Research Stories

University of Glasgow

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From the University of Glasgow, Research Stories features 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.

Oct 12

Jaime Toney: How can a city become sustainable?

In this episode, Professor Jaime Toney discusses systems thinking, climate adaptation and the partnerships behind Glasgow's efforts to become a thriving, resilient city. The conversation explores how universities can help connect people, organisations and ideas to create meaningful change. This episode is for researchers at every stage of their journey, from PhD students and research assistants to established academics, research professionals and prospective postgraduate researchers. In this episode: Working with Glasgow City Council to address complex sustainability challenges. The GALLANT project and Glasgow as a living lab. The Thriving Glasgow Portrait and Doughnut Economics. The role of dialogue, curiosity and shared understanding in decision-making. Climate adaptation and vulnerability-led approaches to policy. Working across government, academia, charities, and community organisations. Lessons for researchers seeking to create real-world impact through partnerships. The University’s civic role in shaping the future of Glasgow. Guest Bio Professor Jaime Toney is Director of the Centre for Sustainable Solutions at the University of Glasgow and Sustainable Futures Lead for Glasgow Changing Futures. Originally trained as an environmental and climate scientist, her work now focuses on systems transformation, sustainability, climate adaptation, and partnership-led approaches to addressing societal challenges. She leads major collaborative initiatives including GALLANT and works closely with governments, local authorities, charities, communities, and businesses to develop evidence-based pathways towards more sustainable and equitable futures. Resources & Links Guest & Research Centre for Sustainable Solutions Professor Jaime Toney – University of Glasgow Staff Profile Partnership Ecosystem University of Glasgow Glasgow City Council GALLANT Climate Ready Clyde C40 Cities Sustainable Glasgow Partnership Welsh Government Scottish Government UK Government Community organisations across Glasgow Verture MACC Hub Key Projects & Programmes GALLANT Project Thriving Glasgow Portrait MACC Hub (Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change Hub) Climate Ready Clyde Glasgow Changing Futures Collaborators & Partners Glasgow City Council Climate Ready Clyde C40 Cities Sustainable Glasgow Verture Publications & Further Reading Doughnut Economics Action Lab IPCC Climate Change Committee Hosted and produced by Nick Bruce, with questions, recording, editing, mixing, artwork and original music by Nick. Production assistants: Temiloluwa Ajayi & Conor Molloy.
Sep 28

Neil McDonnell: Can we trust what we see?

Prof Neil McDonnell discusses philosophy, virtual reality, digital ownership, immersive technologies and the partnerships helping shape the future of culture, technology and innovation. This episode is for researchers, PhD students, research assistants, established academics, research professionals, prospective postgraduate researchers, and anyone with an interest in philosophy, virtual reality, and technology. In this episode: How Neil’s philosophical questions led to research on virtual reality. Whether virtual objects are truly real and why that matters. Digital ownership and value in virtual spaces. Museums in the Metaverse and the future of cultural heritage. How VR can create new ways of experiencing museum collections. The role of XR in education and public engagement. Building partnerships between universities, museums and technology companies. The creation of Realities and Immersion Glasgow (RIG). Digital twins and the future of infrastructure planning. AI, augmented reality and the challenges of trust in digital environments. Guest Bio Neil McDonnell is a Professor of Philosophy and XR Technology at the University of Glasgow and Co-Director of Realities and Immersion Glasgow (RIG). His research explores questions of metaphysics, causation, virtual reality and digital existence. Resources & Links Dr Neil McDonnell – University of Glasgow Staff Profile Realities and Immersion Glasgow (RIG) School of Humanities University of Glasgow Philosophy Research Partnership Ecosystem University of Glasgow Realities and Immersion Glasgow (RIG) ARC-XR Historic Environment Scotland National Museums Scotland The Hunterian Edify Glasgow School of Art City of Glasgow College Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Creative industry partners XR and immersive technology SMEs Key Projects & Programmes Museums in the Metaverse (MiM) Project Mobius Realities and Immersion Glasgow (RIG) ARC-XR Innovation Accelerator Programme Key Projects & Programmes Museums in the Metaverse (MiM) Project Mobius Realities and Immersion Glasgow (RIG) ARC-XR TRANSiT Collaborators & Partners Historic Environment Scotland: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/ National Museums Scotland: https://www.nms.ac.uk/ The Hunterian: https://www.gla.ac.uk/hunterian/ Edify: https://edify.ac/ Glasgow School of Art: https://www.gsa.ac.uk/ City of Glasgow College: https://www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk/ Royal Conservatoire of Scotland: https://www.rcs.ac.uk/ Organisations Mentioned Meta: https://about.meta.com/ Apple Vision Pro: https://www.apple.com/uk/apple-vision-pro/ Centre for Robert Burns Studies: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/robertburns/ Publications & Further Reading Jaron Lanier – Dawn of the New Everything David Chalmers: https://consc.net/ XR Association: https://xra.org/ Immersive Learning Research Network: https://immersivelrn.org/ Related Policies & Initiatives Advanced Research Centre (ARC): https://www.gla.ac.uk/arc/ Glasgow City Innovation District: https://glasgowcityinnovationdistrict.com/ Further Resources Digital Twin Hub: https://digitaltwinhub.co.uk/ Alan Turing Institute – AI and Society: https://www.turing.ac.uk/ UKRI Responsible Innovation: https://www.ukri.org/ Hosted and produced by Nick Bruce, with questions, recording, editing, mixing, artwork and original music by Nick. Production assistants: Temiloluwa Ajayi & Conor Molloy.
Sep 14

