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Welcome to insight! PhySoc's podcast about the lives of academics!
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EPISODE 57 | ACADEMICS

Veronika Vašícková

30 Jan 2024

Join Luke and Veronika as they discuss: Veronika’s time in St Andrews, how she got onto her Astroparticle Physics PhD in Germany, her favourite Physics joke and much more in this episode of Insight.

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EPISODE 8 | SPECIALS

Christmas Quiz Special 2023

20 Dec 2023

Listen to the presidents of PhySoc, AstroSoc and EASy battle it out in a game of Jeopardy to see who is crowned this year's champion! Enjoy listening and happy holidays here from Insight!

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EPISODE 56 | ACADEMICS

Dr Bernd Braunecker

07 Nov 2023

Join Michael and Dr Braunecker in this episode of Insight as they discuss: -the different sides of his research -what makes a good student and a good teacher -and why he owns 30 musical instruments. Enjoy Listening!!

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EPISODE 7 | SPECIALS

Welcome to St Andrews! Freshers Special

25 Sep 2023

Welcome to your first year studying Physics and Astronomy at the University of St Andrews! You are bound to have many questions and who better to answer them than the people who were just in your shoes. Listen to our new Insight Producer Luke speak to Sham, Ben and Murry about their experiences in 1st year physics, being class reps and their thoughts on St Andrews' traditions. We also hear from Lilla, the president of the Physoc, about her work in the society and her time so far in St Andrews. Enjoy listening!!

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EPISODE 55 | ACADEMICS

Wren Vetens

04 Sep 2023

Finishing up our CERN mini-series, we talk to Wren Vetens about her path into physics, her work on the CMS detector and her experiences as a trans woman in a traditionally male-dominated field.

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EPISODE 54 | ACADEMICS

Professor Marumi Kado

04 Apr 2023

The future and the past of the Higgs boson, ATLAS, and CERN. Do we need the FCC? And much more in this interview!

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EPISODE 53 | ACADEMICS

Prof Albert de Roeck

09 Feb 2023

Another exciting interview from our CERN mini-series, this time with Prof Albert de Roeck, who was in the leadership of the CMS experiment in CERN at the exciting time that the Higgs boson was being discovered. What is the exciting future of neutrinos and what enchants him about egyptology? Listen and find out!

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EPISODE 52 | ACADEMICS

Stephanie Campbell

12 Dec 2022

In this episode we speak with Stephanie Campbell, an astronomy PhD student at the University of St Andrews. We discuss their time at St Andrews, researching the use of dynamic models to study galaxies, as well as their work in diversity and outreach in astronomy. This includes coordinating the University of St Andrews Mobile Planetarium and being the Regional Liaison for the International Society of Non-binary Scientists. (Photo credit: Andrew Perry)

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EPISODE 51 | ACADEMICS

Dr Simon Clark

26 Oct 2022

In this week's episode of Insight, Dr Simon Clark talks about his journey into science content creation, his new book Firmament and also his favourite coordinate system.

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EPISODE 50 | ACADEMICS

Frederik Van der Veken

20 Aug 2022

Frederik is working on the collimators in the LHC, but his path to CERN led through performing arts, philosophy, classical music and then quantum chromodynamics. He speaks about his adventures travelling in Africa and elsewhere and adds many interesting insights into the fields in which he's been involved. Enjoy listening!

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EPISODE 49 | ACADEMICS

Patrick Geeraert

24 Jul 2022

An interview with Patrick Geeraert, whose long and successful career in CERN now culminates in leading the Science Gateway project. Having also done a 9-year detour to ESO, Patrick speaks about the coincidence that lead him to CERN in the first place, managing huge international science projects, and adds a few charming anecdotes.

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EPISODE 6 | SPECIALS

CERN Mini-series Announcement

18 Jul 2022

We are very happy to announce a mini-series of interviews with researchers and other members of CERN. There are a few interviews lined up, but meanwhile, before they are ready, let's talk about the random places and things here in CERN :) Enjoy the summer!

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EPISODE 48 | ACADEMICS

Oriel Marshall

13 Jul 2022

In this wholesome interview, we speak with Oriel, a PhySoc alumnus and St Andrews Physics graduate. Where has life taken her, and what does she recommend to us - future graduates (and alumni <3 )? This interview is exceptionally full of laughing!

