ResearchPod

Of all the scares and scandals around meat farming practices in the UK, few have been as persistent as been bovine TB. While we're nowhere near the 1930s estimate of the number of cattle infected, it's never really gone away. Why is that? Dr. Neil Watt of MV Diagnostics joins us to cover where bovine TB has been hiding between outbreaks, how changes in testing may help pin it down, and why now might be the turning point on the management, maybe even eradication, of bovine TB in the UK. Read the original paper: https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.4241 Read more : https://www.mvdiagnostics.co.uk/

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: and 🌐 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

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

In this episode of Enterprise Sessions from the University of Bristol, Professor Michele Barbour speaks with Dr Miles‑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. Miles‑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: not 🌐 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

​What ​if ​you ​could ​tell ​ahead ​of ​time ​who ​needed ​how ​much ​pain ​relief? ​What ​if ​you ​could ​avoid ​administering ​opioids ​to ​those ​with ​the ​highest ​risk ​of ​addiction, ​even ​if ​they ​didn't ​already ​know ​for ​themselves? What ​if ​you ​could ​help ​ease ​the ​pain ​of ​a ​patient ​in ​need ​and ​be ​sure ​that ​you've ​made ​the ​right ​call? Brian ​Meshkin ​of Proove ​Genomics shares his journey from personal tragedy to pioneering a scoring system that helps clinicians assess pain relief needs based on genetic profiles. Discover how this innovative approach aims to mitigate the opioid crisis by identifying patients at risk of addiction and personalizing pain treatment. Join us for an insightful discussion that blends science, compassion, and the urgent need for change in pain management. Find out more at https://proove.com/

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: 🌐 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

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:

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: 🌐 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

ChatGPT has been a game-changer for education. Students now frequently use Generative Artificial Intelligence to complete assignments, but concern is growing about how this affects their academic integrity and critical thinking. Michelle Cheong is a Professor of Information Systems in Education at the Singapore Management University. By evaluating ChatGPT’s performance in spreadsheet modelling, her latest research provides important insights into how educators can redesign student assessments to enhance learning at different cognitive levels. Read the original research: doi.org/10.1111/jcal.70035

Join Professor Michele Barbour for an energising and deeply insightful conversation with Dr Luke Cox, CEO of Impulsonics, a University of Bristol spin‑out transforming how cell handling and automation are done in biotechnology. What begins as an exploration of Luke’s journey from engineering undergraduate to PhD researcher becomes an exhilarating story of invention, grit, and entrepreneurial drive. From early work in acoustic levitation to co‑developing a novel “impulse control” technology, Luke unpacks how a speculative research project evolved into a breakthrough method for moving millions of cells simultaneously — enabling automation where traditional tools have long failed. Discover how Luke navigated the risks, setbacks, and thrill of taking on the role of CEO while spinning out a deep‑tech company; how customer discovery reshaped their market focus; and why Impulsonics’ modular, ultrasound‑based approach could unlock scalable personalised medicine, reduced lab waste, and new possibilities in drug discovery. This is a candid discussion about ambition, risk engineering, accidental luck, and finding the “beachhead market” that biologists have needed for decades — all told with Luke’s characteristic insight, humility, and humour. In this episode 🌐 About the Enterprise Sessions The Enterprise Sessions bring together founders and researchers to share candid insights on spin-outs, start-ups, raising capital, and translating research into real-world impact. Our goal? To inform, inspire, and challenge myths about research commercialisation. 👍 Like, Share, Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, please like and share! Explore more at University of Bristol Enterprise Sessions and subscribe to our YouTube channel for future episodes. Connect with our Guests: Dr Luke Cox – LinkedIn Prof Michele Barbour – LinkedIn Chapters 0:00 – Introductions 0:34 – From engineering student to acoustic levitation researcher 3:20 – How ultrasound manipulates millions of cells 5:25 – Exploring the potential of ultrasound and technology 9:00 – How the culture of innovation in Bristol inspired Luke 13:08 – Creating a product useful for the target audience 18:22 – Finding direction through the ICURe programme 22:47 – How cell passaging became the perfect first market — and how Impulsonics automates it 27:10 – Leadership, learning to translate across disciplines, and choosing not to bring in an external CEO 32:29 – Navigating grants, investors, risk engineering, relationships, and the realities of building hardware and biology together 42:28 – How Impulsonics’ technology could enable patient‑specific drug testing and more sustainable labs 46:19 – The founder mindset 51:45 – Advice for early‑career researchers

Obesity is one of the most pressing health challenges of our time, yet public campaigns on diet and exercise have struggled to reverse rising global rates. Assistant Professor Xuan Zhang from the School of Economics at Singapore Management University explores how a simple, low-cost intervention – a series of short, personalised text messages – can help people better understand their weight classification and adopt healthier habits. Her team’s randomised controlled trial found that regular digital reminders significantly improved weight perception and diet among older adults, showing how behavioural insights can drive meaningful change in public health. Read the original research: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jebo.2024.04.029

Professor Keon West has long been interested in the gap between what people think they know about racism and what the science actually shows. Alongside his academic work, he regularly appears at events like Cheltenham Science Festival, opening up conversations about bias, scientific literacy, and why facts matter even in the most emotionally charged topics. In this episode, we talk about applying science to racism, the misconceptions that persist, and what happens when research meets real-world audiences.

