Shows
That's What I Call Science!Episode 308: What’s new with renewable energy?Welcome back to our third week of climate engineering! This week, we’re joined by Dr. Pooyan Alinaghi Hosseinabadi, a lecturer and postdoctoral researcher in electrical engineering. Pooyan’s work has taken him across the world and his current research focuses on renewable energy. Tune in to find out how we can be reducing emissions and you might just start looking at the electronics in your house in a whole new light. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-th...
2025-11-3027 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 302: Inspiring Women in STEMM 2025 Part 2Last week, you heard from two of this year’s cohort of the Inspiring Women in STEMM Fellowship. This week, we have Rose Aawulenaa and Dilini Manage on the mic to share their PhD research topics and plans for the fellowship with you!Rose is an Agricultural Science PhD candidate and Dilini is a supply chain decarbonisation PhD candidate. What do they have in common? Leading incredible projects in their home communities that can help raise up the next generation. Make sure you tune in to hear them chat with Olly about their incredible work!
2025-10-1927 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 301: Inspiring Women in STEMM 2025 Part 1From the sea to how we see!Barbara Labbe and Isabelly de Lima may have very different research fields, but what they do have in common is that they are both in the 2025 cohort of Inspiring Women in STEMM Fellows! Tune in to today’s episode for Part 1 about this year’s fellows. You’ll hear about Barbara’s work with seaweed and her outreach in Chile, as well as about Isabelly’s work in paediatric cataract and her outreach in Brazil. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodThank you to the w...
2025-10-1227 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 292: Modelling Nature’s ComplexityHow do you track the invisible spread of disease or predict the risks of invasive species? In this episode, we speak with ecological modeller, Nick Beeton, who uses maths, stats and a whole lot of code to make sense of complex environmental challenges. Nick shares his journey from growing up in Tasmania to working at CSIRO, where his projects have included modelling for wildlife disease like Devil Facial Tumor Disease on Tasmanian devils to genetically engineered mosquitoes for malaria prevention. It’s a fascinating dive into how numbers help us make better decisions for the planet.Show th...
2025-08-1027 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 286: How quantum computing could break the world…and fix it againCould you play Minecraft on a quantum computer?In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Susan Coppersmith from the University of New South Wales to explore the strange and fascinating world of quantum computing.We talk about why quantum computers are so different from the ones we use every day, what a qubit is, what makes this technology so powerful, and how it could reshape things like encryption and digital security.This episode peeks into a future that’s already being built—qubit by qubit.Show theme music...
2025-06-2927 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 275: Superstars of STEMIn this episode, we dive into the journeys of two Tassie scientists—TWICS’s own Dr. Meredith Castles and Dr. Jane Younger—who have been selected as part of Science & Technology Australia’s prestigious Superstars of STEM program. This initiative is designed to elevate the visibility of women and non-binary people in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, equipping them with media and leadership skills to become role models for future generations.Meredith and Jane share their unique paths into STEM, the impact they hope to make as Superstars, and why representation in science communication is more crucial than eve...
2025-04-1327 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 268: From Journalism to Science CommunicationAfter years of working in the media industry and navigating the highs and lows of journalism, Tia Ewen navigated her way to science communication. In this episode, Dr Olly Dove and Georgia Stewart sit down with Tia as she takes us behind the scenes in the newsroom, navigating her way through the media industry, her love and passion for science and how she eventually ended up in the classroom. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Dr Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)Production: Dr Simin Salarpour (@S...
2025-02-2327 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 263: The Australasian Cytometry SocietyJoin us for this week’s episode, in which Olly and Georgia make their way through the poster session at the Australasian Cytometry Society’s annual 2024 conference! Cytometry may not be a word you’ve heard before, but is all about cells. And, by studying the cells in our bodies, the researchers in today’s episode have been making leaps and bounds in medical research in order to help the patients that need them.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)Prod...
2024-11-2427 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 256: Turtles, Seabirds, and Connection to PlaceOut on Bruny Island one rainy and windy night, Edith Shum rested in a cosy cabin after a busy day out in the field. Joined by Olly on her adventure, the two took up the chance while warming themselves by the fire to talk about Edith’s past adventures. Having worked in Queensland with sea turtles, Edith now works in Tasmania on exploring how species shape our connection to places in the context of environmental change. Tune in to hear all about it! Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly...
2024-10-0627 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 253: Beaker Street Festival 2024: Part 2In August each year, a horde of science communicators arrive in lutruwita/Tasmania, ready to share their work with the public at the Beaker Street Festival. One of the many special events across the festival is the Roving Scientist Bar. With a table per scientist and the public free to move between them, the room quickly fills with the sounds of STEMM-tastic stories being shared. Join Olly and Simin for Part 2 of our Beaker Street double bill, to meet even more of the incredible scientists involved. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod...
2024-09-1527 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 245: Inspiring Women in STEMM Fellowship 2024Each year, Science in the Pub Tasmania’s Inspiring Women in STEMM Fellowship not only recognises incredible women working in STEMM in Tasmania, but also provides the chance for them to conduct outreach in their home community.In today’s episode, Olly hears from the 2024 fellows, Ella Smalley, Esmat Sarafraz, and Saranya Viswanathan, as they tell her all about their incredible projects.It’s safe to say that she was left feeling more than just a little inspired, and there’s a good chance you will, too. Show theme music: Kevin Mac...
2024-07-2127 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 239: Symphony of Fire and WaterExplore Dr Anna Matala's extraordinary journey from violinist to pioneering scientist in this compelling episode. From her groundbreaking work in pyrolysis modelling to her pivotal role at Tasmania's Fire Centre and Hydro Tasmania, Dr Matala seamlessly bridges the worlds of fire and water. Discover the fascinating intersections between her passions and the profound impact of her multidisciplinary approach. Tune in to uncover the inspiring insights of this exceptional polymath.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Production: Simin Salarpour (@S...
