Prof Jessica Ringrose; Dr Marc Tibber; Sophie Wilson Producer: Annabelle Buckland

    33 min

  2. SEP 19

    Youth Voices on Mental Health: Insights from UCL's YouGov Survey

    In the fourth episode of our Mental Health & Wellbeing mini-series, host Jade Hunter is joined by UCL's Pro-Vice Provosts for Mental Health & Wellbeing, Professors Essi Viding and Argyris Stringaris to discuss the findings of a significant new survey conducted in partnership with YouGov.  This survey, which gathered responses from 1,545 young adults aged 16 to 25, sheds light on the pressing mental health challenges faced by young people across Britain.  This episode delves into the survey's key insights, exploring the perceptions of mental health support and the urgent need for effective early intervention and prevention strategies. Essi and Argyris discuss the implications of the findings, including the high percentage of young individuals seeking help and the dissatisfaction with current support systems. Date of episode recording: 2025-08-19Duration: 00:14:00Language of episode: EnglishPresenter: Jade HunterGuests: Essi Viding and Argyris StringarisProducer: Annabelle Buckland

    15 min

  3. AUG 6

    Active Minds: Exploring the Links Between Student Lifestyles and Mental Health

    In the third episode of our Mental Health & Wellbeing mini-series, host Jade Hunter speaks with Dr Flaminia Ronca, Evie Watson, and Katie Sykes about the Active Minds Project at UCL, an innovative pilot exploring how students’ physical activity and lifestyle habits impact their mental wellbeing and cognitive function.   Through wearable technology and behavioural insights, the team is working to refine interventions that can motivate students to move more, sleep better, and thrive both academically and personally. Together, they unpack the data-driven approach behind the project and how it aims to foster a healthier, more supportive university environment.   This dynamic conversation touches on the real-world challenges facing students today and the ways in which physical fitness can serve as a pathway to mental resilience.   Find out more

    25 min

  4. JUL 24

    Building Better Minds: Neuroarchitecture and the Future of Inclusive Design

    In the second episode of our Mental Health and Wellbeing mini-series, host Jade Hunter sits down with Professor Hugo Spiers, Dr Fiona Zisch, and Isabelle Charval,  the trailblazing team behind the world’s first international centre for neuroarchitecture and neurodesign. Together, they delve into how neuroscience and the built environment are converging to shape healthier, more inclusive spaces for everyone.  This wide-ranging conversation touches on the potential of this pioneering field to transform sectors such as healthcare, education, and urban planning. With deep insights from research and practice, the episode explores how our brains respond to the spaces we inhabit, and how better design can enhance wellbeing, accessibility, and human connection. Featured in this episode: Host: Jade Hunter – Coordinator, UCL’s Grand Challenge of Mental Health & WellbeingWith special thanks to our guests:Professor Hugo Spiers – UCL Department of Experimental PsychologyDr Fiona Zisch – Lecturer in Architecture, UCL Bartlett School of ArchitectureIsabelle Charval – Design Strategist and Co-Founder, Centre for Neuroarchitecture

    32 min

  5. JUL 24

    Local Solutions, National Crisis: New Insights on Men’s Mental Health from the North East

    In this special episode for Mental Health Awareness Week, host Jade Hunter is joined by Professor John Tomaney, Dr. Dimitrios Panayotopoulos-Tsiros, and James Fildes, founder of Space North East. Together, they explore a growing public health crisis: rising rates of male suicide in the UK, particularly in post-industrial regions like the North East. This conversation examines how non-clinical, community-led interventions are filling critical gaps in mental health support for working-class men in the North East of England. Drawing on lived experience, academic research, and grassroots activism, this episode highlights the importance of belonging, place-based identity, and social infrastructure in men’s mental wellbeing. Featured in this episode:Host: Jade Hunter – Coordinator, UCL’s Grand Challenge of Mental Health & WellbeingWith special thanks to our guests: Professor John Tomaney – UCL Bartlett School of Planning, Pro-Provost for Regional CommunitiesDr. Dimitrios Panayotopoulos-Tsiros – Research Associate and Honorary Research Fellow, UCLJames Fildes – Founder and Managing Director, Space North East Resources:Learn more about UCL Grand Challenges https://www.ucl.ac.uk/grand-challenges/Visit Space North East https://spacenortheast.org/Read about the project’s progress and future outputs via the Grand Challenges Mental Health and Wellbeing page https://www.ucl.ac.uk/grand-challenges/themes/mental-health-wellbeing

    41 min

  6. JUL 24

    Menopause and Me: Juggling Work and Home Life Dr Meena Khatwa

    Dr Meena Khatwa and Dr Kelly Dickson delve into the bio-psychosocial impacts of menopause with special guests Lauren Chiren (CEO, Women of a Certain Stage); Sonia Abrams (UCL Head of Events OPVA) and Josephine Falade (Associate Professor, UCL School of Pharmacy). Together, they explore menopause awareness, acceptance, and the transition process.  This podcast is part of the wider UCL Grand Challenges funded project ‘Coping with Menopause: exploring women’s lived experiences of work and the multigenerational squeeze’. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/grand-challenges/impacts-and-outputs/podcasts Date of episode recording: 2024-07-25T00:00:00ZDuration: 00:40:48Language of episode: English (UK)Presenter:Meena Khatwa; Kelly DicksonGuests: Sonia Abrams; Lauren Chiren; Josephine FaladeProducer: Phil Mason, Meena Khatwa, Kelly Dickson Transcription link: https://otter.ai/u/CDPELeb9YvZIcxTBpUu5z11ZJMw?utm_source=copy_url

    41 min

  7. JUL 24

    Data-Empowered Societies

    Join us in this special episode as we explore UCL's evolved Grand Challenge: Data-Empowered Societies. In this podcast, you’ll hear from UCL staff about the transformative potential of this Grand Challenge, ethical data practices, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.This episode features UCL colleagues, including: • Prof. Allison Littlejohn, Professor of Learning Technology and Director of the UCL Knowledge Lab• Prof. Jack Stilgoe, Professor of Science and Technology, Department of Science & Technology Studies• Dr Jin Gao, Lecturer in Digital Archives, Department of Information Studies• Samantha Ahern, Senior Digital Research Trainer, Digital Skills Development For more information on how to get involved, visit our website or contact us at grand-challenges@ucl.ac.uk Producers: Huda Ahmed, Lisa Juangbhanich, Phil MasonNarrator: Huda Ahmed Link to transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/grand-challenges/i…mpowered-societies

    17 min

  8. JUL 24

    People and Cities

    In this episode, Professor Nick Tyler (Department of Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering, UCL Engineering) shares his vision of how cities are built, evolve, and how this process might include more creativity and humanity. Using perspectives from academia and the arts, Professor Tyler paints a picture of cities that puts people at the centre.

    35 min
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In this series, guests from across UCL and beyond share their innovative solutions and ideas for addressing societal challenges, discussing topics from a cross-disciplinary perspective and inspiring and encouraging us to think differently about issues of local, national and global concern.

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