The CeMi Podcast

2026 New Year Special (with Prof. Matthew Dalby and Prof. Stuart Reid)

What makes a good research centre? Join us for a chat with two of the CeMi directors about the highlights of 2025 and their hopes for 2026, as we discuss how to make the research centre spanning two universities a place of collaboration, partnerships, collegiality and live music. Wishing everyone a great year ahead! Stay tuned for an exciting new CeMi Podcast format coming in 2026!

Curiosity as a driving force (with Prof. David Weitz)

What makes the ideal researcher? In this episode Lorna chats to Professor David Weitz, Mallinckrodt Professor of Physics & Applied Physics at Harvard University, encompassing discussions of research (on soft condensed matter, non-equilibrium thermodynamics and microfluidics), the struggle for funding in today's political climate, and the trials of running a spinout. Enjoy!

How to get funding as an ECR (with Dr Oana Dobre)?

In this episode, we are joined by Dr Oana Dobre, a Lecturer in Biomedical engineering at the University of Glasgow. What is it like to be an early-career researcher today, and what are the challenges of securing funding in a competitive academic landscape? A really helpful discussion with Oana that shares personal experience that could relate to anyone starting out in research. Her honest and encouraging perspective offers practical advice and motivation for those working to navigate the early stages of their academic career. A must-listen for aspiring researchers — we hope you enjoy the conversation!

Using clay as a delivery vehicle in regenerative medicine (with Prof Jon Dawson)

Could nanoclay gels be the future for delivering growth factors in spinal fusion surgery? This week we chat to Jon Dawson, Prof Fellow of Regenerative Medicine at the University of Southampton, about his work on developing clay nanoparticles. Alongside explaining why clay holds so much potential in the field of tissue regeneration, Jon discusses his background, the challenges of being involved in a spinout to bring this technology to patients, and the best way to communicate scientific ideas to different audiences. Hope you enjoy!

A peek inside the Witte group (with Lorna, George and Amy)

How can an English degree lead to a PhD in Biomedical Engineering? Why is it important to consider inclusivity and diversity in science? And just what is Tu-do-esday [sic]? In this episode, Emily chats to Lorna Merrett, George Dunn and Amy Carnegie, students at CeMi undertaking projects with Dr Kimia Witte. Along the way they discuss their backgrounds and experience in the PhD so far, what started the passion for science, as well as the benefits of actively fostering a multidisciplinary approach to research. As always, hope you enjoy and feel free to get in touch with us (about future episodes or guest suggestions) at cemipod@gmail.com. Happy Easter!