ResearchPod

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. .

This second of three podcasts exploring ‘Claiming Tomorrow – Sociodigital Futures in the Making' is asking 'How are sociodigital futures being claimed?' Claims about the future shape government policies, shape investments that are made by companies, and how all of us think about our lives. But how are these claims being made? Listen to Susan Halford, Jessica Pykett, Debbie Watson, Paul Clarke and Beckie Coleman as they explore this timely subject. 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.

Littering is a global issue with serious environmental and economic impacts. But, what drives people to act responsibly? Sonny Rosenthal from Singapore Management University and Pengya Ai, a PhD student from Nanyang Technological University are interested in how social norms shape pro-environmental behaviour. Their research reveals how descriptive norms (what people do) and injunctive norms (what people should do) interact with personal responsibility, challenging assumptions about collective action and the bystander effect. The findings offer a new framework for understanding how individuals respond to social cues, and how policy can use these vital insights. Read the original research: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-60047-0

Green innovation is often seen as the key to sustainable growth. But, not all eco-technologies deliver the same results. Cheng Qiang from Singapore Management University examines how pollution prevention and pollution control impact firms’ profitability and environmental performance, revealing why prevention strategies offer greater financial and environmental returns. Read the original research: doi.org/10.1016/j.jacceco.2024.101706

Can CRISPR help build a unified platform for biological discovery? Dr Kaivalya Shevade from the Laboratory for Genomics Research (UCSF) is developing new CRISPR-based screening methods to map gene networks, understand drug resistance, and track neuronal activity in disease. The research team’s innovations, including the CAT-ATAC assay and the Plexus machine learning model, show how combining biology with computation could accelerate the search for new treatments. Read the original research: doi.org/10.1101/2025.02.11.637716

How does financial transparency affect how CEO’s themselves are paid? Young Jun Cho and Hojun Seo investigate how the introduction of SFAS 131, requiring companies to report performance by business segments, impacts equity-based compensation. Their research reveals that more granular disclosure reduces the need for stock-based incentives, especially in firms with weak internal oversight, but strong external scrutiny. The findings show how reporting rules can act as powerful tools of corporate governance, reshaping executive behaviour and investor influence. Read the original research: doi.org/10.1111/1911-3846.12928

10 years is a long time in politics. In 2015, Javier Milei was a professor of economics making occasional appearances on Argentinian TV programmes. Today, he is more commonly seen wielding prop chainsaws as Argentina's Libertarian president. Dr Sara Garcia Santamaria of the University of Bristol speaks with as again about masculinity, memeability, and Milei's version of and populism through the lens of Carnivale. After all, what's a strongman without a circus? Find more of Dr Santamaria's work on ResearchGate Listen to her previous episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/582022/17469780

Changing political tides across the globe are inextricably linked to the use of social media and internet based messaging. But something as simple as a photo of your lunch can't be part of the same spin... Right? Dr Sara Garcia Santa Maria from the University of Bristol joins us to discuss her research into diet, culture and social media among populist politicians. Read the original article: https://doi.org/10.51698/tripodos.2020.49p129-149 Posing with the People: Food Porn and the Far-Right in a Post-Truth Era. In Contois, E. and Kish, X. (Eds.). #Food Instagram: Identity, Influence, and Negotiation. https://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=58mye9fd9780252044465