SciLux
SciLux is a monthly podcast about science in Europe. It aims to appeal both to science enthusiasts and to people who haven't yet discovered their interest in science. Each episode explores scientific topics and developments from around Europe. The show is hosted by Hanna Siemaszko.
Épisodes
The Science of Sleep: Melatonin, GABA receptors and more with Prof. Ulf Ellervik
In our fast-paced world, sleep often takes a backseat to our busy schedules. But what exactly is it and what compounds help us fall asleep or keep awake? In the latest episode of our podcast, we talked with Ulf Ellervik, a Swedish professor of bio-organic chemistry at Lund University and the author of 'The Science of Sleep.' As we explore the various stages of sleep – light sleep, deep s
The Brain's Moral Compass: Investigating Obedience and Resistance through Field Research with Prof. Emilie Caspar
Can neuroscience shed light on why some individuals choose to obey harmful orders while others risk their lives to save others? In this SciLux episode Prof. Emilie Caspar at Ghent University shares her groundbreaking field research in Rwanda and Cambodia, exploring the mechanisms of obedience and resistance during genocides.Throughout the episode, Emilie talks about her experiences of gaining trus
Diagnosing the Future: Proteins, Biosensors and Fundamental Science with Prof. Eleonora Macchia
Can a single drop of blood tell you whether you'll develop pancreatic cancer — before any symptoms appear? Prof. Eleonora Macchia is working to make that a reality. This week on SciLux, we dig into biosensors, the science of proteins, and the surprising path from organic transistors to clinical trials.What you'll learn:Why the proteome is medicine's great unknownHow current tests (E
Climate Chronicles with Dr. Sophie Nuber
This month SciLux sits down with Dr. Sophie Nuber, a Luxembourgish climate and marine scientist at the University of Washington and keynote speaker at the Young Women's Conference Luxembourg. Sophie specialises in using natural archives, including corals and foraminifera, to reconstruct historical climate data and better understand modern climate change.What you'll hear about:Marine arch
The Skin We’re In: Microfluidics, Bubbles, and Healthcare Solutions with Prof. David Fernández Rivas
In this episode, we sit down with Professor David Fernández Rivas from the University of Twente to talk about what engineering actually means – and why you don't need a formal qualification to think like one.Professor Rivas then takes us through microfluidics and the science of bubbles – and how both are opening doors in medicine, from needle-free injections to medical tattoos.We also talk ab
Nature's Balance. Hummingbirds, Other Pollinators and Biodiversity with Prof. Ainhoa Magrach
Ever wondered why scientists keep talking about biodiversity? In this episode, Professor Ainhoa Magrach from Spain's BC3 Basque Centre for Climate Change reveals why diverse ecosystems are the foundation of everything.Think of biodiversity as nature's shock absorber. Professor Magrach uses a brilliant analogy: diversifying your ecosystem is like diversifying your investment portfolio – i
AI Awakening: Navigating Europe's Role in the Future of Machine Learning with Prof. Søren Hauberg
The AI research landscape may be fracturing along geopolitical lines. What does this mean for European innovation?Professor Søren Hauberg from Danish Technical University tackles these questions in our latest episode, recorded live at EurIPS, a community-driven conference that made world-class AI research accessible to Europe by showcasing papers accepted at NeurIPS. The gap between machine learni
The Silent Struggle: Endometriosis and Its Impact with Dr. Marina Kvaskoff
In this episode, we look into the complexities of endometriosis with Dr. Marina Kvaskoff, a researcher who works in the Epidemiology of Gynecological Health Team of the Center for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health in Villejuif, France. Dr. Kvaskoff explains what endometriosis is, how it affects women's lives, and the significant delay in diagnosis that many women face. She elabor
Emergent Wonders, Gravity and Black Holes with Dr. Jay Armas
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Jácome (Jay) Armas, a theoretical physicist who works at the Niels Bohr Institute (University of Copenhagen) and the University of Amsterdam.We spend time on the concept of emergence: how complex behaviour can arise from simple underlying rules in ways you couldn't predict just by looking at the components. Dr. Armas connects this to everything from physics t
