Got a big question? There’s probably an Ri podcast episode for it.
From the mysteries of memory to the future of AI, the Ri Science Podcast explores the big questions shaping our understanding of the world.
We’ve picked five episodes to get you started, featuring fascinating conversations with leading scientists and science communicators.
Ri on AI: Understanding AlphaFold with Dame Janet Thornton
As we explore how AI is impacting different areas of scientific research, we discuss AlphaFold—the machine learning programme from DeepMind that can determine a protein structure from its amino acids alone. We are joined by Dame Janet Thornton, an oracle of bioinformatics and former Director of the European Bioinformatics Institute, to discuss how AlphaFold has revolutionised its field, and what it could do in the future.
The neuroscience of memory - with Charan Ranganath
Why is it that we can vividly remember a particular smell from years ago, but can’t remember where we put our keys a mere few hours prior? On this episode, we’re joined by renowned neuroscientist and author Dr Charan Ranganath to discuss how and why we remember, as he takes us on a journey through our own minds and offers a forward look at the future of memory research.
The brain on exercise - with Dr Flaminia Ronca
What actually happens to your brain when you exercise? What’s the science behind "runner’s high"? And why isn’t there enough research on women in sport? We’re joined by exercise neuroscientist Flaminia Ronca, from UCL and the Institute of Sport Exercise and Health.
She shares with us which chemical and physiological systems are involved when we exercise, and how regular exercise can decrease our chances of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Tackling climate change with innovation – with Alyssa Gilbert and Katherine Mathieson
How could we use shower wastewater to clean our clothes? In this episode, we introduce you to ‘Undaunted’—our partnership with Imperial College London that supports climate-positive startups tackling the climate crisis head-on.
We hear from Alyssa Gilbert, Director of Undaunted, and Katherine Mathieson, Director of the Ri, about the exciting work Undaunted is doing, alongside a sneak peek into some of the innovations.
Eggs, Evolution, and life on Earth - with Jules Howard
What came first, the chicken, the egg, or...the jellyfish? Zoologist and author Jules Howard joins us to explore evolution through a new lens—the egg. Eggs play a fundamental role in the reproduction and development of most species, yet they have been relatively overlooked in the narrative of evolution and the progression of life on Earth.
Jules takes us on a journey back through the history of eggs, their surprisingly fundamental role in everything from the extinction of dinosaurs to the evolution of the human brain.
Tripping the light fantastic: Space science and 200 years of the CHRISTMAS LECTURES - with Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock
A bonus episode for you, hand-picked by our podcast producer and presenter Lia Hale!
In 2025, space scientist and renowned science communicator Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock presented the CHRISTMAS LECTURES in their 200th year.
Maggie joined us on the podcast to explore the history of space imaging and the huge number of projects she has worked on throughout her career, as well as her experiences navigating the scientific world and some of the biggest questions remaining in space science today.
Listen to the Ri Science Podcast
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