Scientists not the Science

Ep73: Communicating New Ideas - Michael Levin Aug 23, 2023

Recorded in February 2020. We talk about Michael's journey into science, from creating a fake school so that he could order chemicals online to conduct experiments as a kid, to inspiring the next and current generation of scientists. Full show notes: https://scinotsci.com

Ep72: Update on Scientists not the Science Aug 23, 2023

An update on Scientists not the Science.

Ep71: Happy (Belated) Birthday (Part 2) Nov 13, 2020

Continuing conversation with Professor Chris Jackson, talking about what I might change in academia, given the power. Full show notes: https://scinotsci.com

Ep70: Happy (Belated) Birthday (Part 1) Nov 12, 2020

February 3rd 2020 marked the fifth anniversary of Scientists not the Science. So for fun, Professor Chris Jackson interviews me and we get discuss a little of my background and our views and thoughts about academia. Full show notes: https://scinotsci.com

Ep69: Understanding Scientists is Key for Science Nov 11, 2020

Reflecting on what I’ve learnt from five years of interviews for Scientists not the Science. Find a link to the original published article in the show notes. Full show notes:

Ep68: Aspiring to be a Scientist Jan 06, 2020

What influences young people's aspirations to work in science and science-related careers? This episode talks to the team behind the ASPIRES project, a longitudinal project studying this topic. Full show notes: http://scinotsci.com

Ep67: Highlights from Season Four Dec 23, 2019

Compilation episode featuring some of the best bits from season four of Scientists not the Science, ahead of the beginning of season five. Full show notes: http://scinotsci.com

Ep66: Notes from a Mental Health Workshop (Bonus Episode) May 09, 2019

Notes from a recent workshop on academic mental health, organized by the UK Chapter of the Marie Curie Alumni Association. Full show notes: https://scinotsci.com

Ep65: Entrepreneur – David Walt Dec 23, 2018

David Walt is Professor of Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University and Harvard Medical School. We talk about his background and how he founded a multi-billion dollar company. Full show notes:

Ep64: Selling to Scientists – Hamid Ghanadan Dec 10, 2018

Hamid Ghanadan is the Founder of The Linus Group, a health and life sciences marketing and creative agency. We talk about his experiences talking to scientists, and how to target products to a scientific audience. Full show notes:

Ep20: [Rerun] Mind Your Language! Dec 03, 2018

English is the language of science, but for most people it’s not their native tongue. What’s it like working in science and academia, in a foreign language? Full show notes:

Ep63: Being a Positive Role Model – Chris Jackson Nov 12, 2018

Chris Jackson is Professor of Basin Analysis at Imperial College London, and advocate for improving research and professional standards in academia. We talk about his journey through academia. Full show notes:

Ep62: Making New Things - Alex Lathbridge Oct 29, 2018

Alex Lathbridge is a PhD student at the University of Bath, founder of the network Minorities in STEM and creator of the podcast Why Aren't You a Doctor Yet? We talk about Alex's background and creating content. Full show notes:

Ep61: From Software Engineer to Scientist – Matt Faria Oct 15, 2018

Matt Faria is a Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne. We talk about improving research standards and his move into science from software engineering. Full show notes: http://scinotsci.com

Ep60: Live at the Imperial Festival – Alexandros Kouris (Bonus Episode) Oct 01, 2018

Alexandros Kouris is a PhD student at Imperial College London. We talk about his research and career. Recorded live at the Imperial Festival 2018. Full show notes: http://scinotsci.com

Ep59: Live at the Imperial Festival – Ben Britton (Bonus Episode) Sep 17, 2018

Ben Britton is a Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London. We talk about his research and career. Recorded live at the Imperial Festival 2018. Full show notes:

Ep58: Live at the Imperial Festival – Sandrine Heutz (Bonus Episode) Sep 02, 2018

