UKCTOCS (UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening) is one of the largest screening trials in ovarian cancer. More than 200,000 women from England, Wales and Northern Ireland took part in it, and it ran for almost two decades. Designing and running such a large and lengthy trial came with its own challenges. In this episode, Professor Usha Menon discusses the key challenges that UKCTOCS faced in its design, conduct an analysis, and how the team addressed them.

Further information is available on the UKCTOCS website at https://ukctocs.mrcctu.ucl.ac.uk/
Listen to the episode about the UKCTOCS trial results at https://bit.ly/48pK94J
For questions or feedback on the series, message us at mrcctu.engage@ucl.ac.uk
For more information and to access the transcript: https://bit.ly/45XRyWT
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Lessons from UKCTOCS, a large-scale trial in ovarian cancer screening

This week we’re looking at AI and public services. How far could AI tools help to tackle stagnant public sector productivity? What dangers are associated with AI adoption? And how can these dangers be addressed? 

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being touted as a game-changer across various sectors, including public services. But while AI presents significant opportunities for improving efficiency and effectiveness, concerns about fairness, equity, and past failures in public sector IT transformations loom large. And, of course, the idea of tech moguls like Elon Musk wielding immense influence over our daily lives is unsettling for many. So, what are the real opportunities AI offers for public services? What risks need to be managed? And how well are governments—particularly in the UK—rising to the challenge? 

In this episode, we dive into these questions with three expert guests who have recently published an article in The Political Quarterly on the subject: Helen Margetts – Professor of Society and the Internet at the Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford, and Director of the Public Policy Programme at The Alan Turing Institute. Previously, she was Director of the School of Public Policy at UCL. Cosmina Dorobantu – Co-director of the Public Policy Programme at The Alan Turing Institute. Jonathan Bright – Head of Public Services and AI Safety at The Alan Turing Institute. 

Mentioned in this episode: Margetts, H., Dorobantu, C. and Bright, J. (2024), How to Build Progressive Public Services with Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. The Political Quarterly.

Transcription link:
https://uncoveringpolitics.com/episodes/ai-and-public-services/transcript

Date of episode recording: 2025-02-13T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:42:48
Language of episode: English (UK)
TAGS: AI, government, politics, bureaucracy, political quarterly, efficiency
Presenter:Alan Renwick
Guests: Helen Margettes, Cosmina Dorobantu, Jonathan Bright
Producer: Eleanor Kingwell-Banham


AI and Public Services

This week we’re looking at the representation of disabled people in politics. Why are there so few disabled politicians? What impact does that have? And what can be done to level the playing field?  

While one in five people in the UK is disabled, the proportion of disabled individuals among elected representatives is significantly lower. Despite broader discussions on inclusive politics, disability remains an often-overlooked aspect of the conversation. For many people working in this area, addressing such challenges isn’t just about fairness; it’s also about ensuring that disabled citizens have their voices heard in political decision-making. 

A new book addressing these challenges was published last year, and a recent article in The Political Quarterly highlights its key themes. The book and article explore the structural barriers that disabled candidates and politicians face and provide actionable recommendations for change. 

In this episode, we speak with the co-authors of both the book and the article: Prof Elizabeth Evans – Professor of Politics at the University of Southampton. Dr Stefanie Reher – Reader in Political Science at the University of Strathclyde. Join us as we discuss the systemic obstacles, potential solutions, and the importance of disability-inclusive politics. 

Mentioned in this episode: Stefanie Reher and Elizabeth Evans. "No Level Playing Field: Barriers to Disability Representation in Politics" The Political Quarterly Elizabeth Evans and Stefanie Reher. "Disability and Political Representation" Oxford University Press.

Transcription link:
https://uncoveringpolitics.com/episodes/disability-representation-in-politics/transcript

Date of episode recording: 2025-02-27T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:39:28
Language of episode: English
TAGS: disabiliy, discrimination, representation, politics, uk government, democracy, MP, political quarterly
Presenter:Alan Renwick
Guests: Elizabeth Evans, Stephanie Reher
Producer: Eleanor Kingwell-Banham


Disability Representation in Politics

This week we ask what drives ideological disagreement in politics? How far do people on left and right disagree with each other because they have fundamentally different moral intuitions or for other reasons?  