Tiny Transformations: Exploring the World of Nanomaterials with Prof. Katarzyna Siuzdak
Did you know that if you go down to nanoscale, the features of materials change completely? For example gold can have a completely different colour. It's not only aestheric, it can have profound implications in the material's applications.Want to be surprised even more? Listen to the first episode in our new 6th season in which we discuss nanomaterials with Prof. Katarzyna Siuzdak.Join u
People on the Move: The Impact of Migration on Economies with Prof. Catia Batista
Migration remains one of the most contentious and emotionally charged issues of our time. In this episode, we explore the evidence behind the debates with Catia Batista, Professor of Economics at Nova School of Business and Economics and Director of the Nova Africa Research Center. Professor Batista recently served as a visiting professor at LISER through the FNR's INTER Mobility programme.Pr
Gut Feelings: Understanding Microbiome Influence on Health with Prof. Paul Wilmes
The gut microbiome has become a hot topic in recent years, capturing the attention of scientists and the general public alike. In our latest podcast episode, we met with Professor Paul Wilmes, head of the Systems Ecology group at the Luxembourg Center for Systems Biomedicine (University of Luxembourg). He shares insights into the complexities of the microbiome, its role in human health, and the gr
Can Data Help Manage Diabetes? (with Dr. Adam Hulman)
This episode features Dr. Adam Hulman, a mathematician with a PhD in epidemiology who specialises in bridging the gap between computer science and clinical research. Adam discusses the significant challenges involved in developing prediction models that actually work in real-world healthcare contexts, particularly in diabetes management.The conversation covers machine learning applications in medi
The Sun Affects Us All - Space Weather with Dr. Carl Shneider
Did you know Luxembourg is home to space weather experts?Space weather – a term that may sound unfamiliar to many – encompasses a broad range of solar phenomena that can significantly impact life on Earth and the technology we rely on daily. This is the specialisation of Dr. Carl Shneider from SnT (University of Luxembourg), whom we spoke with recently.One of the most fascinating aspects we discus
Eating for Life: Talking Nutrition with Dr. Torsten Bohn
Let's look at what we eat - from a nutrition research perspective!Dr. Torsten Bohn, a food chemist and nutritionist heading the Nutrition and Health group at the Luxembourg Institute of Health, shares his insights on what constitutes a healthy diet, the challenges of adhering to dietary recommendations in real life, and the impact of modern dietary trends. We explore the complexities of food
From Primes to Privacy: Number Theory and Cryptography with Prof. Jennifer Balakrishnan and Tim Seuré
What exactly is number theory, and what drives researchers to dedicate their careers to this field? How does this seemingly abstract branch of mathematics connect to the cryptography that secures our digital world?A couple of weeks ago, Luxembourg hosted the 33rd Journées Arithmétiques, providing us with the perfect opportunity to explore these questions. We sat down with two mathematicians: a vis
Insights into Colorectal Cancer Research with Prof. Elisabeth Letellier and Dr. Mina Tsenkova
In this episode, Professor Elisabeth Letellier from the University of Luxembourg and Dr. Mina Tsenkova, now at Amgen in California, discuss colorectal cancer research and ketogenic diet. Mina won the Rolf Tarrach Award 2024 for her PhD thesis. The discussion centers around the critical role of the gut microbiome in cancer development, specifically how diet influences this relationship. Mina share
From Rocks to Rescue: The Science of Asteroids and Planetary Defense with Dr. Patrick Michel
Dr. Patrick Michel, senior researcher at CNRS and global fellow at the University of Tokyo, discusses how our understanding of asteroids has evolved dramatically since the mid-1990s. Early research relied on reflected light observations, but space missions have revealed asteroids as complex geological worlds with diverse shapes and structures. Patrick reflects on this transition from limited knowl
The Lifecycle of Change: Sustainability Strategies with Dr. Thomas Gibon
