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The Royal Society of Chemistry brings together experts from science, politics, industry and beyond, to explore some of the biggest challenges we all face today.
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Available episodes
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Jun 21, 2023
[BONUS] Can governments solve the plastic pollution crisis?
Dr. Dan Korbel, Science Policy Lead at the Royal Society of Chemistry, shares his time at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution in Paris. The purpose of this event is to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment with the ambition to complete the negotiations by the end of 2024. The instrument is to be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic.
Dan speaks with a variety of expert delegates, including Komal Sinha, Verra Director, Plastics & Sustainable Development Policy and Markets, and Professor Steve Fletcher, Professor of Ocean Policy and Economy.
Hosted by Dr. Hannah Macdonald.
Produced by Hiren Joshi.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Mar 9, 2023
3.7 Will anti-fungal resistance lead to a Last of Us apocalypse?
Will climate change accelerate fungal threats to food and people? Will fungal infections cause a zombie apocalypse? How real is the science behind 'The Last of Us'?
In this bonus episode, Manchester University’s Dr. Norman Van Rhijn, an expert on fungi, told the Brought To You By Chemistry podcast that the fight against antifungal resistance is constant, with some species evolving to defeat them in weeks. There is evidence that climate change is accelerating this fungal evolution, with some treatments used to combat fungal infections in crops overcome in as little as a month of exposure. What does this mean for global food security?
Hosted by Hiren Joshi.
Produced by Hiren Joshi and Dr. Hannah Macdonald.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Mar 1, 2023
3.6 What do the challenges of AMR look like globally? Ft Professor Dame Sally Davies
In a perfect world, what should governments be doing to help prevent AMR? What are the political obstacles in the way of tackling AMR?
In our final episode of the series, we speak to Professor Dame Sally Davies, Former UK Chief Medical Officer, Dr Eduardo Samo Gudo, Deputy Director General of the National Institute of Health in Mozambique. We also go around the world and speak with a variety of international experts to gain holistic insight into the challenges we face with AMR globally. From Government officials to academic experts, how can humanity come together to find solutions to antimicrobial resistance?
Hosted by Dr. Alex Lathbridge.
Produced by Hiren Joshi, Lizzy Ratcliffe, and Dr. Hannah Macdonald.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 22, 2023
3.5 Infection prevention and control
How do we avoid getting to the point of needing to use so many antibiotics?
Professor Morgan Alexander, Professor of Biomaterials at the University of Nottingham and Dr Lena Ciric, who leads the Healthy Infrastructure Research Group at University College London, join us for this episode on infection prevention and control. We learn about how diseases spread, especially through buildings and on surfaces, and how scientists are innovating to combat these mechanisms.
Hosted by Dr. Alex Lathbridge.
Produced by Hiren Joshi, Lizzy Ratcliffe, and Dr. Hannah Macdonald.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 15, 2023
3.4 How does antimicrobial resistance impact our environment?
Why should we care about antibiotics being in the environment? How does it impact us? And what do we mean by "One Health"?
In this episode, we talk to Professor Barbara Kasprzyk, a researcher from the University of Bath, Kurt Arden from the Royal Veterinary College and University College London, and Professor David Graham, Professor of Ecosystems Engineering at Newcastle University, who talks us through how antimicrobials get into the environment via our livestock and agriculture sectors, and why this is a problem.
Hosted by Dr. Alex Lathbridge.
Produced by Hiren Joshi, Lizzy Ratcliffe, and Dr. Hannah Macdonald.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 8, 2023
3.3.5 Do the public need to be more scientifically literate? | With Dr. Hilary Jones
Why is it important to have Doctors working within the media? Do the public need to be more scientifically literate? What advances have we seen in diagnostics? And how can this help GPs in the UK?
In this bonus episode, RSC producers Hiren Joshi & Lizzy Ratcliffe speak in depth with ITV's favourite GP - Dr. Hilary Jones. Dr. Hilary shares 40 years' worth of medical wisdom, his experience working in the media, and reflects on the medical challenges present in antimicrobial resistance.
Produced by Hiren Joshi, Lizzy Ratcliffe, and Dr. Hannah Macdonald.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 1, 2023
3.3 The importance of diagnostics in fighting antimicrobial resistance (ft Dr. Hilary Jones)
Why is accurate diagnosis of patients so crucial in the fight against AMR? How do diagnostics work now and what is the best-case scenario in the future? What innovative technologies are being developed?
Diagnostics is a key area in the fight against AMR since it's only through accurately diagnosing patients that the most targeted treatment can be chosen. Without accurate diagnostics, overprescription of antibiotics becomes inevitable. Professor Tina Joshi, Professor of Microbiology at Plymouth University, and Dr. Kaamini Walia of the India Council for Medical Research talk us through this important topic.
This episode also features presenter and doctor, Dr. Hilary Jones, with a fascinating insight into the challenges faced by GPs when prescribing antibiotics, and a deep-dive into the relationship between patients and medicine.
Hosted by Dr. Alex Lathbridge.
