Why We Should Love Wasps, featuring Professor Seirian Sumner

Universities and Climate Action, featuring Professor Tristan McCowan

Universities must be at the heart of climate action, and not just through research and tech. In this episode, Professor Tristan McCowan, Professor of International Education, highlights the power of community partnerships, indigenous knowledge and grassroots initiatives to drive local change. Professor McCowan argues that from resisting climate denial to modelling sustainable communities, universities have both the responsibility and the potential to help shape a just climate future.

Why We Should Love Wasps, featuring Professor Seirian Sumner

More than just picnic pests, wasps are vital to our ecosystems, but are deeply misunderstood. Joining Professor Philip Schofield in this episode is Professor Seirian Sumner, Professor of Behavioural Ecology and avid defender of wasps. Professor Sumner dissects the evolutionary role of wasps as ancestors of bees and ants, their potential in cancer research, and their overlooked ecological value: making a case for embracing wasps as allies in biodiversity and science.

Ecosystems and Disease, featuring Dr Rory Gibb

Rising temperatures and ecosystem disruption are reshaping the global landscape of infectious disease. Computational biologist Dr Rory Gibb joins Professor Philip Schofield to discuss how climate change and social inequality are fuelling increases in mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever and West Nile virus. From cutting-edge vaccines to rethinking urban design, Dr Gibb explains why tackling infectious disease requires urgent action; especially for the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Biodiversity Loss, featuring Professor Jon Bridle

Step into the minds of leading academics with UCL Press Play: a podcast and documentary series featuring groundbreaking voices and cutting edge ideas. Join UCL academics as they uncover groundbreaking new ideas and fresh insights on diverse topics such as queer histories, neurodiversity, and climate justice.

No Natural Disasters, featuring Professor Ilan Kelman

Natural disasters are inevitable. Or are they? Professor Ilan Kelman, Professor of Disasters and Health, argues that human decisions, governance failures and societal inequities determine the impact of catastrophic events. Speaking with Professor Philip Schofield, Professor Kelman sets out how education, early warning systems and social equity can prevent disasters, and the importance of fostering a fairer, more resilient society.  Language of episode: English Presenter: Professor Philip Schofield Guests: Professor Ilan Kelman Producer: Commissioners: Professor David Docherty OBE & Dr Paul Ayris (Pro-Vice-Provost LCCOS: Library, Culture, Collections and Open Science, UCL) Director: Justin Hardy (IOE - Culture, Communication & Media, UCL) Producer: Stevie Doran