Global Futures in Focus with Dominic Barton

Health Futures

The world has emerged from a pandemic, but beyond the obvious impact of this global health issue and other chronic diseases, there are broader forces at play transforming our health. In this episode, Dominic Barton delves into the physical and social determinants of health that profoundly affect our quality of life.  We hear from young innovators and leading researchers including Dr. Donna Strickland, Nobel laureate and Dr. Anita Layton, Canada’s 150 Research Chair in Mathematical Biology and Medicine.  Featured in order of appearance: Dr. Vivek Goel Dr. Anita Layton Dr. Donna Strickland Jeremiah Hyslop Seun Adetunji Dr. Carrie McAiney Dr. Dillon Browne  Follow the University of Waterloo for more: uwaterloo.ca | X @UWaterloo | IG @UofWaterloo

Economic Futures

Shortages in skilled labour, disruptions to supply chains, geopolitical and digital threats have shown us the vulnerabilities and risks inherent in our economy. And many economies around the world are experiencing unprecedented growth, while others are bracing for a recession. In this episode, Dominic Barton discusses the intersections of societal and technological changes impacting our local and global economies. We hear from students and alum starting out their careers as well as established business leaders including Dave McKay, president and CEO of RBC, and Brigette Lau, co-founder of Firework Ventures. Featured in order of appearance: Dr. Vivek Goel Dave McKay Rachel Almaw Jason Amri Sefunmi Osinaike Dr. Norah McRae Brigette Lau Dr. David Drewery Dr. Joel Blit Follow the University of Waterloo for more: uwaterloo.ca | X @UWaterloo | IG @UofWaterloo

Technological Futures

Innovation and technology are driving every sector of our economy forward. They are changing the way we live, work and play in immeasurable ways. In this episode, Dominic Barton explores how we can lead the next technological transformation to ensure a safe and human-centred digital future. We hear from young innovators and internationally renowned researchers including Dr. Kerstin Dautenhahn, Canada 150 Research Chair in Intelligent Robotics, and Dr. Will Percival, Distinguished Research Chair in Astrophysics. Featured in order of appearance: Dr. Vivek Goel Dr. Jimmy Lin Dr. Joel Blit Dr. Kerstin Dautenhahn Seun Adetunji Dr. Sebastian Fischmeister Dr. Chris Fletcher Dr. Will Percival  Follow the University of Waterloo for more: uwaterloo.ca | X @UWaterloo | IG @UofWaterloo

Societal Futures

The fundamental structure of society is being influenced by five factors: rising inequality, polarization of media and politics, increasing displacement of technology, increasing displacement from trade, and geopolitical instability. In this episode, Dominic Barton discusses what’s at stake if we don’t respond thoughtfully and inclusively.  We hear from tech, environmental and political science experts including Dr. Jimmy Lin, co-director of the Waterloo Artificial Intelligence Institute and Dr. Bessma Momani, senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation. Featured in order of appearance: Dr. Vivek Goel Dr. Ashley Mehlenbacher Dr. Mary Wells Dr. Bessma Momani Dr. Charlie Clarke Dr. Jimmy Lin Dr. David Drewery Elder Myeengun Henry Savannah Sloat  Follow the University of Waterloo for more: uwaterloo.ca | X @UWaterloo | IG @UofWaterloo

Sustainable Futures

The existential threat of climate change is very real. We can physically feel it and see it across the world. In this episode, Dominic Barton uncovers the role that sustainability plays as a driver of modernization — where industry and environment, ecology and the economy are not conflicting goals, but intrinsically linked.  We hear from international experts including Dr. Sarah Burch, Canada Research Chair in Sustainability Governance and Innovation, and Dr. Suzanne Kearns, founding director of the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics. Featured in order of appearance: Dr. Vivek Goel Dr. Suzanne Kearns Dr. Daniel Scott Dr. Sarah Burch Dr. Leia Minaker Dr. Amelia Clarke Dr. Rebecca Ronney Celine Isimbi Jason Amri Follow the University of Waterloo for more: uwaterloo.ca | X @UWaterloo | IG @UofWaterloo