Manlio Tassieri: How can a soap factory lead to scientific discovery?

“Where other people see problems, I see challenges.” – Manlio Tassieri Dr Manlio Tassieri discusses his journey into rheology and microrheology, and explains how industry collaboration can drive scientific discovery. This episode is for researchers, PhD students, research assistants, established academics, research professionals, prospective postgraduate researchers, and anyone with an interest in rheology, technology, innovation, and medical diagnostics. In this episode: Using optical tweezers to study materials at microscopic scales. Why curiosity is central to scientific discovery. Working with Soapworks through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). How industrial challenges can lead to patents and new discoveries. The commercialisation journey from research to real-world application. Future biomedical applications, including disease diagnostics. The value of interdisciplinary research and collaboration. Developing tools that enable discoveries by other researchers. Guest Bio Professor Manlio Tassieri is Professor of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering. His research focuses on rheology, microrheology, and the mechanical characterisation of complex materials. His work spans applications in plastics, food, biological tissues, chromosomes and living cells. He works closely with industry partners to develop solutions to manufacturing challenges and devise practical applications. Partnership Ecosystem Research doesn't happen in isolation. This section highlights the organisations, networks and collaborators that help turn ideas into impact. University of Glasgow Soapworks Ltd Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) Innovate UK Patent and commercialisation specialists Biomedical engineering researchers Materials scientists International collaborators Resources & Links Professor Manlio Tassieri – University of Glasgow Staff Profile James Watt School of Engineering Mechanical Engineering Research Key Projects & Programmes Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) Innovate UK University of Glasgow Innovation & Entrepreneurship Collaborators & Partners Soapworks Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) University of Perugia University of Leeds School of Physics and Astronomy Organisations Mentioned Nature Communications Science Unilever Publications & Further Reading UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) British Society of Rheology Further Resources Interface Scotland KTP Case Studies Hosted and produced by Nick Bruce, with questions, recording, editing, mixing, artwork and original music by Nick. Production assistants: Temiloluwa Ajayi & Conor Molloy.
Aug 31

Mel Simms: Who Decides the Future of Work?