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EPISODE 47 | ACADEMICS

Dr Aleks Scholz

31 Mar 2022

!This interview was conducted in August 2021! Apologies for keeping it in the backlog for so long O:) Anyway, it's the JGT's (the largest telescope in the Observatory) 60th birthday this month, and we speak about it in the podcast, so there's a bit of up-to-date-ness. Also, did you know that Aleks has written several fiction books? Some of them are now donated to the student societies and you can find them in the Observatory! Enjoy listening (and reading! I recommend)!

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EPISODE 46 | ACADEMICS

Prof Graham Smith

04 Mar 2022

In this episode, Professor Graham Smith shares memories from when he lived in Uni Hall and gives some advice to students and young people starting their careers. Having created an instrument that is state-of-the-art in his field, and conducting research on it, he doesn't view this as his biggest achievement. So what is it? It's a very heartwarming interview, this one :)

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EPISODE 45 | ACADEMICS

Dr Helen Cammack

14 Jan 2022

Dr Helen Cammack speaks candidly about her research, teaching, and experience in academia. Messy hair and surprised people at the shop counters, the experience of early career researchers... all this and more in this episode of Insight! (This has been in our repository for a while, some references might be out of date, but the message remains ;) )

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EPISODE 5 | SPECIALS

Winter Special 2021

17 Dec 2021

Pop Christmas songs? On the organ? I think it worked great, but don't tell Mariah Carey! As an absolute layman, I was pleasantly surprised by how many different sounds the organ can make! And Matthew's jazzy Jingle Bells and the Mirroir piece really broke my prejudice about the instrument only being fit to play baroque or religious music. Enjoy your holiday, everyone!

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EPISODE 44 | ACADEMICS

Prof Sally Mapstone

19 Oct 2021

Today we are honoured to speak with Prof Sally Mapstone, the principal and Vice-chancellor of the University of St Andrews. Who is the person under whose leadership the uni tops ranking tables? What was her research and does she wish for the future? And did you know she was a keen runner?

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EPISODE 43 | ACADEMICS

Sebastian Russel-Smith

17 Sep 2021

Sebastian is a St Andrews graduate who through a Masters in London found his way into Rolls Royce's graduate program. He describes his current job as a "nuclear plumber". Find out about his interesting career path, or what he recommends people look out for when searching for a job in industry!

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EPISODE 42 | ACADEMICS

Patrick Barth

06 Aug 2021

Patrick Barth speaks about his PhD joint between the School of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Geology and Earth Sciences. We touch upon everything from lightning in exoplanetary atmospheres to SAINTS LGBT+, labwork during the COVID19 pandemic, rowing and sourdough. Enjoy listening!

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EPISODE 41 | ACADEMICS

Prof Kate Sang

03 Jul 2021

Prof Kate Sang from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University focuses on inclusion in the workplace in her research. We speak about disability in high-skilled professions. How is academia doing compared to industry, and what can be improved? What are some real-life stories that she found in her research? And why is the most challenging part of her research the flipside of the most rewarding aspect?

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EPISODE 40 | ACADEMICS

Early Career Researchers

08 May 2021

We know them as helpful tutors and life-saving lab demonstrators. But what is it like to be a PhD student or a postdoc, and how do you even become one? We discuss all aspects like passion for research, but also job security, family, and mental health. We had a good laugh with Kristin, Rose, Ian and Viktor. You can hear dogs and babies in the background, too. Enjoy listening!

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EPISODE 39 | ACADEMICS

Dr Peter Woitke

03 Apr 2021

In this interview with Dr Peter Woitke, we discuss his research in modelling protoplanetary disks and exoplanets' atmosphere, the obstacles that he faced during his academic career, his worries about climate change, and much more. What do pre-recorded lectures feel like to someone who's recording them? What is drink does Peter recommend? Listen to find out!

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EPISODE 38 | ACADEMICS

Dr Lucy Hadfield

09 Mar 2021

Dr Lucy Hadfield describes her memories from teaching at a boarding school or being an astronomer in the USA. She speaks about equality and diversity in science, as well as her experience on the Rector's Committee and why she watches the Great British Bake Off.

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EPISODE 37 | ACADEMICS

Dr Rita Tojeiro

22 Feb 2021

With Dr Rita Tojeiro we talk about international research collaborations and outreach activities, her dog, why she went to Borneo and under what circumstances she would like to return there. Enjoy listening!