Produced by Hiren Joshi, Lizzy Ratcliffe, and Dr. Hannah Macdonald.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jan 25, 2023
3.2 Antimicrobial discovery and drug development
How do we develop drugs like antibiotics? How long does it take for such a drug to go from its inception in a research lab to use in a hospital, for example? And what people and processes are involved?
In this episode, we speak to microbiologist Dr. Vicky Savage, from INFEX Therapeutics, and Professor Colm Leonard at NICE. We look at every step of the drug development process, including drug procurements, applications, and the variety of uses within the healthcare system.
Hosted by Dr. Alex Lathbridge.
Produced by Hiren Joshi, Lizzy Ratcliffe, and Dr. Hannah Macdonald.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jan 18, 2023
3.1 Introduction to antimicrobial resistance
What is AMR and why is it such an urgent challenge? What are researchers and governments doing to address it and what needs to done?
In this episode, host Dr. Alex Lathbridge explores these questions with Professor Alison Holmes – president of the International Society for Infectious Diseases and researcher at Imperial College London, and Dr. Gerry Wright – researcher at McMasters University.
Hosted by Dr. Alex Lathbridge.
Produced by Hiren Joshi, Lizzy Ratcliffe, and Dr. Hannah Macdonald.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 27, 2022
2.8 Batteries of the future
What are the exciting new technologies that we can look forward to in a future where batteries are front and centre?
Dr. Mauro Pasta, Associate Professor of Materials at the University of Oxford, and Isobel Sheldon, commercial strategy officer for Britishvolt, join us to talk about the cutting-edge technologies that they are working on right now, as well as give us a sneak peek into what the future for batteries might look like.
Hosted by Dr. Alex Lathbridge.
Produced by Hiren Joshi and Lizzy Ratcliffe.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 20, 2022
2.7 Can we have a circular economy for batteries?
How does recycling of batteries work, how can it be improved, and what are the social, legal, environmental, and economic implications of implementing a large-scale recycling infrastructure for batteries?
We're joined by two experts from the University of Birmingham, metallurgy and materials expert Dr. Roberto Sommerville, and legal expert Dr. Jyoti Ahuja. We discuss all aspects of implementing a circular economy for batteries – from the technologies required to the policy changes needed.
Hosted by Dr. Alex Lathbridge.
Produced by Hiren Joshi and Lizzy Ratcliffe.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 13, 2022
2.6 How can flow batteries help make energy cheaper?
How can batteries make energy cheaper, more sustainable, and more accessible?
In this episode, we're joined by two people who are using batteries in innovative ways to support communities. Professor Satish Patil tells us about the Sunrise Network, which supports rural communities and communities living off the grid, bringing energy independence through the use of solar panels and batteries. Brenda Park is the director of StorTera, and she spoke to us about the company's patented new battery technology, and how it's set to support communities in the UK.
Hosted by Dr. Alex Lathbridge.
Produced by Hiren Joshi and Lizzy Ratcliffe.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 6, 2022
2.5 Battery safety - The positives and negatives
We've heard a lot about the benefits of batteries, but what can go wrong? What happens to batteries as they age and how can we extend their lifespan? Why are e-scooters banned in the London underground? And what can we do to make sure we're using batteries safely in our homes, and disposing of them correctly.
In this fascinating episode, we're joined by Professor Paul Shearing from SafeBatt and Andrew Gausden from East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, to talk about battery safety and the science behind it.
Hosted by Dr. Alex Lathbridge.
Produced by Hiren Joshi and Lizzy Ratcliffe.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 29, 2022
2.4 Do we all need to buy electric cars?
What would happen if everyone switched to electric vehicles tomorrow? What's the future of electric vehicles, and will they ever become more affordable for people? And how is battery design for these vehicles evolving?
Claire Miller from Octopus Electric Vehicles joined us to share her knowledge on electric vehicles from the perspective of an electricity provider. She tells us about the broader applications for electric vehicles, and how developments in this area are likely to affect our daily lives in the near future.
We also hear from James Kelloway at the National Grid, and Professor Volker Presser, Head Energy Materials.
Hosted by Dr. Alex Lathbridge.
Produced by Hiren Joshi and Elisabeth Ratcliffe.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 22, 2022
2.3 How ethical is mining for battery materials?
Where do the materials for batteries come from? What are the human and environmental costs of mining, and what can we do to mitigate its effects?
Professor Frances Wall from Camborne School of Mines at the University of Exeter and Dr Sarah Gordon – CEO and co-founder of Satarla – speak to us about the process of mining and processing precious metals, and about the social and environmental effects.
Hosted by Dr. Alex Lathbridge
Produced by Hiren Joshi and Elisabeth Ratcliffe
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 15, 2022
2.2 What's the point of batteries?
What are the benefits of using batteries, and how do they compare to alternatives? How are batteries used as part of the energy system in the UK, and how is that likely to change in the future?
Alan Whitehead MP, Shadow Energy Minister, and Dr Jacqueline Edge from Imperial College London, join us to talk about batteries and the big picture. We learn how batteries can best be used to facilitate a more sustainable future, and how this might affect us on an individual level.