Sandrine Heutz is Professor of Functional Materials at Imperial College London. We talk about her research and career. Recorded live at the Imperial Festival 2018. Full show notes:

Ep57: Live at the Imperial Festival – Emma Chapman (Bonus Episode) Aug 20, 2018

Emma Chapman is a Royal Astronomical Society Research Fellow at Imperial College London. We talk about her research and career. Recorded live at the Imperial Festival 2018. Full show notes:

Ep56: Teaching and Researching – Kirsty Shaw Jul 09, 2018

Kirsty Shaw is a senior lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University. We talk about teaching students and balancing different roles within academia. Full show notes:

Ep55: Structural Engineer – Roma Agrawal Jun 25, 2018

Roma Agrawal is a structural engineer, responsible for hundreds of structures around the UK, most notably the Shard in London. We talk about moving from physics to engineering. Full show notes:

Ep54: Social Media Scientist – Meriame Berboucha Jun 11, 2018

Meriame Berboucha is a physicist at Imperial College London. We talk about how Meriame uses social media to communicate science and reach young people. Full show notes:

Ep53: Climate Physicist – Joanna Haigh May 28, 2018

Joanna Haigh is Professor of Atmospheric Physics at Imperial College London. We talk about her experience of academia, and what is means to be a head of department. Full show notes: http://scinotsci.com

Ep52: Medical Doctor, PhD Doctor – Jennifer Gelinas May 14, 2018

Jennifer Gelinas is an Associate Professor of Neurology at Columbia University. We talk about being both a medical and a PhD doctor. Full show notes:

Ep51: Highlights from Season Three Apr 30, 2018

Compilation episode featuring some of the best bits from season three of Scientists not the Science, ahead of the beginning of season four. Full show notes:

Ep50: Experimental Words (Part 2) Dec 13, 2017

Listen to the performances of poets and scientists, working together to combine their two disciplines. This is part two, to hear more about the project and how it came to be, listen to part one first. Full show notes:

Ep49: Experimental Words (Part 1) Nov 28, 2017

Experimental Words is an engagement project that pairs poets and scientists to produce unique performance pieces. This episode I document taking part in the event and talk to the scientists and poets involved. Full show notes:

Ep48: Inferior – Angela Saini Nov 12, 2017

Angela Saini is a science journalist and author. We talk about her latest book ‘Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong – and the New Research That’s Rewriting the Story’. Full show notes:

Ep47: Chief Scientist of the Nudge Unit – Michael Sanders Oct 31, 2017

Michael Sanders is the Chief Scientist at the Behavioural Insights Team, commonly known as the ‘nudge unit’. We talk academia and policy, how he uses the scientific method in his work, and the label of scientist. Full show notes:

Ep46: Technicians Make It Happen Oct 21, 2017

This episode I talk to Stephen Franey and Thomas Pitcher from Kings College London, and Michelle Rea from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, about the role of technicians in science. Full show notes:

Ep45: The Recovering Physicist – Martin Zaltz Austwick Sep 25, 2017

Dr Martin Zaltz Austwick has been a solid-state physicist, a medical physicist, and a senior lecturer. He now describes himself as a recovering physicist. We talk about his PhD experience and work-life balance. Full show notes:

Ep34: [Rerun] Feeling Like an Imposter at Work? Aug 28, 2017

This is a rerun of an episode from season 2. You can listen to me on The Cinemile podcast here: http://www.thecinemile.com/ - we reviewed the new sci-fi movie, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. Here’s the original blurb for this episode: What is the imposter syndrome and how does it affect academics? In this final episode I explore the phenomenon, how it manifests in academics, some of the reasons why it might occur, and strategies to deal with it. Full show notes:

Ep08: [Rerun] Professorship – Chris Hunter Aug 14, 2017

This is a rerun of an episode from season 1. You can my other podcast series ‘Down to Earth’ which is all about space tech spinoffs here: http://www.scinotsci.com/down-to-earth Here’s the original blurb for this episode: Professor Chris Hunter is the Herschel Smith Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Cambridge. I ask him what being a professor actually means, and he shares his wisdom and insight from a highly successful career in science. Full show notes:

Ep44: It’s All in the Edit – Miriam Frankel and Stephen Harris Jul 31, 2017

Miriam Frankel and Stephen Harris are science editors at The Conversation – an online news website where all the articles are written by academics. We talk about how they edit scientists’ writing for a wider audience.

