Minerva series

In this IPR public lecture Chief Executive of the Royal Arts Society, Andrew Haldane, discusses the rethinking and reformulation of life in the 21st century. Featuring contributions from Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bath, Professor Ian White, and Vice-President (Community and Inclusion), Professor Rajani Naidoo in addition.

This hybrid event took place on the 7th of November 2022.

Andrew Haldane: The (second) Great Transition

In Episode Five of the University of Bath’s Research with Impact podcast, Roland visits two researchers at the forefront of debates surrounding AI development and regulation.

First up, it's Nello Cristianini, Professor of Artificial Intelligence from Bath's Department of Computer Science. With a focus on machine learning, data science, computational social science, philosophy of AI and regulation of AI, Nello's book "The Shortcut: Why Intelligent Machines Do Not Think Like Us", considers how AI is embedded across our technologies, infrastructure and all our lives and asks whether we should be concerned and what should we do.  

Roland also heads to our Department of Social & Policy Sciences to talk to Professor Emma Carmel. Emma is Professor of Governance and Public Policy with a particular focus on how public policies, and public and private organisations interact to shape society. Emma's work has analysed social and labour market policies, migration, and most recently, AI technologies.

She is interested in how AI systems are used by governments, and how this is changing the relationship between state, society, citizens and technologies. She also works on the public policy challenges that the adoption of AI presents in different settings and how it can be regulated. 

Among other work, Emma is co-editor of a major new international handbook on AI and Public Policy, is launching a book series on Governance, Technology and Society (Edward Elgar) in 2024.

This episode was recorded in October 2023.

Research with Impact with Roland Pease Episode 5: 'We need to talk about Artificial Intelligence'

Economic growth in the UK has been sluggish ever since the global financial crisis. More recent large-scale disruptions caused by Brexit and Covid-19 have created additional challenges to growth and the vital public services, institutions, and fiscal measures that underpin it. Productivity and public investment remain low. Meanwhile, stalling wage growth and the cost-of-living crisis continue to eat into households’ disposable income, discouraging spending while also deepening economic inequalities. What policies might underpin a new vision for prosperity – one that focuses not purely on growth but also ensures that economic gains are widely shared and environmentally sustainable?

This IPR panel discussion featured Torsten Bell, Professor Dame Diane Coyle and Dr Anna Valero. 

It took place on 25 April 2024. 

Hosted with Resolution Foundation.

Overcoming stagnation: A new strategy for economic prosperity in Britain?

In this episode Professor Emma Rich talks with SPHERE doctoral researcher Zoe Jeffery about how we make Physical Education and Sport more inclusive for girls. Just recently in the UK, the Women and Equalities Committee published a report suggesting ‘Existing programmes and interventions from the Government and other bodies, while welcome, do not yet go far enough in addressing these barriers and are yet to reverse alarming downward trends in girls’ enjoyment of PE’.

In this episode, Zoe shares some of the insights from her doctoral research study which has explored the experiences of adolescent girls in PE. Adopting a novel perspective, she focuses on how the material elements of PE such as PE kit and equipment, holding the capacity to affect and shape girls bodies.

Working with these girls in a series of design workshops, she provided them with virtual reality technology through which they could ‘reimagine’ and ‘redesign’ PE. In the episode, she also talks about a new app she is launching to to help make PE more engaging, ‘Vibestride’.

- Find out more about Zoe's work: https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/zoe-jeffery
- Connect with Zoe on LInkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-jeffery-962063b7/?originalSubdomain=uk

The views and opinions of those taking part in this video are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath. bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/disclaimer

Episode 4: Girls and Physical Education - Zoe Jeffery

In this episode, we talk with Dr Jack Black from Sheffield Hallam University. 

We begin with an exploration of what Psychoanalysis might offer Sport. We then discuss Jack’s recent research on tackling online hate in football.

Dr Jack Black, an Associate Professor of Culture, Media, and Sport at Sheffield Hallam University. We discuss Jack’s latest book 'The Psychosis of Race: A Lacanian Approach to Racism and Racialization' (Routledge, 2023) and explore what psychoanalysis might offer sport. We also discuss his UKRI/AHRC funded project, 'Tackling Online Hate in Football', which analyses examples of online hate across digital media platforms. 

