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 joined by Foundation Future Leader, Dr Adam Berlie who helps us explore the weird and wonderful world of muon instrument research at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. We also talk about neurodivergence and inclusivity in research, the magic of hobbies, and transferable, 'soft skills' into STEM.

Dr Adam Berlie - muon science and what jazz guitar can bring to STEM

This week, we are joined by Antoinette Nothomb, co- founder of Cyanoskin, a female-led start-up that has created an algae-based paint designed to capture Co2 from the outside of buildings. We explore why algae is a sustainability superhero, big plans for the future, and her thoughts on UK and EU policy on decarbonising buildings. 

Antoinette Nothomb - The paint that captures carbon

This week we are discussing STEM careers and the barriers faced by those from lower socio-economic groups to a successful career in STEM. To help us explore some of the issues is Lexie Papaspyrou, Project Manager for the Tech Futures Task Force at the Sutton Trust.  

Lexie Papaspyrou -  STEM career barriers faced by lower socio-economic groups

This week we are discussing advanced composite materials with Dr Monali Dahale, Advanced Research Engineer at the National Composites Centre. We explore key technologies, future aspirations and scaling up.

Dr Monali Dahale - Advanced composite materials

This week we are discussing chemical toxicity, and the effect of chemicals on human health and the global ecosystem. We are having this conversation to coincide with a major new report on pervasive toxicity being published this week by Deep Science Ventures (DSV). Our guest is Senior Associate for Climate at DSV, Harry Macpherson.

Harry Macpherson - chemical toxicity, human health and the global ecosystem

This week we are discussing returning to a career in research after a break for family reasons, health or caring responsibilities. We will explore challenges, the skills shortage in STEM, success stories and support available. With me to discuss all of this is Dr Katie Perry, Chief Executive at the Daphne Jackson Trust.

Dr Katie Perry - Returning to a career in research after a break

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

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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