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EPISODE 36 | ACADEMICS

Samuel Lavery

17 Jan 2021

Sam Lavery is the founder of insight and the host of 31 interviews and 3 specials. He has graduated and is pursuing a PhD at the University of Edinburgh. Now it's his turn to be interviewed! He talks about what led him to start the podcast, shares some tips about module choices and explains why he ended up running in the rain as a part of his summer internship. Thanks, Sam! Enjoy listening, everyone!

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EPISODE 4 | SPECIALS

Winter Special 2020

04 Jan 2021

We are presenting to you a special episode of Insight. Our Honorary Vice-President Dr Chris Hooley kindly agreed to record some songs and poems that were missed this semester due to the absence of lectures. He has chosen a trio of trios with a winter or Christmas theme. Enjoy listening! Additional music credits: O Holy Night and O Come O Come Emmanuel Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Church Bell "Free Sounds Library" Free Sound Effects Site. License: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) http://www.freesoundslibrary.com

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EPISODE 35 | ACADEMICS

Prof Joseph McGeough

18 Dec 2020

This episode features former Regius Professor of Engineering Joseph McGeough, an engineer at the University of Edinburgh. We find out about his presidency of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, his meeting with a very famous physicist, and the most beautiful place that he worked at.

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EPISODE 34 | ACADEMICS

Prof Brad Gibson

21 Jul 2020

This interview is with Professor Brad Gibson, who is Head of Physics & Mathematics at the University of Hull and director of the E.A. Milne Centre for Astrophysics. We discuss his different jobs across the world, science outreach, and his love of comic books.

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EPISODE 33 | ACADEMICS

Dr Collin Bleak

27 May 2020

In this episode Dr Collin Bleak, of the University’s Maths Department, talks candidly about his journey into academia, through hustling chess on the streets of New York City, to starting a successful Wall Street company, to why he moved to Scotland.

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EPISODE 32 | ACADEMICS

Prof Jerry De Groot

25 Mar 2020

Today emeritus Professor Jerry De Groot, of the university’s history department, discusses his thoughts on history research today, what motivates him to write books, and what he’ll miss from his time teaching.

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EPISODE 31 | ACADEMICS

Prof Natalia Korolkova

26 Feb 2020

This interview features Professor Natalia Korolkova, a theoretical physics professor at the University of St Andrews. We discuss what it takes to become a professor, the differences in education systems across Europe, and her favourite comfort food.

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EPISODE 30 | ACADEMICS

Dr Duncan Robertson

29 Oct 2019

This interview is with Dr Duncan Robertson, Director of Impact and radar expert at the University of St Andrews Physics Department. During our conversation we discuss the fun he has researching, his first job, and his love of photography.

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EPISODE 3 | SPECIALS

Copenhagen with Benjamin Osugo

08 Oct 2019

This interview is a bit different, and features Benjamin Osugo, our first student interviewee. Benjamin is directing a St Andrews performance of the play Copenhagen, a student production supported by the Physics Society.

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EPISODE 2 | SPECIALS

Mental Well-being in Academia

07 May 2019

To support students coping with stress and poor mental well-being around the upcoming exam season, this episode of insight features two open discussions about mental health in academia. We have the privilege of talking to some staff members and students here in St Andrews. We hope this episode will educate you on the realities of mental well-being faced by many in academia, but also on how to surmount issues to succeed.

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EPISODE 29 | ACADEMICS

Dr Pete Barnsley

18 Mar 2019

This interview is with Dr Pete Barnsley, our first industry specialist who has held high-up roles at BT Openreach and is currently a director at AITE Consulting Ltd. We talk about physicists in industry, why physics is so useful, and why Lou Reed and pottery makes him tick.

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EPISODE 28 | ACADEMICS

Dr Oluwasesan Adegoke

01 Mar 2019

In our second interview at the University of Dundee’s Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, we interview Dr Oluwasesan Adegoke. Dr Adegoke and I discuss his motivations for working in scientific research and the many different cultures and countries that he has worked in.

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EPISODE 27 | ACADEMICS

Prof Niamh Nic Daéid

15 Feb 2019

Today we’re honoured to interview the director of the University of Dundee’s Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, Professor Niamh Nic Daéid. Professor Nic Daéid talks about what it takes to be a forensic scientist, how she copes with being an eminent researcher in her field, and what she thinks of crime TV shows.

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EPISODE 26 | ACADEMICS

Alison McLure

15 Jan 2019

We talk with Alison McLure, National Manager for Scotland for the IOP, about the fantastic variety of jobs she has had involving physics, the hobbies she gets up to, and about her scientific expeditions to some of the coldest places on Earth.