You can find out more about Jack’s work here: https://www.shu.ac.uk/about-us/our-people/staff-profiles/jack-black

The views and opinions of those taking part in this video are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath. bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/disclaimer

Episode 2: Online Hate in Football and Psychoanalysis and sport - Dr Jack Black

One of the questions at the heart of this podcast is how do we make sport a better experience for all? Can we imagine a world where no one is excluded from sport because of sexism, misogyny, racism, classism or ableism? These questions of sporting values and equality are driving the work of Dr Sheree Bekker and Professor Stephen Mumford. They are co-directors of an exciting new initiative called the feminist sport lab - a gender inclusive space for the application of feminist principles to sport which ‘imagines a sports world divided not into Sport and Women’s Sport, but rather a landscape where Feminist Sport reigns’. 
 
In this episode, Sheree and Stephen talk about the feminist lab and their new book ‘Open play: the case for feminist sport’ – In that book, they advocate for a feminist perspective on sport, challenging conventional wisdom on the inferiority of women’s athleticism. 
 
You can read more about the Feminist Sport Lab here: https://www.feministsportlab.com
 
Dr Sheree Bekker: https://shereebekker.me; https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/sheree-bekker
 
Professor Stephen Mumford: https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/stephen-mumford/; https://stephenmumfordblog.wordpress.com

The views and opinions of those taking part in this video are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath. bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/disclaimer

Episode 5: ‘The Feminist Sport Lab’ - Dr Sheree Bekker & Professor Stephen Mumford

We hear from two of our current students Megan and Zak, who give us an insight into a day in the life of a Bath student, what the courses are like for them and some top tips for applicants.

Find out more about our sport, exercise and health courses: https://www.bath.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate-2025/sport-exercise-and-health/

Views and opinions expressed by the participants in these recordings are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath.

Information correct at time of production. We may make changes to our courses or other aspects of your student experience in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in the field of studies, the requirements of accrediting bodies, or any unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances. Always refer to the University of Bath's website for the latest information. The views and opinions of those taking part in this video are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath. bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/disclaimer

Balancing studies, socials and spoons (Bath students: Megan and Zak)

In this episode of Science on Run we are joined by Dr Jean-Philippe (JP) Walhin, to explores the vital interaction of exercise and diet on health outcomes and explain where these topics feature on the Sport and Exercise and Health and Exercise Science course at Bath.

Views and opinions expressed by the participants in these recordings are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath.

Information correct at time of production. We may make changes to our courses or other aspects of your student experience in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in the field of studies, the requirements of accrediting bodies, or any unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances. Always refer to the University of Bath's website for the latest information. The views and opinions of those taking part in this video are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath. bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/disclaimer

Can you outrun a bad diet? (Dr Jean-Philippe Walhin)

Would Lionel Messi have become one of the greatest football players of all time had he been born and raised as a player in England? Or would his physical deficiencies as a youngster have blocked his pathway and favoured stronger, faster young footballers?

Science on the Run talks to our resident game-changing growth and maturation expert Professor Sean Cumming, who explains the role of growth and maturation on sports performance and how ‘biobanding’ in youth sport and can improve an athlete’s pathway to success.

Views and opinions expressed by the participants in these recordings are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath.

Information correct at time of production. We may make changes to our courses or other aspects of your student experience in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in the field of studies, the requirements of accrediting bodies, or any unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances. Always refer to the University of Bath's website for the latest information. The views and opinions of those taking part in this video are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath. bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/disclaimer

Would Messi make it in England? (Prof Sean Cumming)

This episode of Science on the Run welcomes Dr Jenn Maher. Our resident Floridian tells us about her work focussed on understanding the challenges of exercising in people with spinal cord injury, and her interventions designed to improve their health and fitness.

Views and opinions expressed by the participants in these recordings are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath.

Information correct at time of production. We may make changes to our courses or other aspects of your student experience in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in the field of studies, the requirements of accrediting bodies, or any unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances. Always refer to the University of Bath's website for the latest information. The views and opinions of those taking part in this video are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath. bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/disclaimer

SCI: Miami: living well with spinal cord injury (Dr Jenn Maher)

In this episode, Steffi and Max talk to Pro-Vice Chancellor (Student Experience), and ex-Sport and Exercise Science Lecturer, Professor Cassie Wilson; and two Health and Exercise Science graduates turned Students' Union Representatives, Abbie and David. The topic of discussion is how the University of Bath looks after its students to provide a positive experience for all.

Views and opinions expressed by the participants in these recordings are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath.