2024-06-0927 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 238: Nature by NumbersJoin us in this engaging episode as we delve into the fascinating world of mathematical modelling with David Horsley, a portfolio optimisation analyst at Hydro Tasmania. From statistical models of climate change to stochastic optimisation for hydro scheduling, David shares insights from his extensive experience. With a PhD in Applied Maths from UTAS and previous work on NASA's Space Geodesy Project, his expertise is unparalleled. Discover how David navigates the intersection of mathematics and nature, all while enjoying the beauty of Tasmania's outdoors.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove...
2024-06-0227 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 237: The Science of StormsHow do you build a storm? Dr Courtney Quinn’s maths journey has taken her all over the world, and she has combined this passion with her fascination of extreme weather events. She’s now an expert in the field of dynamical systems where she models the complexities of atmospheric and large-scale weather systems. In this episode, Olly and Georgia discover what goes into the mathematical building blocks of a cyclone and how the rate of changes of our climate can affect these large weather systems. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost...
2024-05-2627 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 235: Innovating with ElectromagneticsIn this episode, Olly and Sarah explore the world of electromagnetics with expert guest Dr Antony Lui. Antony’s career in research has focused on applications related to electromagnetic theory, including medical diagnosis, and antennas for sensing and communications.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Sarah LydenProduction: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)
2024-05-1227 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 229: Breaking New GroundJoin us as we journey through time and space to unlock Earth's dynamic history with expert guest Dr. Sheree Armistead. In this episode, we delve into Sheree’s groundbreaking research, from unravelling the mysteries of supercontinent Gondwana's tectonic evolution in Madagascar, India, and East Africa during her PhD studies, to exploring the ancient links between supercontinents and ore formation in Canada during her postdoctoral research. Now, Sheree’s focus turns to the rugged landscapes of northwest Tasmania, where she investigates the region's past ties to North America. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly...
2024-03-2427 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 226: Rock Solid EducationWelcome to our first instalment of the ‘Geoscience mini-series’, a four-part series where we talk to geoscientists based in Tasmania and elsewhere in Australia. This episode’s guest, Izzy Von Lichtan, is an esteemed expert in earth sciences, serving as curator at the Rock Library & Geological Museum and associate lecturer at the University of Tasmania. With over two decades of experience in teaching undergraduate programs, Izzy's passion lies in nurturing the curiosity of budding scientists in a supportive and encouraging environment.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Hannah Moore...
2024-03-0327 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 220: Eureka Prizes Part 1 - Back to beginningsRobyn Williams is a legend in science journalism. For over 50 years he has brought science stories to the airways through ABC National’s Science Show. As the founder of Australia Museum’s Eureka Prize, he joins Anna and Olly for part one of four episodes in the Eureka Prizes mini-series. They discuss the history of STEMM communication, cultural changes, and what’s kept Robyn passionate across his career. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod Host: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Anna Abela (@annaoabela)Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Media & Promotion: Anna Abela (@annaoabela)
2023-11-2627 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 207: Philosophy Unveiled: Science & EthicsJoin Dr Ann Thresher, a Philosopher, as she dives into the heart of science's workings and scientists' ethical responsibilities in technology. Explore telescope placements, altering species for climate, gene drive risks, and our duties toward invasive species. Delve into climate change's bounds with geo-engineering and terraforming, and the risks we dare to rescue our world. Uncover philosophical musings in this episode that simplifies complexity.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@olly_dove)Co-Host: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Media...
2023-08-2027 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 199: The Mount Pleasant Radio ObservatoryAfter two weeks of episodes at the Grote Reber Museum, we’re headed next door to the Mount Pleasant Radio Observatory for our final episode in the space mini-series! Brett Reid, manager of the University of Tasmania's radio telescopes, and Dr Patrick Yates-Jones, research associate at the School of Natural Sciences at the University of Tasmania, tell us all about their work at the Observatory, as well as take us into the exciting world of the Control Room.Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@littledove440) and Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Pro...
2023-06-2527 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 198: The Grote Reber MuseumIt’s week two in outer space for the TWICS team as Olly and Simin sit down with museum manager Karen Bradford inside the Grote Reber Museum in Cambridge, Tasmania. Surrounded by fascinating memorabilia from the past, Karen tells the hosting duo about her work at the museum, and even gives the pair a recorded tour!Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@littledove440) and Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Production: Hannah Moore (@HannahCMoore)Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)
2023-06-1827 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 197: From Geodesy Mysteries to Astronomy HistoriesJoin us for part 1 in a space mini series as we delve into the incredible world of geodesy and cutting-edge research into Very Long Baseline Interferometry (try saying that 5 times fast) with new PhD graduate, Simin Salarpour. From her native Iran to Tasmania, we talk about her remarkable journey, the challenges she faced and the triumphs she achieved. We explore the power of science outreach, empowering women in science, and Simin's work at the Grote Reber radio astronomy museum in rural Tasmania. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod
2023-06-1127 min
That's What I Call Science!Episode 191: Inspiring Women in STEMM 2023: Marlee WellsThis week we are joined by Inspiring Women in STEMM Fellow Marlee Wells. Marlee is a PhD Candidate at the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre and faced many challenges growing up as a young girl interested in science in a small town. Now, Marlee hopes to use her experience to inspire other young people from rural areas to follow a similar path to her and achieve their dreams. Show theme music: Kevin MacLeodHost: Olly Dove (@littledove440)Production: Simin Salarpour (@SalarpourSimin)Media & Promotion: Hannah McCleary (@hannahsmccleary)
2023-04-3027 min