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EPISODE 25 | ACADEMICS

Dr Anindya Raychaudhuri

23 Nov 2018

Today we sit down with our first humanities interviewee, Dr Anindya Raychaudhuri. We discuss his work here in the School of English at St Andrews, subjectivity in the sciences, and we get a bit meta and talk about his podcast.

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EPISODE 24 | ACADEMICS

Dr Duncan Forgan

15 Oct 2018

St Andrews astrophysicist, Dr Duncan Forgan, talks to us about his extensive work with SETI, the Search for Extra-terrestrial Intelligence; how he would host his perfect dinner party; and how he takes his morning coffee.

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EPISODE 23 | ACADEMICS

Prof Lyndsay Fletcher

21 Sep 2018

Today we’re delighted to talk to the University of Glasgow’s Professor Lyndsay Fletcher, an astrophysicist. We discuss studying the Sun, equality and representation in academia, and what she thinks about the pubs and drinks in Glasgow.

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EPISODE 22 | ACADEMICS

Dr Sebastian Schulz

11 Aug 2018

This interview is with one of our newest St Andrews physicists, Dr Sebastian Schulz. We discuss the cultural shock of moving to Canada, how to keep spirits up when work isn’t going well and the reality TV show he’s not a fan of.

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EPISODE 21 | ACADEMICS

Dr Annelies Mortier

19 Jul 2018

Today you're listening to our interview with Dr Annelies Mortier, an astrophysicist here at St Andrews. We talk about using large telescopes, her favourite types of jigsaw puzzles, and surprising chance encounters with royalty.

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EPISODE 20 | ACADEMICS

Dr Hamid Ohadi

20 Jun 2018

A newly appointed lecturer in the School of Physics and Astronomy, Dr Hamid Ohadi, talks to us about the difficulties experienced by new academics, what he misses about Iran, and the hobby he has mastered.

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EPISODE 19 | ACADEMICS

Dr Paul Cruickshank

22 May 2018

We interview the St Andrews physicist, Dr Paul Cruickshank. Our discussion includes the perfect music gig, what he expected more of in academia, and his experiences with hair dye in the past and possibly the future.

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EPISODE 18 | ACADEMICS

Prof Andrew Cameron

05 Apr 2018

We interview Prof Andrew Cameron, an astrophysicist at St Andrews. We discuss his research and its impact, what academia has taught him about travelling, his favourite science communicator and dreams coming true.

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EPISODE 17 | ACADEMICS

Prof Ian Bonnell

08 Mar 2018

Professor Ian Bonnell, an astrophysicist within the School of Physics and Astronomy at St Andrews, talks to us about what qualities he needed to become a successful academic, his favourite sport at the Winter Olympics and the one snack food he couldn’t live without.

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EPISODE 16 | ACADEMICS

Dr Isobel Falconer

19 Jan 2018

This interview is with Dr Isobel Falconer, from St Andrews' School of Maths and Stats. We discuss the history of maths and science generally, what sports she can’t abide watching and her hobbies, ranging from the intense to the more relaxed. Enjoy listening!

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EPISODE 15 | ACADEMICS

Dr Antonia Wilmot-Smith

13 Dec 2017

In this interview we talk with Dr Antonia Wilmot-Smith, from the School of Mathematics and Statistics at St Andrews. We discuss the festive season, some of her favourite things about being a lecturer and why she left academia before later returning. Enjoy listening!

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EPISODE 1 | SPECIALS

Winter Special 2017

04 Dec 2017

To bring to the end of a year of fantastic interviews we thought we’d present a special gift to you for the holiday season. We’re welcoming staff from the School of Physics and Astronomy to bring us some of their favourite seasonal stories and songs. Happy holidays from the St Andrews Physics Society, and enjoy listening.

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EPISODE 14 | ACADEMICS

Dr Verena Dietrich-Bischoff

15 Nov 2017

This time on insight Sam interviews Dr Verena Dietrich-Bischoff, a lecturer in the School of Biology. We discuss the challenges of fieldwork with animals, how she remembers her students and her surprising taste in music.

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EPISODE 13 | ACADEMICS

Dr Janet Lovett

15 Oct 2017

This interview features Dr Janet Lovett, an Advanced Research Fellow in physics here at St Andrews who works with spectroscopy techniques across a variety of fields. Our conversation delves into her experiences of interdisciplinary science, how she ended up researching with her own blood and the shortlist of her favourite museums.

