UC Science Radio - Season 1

Dr Simon Kingham talks about the impact of city spaces on our mental health, why cycleways are thriving in Christchurch, and his role as Chief Science Advisor for the Ministry of Transport, on UC Science's brand new podcast.

New Zealand’s glaciers are on thin ice, literally. As climate change accelerates, the warming earth means our world-famous glaciers (Fox and Franz Josef) are thinning and receding. We need to study them while we still can. In Season 1, Episode 10, Dr Heather Purdie talks about science on thin ice on UC Science Radio. Listen up.

In Season 1, Episode 11, UC chemist and entrepreneur Prof Rudi Marquez talks about the business of science on UC Science Radio. We hear about a wonder gel to heal wounds, beating antibiotic resistance in cattle worms, and more. Listen up.

A kōrero around his neighbour’s kitchen table set marine biologist Dr John Pirker on the path of becoming a scientist. In Season 1, Episode 12, he talks about igniting the flame of learning on UC Science Radio. Listen up.

In Season 1, Episode 2, Structural Chemist and Associate Professor Sarah Masters talks about her work as a molecular detective on UC Science Radio. She investigates how molecules behave, what they do, and how we can use them to create everything from new technologies and materials to life-saving vaccines. Listen up.

Forget love at first sight, finding the perfect match is all in the genes. Well, if you’re an animal on the brink of extinction. In Season 1, Episode 3, Dr Tammy Steeves talks about Tinder. for birds on UC Science Radio. Listen up.

In Season 1, Episode 4, Volcanologist and Professor Ben Kennedy wants to start a revolution against traditional, passive teaching lectures on UC Science Radio. Dr Kennedy is leading by example through his own teaching. This includes integrating real-world volcanology research into his lectures and lab sessions. Listen up.

Lightweight, strong, waterproof – plastic is a wonder material, but it’s not so wonderful for our environment. In Season 1, Episode 5, Dr Sally Gaw talks about ending our love affair with plastic on UC Science Radio. Listen up.

Dark matter makes up most of the universe but remains a mystery to science. In Season 1, Episode 6, Dr Chris Gordon talks about shedding light on dark matter on UC Science Radio. He shares his lifelong study of the shadowy substance and explains why physicists like him are so captivated by it. Listen up.

Minerals and vitamins fuel our cells, give us energy, and help our brains function. Yet 60 percent of food sold in supermarkets is ultra-processed and lacks the micronutrients we need to sustain healthy brains. In Season 1, Episode 7, Professor Julia Rucklidge discusses micronutrients for the mind on UC Science Radio. Listen up.

What’s the difference between a poet and an astronomer? Nothing, if you’re one of UC's astrophysicists. In Season 1, Episode 8, Dr Michele Bannister talks on UC Science Radio about how words and worlds collide. Listen up.

If you’ve ever complained about work, you’re not alone. But what if, instead of being a source of stress, work (and workplaces) were good for us? In Season 1, Episode 9, Professor Katharina Naswall talks about well-being at work on UC Science Radio. Listen up.