Ep43: Death of the One-Sided Scientist – Roberto Trotta Jul 16, 2017

Roberto Trotta is an astrophysicist, a lecturer, an author, and the director of the Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication at Imperial College London. We talk about being a multi-faceted scientist. Full show notes:

Ep42: Your Child is a Scientist – Carole Kenrick Jul 04, 2017

Carole Kenrick is Scientist & Inventor-in-Residence at a primary school in North London. We talk about the importance of teaching children about what it means to be a scientist. Full show notes:

Ep41: Managing a Lab and TheScienceShed – Steven Lee and Nick Evans Jun 18, 2017

Steven Lee and Nick Evans are academics – together they present TheScienceShed podcast, a ramble through academic life. We talk about their experience of managing a research group and more. Full show notes:

Ep40: Senior Editor – Luigi Martiradonna (Part 2) Jun 05, 2017

Before becoming a journal editor at Nature Materials, Luigi Martiradonna was a researcher. In part 2 we talk about his experience as a scientist and on the transition to academic publishing. Full show notes:

Ep39: Senior Editor – Luigi Martiradonna (Part 1) May 24, 2017

Luigi Martiradonna is a senior editor at the journal Nature Materials. In part 1 we talk about the publishing process, how he makes the decision to accept or reject papers, and how scientists respond to his decision. Full show notes:

Ep38: Culture and Science – Robin Ince May 07, 2017

Robin Ince is a comedian, writer and performer, best known for presenting The Infinite Monkey Cage on BBC Radio 4. We talk about public understanding of science, and the interplay between science and culture. Full show notes:

Ep37: Hybrid Scientist and Engineer – Alon Gorodetsky Apr 28, 2017

Alon Gorodetsky is an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Irvine. We talk about working in an interdisciplinary research field and his experience of academia. Full show notes:

Ep36: Highlights from Season Two Apr 07, 2017

Compilation episode featuring some of the best bits from season two of Scientists not the Science, ahead of the beginning of season three. Full show notes:

Ep35: All Change Please! (Bonus Episode) Jan 03, 2017

Being a scientist means being comfortable with change. I talk to Christian Clear and Jean-Philippe St-Pierre to explore their personal experiences of change in academia. Full show notes:

Ep34: Feeling Like an Imposter at Work? Aug 10, 2016

What is the imposter syndrome and how does it affect academics? In this final episode I explore the phenomenon, how it manifests in academics, some of the reasons why it might occur, and strategies to deal with it. Full show notes:

Ep33: Are Scientists Like Comedians? – Stuart Goldsmith Jul 25, 2016

Stuart Goldsmith is a stand-up comedian and host of The Comedian’s Comedian Podcast. We compare the industries of science and comedy to see if there are any parallels. Full show notes:

Ep32: A Matrix for Life – Kristi Anseth (Bonus Episode) Jul 19, 2016

Bonus episode: part of a series of short interviews recorded with Cavendish Inspiring Women, a group promoting the visibility of women working in science. For more profiles visit:

Ep31: How to Be a Strategic Academic – Shelda Debowski Jul 11, 2016

Dr Shelda Debowski is a Senior Consultant in Higher Education Development, working with academics to help them to achieve their goals. We talk about the challenges facing the modern academic. Full show notes:

Ep30: What’s a Postdoc? – Joy Warde Jun 25, 2016

Dr Joy Warde is the Postdoc Staff Coordinator at the University of Cambridge. We talk about what a postdoc is and the challenges researchers face in developing their careers. Full show notes:

Ep29: Having a Family in Science – Emma Chapman May 04, 2016

Dr Emma Chapman is an astrophysicist and a mum. We talk about what it’s like to juggle doing a PhD and a postdoc with having a child, and the barriers faced by academic parents. Full show notes:

Ep28: Women in Science – Athene Donald Apr 18, 2016

Professor Dame Athene Donald is a physicist at the University of Cambridge and advocate for women in science. We talk about the challenges women face, the impact of social media, and experiences from her career. Full show notes:

Ep27: Science Jokes – Helen Arney Apr 05, 2016

Helen Arney is a songwriter, comedian, and one third of the science-comedy trio Festival of the Spoken Nerd. We talk about how despite running away from science, it came back to find her. Full show notes:

Ep26: Success: is it all in the mind? (Part 3) (Bonus Episode) Mar 21, 2016

Professor Athene Donald, Professor Michelle Ryan, Dr Tom Stafford, and Jessica Wade discuss success, stereotypes and science, and their impact on women in science. Full show notes: CiW website:

Ep25: Success: is it all in the mind? (Part 2) (Bonus Episode) Mar 21, 2016

Professor Athene Donald, Professor Michelle Ryan, Dr Tom Stafford, and Jessica Wade discuss success, stereotypes and science, and their impact on women in science. Full show notes: CiW website:

Ep24: Success: is it all in the mind? (Part 1) (Bonus Episode) Mar 21, 2016

Professor Athene Donald, Professor Michelle Ryan, Dr Tom Stafford, and Jessica Wade discuss success, stereotypes and science, and their impact on women in science. Full show notes: CiW website: http://cavinspiringwomen.com

Ep23: Scientists on the Radio (Part 2) – Gareth Mitchell Mar 07, 2016

Gareth Mitchell is both a lecturer in science communication at Imperial College London and also a journalist at the BBC. In part 2 of this interview we talk about Gareth’s route from electrical and electronic engineering into broadcasting. Full show notes:

Ep22: Scientists on the Radio (Part 1) – Gareth Mitchell Feb 22, 2016

Gareth Mitchell is a lecturer in science communication at Imperial College London and a BBC journalist. In part 1 we talk about how scientists end up on the radio, and Gareth’s reflections on the science industry. Full Show notes:

Ep21: Reaching Out Feb 16, 2016

There are many ways scientists connect with outside world. This episode looks at three different types of public engagement: directly to schools, at public festivals, and in the pub. Full show notes:

Ep20: Mind Your Language! Feb 02, 2016

English is the language of science, but for most people it’s not their native language. What’s it like working in science and academia, in a foreign language? Full show notes:

Ep19: Highlights from Season One Jan 19, 2016

Compilation episode featuring my favourite responses and anecdotes from season one of Scientists not the Science, and a taste of what’s to come in season two.

Ep18: Light On The Nanoscale – Anna Lombardi (Bonus Episode) Dec 14, 2015

Bonus episode: sixth in a series of short interviews recorded with Cavendish Inspiring Women, a group promoting the visibility of women working in physics. For more profiles visit:

Ep17: Quantum Alchemy – Suchitra Sebastian (Bonus Episode) Dec 06, 2015

Bonus episode: fifth in a series of short interviews recorded with Cavendish Inspiring Women, a group promoting the visibility of women working in physics. For more profiles visit:

Ep16: Understanding the Universe – Giovanna Cottin (Bonus Episode) Nov 28, 2015

Bonus episode: fourth in a series of short interviews recorded with Cavendish Inspiring Women, a group promoting the visibility of women working in physics. For more profiles visit:

Ep15: A Million Billion Photographs - Jasmine Rivett (Bonus Episode) Nov 04, 2015

Bonus episode: third in a series of short interviews recorded with Cavendish Inspiring Women, a group promoting the visibility of women working in physics. For more profiles visit:

Ep14: Physics Matters - Susan Haines (Bonus Episode) Oct 19, 2015

Bonus episode: second in a series of short interviews recorded with Cavendish Inspiring Women, a group promoting the visibility of women working in physics. For more profiles visit:

Ep13: DNA Origami - Kerstin Göpfrich (Bonus Episode) Oct 11, 2015

Bonus episode: first in a series of short interviews recorded with Cavendish Inspiring Women, a group promoting the visibility of women working in physics. For more profiles visit: http://cavinspiringwomen.squarespace.com/

Ep12: Physicist in a Chemists’ World - Silvia Vignolini Aug 06, 2015

Dr Silvia Vignolini is a lecturer in the chemistry of materials at the University of Cambridge. She shares her experience of lecturing undergraduates, leading researchers, and sharing her research through the media.

Ep11: Supersonic Curiosity - James Threadgill Jun 25, 2015

James Threadgill plays with supersonic wind and left his industry job to further his love of learning and understanding. He shares his drive for research, and reflections on choosing and pursuing a PhD.

Ep10: Science on a Mountaintop - Hannah Stern Jun 10, 2015

Hannah Stern works with lasers. Really fast lasers. She was inspired to apply for a PhD at the University of Cambridge, thanks to a chance encounter with an academic, high in the mountains on New Zealand.

Ep09: Dancing to Doctor - Francesca Boughey May 25, 2015

Francesca Boughey is a PhD student at the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge. She talks about what it was like moving from ballet to science, and about witnessing the announcement of a fundamental breakthrough.

Ep08: Professorship - Chris Hunter Apr 27, 2015

Professor Chris Hunter is the Herschel Smith Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Cambridge. I ask him what being a professor actually means, and he shares his wisdom and insight from a highly successful career in science.

Ep07: Close Shave - Daniel Sutton Apr 13, 2015

Dr Daniel Sutton is a tribologist at the University of Southampton. He doesn't study tribes. I find out what it’s like being a post-doctoral researcher working at the cutting edge of science, and also what drives his passion for research.

Ep06: Senior Lecturer - Matt Fuchter Mar 30, 2015

Dr Matt Fuchter is a senior lecturer in synthetic and medicinal chemistry at Imperial College London. We talk about what is a senior lecturer? What is his role as a PhD supervisor? And much more.

Ep05: Engaging Audiences - Steve Cross Mar 16, 2015

Dr Steve Cross is head of public engagement at UCL in London, and a science communicator extraordinaire. We talk about public engagement, the open mic nights he has founded (Bright Club, Science Showoff and Museums Showoff), and the importance of naked mole rats.

Ep04: Industry to Academia - Christian Clear Mar 02, 2015

Christian Clear has just started a physics PhD after working for a number of years in industry. We talk about how his prior experience impacts his work ethic, and what it’s like to be effectively self-employed.

Ep03: Public Good - Alexandra Rolland Feb 16, 2015

Alexandra Rolland is an epidemiologist working for Public Health England, studying the impact of HIV across the UK. We talk about how she balances data collection and privacy protection as well as the ethics and responsibilities of scientists in her field.

Ep02: In Theory - Florian Steiner Feb 02, 2015

Florian Steiner is a theoretical physicist at Imperial College London who does calculations to make better solar cells. I discover who his influences are, what it's like working in a foreign language, and his experience working in a government department.

Ep01: Academia to Industry - Roland Piper Feb 02, 2015

In this first episode I talk to Dr Roland Piper, a physicist who has recently moved from the academic to industrial world. I find out about his experiences in both, and whether PhD students would benefit from stand-up meetings.

Ep00: Introducing Scientists not the Science Jan 31, 2015

Scientists not the Science is a new podcast about the people working in science. In each episode I interview a new guest connected to this world and learn about their experiences and thoughts.

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