Information correct at time of production. We may make changes to our courses or other aspects of your student experience in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in the field of studies, the requirements of accrediting bodies, or any unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances. Always refer to the University of Bath's website for the latest information. The views and opinions of those taking part in this video are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath. bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/disclaimer

Coordinating movement and the Bath student experience (Prof Cassie Wilson & SU reps, Abbie & David)

In this episode we explore some of the contemporary tensions within women’s sport. 

On the one hand, we are seeing the collective celebration of progress - fuelled by recent successes such as those in football not only in terms of performances, broadcast reach and viewer engagement - yet on the other hand, gender inequalities persist. 

You'll hear from leading experts in women’s sport research, Dr Jessica Francombe-Webb and Dr Fiona Spotswood, for a discussion about postfeminism, media representation and some of the complexities that shape women’s sport experiences and the different levers of change. Drawing on their extensive research expertise, they unpack the some of these tensions around inspiring advances and persistent challenges.

They celebrate the progress narrative, whilst also raising critical questions that challenge some of the inequalities in sport. These include, of course, gender-based violence experienced by women who exercise and play sport; the gender gap in participation rates; and some of the challenges around leadership.

The views and opinions of those taking part in this video are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath. bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/disclaimer

Useful links:

- Dr Jessica Francombe-Webb: https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/jessica-francombe-webb
- Dr Fiona Spotswood: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/people/person/Fiona-Spotswood-eed34c90-5332-4fc1-a08d-65a5baf0aa74/
- The emergence of new mountain biking media practices: toward a culture of inclusive mountain biking https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17430437.2024.2424556

Episode 10: Women's sport (the state of play) - Dr Jessica Francombe-Webb & Dr Fiona Spotswood

University of Bath Vice-Chancellor, Professor Phil Taylor, introduces the State of Disappearance exhibition.

State of Disappearance introduction (Vice-Chancellor, Professor Phil Taylor)

Join Katherine Bright, Placement Officer for the Faculty of Science at the University of Bath, to discuss the Benefits of going on a 12 month industrial placement.  In this episode, Katherine is joined by Jonny Hodgson, plus interviews with students who have returned from their placement, and several employers who regularly host our science students. 

For more information on going on placement, please contact your Placement Officer or email fac-sci-placements@bath.ac.uk

Benefits of a Placement

In the University of Bath's A Place for Possible podcast, you can hear current undergraduate and postgraduate students share their experiences of studying at Bath. 

In episode 1, our students talk about their experiences of living in Bath and the different kinds of accommodation on offer.     

Read a full transcript of the episode at https://www.bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/a-place-for-possible-podcast-episode-1-transcript/

A Place for Possible Podcast – Episode 1: Accommodation and Living in Bath

In the University of Bath's A Place for Possible podcast, you can hear current undergraduate and postgraduate students share their experiences of studying at Bath.

In episode 2, our students talk about sustainability and how you can get involved as a student.

Read a full transcript of the episode at https://www.bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/a-place-for-possible-podcast-episode-2-transcript/

A Place for Possible Podcast – Episode 2: Sustainability at Bath

Join Katherine Bright, Placement Officer for the Faculty of Science at the University of Bath, to discuss the common mistakes students make when applying for placement. In this episode, Katherine is joined by  Helen Cooke, CEO for MyPlus, and then Maia Thorne and Susan Fielding, Team Leads within the university who support our disabled students.

For more information on going on placement, please contact your Placement Officer or email fac-sci-placements@bath.ac.uk



Disabilities

Join Placement Officer, Katherine Bright, with her guests Maia Thorne from Student Support, and student, Anna, to discuss how to make the most of your first few weeks on placement.

Transcript available here- https://xerte.bath.ac.uk/play.php?template_id=3565#page1section5

Starting your Placement

Join Placement Officer, Katherine Bright, and two students - Betty and Roxy - to discuss the joys, challenges and surprises which form the reality of Being on Placement.

Email your ideas and suggestions for future episodes to fac-sci-placements@bath.ac.uk

The Realities of Being on Placement

This episode of Science on the Run is focussed on nutrition and metabolism, in which two professors from the Centre for Nutrition, Exercise and Metabolism join us to discuss their fascinating research related to what, how and when we fuel our bodies, and where this content features on the BSc (Hons) Sport, Health and Exercise programmes at Bath. 

Views and opinions expressed by the participants in these recordings are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath.

