Episode 338: Connecting Science and Society

Episode 338: Connecting Science and Society

Author: That’s What I Call Science August 23, 2026 Duration: 27:50
In this week’s episode of That’s What I Call Science, we are joined by science communication expert, Caitlin McLeod. We explore Caitlin's journey into science communication and the experiences that shaped her career. From delivering hands-on workshops to some of Western Australia's most remote schools with Scitech, to travelling the country as a Questacon Presenter, freelance science writing, and her current role in community engagement at Tasmania's medical research institute, Caitlin has sp...

Hailing from the heart of Tasmania, That's What I Call Science! is an award-winning conversation that digs into the stuff that shapes our world. This isn't a dry lecture; it's a lively exploration of the science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine woven into everyday life and the big issues of our time. We get curious about everything from the practical applications of medical cannabis to the neurological underpinnings of mental health, always aiming to move beyond the headlines and find the human story in the data. Each episode features genuine conversations with expert guests-researchers, thinkers, and practitioners-who help us get to the guts of a topic. You'll hear us unpack complex ideas with clarity and a dash of Tasmanian charm, making the vast landscape of STEMM feel accessible and relevant. Whether you're a seasoned science enthusiast or just casually curious, this podcast offers a fresh, grounded perspective from down under. It’s for anyone who’s ever wondered about the how and why behind the things that matter, served with authenticity and a focus on real-world impact. Tune in for thoughtful discussions that connect the dots between laboratory research, technological innovation, and the community around us.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 50

That's What I Call Science!
Podcast Episodes
Episode 311: STEMM Solutions for Our Island [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:50
Join us to hear from the winners of our STEMM Solutions For Our Island Competition 2025! STEMM Solutions For Our Island was open to grade 10, 11 and 12 students in lutruwita/Tasmania who identify as female, femme or non-…
Episode 310: The Ethics of AI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:50
Computer implants into human bodies powered by AI is no longer a dystopian, science fiction trope - it is real life. Whilst the fiction is gone, the dystopian still remains. Associate Professor Frederic Gilbert answers o…
Episode 309: Looking to the Future with Climate Engineering [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:50
“Engineers got us into this mess…it’s engineers who will get us out again.” This is a catchphrase of one of our guests today, Associate Professor Evan Franklin. Along with Professor Tim Finnigan, Evan joined Sarah and Ol…
Episode 308: What’s new with renewable energy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:50
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…
Episode 307: Learning About Landslides [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:50
Landslides can bring devastating consequences to the communities they affect. Dr Ashley Dyson, a geotechnical engineer, joins Sarah and Olly for part two of our climate engineering series to explain how we can go about m…
Episode 306: Shedding a light on agrivoltaics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:50
Ever wondered what sheep and vineyards have in common? Turns out it’s agrivoltaic systems: generating solar power alongside agriculture. Olly and Sarah are joined in today’s episode by Ganesh Pandey, who tells the two al…
Episode 305: CoLab 2025 - Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:50
Welcome back to Part 2 of our CoLab 2025 double bill! In case you missed last week’s episode, CoLab pairs scientists with high schoolers, who, after workshops and lab visits, make art out of research! This week, Ella and…
Episode 304: CoLab 2025 - Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:50
What happens when you pair research scientists with high schoolers? Incredible art, that’s what! Through CoLab, six scientists are paired with two to three high schoolers each who, after a series of workshops, create art…
Episode 303: From Fact to Fiction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:50
Arnold Schwarzenegger, popcorn, AND science?! What more could you want? As part of National Science Week 2025, That’s What I Call Science hosted From Fact to Fiction: a live screening of Total Recall (1990) followed by a…
Episode 302: Inspiring Women in STEMM 2025 Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:50
Last 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 fellowsh…