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!
Listen
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)
Listen
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.
Listen
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!
Listen
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.
Listen
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!
Listen
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!
Listen
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)!
Listen
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 :)
Listen
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 ;) )
Listen
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!
Listen
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?
Listen
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!
Listen
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!
Listen
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?
Listen
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!
Listen
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!
Listen
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.
Listen
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!
Listen
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!
Listen
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
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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!
Listen
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!
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
Listen
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.