Professor Melanie Simms discusses her work at the intersection of employment relations, labour market policy and the future of work. She explains how evidence informs decision-making, why collaboration matters, and how researchers can help shape policies that affect millions of workers. This episode is for researchers, PhD students, research assistants, established academics, research professionals, prospective postgraduate researchers, and anyone with an interest in the worlds of work, policy, and government. In this episode The future of work and how technological change affects workers and employers. Why collective bargaining remains an important tool for managing workplace change. Working with policymakers, politicians and civil servants. The differences between Scottish, UK and European approaches to employment policy. The development and implementation of the Employment Rights Act. How researchers build trust and credibility with government partners. The challenges of translating academic evidence into policy. Why good work benefits individuals, employers and society. The value of public engagement and policy impact. Lessons for researchers interested in collaborating outside academia. Guest Bio Professor Melanie Simms is Professor of Work and Employment at the Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow. Her research focuses on employment relations, labour market institutions, trade unions, collective bargaining, and the future of work. She has worked extensively with governments, policymakers, think tanks and international organisations. Her work has informed debates on fair work, employment rights and workplace change across the UK and Europe. Partnership Ecosystem Research doesn't happen in isolation. This section highlights the organisations, networks and collaborators that help turn ideas into impact. University of Glasgow Scottish Government UK Government European Commission Resolution Foundation Scottish Science Advisory Council Fair Work Convention Trades Union Congress (TUC) Trade unions and worker representative organisations Employer organisations Civil servants and policy teams International Labour Organization (ILO) Researchers working across employment relations, labour economics and social policy Resources & Links Professor Melanie Simms – University of Glasgow Staff Profile University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School University of Glasgow Research Mel's book What Do We Know and What Should We Do About the Future of Work? (Bristol University Press) Policy Organisations & Partners Resolution Foundation Employment Rights & Fair Work Fair Work Convention National Minimum Wage Guidance Living Wage Scotland Hosted and produced by Nick Bruce, with questions, recording, editing, mixing, artwork and original music by Nick. Production assistants: Temiloluwa Ajayi & Conor Molloy
Aug 17

Chris Halsey: What does the future look like for childhood leukaemia?

Professor Chris Halsey discusses the evolution of childhood leukaemia treatment, the search for kinder and gentler therapies, and the partnerships that make progress possible. This episode is for researchers, PhD students, research assistants, established academics, research professionals, prospective postgraduate researchers, and anyone with an interest in the future of cancer treatment. In this episode: Advances in childhood leukaemia treatment and survival rates. New approaches to drug delivery. Immunotherapy and personalised cancer treatments. The role of multidisciplinary clinical teams in supporting children and families. The vision behind the Scottish Health & Biomedical Institute (SHBI). The importance of team science in addressing complex health challenges. Guest Bio Professor Chris Halsey is Professor of Paediatric Haemato-Oncology at the University of Glasgow and a leading researcher in childhood leukaemia. Her work focuses on developing safer, more targeted treatments for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Alongside her laboratory research, she is actively involved in clinical trials, international research collaborations and multidisciplinary initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for children with cancer. Chris also plays a leadership role in the Scottish Health & Biomedical Institute (SHBI), which brings together researchers from across Scotland to tackle complex health challenges. Partnership Ecosystem Research doesn't happen in isolation. This section highlights the organisations, networks and collaborators that help turn ideas into impact. University of Glasgow NHS Scotland Children and families affected by cancer European childhood leukaemia trial networks Clinical researchers Data scientists AI specialists Biomedical researchers Scottish Health & Biomedical Institute Cancer charities and funders Resources & Links Guest & Research Professor Chris Halsey – University of Glasgow Staff Profile: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/cancersciences/staff/chrishalsey/ School of Cancer Sciences: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/cancersciences/ Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute: https://www.crukscotlandinstitute.ac.uk/ Key Projects & Programmes Scottish Health & Biomedical Institute (SHBI): https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/shbi/ Collaborators & Partners NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde: https://www.nhsggc.scot/ Cancer Research UK: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/ Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG): https://www.cclg.org.uk/ Organisations Mentioned Cancer Research UK: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/ NHS Scotland: https://www.nhs.scot/ Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group: https://www.cclg.org.uk/ Further Reading Blood Cancer UK: https://bloodcancer.org.uk/ Leukaemia UK: https://www.leukaemiauk.org.uk/ Cancer Research UK – Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/childrens-cancer/acute-lymphoblastic-leukaemia Related Initiatives Health Data Research UK: https://www.hdruk.ac.uk/ Medical Research Council: https://www.ukri.org/councils/mrc/ Further Resources World Health Organization – Childhood Cancer: https://www.who.int/health-topics/cancers National Cancer Institute – Childhood Leukaemia: https://www.cancer.gov/ Hosted and produced by Nick Bruce, with questions, recording, editing, mixing, artwork and original music by Nick. Production assistants: Temiloluwa Ajayi & Conor Molloy.
Jul 31

Naveed Sattar: Can We Solve Obesity?