Dr. Thomas Gibon from the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology breaks down why our assumptions about "green" technology are often wrong. Electric cars, hydrogen fuel, steel production – Thomas shows how Life Cycle Assessment reveals the hidden environmental costs that many don't talk about.The conversation cuts through the usual green-tech hype. That electric car? Its envi
Revolutionising Orthopedic Care: The SmILE Project with Dr. Bernd Grimm and Prof. Arndt-Peter Schulz
In this episode, we connect with Dr. Bernd Grimm from the Luxembourg Institute of Health and Professor Arndt-Peter Schulz from Germany's Fraunhofer IMTE – two researchers revolutionising orthopedic medicine by looking into the fast developing field of smart implants - here comes the SmILE project.Musculoskeletal diseases like osteoarthritis and osteoporosis affect millions worldwide, yet bare
Bridging Science and Society: Insights from Prof. Mike S. Schäfer
In this SciLux episode, we speak about science communication with Professor Mike S. Schäfer, Head of the Department of Communication and Media Research at the University of Zurich. We examine the role of intermediaries between researchers and audiences and discuss the difficulties scientists face when explaining their work.Mike addresses the need to understand different audiences, and strategies f
Unveiling the Layers of History with Dr. Joëlla van Donkersgoed
History isn't just what happened - it's who gets to tell the story. In this episode, we sit down with public history researcher Dr. Joëlla van Donkersgoed (C2DH, University of Luxembourg) to explore how communities are reclaiming their narratives and reshaping our understanding of the past.From the streets of Esch-sur-Alzette to the remote Banda Islands of Indonesia, Joëlla's work
Navigating the Complexities of EU Law with Prof. Takis Tridimas
Prof. Takis Tridimas: "Europe for me is a set of values. It's about democracy. It's about putting the citizen at the centre of society."As we celebrated Europe Day last week, we took the time to revisit the concept of Europe and talk about EU Law with Prof. Takis Tridimas, the founding director of the Luxembourg Centre for European Law at the University of Luxembourg. With Prof
How to Learn a Language Like a Baby with Dr. Kateřina Chládková
Let's change the way we learn foreign languages! In our latest episode, Dr. Kateřina Chládková (assistant professor at Faculty of Arts, Charles University and a senior scientist at Institute of Psychology, Czech Academy of Sciences) upends conventional wisdom about language learning.Babies don't use flashcards or grammar drills—they absorb language through immersion in their linguistic e
Empowering Communities Through Local Currencies and Social Innovation with Dr. Gilles Evrard Essuman
In a world where traditional economic systems are being challenged, the concept of local currencies is gaining traction as a powerful tool for community empowerment and social innovation. In the latest episode of the podcast, host Hanna Siemaszko welcomes Dr. Gilles Evrard Essuman, a research associate at LISER specializing in social innovation and community economies. Their engaging conversation
Quantum and Post-Quantum Cryptography with Prof. Peter Ryan and Dr. Peter Roenne
With the advent of quantum computers, traditional cryptographic methods face unprecedented threats. In the latest episode of our podcast, we invited two guests from the Applied Security and Information Assurance (APSIA) Group at SnT (University of Luxembourg to discuss it: Prof. Peter Ryan and Dr. Peter Roenne.Listeners will discover how quantum key distribution (QKD) works (or as Prof. Ryan call
Quantum Bits and Superpositions: A Beginner's Guide to Quantum Computers with Prof. Ignacio Cirac
This week we enter the Quantum Day celebrations starting with an episode with Professor Ignacio Cirac, a distinguished theoretical physicist and director at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics.Professor Cirac begins by addressing a common sentiment surrounding quantum physics: fear and confusion. He emphasises that the threshold for understanding these concepts is surprisingly low, and with
Genetics of Rare Diseases: Insights from Luxembourg and Seville with Prof. Carole Linster and Prof. Rafael Fernández-Chacón
