Public lecture podcasts
University of Bath
The University of Bath podcasts are a series of public lectures available to download for free.
Enhance your understanding of subjects ranging from how babies develop to the workings of the universe. Learn from academics and business and industry experts.
The University of Bath is a leading UK insitution. We offer a distinctive blend of research-led teaching, an outstanding graduate employment record and personal development opportunties.
Enhance your understanding of subjects ranging from how babies develop to the workings of the universe. Learn from academics and business and industry experts.
The University of Bath is a leading UK insitution. We offer a distinctive blend of research-led teaching, an outstanding graduate employment record and personal development opportunties.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 16, 2025 • 5min
Fragments of a Catastrophe
Fragments of a Catastrophe by University of Bath

Jan 16, 2025 • 5min
Apparitions
Apparitions by University of Bath

Jan 16, 2025 • 6min
Realm of Words
Realm of Words by University of Bath

Dec 2, 2024 • 48min
Episode 10: Women's sport (the state of play) - Dr Jessica Francombe-Webb & Dr Fiona Spotswood
In this episode we explore some of the contemporary tensions within women’s sport.
On the one hand, we are seeing the collective celebration of progress - fuelled by recent successes such as those in football not only in terms of performances, broadcast reach and viewer engagement - yet on the other hand, gender inequalities persist.
You'll hear from leading experts in women’s sport research, Dr Jessica Francombe-Webb and Dr Fiona Spotswood, for a discussion about postfeminism, media representation and some of the complexities that shape women’s sport experiences and the different levers of change. Drawing on their extensive research expertise, they unpack the some of these tensions around inspiring advances and persistent challenges.
They celebrate the progress narrative, whilst also raising critical questions that challenge some of the inequalities in sport. These include, of course, gender-based violence experienced by women who exercise and play sport; the gender gap in participation rates; and some of the challenges around leadership.
The views and opinions of those taking part in this video are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath. bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/disclaimer
Useful links:
- Dr Jessica Francombe-Webb: https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/jessica-francombe-webb
- Dr Fiona Spotswood: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/people/person/Fiona-Spotswood-eed34c90-5332-4fc1-a08d-65a5baf0aa74/
- The emergence of new mountain biking media practices: toward a culture of inclusive mountain biking https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17430437.2024.2424556

Nov 27, 2024 • 58min
Lauren Fedor: The US Presidential Election: Where Do We Go From Here? (IPR)
Lauren Fedor, the FT’s US political correspondent and deputy bureau chief in Washington, reflects on the results and their impact on both America and the wider world. Discussing the implications of the campaigns and the results for democracy, governance and the political landscape moving forward, this event will also consider the incoming administration and the likely direction of US policies in key areas.
She is in conversation with Professor Nick Pearce, Director of the Institute for Policy Research, University of Bath.
About the speaker: Lauren Fedor is the FT's US political correspondent and deputy bureau chief in Washington, where she covers the White House, Congress and national politics, including the 2024 presidential election. Lauren joined the FT in 2016 in London, where she worked in a variety of roles, as both a reporter and an editor.
This IPR event took place on 27 November 2024.

Nov 20, 2024 • 57min
Professor Yvonne Jewkes: An Architecture of Hope (IPR)
Should architecture be used for punishment? How might the spaces we inhabit nurture or damage us? How can we begin to start over after the worst has happened?
Criminologist Yvonne Jewkes grapples with these questions every day as the world’s leading expert on rehabilitative prison design; she also faced them in her personal life when her partner of 25 years left her in the middle of a nightmare renovation project and then lockdown saw her trapped there.
Used to fighting the punitive prison system to create spaces that encourage reflection, healing, even hope for those incarcerated, she had to learn to be similarly compassionate to herself, considering what might help someone at the lowest point in their life to rebuild.
Challenging our expectations of what prisons are for, she takes us along their corridors, into cells, communal spaces, visitors’ areas, and staffrooms, to the architects’ studios where they are designed, and even into her own home, to show us the importance of an architecture of hope in the face of despair.
She is in conversation with Professor Joe Devine (University of Bath).
This Institute for Policy Research (IPR) event took place on 20 November 2024. Find out more about the IPR here: https://www.bath.ac.uk/research-institutes/institute-for-policy-research/

Oct 4, 2024 • 35min
Coordinating movement and the Bath student experience (Prof Cassie Wilson & SU reps, Abbie & David)
In this episode, Steffi and Max talk to Pro-Vice Chancellor (Student Experience), and ex-Sport and Exercise Science Lecturer, Professor Cassie Wilson; and two Health and Exercise Science graduates turned Students' Union Representatives, Abbie and David. The topic of discussion is how the University of Bath looks after its students to provide a positive experience for all.
Views and opinions expressed by the participants in these recordings are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath.
Information correct at time of production. We may make changes to our courses or other aspects of your student experience in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in the field of studies, the requirements of accrediting bodies, or any unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances. Always refer to the University of Bath's website for the latest information. The views and opinions of those taking part in this video are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath. bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/disclaimer

Oct 4, 2024 • 23min
SCI: Miami: living well with spinal cord injury (Dr Jenn Maher)
This episode of Science on the Run welcomes Dr Jenn Maher. Our resident Floridian tells us about her work focussed on understanding the challenges of exercising in people with spinal cord injury, and her interventions designed to improve their health and fitness.
Views and opinions expressed by the participants in these recordings are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath.
Information correct at time of production. We may make changes to our courses or other aspects of your student experience in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in the field of studies, the requirements of accrediting bodies, or any unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances. Always refer to the University of Bath's website for the latest information. The views and opinions of those taking part in this video are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath. bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/disclaimer

Sep 25, 2024 • 38min
Research with Impact with Roland Pease Episode 7: Alumni making an Impact
In this Special Episode, Roland Pease meets three University of Bath graduates who are making impacts in industry.
Claire Smith is Director of Buro Happold in Bath. A structural engineer, she discusses her work in the city and beyond - and in boosting the sustainability of a local landmark, Bath Abbey, by combining cutting-edge technology with the city's natural hot springs.
Meri Williams has held multiple leading management roles since completing her degree in Computer Information Systems, leading scale-ups and expansions of major names including Gov.uk, Procter & Gamble and now at financial services company Pleo, with a focus on recognising and encouraging diversity in teams.
Bharat Shah was one of the first students to graduate from the University of Bath. He has grown a pharmacy wholesale business, Sigma Pharmaceuticals, from scratch and has a unique view into pharmacists' future as part of the UK healthcare system.

Sep 17, 2024 • 28min
Would Messi make it in England? (Prof Sean Cumming)
Would Lionel Messi have become one of the greatest football players of all time had he been born and raised as a player in England? Or would his physical deficiencies as a youngster have blocked his pathway and favoured stronger, faster young footballers?
Science on the Run talks to our resident game-changing growth and maturation expert Professor Sean Cumming, who explains the role of growth and maturation on sports performance and how ‘biobanding’ in youth sport and can improve an athlete’s pathway to success.
Views and opinions expressed by the participants in these recordings are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath.
Information correct at time of production. We may make changes to our courses or other aspects of your student experience in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in the field of studies, the requirements of accrediting bodies, or any unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances. Always refer to the University of Bath's website for the latest information. The views and opinions of those taking part in this video are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Bath. bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/disclaimer