Polarisation is a defining feature of contemporary politics, raising concerns among many observers. People on the left and right—liberals and conservatives—often seem to inhabit entirely different worlds, holding fundamentally distinct perspectives on reality and morality. But what underpins these divisions? Are they rooted in deep-seated moral intuitions that we are born with or develop in childhood? Or do they stem from our present circumstances and the media landscape that shapes our understanding of the world? 

In this episode, we explore ground-breaking research by two scholars from the UCL Department of Political Science—Dr Jack Blumenau and Prof Ben Lauderdale. Their work offers fresh insights into the nature of political disagreement, challenging conventional wisdom about its origins. Jack join us to discuss these findings. (Jack Blumenau, Associate Professor of Political Science and Quantitative Research Methods.) 

Mentioned in this episode: Jack Blumenau and Ben Lauderdale. (2024) ‘Liberals and Conservatives Rely on Very Similar Sets of Foundations When Comparing Moral Violations’, American Political Science Review Benjamin Lauderdale and Jack Blumenau. 2025. “ Polarization over the priority of political problems.” American Journal of Political Science

Transcription link:
https://uncoveringpolitics.com/episodes/is-morality-the-cause-of-ideological-disagreement/transcript

Date of episode recording: 2025-03-06T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:38:10
Language of episode: English
Presenter:Alan Renwick
Guests: Jack Blumenau
Producer: E Kingwell-Banham


Is Morality the Cause of Ideological Disagreement?

What are the prospects for constitutional reform in the UK? What options are on the government’s agenda? What might actually happen? And will any such changes be adequate for resolving underlying problems?

Politics in the UK has been in turmoil in recent years—Brexit, Covid, movements for independence in Scotland and Northern Ireland, rule-breaking Prime Ministers, and now the shockwaves from Donald Trump’s return to the White House. These pressures have tested the UK’s political system, raising serious questions about whether constitutional reforms are needed. 

In this episode, we dive into a new report from the UCL Constitution Unit, which examines possible constitutional changes, their likelihood of passing, and whether they could truly address the challenges the UK faces. Our guests are two of the report’s authors: Meg Russell – Director of the Constitution Unit and Professor of British and Comparative Politics at UCL Lisa James – Senior Research Fellow at the Constitution Unit Our host, Alan Renwick, also a co-author of the report, leads the discussion on possible constitutional reforms, their feasibility, and what reforms could be on the horizon. 

Mentioned in this episode: The Constitutional Landscape: Options for Reform, by Lisa James, Patrick Thomas, Alan Renwick and Meg Russell. S7:E10 A Primer on House of Lords Reform, with Meg Russell.

Transcription link:
https://uncoveringpolitics.com/episodes/constitutional-reform-in-the-uk/transcript

Date of episode recording: 2025-03-20T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:42:13
Language of episode: English (uk)
Presenter:Alan Renwick
Guests: Meg Russell, Lisa James
Producer: E Kingwell-Banham


Constitutional Reform in the UK

This week we ask: could the University be a wild place? A resilient ecosystem of biodiversity, interdependent relationships, entanglements and emergence? What would it look like if we let go of command, control and management, and allowed the University to grow and thrive in ways that can't be predicted in advance but might exceed our wildest dreams? 

Join us to celebrate the achievements of Prof. Cathy Elliott. Recorded one day after her inaugural lecture, marking a significant milestone in her distinguished career, Cathy talks about her wild approach to education. Cathy is one of those rare educators who always strives to focus less on grades and more on inspiring her pupils. She has spearheaded un-grading campaigns at UCL, as well as inclusive curriculums and student-led projects on inclusivity, belonging, political philosophy and international relations. She is a co-director of UCL Centre for the Pedagogy of Politics, a co-convenor of the Political Studies Association Teaching and Learning Network, and Vice-Dean Education for UCL Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences. 

Cathy has made history as our department's first academic on the teaching track to be promoted to Professor. This in itself reflects Cathy's thoughts on education - if we remove some of the boundaries and change some of the criteria , wonderful things might happen (inc. it might be easier for teaching track academics to progress to prof)! 

Mentioned in this episode: Cathy Elliott. Against anonymity: relational marking and awarding gaps. Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. Special Edition of Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education: Liberating Learning Inclusive Curriculum Project

Transcription link:
https://uncoveringpolitics.com/episodes/rewilding-the-university-prof-cathy-elliots-inaugural-lecture/transcript

Date of episode recording: 2025-04-10T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:37:34
Language of episode: English (uk)
TAGS: teaching, universities, pedagogy
Presenter:Emily McTernan
Guests: Cathy Elliott
Producer: E Kingwell-Banham


Rewilding the University - Prof Cathy Elliott's inaugural lecture

Dr. Bzhar Othman Ahmed, history lecturer at the University of Soran, Kurdistan, Iraq, discusses his research on the Jewish community in Koya, Iraq from 1918 to 1951.