Information correct at time of production. We may make changes to our courses or other aspects of your student experience in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in the field of studies, the requirements of accrediting bodies, or any unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances. Always refer to the University of Bath's website for the latest information. The views and opinions of those taking part in this video are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath. bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/disclaimer

No carbs before Marbs? (Profs James Betts and Javier Gonzalez)

Sports injury epidemiologist, Dr Stephen West, joins Science on the Run to discuss his and the Centre for Health, and Injury & Illness Prevention in Sport’s high impact research on training load monitoring and the prevention of injury in sports like rugby. 

Views and opinions expressed by the participants in these recordings are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath.

Information correct at time of production. We may make changes to our courses or other aspects of your student experience in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in the field of studies, the requirements of accrediting bodies, or any unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances. Always refer to the University of Bath's website for the latest information. The views and opinions of those taking part in this video are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath. bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/disclaimer

Tackling the big challenges in sports injuries (Dr Stephen West)

For this very special episode of Science on the Run, we invited two of our Sport and Exercise Science graduates, Lucy and Jack, back to campus to reflect on their time at Bath and the impact their studies have had on their career journeys to date in science and pro sport. 

Views and opinions expressed by the participants in these recordings are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath.

Information correct at time of production. We may make changes to our courses or other aspects of your student experience in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in the field of studies, the requirements of accrediting bodies, or any unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances. Always refer to the University of Bath's website for the latest information. The views and opinions of those taking part in this video are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath. bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/disclaimer

Life beyond Bath (part 1): the SES graduates’ stories (Sport and Exercise Science graduates, Lucy and Jack)

Two of our Health and Exercise Science graduates, Amalia and Ellie, join the podcast to discuss their time at the University, their pivotal placement years and explain how this informed and inspired their career choices in the nutrition industry and physiotherapy. 

Views and opinions expressed by the participants in these recordings are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath.

Information correct at time of production. We may make changes to our courses or other aspects of your student experience in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in the field of studies, the requirements of accrediting bodies, or any unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances. Always refer to the University of Bath's website for the latest information. The views and opinions of those taking part in this video are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath. bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/disclaimer

Life beyond Bath (part 2) the HES graduates’ stories (Health and Exercise Science graduates, Amalia and Ellie)

We close off the series by welcoming Dr Polly McGuigan, the Head of the Department for Health and Senior Lecturer in Biomechanics, who gives us an overview of our research profile that underpins our undergraduate programmes. Polly also shares her own multi-species research that explores how the musculoskeletal system determines, adapts and becomes specialised to tasks in both humans and animals. 

Views and opinions expressed by the participants in these recordings are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath.

Information correct at time of production. We may make changes to our courses or other aspects of your student experience in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in the field of studies, the requirements of accrediting bodies, or any unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances. Always refer to the University of Bath's website for the latest information. The views and opinions of those taking part in this video are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath. bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/disclaimer

How to get a horse on a treadmill (Dr Polly McGuigan)

In the inaugural event of 'The Disappeared of History Global Webinar Series', we hosted renowned Panamanian musician, songwriter, activist, and former politician Rubén Blades.

A Latin music icon, Blades was at the heart of the New York salsa revolution in the 1970s. His landmark albums in classic Afro-Cuban salsa are infused with elements of rock, jazz, pan-Latin, and global influences. He has won 12 Grammy Awards and 12 Latin Grammy Awards.

During this webinar, he focused on "Desapariciones" (Disappearances), a song he released in 1984. It is widely regarded as a powerful musical testament to the issue of forced disappearances in Latin America, particularly during the dictatorships and armed conflicts that plagued the region in the 1970s and 1980s.

That this Blades anthem has been picked up and adapted by so many artists speaks to the way both the violent practice and the artistic response transcend space and time. Against death, such music becomes a dance for dignity — bringing poetry and politics together to compose a more just future. Blades writes songs for the disappeared, so those who cannot speak might still be heard.

*Information correct at time of production. The views and opinions of those taking part in this video are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath. Read our full disclaimer.

A conversation with Rubén Blades: The Disappeared of History Global Webinar Series

Professor Phil Scraton (Professor Emeritus, School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast) discusses the responsibility of academic researchers and human rights advocates to proclaim and represent the ‘view from below’ – voices of those silenced by powerful institutions in securing truth, justice and acknowledgement.

Drawing on three decades of research with and within communities – investigating the Hillsborough disaster and its aftermath, the inhumanities of incarceration and the systemic denial of prisoners’ rights, and the disappearances of babies from mother and baby institutions – he addresses the political, ethical and personal challenges to bearing witness to the ‘pain of others’. He explores the proposition that critical voices are the foundation of hope, resistance and redress in their commitment to truth recovery, social justice and political transformation.