Join us as together with Prof. Carole Linster (LCSB) and Prof. Rafael Fernandez Chacon (IBIS) we explore rare metabolic diseases and the innovative research happening between Luxembourg and Seville. Carole and Rafael talk about their focus on rare diseases categorised under a disorder known as Batten disease or neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCLs). We also have a chance to compare different model
Numerical Cognition - Numbers, Maths Anxiety and Beyond with Dr. Mila Marinova
If you're curious about the complexities of cognitive psychology and want to learn more about how we perceive numbers and deal with maths anxiety, this episode with Dr. Mila Marinova from University of Luxembourg is a must-listen.One of the key points discussed was the prevalent issue of maths anxiety, which affects many individuals and often leads to a fear of mathematical tasks. Mila highli
Fuzzing and Testing: The Art of Software Reliability with Prof. Andreas Zeller
"If you have no specification of what the program should be doing, you have no errors, you only have surprises," that's one of the things we learnt from our latest guest, Prof. Andreas Zeller, tenured faculty at CISPA and professor for Software Engineering at Saarland University. It was great to revisit software engineering in more depth, focusing on testing and fuzzing and not forg
From Liquid to Solid: Exploring Liquid Crystals with Prof. Jan Lagerwall
Our latest guest, Prof. Jan Lagerwall from University of Luxembourg, knew how to catch our interest - he brought some samples to the studio. So this episode is not only a discussion about soft matter physics and liquid crystals, but Hanna is also challenged to describe what she sees. And you wouldn’t believe how many applications liquid crystals and liquid crystal rubbers can have. What an episode
Lunar Regolith or Dust and Rocks on the Moon with Timon Schild
In the third episode of this month, we re-explore the world of lunar resource utilization with Timon Schild, a PhD student at the European Space Resources Innovation Center (ESRIC). Join us as Timon unpacks the concept of In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) and its implications for future lunar missions.Timon shares insights on lunar regolith—what it is, how it forms, and the unique challenges it
Psychology of Taste: Unpacking the Senses with Prof. Charles Spence
In this week's episode, we talked to Professor Charles Spence, head of the Crossmodal Research Laboratory at the University of Oxford. Known for his innovative research on how our senses interact to shape our experiences, Professor Spence shares fascinating insights into the psychology of taste and smell.Join us as we explore the implications of this research for food design, the ethics of se
Hair, Health and Pollutants with Prof. Brice Appenzeller
And what if we looked closer at our hair?In our latest episode, our guest is Prof. Brice Appenzeller, head of the Human Biomonitoring Research Unit at the Luxembourg Institute of Health. After reminding our listeners what exposome is, Brice elaborates on the various agents we may be exposed to, including physical, microbiological, and chemical pollutants. He emphasizes that while we often hear abo
Nature-Based Solutions for Water Treatment with Dr. Silvia Venditti
In this episode learn more about environmental engineering from Dr. Silvia Venditti, an expert in nature-based solutions for water treatment. With a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London, Silvia is currently working at the University of Luxembourg, focusing on the removal of micropollutants from wastewater.Silvia explains how nature-based solutions mimic natural processes to res
Exoplanets and Cloud Formation with Prof. Christiane Helling
Buckle up and embark on a journey beyond our solar system with the latest episode featuring Professor Christiane Helling, director of the Space Research Institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and a professor at Graz University of Technology. With a focus on exoplanets and cloud formation, Professor Helling offers a glimpse into the fascinating field of space science.This episode is not just
Trust and Populism with Prof. Massimo Morelli
Join us as we talk with Professor Massimo Morelli, whose research spans economics, politics, and law. Having worked at top universities and now researching at LISER, he explains how trust shapes our economy and politics.He breaks down two types of trust: trust between people and businesses (horizontal), and trust in our institutions (vertical). Both are key to how well countries and markets work.W
Islands and Small States with Prof. Godfrey Baldacchino
