The Life Scientific

There can't be many people in the world who've saved lives in hospital emergency rooms and also helped care for the wellbeing of astronauts in space – but Kevin Fong’s career has followed a singular path: from astrophysics and trauma medicine, to working with NASA, to becoming an Air Ambulance doctor.Kevin is a consultant anaesthetist and professor of public engagement and innovation at University College London. He’s worked on the front line in hospitals, dealing with major incidents and helping shape policy; but he's also stayed true to his childhood passion for space, working on multiple projects with NASA and even going through the astronaut application process himself. As if that wasn’t enough, he’s also become a well-known figure in science broadcasting through his various radio and TV shows.Speaking to Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Kevin admits it hasn't always been an easy path – but his passion for both space and medicine have got him through. And today, he's channelling his energies into ensuring we protect the NHS's most precious commodity: its staff.Presented by Jim Al-Khalili Produced by Lucy TaylorThis programme was a BBC Studios Audio prouction for Radio 4.

Dame Pratibha Gai, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at York University, has revolutionized how we understand chemical reactions at the atomic level with her pioneering environmental transmission electron microscope. She discusses the inefficiencies of traditional chemical processes and how her work allows real-time observation and manipulation of reactions. Gai shares her inspiring journey in a male-dominated field and emphasizes the importance of mentorship. Additionally, she highlights the collaborative nature of microscopy advancements and their potential for environmentally friendly innovation.

Catherine Heymans, a Professor at the University of Edinburgh and Scotland's Astronomer Royal, dives into the universe's mysteries with a comedic twist. She passionately discusses the complexities of dark matter and dark energy while sharing personal stories that shaped her journey in astrophysics. Catherine also reflects on how she navigated long COVID and its influence on her career ambitions. With a focus on accessibility in science, she highlights initiatives to inspire the next generation, particularly young women, to explore the wonders of physics.

As a young man, traveling in Africa, Tim Coulson - now Professor of Zoology at the University of Oxford - became seriously ill with malaria and was told a second bout would probably kill him. Aged only 20, this brush with his own mortality led him to promise himself he would write a complete guide to science: life, the universe and everything. His aim was to understand the existence of all living things - no mean feat!Over the course of a colourful career, Tim's work has taken him all over the world: including researching wolves in Yellowstone National Park, little fish called guppies in the rivers of Trinidad and silvereye birds on Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef. Using complicated mathematical models he builds up a picture of ecosystems seeking to explain how predators impact both evolution and ecosystems. And finally, more than thirty years after he vowed to write the book that would explain everything we know about science, he's done just that.In conversation with Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Tim talks about his journey from youthful ambition to science demystifier.Presented by Jim Al-Khalili Produced by Geraldine Fitzgerald

Claudia de Rham, a Professor of theoretical physics at Imperial College London, is a trailblazer in massive gravity theory. She shares her adventurous relationship with gravity, from scuba diving to flying, while dreaming of becoming an astronaut. Claudia reflects on her childhood in Peru, her academic challenges as a woman in physics, and her personal journey dealing with unexpected health news. She dives into the complexities of her research, battling skepticism in the scientific community while balancing her career and motherhood, offering a passionate perspective on understanding the cosmos.

Neil Lawrence, DeepMind Professor of Machine Learning at the University of Cambridge, shares his optimistic views on AI's potential to enhance our lives. He discusses the importance of embracing AI cautiously while addressing concerns about data usage and the 'digital oligarchy.' Lawrence delves into his unique journey from oil rigs to neural networks and highlights the transformative power of mobile technology in Africa. He emphasizes the need for local innovation and critiques the dominance of big tech, all while navigating the balance between technology and humanity.

A frozen, white world at the far-reaches of the globe, where you're surrounded by snow and silence, might sound rather appealing. Factor in temperatures that drop to -57°C and a few of us might be put off - but for glaciologist Liz Morris, that's very much her happy place.Liz is an Emeritus Associate at the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute, and was among the first British women scientists to work on the planet’s coldest continent, Antarctica. Over the course of her career, Liz has gathered vital data on polar ice sheets and how they’re affected by climate change. She's also made numerous research trips across the Greenland Ice Shelf, and has a glacier named after her in Antarctica.In conversation with Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Liz discusses her fascination with glaciers and ice - and explains her unwavering determination to break into what was once a heavily male-dominated field. Presented by Jim Al-Khalili Produced for BBC Studios by Lucy Taylor

Welcome to a world where medicine meets politics: a space that brings together scientific research, government wrangling, public push-back and healthcare conspiracies…Dr Anthony Fauci was the Director of America’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for nearly four decades, during which time he not only helped study, treat and prevent viruses such as HIV/AIDS and Covid-19; he also advised seven US Presidents, from Ronald Regan through to Joe Biden.Along the way, Tony Fauci's picked up a public profile and taken a fair amount of flack; not least because of his complicated relationship with President Donald Trump. But he's also made great strides in medical research and policy, from working with activists who initially challenged him on the government response to HIV/AIDS - to spearheading the USA's PEPFAR project to share vital medication with developing nations.In a candid conversation with Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Tony discusses his childhood in Brooklyn, the dark early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, lessons from the Covid-19, his hopes and fears for the future of American health policy – and his reaction to that pre-emptive pardon from President Biden.Presented by Jim Al-Khalili Produced for BBC Studios by Lucy Taylor

Brian Schmidt, a Distinguished Professor of Astrophysics and Nobel Prize winner, discusses his groundbreaking work on supernovae and the universe's accelerating expansion. He shares how his High-Z Supernova Search Team transformed our understanding of cosmology. The conversation also delves into Schmidt's personal journey from farm life to academia and his newfound passion for winemaking, highlighting the surprising parallels between astrophysics and viticulture. Expect discussions that blend cosmic mysteries with a touch of wine-making joy!

Jacqueline McKinley, a Principal Osteoarchaeologist with Wessex Archaeology, dives deep into the world of ancient burial sites. She shares how even burnt bone fragments reveal rich stories about lives and communities. Jackie discusses the shift in Western attitudes toward death, contrasting historical communal practices with today's privacy around death. She also reflects on her personal experience of keeping her late father's bone fragments, illustrating the emotional ties to the past. With advancements in forensic techniques, Jackie uncovers the intricate connection between archaeology and modern investigative practices.