This IPR/Centre for the Study of Violence event took place on 19 June 2025. 

Prof Phil Scraton: Bearing witness to the 'pain of others'

In this short episode, Katherine is joined by two students and Dr Steven Davies, Placements Tutor for Physics, to discuss the return from placement, and how students can prepare for the next transition a placement can bring.

Returning to Uni

Freelance and professional writer Roger Vlitos examines the theories and myths about Avebury.

Avebury - megaliths and myths

Minerva lecture on 21 February given by Professor James Turner for the Minerva Series.

Society has become used to the fact that personal transportation is really affordable. Over the past 130 years this situation has arisen with no stimulus from government because of the favourable economics that have evolved. However, the use of fossil fuels to power transportation rightly means that action has to be taken if we are to avoid climate change. The lecture discusses the scale of the challenge, some of the alternatives to the incumbent technology, whether these are practical to implement within the economic model, and postulates an alternative scenario which will also allow decarbonization of petrochemicals and other transport modes. The conclusion reached, however, may not be entirely in line with current policy.

http://www.bath.ac.uk/events/transport-in-the-low-carbon-age/

Transport in the Low Carbon Age

Lecture, given 2 May 2018 by Dr Benjamin Moon, a Postdoctoral Researcher who appeared in Attenborough and the Sea Dragon, using CT scans to reconstruct the skeleton and anatomy of that ichthyosaur.

Dr Benjamin Moon discusses a recent shift in our knowledge. He explains that new techniques are being applied which could bring new insights to ichthyosaur evolution.

Back to the Water: Ichthyosaurs in the 21st Century

A recording of the lecture from 13 June 2018, which overviews the tremendous contribution of Professor Darryl Almond to the research profile of the University of Bath. 

Darryl had a unique ability to use his expertise in physics to undertake cutting edge research across a range of subjects in science and engineering.

A Life Connected by Physics: A Tribute to Professor Darryl Almond

Minerva lecture on 12 September 2018 given by Dr Ian Walker. Transport psychologist from the University of Bath, Dr Ian Walker, notched up 4,300km in just 11 days to win the North Cape 4000 unsupported bike race this summer. How do you prepare for this kind of ride? What do you pack? What should you eat and what do you actually end up eating? If you hit the wall and feel like there’s nothing left in the tank, then how do you push through? And what do you think about for mile after mile, cycling up to 16 hours a day? Hear more from Ian sharing his experiences and reflections with some expert help from researchers across the University.

How I cycled through 11 countries in 11 days to win the trans-European North Cape bike race

Minerva lecture on 10 October 2018 given by Professor Gareth Price, Professor Janet Scott and Dr Antoine Buchard. "There would rarely be a dive where I wouldn't find some form of plastic from a thread of plastic fishing line, sweet wrappers or plastic bottles," assistant producer of Blue Planet 2, Sarah Conner told the BBC. Plastics are everywhere around us and form key parts of modern day life. Researchers at the University of Bath are working hard to develop new types of polymers that are stronger, better and more sustainable. In this discussion three researchers from the University of Bath talk about their work in the creation of new polymer materials including recyclable and biodegradable plastics.

Combating Pollution Through New Biodegradable Plastics

In this Public Lecture, Chair for Epistemology, Modern and Contemporary Philosophy and Director of the International Centre for Philosophy at the University of Bonn, Prof Markus Gabriel, discusses fiction as a component of human thought and ideology.

This Public Lecture took place on 27 March 2019.

Prof Markus Gabriel: Are We Real? Consciousness and Fiction

Dr Joanna Syrda from our School of Management talks to Vicky Just about her study on the effect of spouse income on men's mental health.
https://www.bath.ac.uk/announcements/husbands-stress-increases-if-wives-earn-more-than-40-per-cent-of-household-income-new-research/

Behind the headlines

Why do men feel more stressed if their wife earns more than them?

In this online lecture, chaired by Professor Nick Pearce, author and environmentalist campaigner, Guy Shrubsole, discusses land ownership and land use in a time of climate and ecological emergency.

This lecture took place on 7 October 2020.

Guy Shrubsole: This land is not our land: Land ownership and the climate emergency

The University of Bath podcasts are a series of public lectures available to download for free.

Enhance your understanding of subjects ranging from how babies develop to the workings of the universe. Learn from academics and business and industry experts.

The University of Bath is a leading UK insitution. We offer a distinctive blend of research-led teaching, an outstanding graduate employment record and personal development opportunties.

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