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EPISODE 12 | ACADEMICS

Dr Pawel Romanczuk

27 Sep 2017

This episode of insight has a twist, our editor, Conor MacBride, and I have switched roles as he interviews Dr Pawel Romanczuk. Dr Romanczuk straddles the line between biology and physics as head of the Collective Information Processing group at the Humboldt University of Berlin’s Institute for Theoretical Biology. We discuss his multicultural life in education and academia, the Berlin Wall and the plethora of hobbies he keeps up with.

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EPISODE 11 | ACADEMICS

Dr Dav Macfarlane

15 Aug 2017

Dr Macfarlane, a St Andrews physicist in our millimetre wave research group, talks to us about the perks of academia, what people appreciate in science communication and outreach, and what’s the best way to spend a free morning.

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EPISODE 10 | ACADEMICS

Dr Vivienne Wild

15 Jul 2017

Dr Wild, chair of the Equality and Diversity Committee within the school, talks to us about our new Juno Champion status and why it is important to strive for equality within science and beyond. Dr Wild also discusses what she likes about her research and the extreme sports she has participated in during her free time while researching galaxy evolution around the world.

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EPISODE 9 | ACADEMICS

Dr Jack Ireland - Part 2

27 Jun 2017

In part 2 Dr Ireland contemplates travelling to Mars, talks about what it is that NASA researchers find cool, how students can get jobs at places like NASA and settles some important questions concerning the differences between Scotland and America. Dr Ireland is a heliophysics researcher at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and a former postdoctoral researcher within the School of Mathematics and Statistics.

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EPISODE 8 | ACADEMICS

Dr Jack Ireland - Part 1

26 Jun 2017

Dr Ireland is a heliophysics researcher at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and a former postdoctoral researcher in the Solar and Magnetospheric Theory group within the School of Mathematics and Statistics. Dr Ireland talks about the exciting projects he has been working on at NASA and also looks back at fond memories of his time here in St Andrews and how his time here has influenced his future career.

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EPISODE 7 | ACADEMICS

Prof Eric Priest

23 Apr 2017

This episode features Prof Eric Priest, our first non-physicist! Prof Priest is an acclaimed mathematician and also a prominent speaker on the interactions between science and religion. Our discussion covers the overlaps between physics and maths, the interaction of all science and religion and the differences that Prof Priest has found from his time as a student and today.

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EPISODE 6 | ACADEMICS

Science After Brexit - Part 2

19 Mar 2017

Following on from last week’s discussion we feature questions from the audience on how a British exit from the EU will change science within the UK. Our panel, moderated by the principal, consists of the rector, the directors of both Scientists for EU and Scientists for Britain as well as the president of EuCheMS.

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EPISODE 5 | ACADEMICS

Science After Brexit - Part 1

11 Mar 2017

Last month PhySoc, along with other science societies from the University of St Andrews, organised Science After Brexit, a panel discussion and Q&A on how a British exit from the EU will change science within the UK. Our panel, moderated by the principal, consists of the rector, the directors of both Scientists for EU and Scientists for Britain as well as the president of EuCheMS.

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EPISODE 4 | ACADEMICS

Dr Michael Mazilu

19 Feb 2017

This episode features Dr Mazilu, a biophotonics researcher, who gives us an insight into the pleasures of conferences, how research has changed through time and the singular shortfall of making your research comprehensible to others. Although he doesn't profess to know much about the wildlife around the physics building, he suggests a novel idea for a new mascot.

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EPISODE 3 | ACADEMICS

Prof Moira Jardine

14 Jan 2017

Welcoming our first astrophysicist to insight, we have an enjoyable and informing conversation with Professor Moira Jardine. Our chat spans finding a perfect sky when you least expect it, tackling a nightmarish six month PhD problem and the most profound insight to be found from the universe.

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EPISODE 2 | ACADEMICS

Dr Bruce Sinclair

29 Nov 2016

We talk to Dr Bruce Sinclair, one of the faces that welcomes new students to the university in his role as Director of Teaching. We take a look at Dr Sinclair's achievements, he gives a shot at explaining special relativity and Dr Sinclair describes what it is that makes St Andrews so special.

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EPISODE 1 | ACADEMICS

Dr Chris Hooley

26 Oct 2016

For our inaugural interview we sit down for a delightful conversation with Dr Chris Hooley, a man recognised for his style and presence around the physics building. We talk about some of his lecturers, what he'd be reading on a desert island and how to ruin an almost perfect moment in St Andrews.

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