Featuring Professor Naveed Sattar, Professor of Cardiometabolic Medicine and Honorary Consultant, University of Glasgow Summary Professor Naveed Sattar discusses weight loss drugs, the role of curiosity in scientific discovery, the importance of challenging accepted ideas, and how evidence-based research shapes healthcare policy. Drawing on decades of work in diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease, he explains how randomised clinical trials transform medical practice, why obesity has become one of the defining public health challenges of our time, and how emerging weight-loss therapies could reshape the future of healthcare. This episode is for researchers, PhD students, research assistants, established academics, research professionals, prospective postgraduate researchers, and anyone with an interest in weight loss drugs, obesity, diabetes, and healthcare. In this episode: The origins of curiosity, scientific thinking and challenging established expertise. How research evidence progresses from observation to world-changing clinical practice. The importance of randomised controlled trials and why they remain the gold standard of medical evidence. Key discoveries linking obesity to diabetes, fatty liver disease, psoriasis and other long-term health conditions. The growing obesity crisis, changing food environments and the role of public policy. The opportunities and limitations of new GLP-1 and weight-loss medications. Working with policymakers, industry and healthcare systems to improve public health outcomes. The future of diabetes prevention and treatment research. Lessons on leadership, humility, resilience, mentorship and lifelong learning. Guest Bio Professor Naveed Sattar is an internationally recognised scientist and Professor of Cardiometabolic Medicine at the University of Glasgow, as well as an Honorary Consultant at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. His research focuses on the causes, prevention and treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. He has authored more than 1,000 scientific publications, contributed to major international clinical guidelines, and played important roles in landmark clinical trials. In 2023, he was appointed Chair of the UK Government Obesity Healthcare Goals Programme. Resources & Links Professor Naveed Sattar – University of Glasgow Staff Profile: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/cardiovascularmetabolic/staff/naveedsattar/ School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/cardiovascularmetabolic/ Partnership Ecosystem University of Glasgow NHS Scotland Glasgow Royal Infirmary UK Government Obesity Healthcare Goals Programme American Diabetes Association (ADA) American Heart Association (AHA) Pharmaceutical companies developing obesity and diabetes treatments Clinical trial networks across the UK and internationally Policymakers and government advisers Public health organisations Research groups specialising in obesity, diabetes, cardiology and metabolic medicine Key Organisations Mentioned American Diabetes Association (ADA): https://diabetes.org/ American Heart Association (AHA): https://www.heart.org/ NHS Scotland: https://www.nhs.scot/ NHS – Obesity: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/ NHS – Type 2 Diabetes: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-2-diabetes/ Clinical Trials & Studies Discussed DIRECT Trial WOSCOPS ASCOT Researchers Mentioned Professor Mike Lean: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/healthwellbeing/staff/michaellean/ Professor Roy Taylor: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/magres/staff/profile/roytaylor.html Professor John Buse: https://www.med.unc.edu/medicine/endocrinology-metabolism/faculty/john-b-buse-md-phd/ Professor Jim Shepherd: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Shepherd+J+WOSCOPS Obesity & Diabetes Research UK Government Obesity Healthcare Goals Programme: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/life-sciences-healthcare-goals/obesity-healthcare-goals Obesity Health Alliance: https://obesityhealthalliance.org.uk/ World Obesity Federation: https://www.worldobesity.org/ Diabetes UK: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/ Medicines Discussed Tirzepatide (Mounjaro): https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/tirzepatide/ GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/looking-after-diabetes/treatments/tablets-and-medication/glp-1 British Heart Foundation – Cholesterol: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/risk-factors/high-cholesterol Statins: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/statins/ Journals & Publications Mentioned The Lancet: https://www.thelancet.com/ British Journal of Ophthalmology: https://bjo.bmj.com/ Further Reading Diabetes Remission Research: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/magres/research/diabetes/reversal/ WHO Obesity Factsheet: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight Office for Health Improvement and Disparities: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/office-for-health-improvement-and-disparities Hosted and produced by Nick Bruce, with questions, recording, editing, mixing, artwork and original music by Nick. Production assistants: Temiloluwa Ajayi & Conor Molloy
10/12/2025

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.
10/05/2025

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.
09/28/2025

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.
09/21/2025

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.
09/14/2025

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.
09/07/2025

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.

12 Episodes

From the University of Glasgow, Research Stories features 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

2025 - 2026
Episodes

12
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
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Research Stories