Step into the world of small states and islands with Professor Godfrey Baldacchino (University of Malta), Malta's first thematic ambassador for islands and small states. In our latest podcast episode, we unravel the complex tapestry of smallness, exploring how seemingly minor entities can wield significant influence on the global stage.Listen now to gain a deeper understanding of the unique c
History of Online Virality and CD-ROMs with Prof. Valérie Schafer
In this captivating episode of SciLux, we visit the digital history realm with Professor Valérie Schafer, a leading researcher in Contemporary European History at the Luxembourg Centre for Contemporary and Digital History (C2DH). Professor Schafer guides us through the concept of born digital heritage, uncovering the layers of web archives and their significance in preserving our digital past.We a
Small Satellites with Citlali Bruce Rosete
We're coming back to the topic of space thanks to the winner of this year's Luxembourg Science Slam, Citlali Bruce Rosete, PhD student at the Space Systems Engineering Research Group of SnT, University of Luxembourg.We explore the intricacies of space technology, discussing the challenges and innovations in satellite design, the importance of sustainability in space, and the potential of
Arctic Charr and Evolutionary Biology with Dr. Kalina Kapralova
In this episode of SciLux, we visit the world of evolutionary biology with Dr. Kalina Kapralova from the University of Iceland. Dr. Kapralova studies Arctic charr in the unique environment of Iceland's lakes and together we explore the intricacies of evolutionary biology, discussing adaptive divergence, parallel evolution, and the process of speciation. Dr. Kapralova also sheds light on the i
Lasers and Plasma with Dr. Alexandros Gerakis
On this episode of SciLux, we sit down with Dr. Alexandros Gerakis, a Senior Research and Technology Associate at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) and an Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M University. Dr. Gerakis shares his fascinating journey from studying optical lattices during his PhD at University College London to his current work pioneering laser diagnostics for neu
Data is Not Enough with Dr. Carlos Vega
It was refreshing to chat to Dr. Carlos Vega, Research Engineer at the Luxembourg Institute of Health and a teacher at the University of Luxembourg. Carlos, who recently distinguished himself in the science.lu Science Writing competition, is a very good communicator. In this episode we explore the practical challenges of data collection, processing, and visualisation, highlighting the pitfalls and
Negotiating Narratives and Public History with Tina De Gendt
Today we embark on a new journey exploring European researchers and their contributions to science and society. Our first European guest, Tina de Gendt, a public historian, curator, writer and journalist recently received the European Heritage Europa Nostra Award for the Square Kilometre Project coordinated and funded by STAM Ghent City Museum and the Ghent Heritage Cell.Tina shares her insights o
Mitochondria and Neuroscience with Prof. Anne Grünewald
In this episode of SciLux, we talk about mitochondrial biology with Professor Anne Grünewald, a neuroscientist at the LCSB (Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine), University of Luxembourg. We explore the intricate role of mitochondria and their significance in energy production and cellular processes. Professor Grünewald shares her journey from biotechnology to neuroscience, highlighting the
Season 4 - Episode 27 - Digital Twins and Mobility
In this episode of SciLux, we talk about digital twins with Dr. German Castignani, AI and Data Analytics Platform Leader at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). Dr. Castignani, who also manages the Digital Twin Innovation Centre, shares his insights on the practical applications and potential of digital twins, vehicular technologies, and predictive modelling for energy and mo
Season 4 - Episode 26 - Talking Science
In this SciLux Original we go behind the scenes of the other science podcast – you guessed it right, Hanna talked to Max Kasel from Mäin Element. Discover how he navigates interviews with scientists, his approach to making science accessible and entertaining, and the importance of highlighting the personal stories behind scientific achievements.Max and Hanna discuss the challenges and rewards of i