Hosted by Dr. Alex Lathbridge
Produced by Hiren Joshi and Elisabeth Ratcliffe
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 8, 2022
2.1 Could batteries help solve the climate emergency? (ft Robert Llewellyn)
What is a battery? What different types are there and how do they work? And what are some things we can use them for?
Actor, presenter and batteries enthusiast Robert Llewellyn joins us alongside Professor Serena Cussen from the University of Sheffield for our opening episode. Find out about Robert's battery-powered home and passion for the future of electric vehicles, and hear Serena's insights into how batteries will form part of the solution to the climate emergency – promoting human welfare and advancing society.
Hosted by Dr. Alex Lathbridge
Produced by Hiren Joshi and Elisabeth Ratcliffe
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 24, 2021
1.8 The history of plastics and public perception
In this short episode Royal society of chemistry journalist, Lizzy Ratcliffe, speaks with Historian Alex Hall about the history of plastics, the pros and cons of this innovation, and how public perception has evolved over the last four decades.
Produced by Lizzy Ratcliffe, Kathy Page and Hiren Joshi.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 13, 2021
1.7 Plastics for a sustainable future?
Do plastics have a part to play in a sustainable future? And what innovations are on the horizon?
In the final episode of our inaugural podcast series we speak to Professor Charlotte Williams, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at Oxford University, and Dr Joanna Sadler, Edinburgh University, both who are working on the tricky problem of how to make plastics fit for the future.
Our reporter, Lizzy Ratcliffe, catches up with Rob Nicoll, Co-Founder, CMO of Chip[s] Board® - who develop bio-plastics and bio-plastic composites for the ever changing design sectors, whilst being biodegradable and recyclable post use.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oct 6, 2021
1.6 Plastics and composting - can it work?
What are biodegradable plastics? And are they the same as compostable plastics? What about bioplastics? And are any of them better for the environment than alternatives?
This week we’re talking all things degradation, with a special focus on composting. We'll be hearing from Lesley Green and Professor Helen Hailes from University College London's Big Composting Experiment – they will tell us what happened when participants buried various plastics marketed as degradable in their compost heaps. Meanwhile Kathy Page from the Royal Society of Chemistry talks us through some of the vocabulary around these kinds of plastics.
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Sep 29, 2021
1.5 Can we make the perfect plastic?
What makes a plastic recyclable? How can we design a plastic to be as sustainable as possible? And how does the way that we design specific products affect their impact on the environment?
In this episode we do a deep dive into the science of plastics – looking at how we might design plastic products with sustainability in mind. Dr Jenni Garden from the University of Edinburgh talks us through her research into different types of materials, while Mark Pawsey MP brings his 25 years experience of working in the field of plastic packaging. Meanwhile David Santillo talks us through what Greenpeace is doing to tackle the plastics problem.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 22, 2021
1.4 Where does your recycled plastic go?
Where does your plastic go? What does it turn into? And how much of what we put in the recycling bin actually gets recycled?
In this episode we bring together guests from all stages of the recycling process, from designing the plastics to managing our local recycling infrastructure. Professor Mike Shaver, Director of the Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub at the Henry Royce Institute, Shirley Rodrigues, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy and Council member Jess David, Member Advocate for Biodiversity walk us through the opportunities and pitfalls.
Hosted by Dr. Alex Lathbridge
Produced by Elisabeth Ratcliffe, Kathy Page and Hiren Joshi
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 15, 2021
1.3 Microplastics are all around us
Microplastics are everywhere, from the water we drink to the air that we breathe. But can they hurt us? And what are scientists doing to find out?
Our guests for this episode, Professor Paul Anastas, Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones and Professor Claire Gwinnett join us to share their vast experience on this topic, looking at everything from the marine environment to the clothing industry, and from the science laboratory to the corridors of power.
Hosted by Alex Lathbridge
Produced by Elisabeth Ratcliffe, Kathy Page and Hiren Joshi
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 8, 2021
1.2 Lifetime of a plastic and the ethics of your choice
As consumers we only see a small fraction of the life cycle of a product, and we're often very concerned about where it goes after we've used it, but what happens before that point? How is the product made, how is it transported, and what impact does all of that have on the environment?
Research Fellow Charnett Chau is an expert in Life Cycle Assessment. She talks us through how scientific techniques can help us assess the overall impact of a material on the environment. Meanwhile, Ruth Strange from Ethical Consumer magazine explains how the magazine determines which products to recommend to their readers.
Hosted by Alex Lathbridge.
Produced by Elisabeth Ratcliffe, Kathy Page and Hiren Joshi.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 1, 2021
1.1 A world without plastics (featuring Liz Bonnin)
What would a world without plastics look like? Should we get rid of them all OR is there a place for plastics in a future society? To debate this sustainability issue is Tom Welton, Professor of Sustainable Chemistry at Imperial College London, and wildlife & natural history presenter Liz Bonnin.
Hosted by Dr. Alex Lathbridge.
Produced by Elisabeth Ratcliffe, Kathy Page and Hiren Joshi.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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