Transcription link:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/nahrein/media/podcasts/transcript-conversation-bzhar-othman-ahmed

Date of episode recording: 2025-02-01T00:00:00Z
Duration: 38:13
Language of episode: English
Presenter:Mehiyar Kathem
Guests: Bzhar Othman Ahmed
Producer: Mehiyar Kathem

THE WORK AND HERITAGE OF THE JEWS OF KOYA - A Conversation with Dr Bzhar Ahmed

How can the history of enslavement be recognised in the way we shape and regenerate cities today? 

In this special episode marking 20 years of the Bartlett’s Sustainable Heritage MSc, we explore how cities can confront the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, the role of community-led projects, and how heritage can drive more inclusive and meaningful urban change. MSc, Professor Kalliopi Fouseki is joined by Helen Paul, director of the Memorial of Enslavement and Freedom in Deptford and an economic historian at the University of Southampton, and Marie Xypaki, Head of Learning and Teaching Enhancement at SOAS.

Date of episode recording: 2025-06-23T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:34:52
Language of episode: English
Presenter:Kalliopi Fouseki
Guests: 
Helen Paul, Lecturer in Economics and Economic History at University of Southampton
Marie Xypaki, Educationist, SOAS University London. Also a research student at UCL currently supervised by Prof Alice Bradbury, Dr Juliana Martins and Dr Julia Jeanes.
Producer: Adam Batstone

The Bartlett Review - Recognising Slavery’s History in City Regeneration

Beyond the neglectful state: unpacking the intersection of public health and personal freedom In this episode of Public Health Disrupted, hosts Xand van Tulleken and Professor Rochelle Burgess tackle the concept of the "nanny state". Alongside guests Adam Briggs and Professor James Wilson, they delve into the delicate balance between government intervention and individual freedom in the realm of public health. 

The conversation explores how public health policies can sometimes be perceived as overreaching, despite the evidence suggesting that the public largely supports such initiatives. Our guests unpack the historical context of the term "nanny state," its implications, and the ongoing debate about the role of government in promoting health while respecting personal autonomy. 

Guests: 
- Dr Adam Briggs, Senior Policy Fellow at the Health Foundation 
- Professor James Wilson, Professor of Philosophy at UCL 

In this episode: 
- The origins and evolution of the "nanny state" rhetoric and its impact on public health discourse. 
- Insights into public opinion on government intervention in health-related issues, including obesity and smoking. 
- The importance of framing public health initiatives in a way that resonates with communities and policymakers alike. 
- How a shift towards prevention can be achieved through approaches that embed health considerations across all areas of government. 

This conversation invites us all to reconsider the narratives surrounding public health policies and the responsibilities of both the state and individuals in fostering a healthier society.

Date of episode recording: 2025-05-12T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:43:51
Language of episode: English
Presenter:Professor Rochelle Burgess; Dr Xand van Tulleken
Guests: Dr Adam Briggs; Professor James Wilson
Producer: Produced by: UCL Health of the Public; Editor: Annabelle Buckland, Decibelle Creative


Season 5 - Beyond the neglectful state: unpacking public health and personal freedom

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 & Wellbeing
With special thanks to our guests:
Professor Hugo Spiers – UCL Department of Experimental Psychology
Dr Fiona Zisch – Lecturer in Architecture, UCL Bartlett School of Architecture
Isabelle Charval – Design Strategist and Co-Founder, Centre for Neuroarchitecture

Building Better Minds: Neuroarchitecture and the Future of Inclusive Design

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: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/grand-challenges/disruptive-voices-podcast/active-minds-exploring-links-between-student-lifestyles-and-mental-health

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

The Trial Talk podcast explores how our work at the MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL is improving health in the UK and worldwide. In this series, we hear from world-leading experts about the studies we carry out. We delve into trials on cancer, infections and neurodegenerative diseases, explore how public and patient involvement shapes our work, and discover new ways to run smarter studies.

Lessons from UKCTOCS, a large-scale trial in ovarian cancer screening

MRC CTU at UCL - Trial Talk podcast

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