Season 4 - Episode 25 - Water on the Moon
In this episode of SciLux, we have a closer look at lunar water with Dr. Veneranda López Días from the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). We explore the parallels between the water cycles on Earth and the Moon, the various forms in which water exists on the lunar surface, and the scientific methods used to detect and analyse it.Discover the intriguing theories about how water m
Season 4 - Episode 24 - SciLux with InTune - Music Education and Movement
In today's episode of Scilux, we look at music performance and education in Luxembourg. Joined by Eva Klein from In Tune (the Philharmonie Luxembourg podcast) and our guest, Luc Nijs, Associate Professor in early childhood music education, we explore the intersection of technology and traditional music practices. Discover the importance of physical preparation for musicians and the fascinatin
Season 4 - Episode 23 - Solar Panels
Time to learn more about solar energy with an exceptional guide: Professor Phillip Dale, Head of the Laboratory for Energy Materials at the University of Luxembourg. Discover the photovoltaic technology, from the basics of solar cells to advanced research on tandem solar cells and light concentration methods. Philip explains the science behind solar energy in an engaging and accessible manner, mak
Season 4 - Episode 22 - Labour Law
This time we look at European and comparative labour law with Luca Ratti, Associate Professor at the University of Luxembourg. Luca shares his journey of making labour law engaging for students and discusses his research on minimum wages and European social citizenship. Additionally, Luca provides insights into the right to disconnect, a topic that has gained prominence in the wake of the COVID-19
Season 4 - Episode 21 - Science Podcasting at LAML
This very special episode includes fragments of biology podcasts made by students at Lycée Aline Mayrisch during an FNR-funded project.During the Project Week at school, the students visited the Musée de l’Homme in Paris where they got inspiration and information about one of the chosen subjects: brain development, feelings, neurological diseases and art.We really couldn’t be prouder of the result
Season 4 - Episode 20 - Can We Change Time Perception?
Many factors can influence the way we feel the passage of time. And it seems we can also alter it using extended reality. Listen to Dr. Jean Botev and Sahar Niknam (University of Luxembourg) and Prof. Argiro Vatakis (Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences), the researchers who are developing VR/AR solutions to change our time perception. In this episode you will even get some tips on
Season 4 - Episode 19 - Beauty in Physics and Chemistry
In our recent discussions with physicists we have often ended up discussing beauty. Wikipedia says that beauty is a feature that makes objects pleasurable to perceive. And what does prof. Alex Tkatchenko think?Prof. Alex Tkatchenko (University of Luxembourg), who is a chemical physicist, not only took the time to tell us what is beautiful in physics and chemistry, but also focused on his research
Season 4 - Episode 18 - Climate Change Research
In this episode of SciLux, we talk about climate science and policy with Dr. Andrew Ferrone, a physical climatologist and the head of the Meteorological Department at the Administration of Technical Agricultural Services in Luxembourg. Andrew shares his expertise and insights into the evolving field of climatology, the significant role of greenhouse gases, and the critical importance of reaching n
Season 4 - Episode 17 - AllergoOncology
Here's interdisciplinarity at its best - combining experitise in allergies and oncology we get a novel and special look at the interesting link between cancer cell growth and allergies. Listen to our guests, Dr. Aurelie Poli (LIH) and Dr. Heather Bax (King's College London) as they explain the bases of the field also touching upon new developments in the field of IgE antibodies.SHOW NOTE
Season 4 - Episode 16 - Time Series and Directional Statistics
Sometimes science is about going very deep, but it pays off to also cross disciplines and try to apply your knowledge to other fields - this is exactly what my guests try to do in their statistical research. Listen to Prof. Masanobu Taniguichi and Sophia Loizidou as they explain complex statistical concepts, but also take the time to clarify what for example distribution is.USEFUL LINKSAbout Prof.