In this episode, we explore the revolutionary concept of a living network with Prof. Dimitra Simeonidou, Director of the Smart Internet Lab. Discover how data and AI can transform our urban environments into intelligent ecosystems that enhance our quality of life. From traffic management to public health, learn how the infrastructure we already have can become a sensor-rich network, improving our cities for both citizens and nature. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Smart Internet Lab (01:15) The concept of a living network (05:30) The role of sensors in urban environments (10:45) AI and the evolution of smart networks (15:10) The implications of conscious networks (20:00) Future applications and the timeline for implementation (25:30) Conclusion and next episode preview This is an 18Sixty Production.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating concept of sensory living networks with Prof. Dimitra Simeonidou, director of the Smart Internet Lab, Paul Wilson, chair of the advisory board for SmartCitiesWorld and Simon Saunders, honorary professor at the Smart Internet Lab. Discover how these intelligent networks can revolutionise emergency responses and provide critical data to enhance urban living. Join us as we delve into the potential benefits and ethical considerations of utilising such technology for the greater good of society. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:15) Sensory Living Networks Explained (05:30) Emergency Services and Data Utilisation (10:00) The Role of Regulation (15:45) Global Standards and Cooperation (20:30) Future of AI and Data Governance (25:00) Conclusion This is an 18Sixty Production.

In this final episode of the series, we join a round-table discussion among experts from the Smart Internet Lab at the University of Bristol. Join Dimitra Simeonidou, Simon Saunders, and Paul Wilson as they explore the future of telecommunications and the exciting advancements in network technology. Discover how AI and sensing capabilities are transforming networks into intelligent systems that not only communicate but also 'feel' the environment. This episode delves into the implications of these innovations for smart cities, crisis management, and the ethical considerations that come with them. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (00:30) The Evolution of Telecommunications (10:15) AI and Sensing in Networks (20:00) Future Networks Scenarios (30:00) Ethical Considerations and Governance (40:00) Closing Thoughts This is an 18Sixty Production.

In this inspiring episode of The Enterprise Sessions, Professor Michele Barbour sits down with Dr. Camilla Morelli, a senior lecturer in social anthropology at the University of Bristol, whose groundbreaking work with indigenous youth in the Amazon rainforest has taken an unexpected and powerful turn toward enterprise. What begins as immersive ethnographic research with the Matses people of Peru evolves into a creative collaboration that empowers young people to tell their own stories through animation. Camilla shares how her passion for understanding childhood in rainforest communities led to co-produced films that are now shaping policy, influencing global youth agencies, and opening doors to commercial opportunities. 🎬 Highlights include: ✨ Whether you're curious about anthropology, creative enterprise, or the power of storytelling, this episode is a must-watch. 🌐 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 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with researchers turning ideas into impact.

Artificial intelligence often struggles with the ambiguity, nuance, and shifting context that defines human reasoning. Fuzzy logic offers an alternative, by modelling meaning in degrees rather than absolutes. In this roundtable episode, ResearchPod speaks with Professors Edy Portmann, Irina Perfilieva, Vilem Novak, Cristina Puente, and José María Alonso about how fuzzy systems capture perception, language, social cues, and uncertainty. Their insights contribute to the upcoming FMsquare Foundation booklet on fuzzy logic, exploring the role of uncertainty-aware reasoning in the future of AI. You can read the previous booklet from this series here: Fuzzy Design-Science Research You can listen to previous fuzzy podcasts here: fmsquare.org

Join Professor Michelle Barbour in this captivating conversation with Professor Marc Holderied from the University of Bristol’s School of Biological Sciences. Discover how a serendipitous encounter with a fluffy moth in Costa Rica sparked a 30-year scientific journey that led to the development of ultra-thin, nature-inspired sound-absorbing materials. 🎙️ In this episode follow Marc’s path to Bristol and his passion for acoustics including: Read his original research article : https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2313549121 ⭐Highlights 0:00 – Introducing the Enterprise Sessions and Professor Marc Holderied 0:34 – Marc’s journey to Bristol 2:22 – Discovering new species of frogs and bats with Bristol Zoo 4:41 – How shaving a moth’s wings led to an enterprise opportunity 7:49 – How moths evolved an acoustic invisibility cloak to evade bats 13:01 – From research to enterprise: developing acoustic wallpaper and ultra-thin sound absorbers 16:46 – The societal impacts of noise pollution 21:48 – The role Enterprise Fellowships and the University of Bristol’s Commercialisation team and others in going from research to enterprise 🌐 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 🔗 Connect with Marc Holderied https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-holderied/ Michele Barbour https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-barbour-7b049566/

This is the third in a series of three podcasts exploring ‘Claiming Tomorrow – Sociodigital Futures in the Making.’ 'Who is making claims over sociodigital futures' looks at which actors are making futures claims. Should we pay heed to government announcements around the capabilities of AI and how it will change our lives? Can any single actor make such sweeping generalisations when there are many possible futures in front of us? Hear from Dale Southerton, Susan Halford and Helen Manchester in this fascinating and timely discussion. This podcast is brought to you by the Centre for Sociodigital Futures – a flagship research centre, funded by the ESRC and led by the University of Bristol in collaboration with 12 other Universities in the UK and globally. The support of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is gratefully acknowledged.

This is the first of three podcasts exploring ‘Claiming Tomorrow – Sociodigital Futures in the Making.’ We are addressing the research question ‘What sociodigital futures are being claimed and made, and how, by which actors, across key areas of social life?’ Each of the three podcasts will address What, How and Who. In this episode we hear from Debbie Watson, David Evans, Bridget Anderson and Rich Hemming as they discuss what defines futures. Futures are multiple, and we explore if they are on the way or already here. Can they be resisted or are some inevitable?' This podcast is brought to you by the Centre for Sociodigital Futures – a flagship research centre, funded by the ESRC and led by the University of Bristol in collaboration with 12 other Universities in the UK and globally. The support of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is gratefully acknowledged. .