Physics World Weekly Podcast

Joanne O’Meara, a medical physicist at the University of Guelph and a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for science outreach, shares her passion for science communication and plans to open a new science center. Burcu Saner Okan, principal investigator at Sabanci University’s Sustainable Advanced Materials Research Group, discusses sustainable graphene production techniques, highlighting the use of recycled materials and the importance of a circular economy. Together, they reveal the beauty of physics in everyday life and innovative outreach strategies.

James Welsh, a radiation oncologist and author, discusses the biological impacts of space radiation on astronauts, revealing surprising resilience in human bodies compared to sensitive spacecraft electronics. He stresses that electronic failure may limit space missions more than health issues. Physicists Biju Patla and Neil Ashby present their innovative approach to establishing a lunar time system using atomic clocks, aiming to facilitate navigation and coordination on the Moon, with aspirations for a similar system on Mars.

Robert Hoye, an inorganic chemist from the University of Oxford, and Nakita Noel, a physicist specializing in perovskite materials, dive into sustainable solar energy. They define sustainability in photovoltaics, addressing challenges like material sourcing and recyclability. The discussion highlights the potential of perovskite materials for high-efficiency solar cells and the importance of collaboration in solar technology's future. They also emphasize the necessary investment in research to push sustainable advancements in energy conversion.

Peter Hirst, Senior Associate Dean at MIT Sloan School of Management, sheds light on the necessity of soft skills for STEM professionals. He discusses how traditional STEM training often overlooks essential leadership qualities. Hirst emphasizes the significance of tailored educational programs that bridge science and management to enhance leadership efficacy. He also touches on groundbreaking management practices at the Broad Institute during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating how organizational skills can significantly boost scientific outcomes.

Julia Sutcliffe, the Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK government’s Department for Business and Trade, has an impressive background in systems engineering at British Aerospace, focusing on robotics and AI. She discusses her journey from academia to government, emphasizing the role of evidence in policymaking. Sutcliffe stresses the importance of collaboration and systems thinking, urging for science to be integrated into mainstream dialogue to fuel innovation. She highlights the need for inclusivity in science and engineering, encouraging newcomers to embrace opportunities.

Carsten Welsch, an accelerator physicist and director of LIV.INNO, and Andreea Font, a computational astrophysicist, dive into the unique PhD training offered at LIV.INNO. They discuss the importance of equipping students with skills in high-performance computing and machine learning for diverse careers beyond academia. The duo highlights the significance of industry placements and interdisciplinary collaborations, especially in applying data science to fields like healthcare and agriculture. They also touch upon the evolving role of AI in education, emphasizing the need for critical analysis of information.

Anil Ananthaswamy, author of "Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Maths Behind Modern AI", dives into the recent Nobel Prize awarded to John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for their pioneering work in machine learning. He explains their foundational contributions and the surprising intersection of AI and physics. The conversation also touches on Hinton's warnings about AI's potential risks and the growing need for regulation, while exploring the exciting role of Boltzmann machines in generative AI and their connection to physical principles.

Hosts explore predictions for the Nobel Prize in Physics, spotlighting potential winners in condensed-matter physics. They share personal anecdotes from memorable encounters with Nobel laureates, highlighting both humor and awe. The banter includes amusing moments from the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, showcasing the playful interactions between laureates and students. A reflection on interviewing Stephen Weinberg adds a touch of levity. The buildup to the prize announcement amplifies excitement about groundbreaking contributions to the field.

Peer Review Week reveals the vital role of constructive feedback in science. Conversations highlight the negative impacts of unprofessional reviewer comments, particularly on early-career researchers. Innovations are discussed to foster a respectful review culture, including training programs for reviewers. Leading scientists share shocking and rude reviewer experiences, emphasizing the need for better communication practices. The episode also touches on initiatives that target biases affecting underrepresented groups in STEM, promoting a more inclusive and supportive scientific environment.

Mark Knight, chief healthcare scientist at NHS Kent and Medway, teams up with Fiammetta Fedele, head of non-ionizing radiation at Guy’s and St Thomas, to discuss the pivotal role of medical physicists in healthcare. They delve into how these experts ensure patient safety during radiotherapy and imaging procedures. The conversation also touches on the exciting potential of artificial intelligence in transforming medical technology while addressing ethical considerations. Innovations in patient treatment and safety protocols are highlighted, making the future of healthcare look promising.