Season 4 - Episode 15 - Child Poverty
It is time to design policies that will combat poverty without relying on economic growth. In the latest episode, two experts in child poverty, Dr. Anne-Catherine Guio (LISER) and Prof. Olivier De Schutter (Université catholique de Louvain) have shared their findings. Olivier De Schutter is also UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights and together with Anne-Catherine, Eric Marlie
Season 4 - Episode 14 - Gut Microbiome, Immunotherapy and Targeted Cancer Therapy
In oncology the treatment is very diversified right now – there’s surgery, chemotherapy, radiology, but also immunotherapy and targeted therapy. In this episode of SciLux we focus on the last two combined with some studies on gut microbiome and going back to genetics 101. Our guests, Patrick Dang who is Resident in oncology at CHL and doctoral student at LCSB/University of Luxembourg and Michael D
Season 4 - Episode 13 - Exposomics
Talking to Dr. Dagny Aurich from Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB, University of Luxembourg) turned to be a brilliant travel through many of our previous episodes and we referred a lot to our discussion about unknown chemicals with Prof. Emma Schymanski, Dagny's supervisor.Dagny, who looked into historical exposomics with C2DH researchers through the IAS-funded Luxembourg Time
Season 4 - Episode 12 - Thermodynamics and Chemical Engines
The invention of heat engines has played a key role in human evolution and this is the starting point for our discussion about thermodynamics with our guests, Prof. Massimiliano Esposito (University of Luxembourg) and Dr. Emanuele Penocchio (Northwestern University). Emanuele is currently working in the intersection between chemistry and physics - studying chemical motors - which we also discuss i
Season 4 - Episode 11 - Microsimulations
If you want estimate the expected impact of a policy intervention, for example a modification of a tax rate, you can use microsimulations. Microsimulations can inform decision makers on the possible effects of their policies on individual households and support them in evidence-based decision making.Get to know more about them from our guest, an expert in microsimulations, Dr. Denisa M. Sologon (L
Season 4 - Episode 10 - Epigenetics
This episode felt a little like going back to school as Dr. Archibold Mposhi from LIH was nice enough to first explain very basic genetics and only then moved to his specialisation, epigenetics - the study of the influence of environment and behaviours on genes. So much going on in the field that we did not know about!SHOW NOTESAbout Archibold's research: https://researchportal.lih.lu/en/pers
Season 4 - Episode 9 - Can Sustainable Materials Be Beautiful?
Sustainability seems to be discussed in all areas of our lives nowadays. But what does it actually mean for a materials engineer? And most importantly, how can we convince the consumers to buy sustainable materials not only because they are better for the environment, but because these materials are simply pleasing to the eye and nice to touch?In this episode we had a chance to talk to Dr. Tim Hub
Season 4 - Episode 8 - Space Robotics
After a couple of weeks of discussion we finally had the pleasure to talk to the head of the amazing space labs at SnT (University of Luxembourg) and one of the postdocs who is a member of the space robotics group (SpaceR). Prof. Miguel Olivares Mendez and Dr. Carol Martinez told us what a robot really is, what it means when it has some intelligence and how it is to create labs which emulate space
Season 4 - Episode 7 - Health Economics
It is not the first episode in which we learn how interconnected everything is. Health economics is all about trying to see the big picture and taking the right cost-effective decisions. Prof. Marc Suhrcke from Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER) took the time to explain what his field is about and also presented the various projects he is involved in, spanning from universal h
Season 4 - Episode 6 - 3D Printing Organic Materials
What if we just used the soil that is on your plot instead of bringing the building materials from somewhere else? Doable? Angelika Bocian-Jaworska, the founder of Äerd Lab, convinced us that this is going to happen. Right now Angelika focuses on developing the right sustainable materials, but the future is hers - she wants to 3D print your next house.USEFUL LINKSÄerd Lab - https://aerdlab.com/Ins
Season 4 - Episode 5 - Satellite and Quantum Communications
They fly above our head in the thousands yet we tend to forget about them - the satellites! In this episode we had a chance to learn a lot about them, how to communicate with them, where they are, but we also went beyond to quantum communications. All thanks to our amazing guest, Prof. Symeon Chatzinotas from SnT (University of Luxembourg).USEFUL LINKSAbout Symeon: https://ism.uni.lu/person/prof-d
Season 4 - Episode 4 - Housing Policy
