During this month of February 2024, we will be having a series of discussions about digital technology and AI, in the run up to an event that the Foundation for Science and Technology is holding on 28th February in London. For the first of these podcasts, we talk with Jor-El Benjamin (JB)- tech entrepreneur and founder of Kryotech about his focus on digital privacy and equity. We also talk about his views on the regulation of Artificial Intelligence and his experience as a black CEO in the tech world.

Jor-El Benjamin, entrepreneur and founder of Kryotech - Digital privacy, equity and AI

This week we are discussing one of the more challenging aspects of the UK’s race to net zero by 2050 - decarbonising our homes and buildings. Jon Saltmarsh, Chief Technology Officer at Energy Systems Catapult helps us to explore this.

Jon Saltmarsh - NetZero and changing our homes and buildings

This week, we are discussing the co-benefits of the Warm Homes Plan, how to balance net-zero targets with community needs, and the unique challenges of heat decarbonisation. Louise Shooter, Head of heat decarbonisation at Energy UK helps us to explore this. This podcast was hosted by FST volunteer, Geena Goodwin.

Louise Shooter - The human aspect of net-zero targets

This week we are discussing education-focused academia, equity in learning, the student experience and how interdisciplinary science can make for a more inclusive STEM landscape.

Dr Helen Coulshed - Academia and the learning experience

The UN has designated 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. In this episode, we explore how the quantum revolution shaped things to come, the intersection between quantum computing and AI, and what the UK is doing in this space.

Professor Sir Peter Knight and Dr Robert Lock - Quantum and what the future holds

This week, we are discussing fertility treatment in the UK. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) recently published its Fertility Trends report which revealed that 1 in 32 births in the UK are a result of IVF.  To help explore this, as well as some of the science and policy surrounding fertility treatment, is Rachel Cutting, Director of Compliance and Information at the HFEA.

Rachel Cutting - Fertility trends and treatment in the UK

This week, we are joined by Mehwaesh Islam, Head of Research Policy at Universities UK. UUK is a membership organisation, representing the views of 141 UK universities to influence policy and opinion, coordinate action, and provide insight into universities. Together, we explore the future of UK R&D, in particular the challenges faced by the University sector.

This week's host is Geena Goodwin, Science and Engineering Fast Streamer in the civil service and a volunteer with the Foundation.

Mehwaesh Islam - the future of UK Research and Development

How can we create cross-system collaboration and overcome challenges to develop strong, regional policy? 

This week, we are joined by Liz Shutt, Programme Director at Insights North East, to discuss how research and evidence can be used to support the North East’s place-based policy.

Liz Shutt - Harnessing the power of research and evidence to support regional policy

This week we are discussing the science behind substance and addiction- the impacts of alcohol on the brain and contemporary alternatives, and how psychedelic research and brain science is being combined to tackle depression, addiction and anxiety. With me to explore this is Professor David Nutt, Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London and Chief Scientific Officer at GABA Labs.

Professor David Nutt - The science behind substance and addiction

This week we are discussing life sciences in the UK, and its contribution to the UK economy. This follows the publication by the Government of the Life Sciences Sector Plan and an event on life sciences which the Foundation for Science and Technology held on 12th November. With us to explore all things life sciences is Dr Kath MacKay, Chief Scientific Officer of Bruntwood SciTech.

Dr Kath MacKay - Life sciences in the UK

This week we are discussing robotics, and the UK robotics industry. Here to explore that is Rory Daniels, Head of Emerging Technology and Innovation at TechUK.

Rory Daniels - The UK robotics industry

The Foundation for Science and Technology podcast - exploring issues of science, technology and innovation with experts from government, parliament, industry and the research community.

Jor-El Benjamin, entrepreneur and founder of Kryotech - Digital privacy, equity and AI

Foundation for Science and Technology

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