Ever wondered how housing policies and markets add to inequalities within and across countries? And how does it work in Luxembourg?In the PROPEL project, Prof. Lindsay Flynn looks at the forces shaping patterns of inequality within and between generations in affluent democracies. In this episode we look both at the housing situation of younger generations, changes in housing policies as well as tr
Season 4 - Episode 3 - Software Engineering and Chatbots
Would you think about building a bridge or constructing a house before actually making a plan? Probably not. Yet for software we have a tendency of not starting with the bigger picture. We often forget that for complex programmes we need proper software engineering. And this is exactly the domain in which our guest, prof. Jordi Cabot from LIST and University of Luxembourg, specialises in.We also h
Season 4 - Episode 2 - Biobanks and Sample Preparation
It was great to have the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Kathleen Mommaerts, who works at the Integrated BioBank of Luxembourg, an institution affiliated with the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH). Our conversation revolved around sample preparation, storage, variability, and, of course, the fact that Kathleen received the Rosalind Franklin Society Award, a recognition of her contribution to t
Season 4 - Episode 1 - Mentorship in Academia
Ever wondered how mentorship worked in academia? We did for sure, and that's why for the first episode of the new season we invited two experienced mentors: Prof. Simone Niclou, the Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Luxembourg and Prof. Andreas Fickers, the Director of the Luxembourg Centre for Contemporary and Digital History (C2DH). Simone and Andreas not only defined mentorship
Season 3 - Episode 26 - Asteroids and Museum Night
Gear up for another SciLux Original! In order to record this special episode (last one of season 3) we went to the Museum of Natural History where we talked to Eric Buttini - the Head of the Department of Geo- and Astrophysics at the museum. Eric’s research interests revolve around asteroids and he’s now busily working on a new temporary exhibition coming to the museum on 10th November 2023 - Aste
Season 3 - Episode 25 - Genetics and Economics
Social science genetics is basically genetics and economics combined and that's the expertise of our guest Giorgia Menta, a postdoctoral researcher in economics at LISER. Giorgia used genetics to see the influence of maternal mental health on children’s well-being and school outcomes. She has also studied the development of depression among women influenced by the UK pension reform and even c
Season 3 - Episode 24 - Electronically Assisted Astronomy
If, like us, you thought that the only way to stargaze is to use a standard telescope, you definitely should listen to this. In our 24th episode Oliver Parisot from LIST uncovers the simpler world of Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA) and tells us a little about writing algorithms to process the images. We’re pretty sure that after listening to the show, you will be itching to try it yourself
Season 3 - Episode 23 - Banking and Stress Tests
Explore the world of banking research, financial regulation, stress testing, and maintaining financial stability. In a truly SciLux fashion, we break down the complex world of central banks trying to be understood even by those who don’t know the jargon!Our guest, Prof. Diane Pierret from the University of Luxembourg, shares invaluable insights that will leave you thinking about the financial land
Season 3 - Episode 22 - Forensic Science and Fingerprints
Unravelling the Mysteries: Journey into the World of Forensic Science!Ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure into the captivating realm of forensic science and fingerprint analysis? Don't miss our latest podcast episode that delves into the secrets hidden within fingerprints!Join us as we explore the science, techniques, and challenges behind this remarkable field with the fingerprint
Season 3 - Episode 21 - The Gut and the Enteric Nervous System
We all know that the gut plays a way more important role in our health than we originally thought. But what if we could find a way to connect its health with the onset of for example Parkinson's disease? Our guest, Dr. Catherine Sedrani, tried to work with the LCSB's Gut-on-a-Chip model (the HuMiX) to check what the relationship between bacterial cells and enteric neurons was. But first
Season 3 - Episode 20 - Start-Ups and Space Resources
Luxembourg is at the forefront of exploration and utilisation of space resources. This time we invited Lari Cujko, Start-up Support Lead at European Space Resources Innovations Centre (ESRIC) and Marek Wilgucki, the CEO of Four Point, the first incubated start-up, to tell us about the unique environment for start-ups in the field of space resources. There was also a chance to learn more about the
Season 3 - Episode 19 - Maths - That Word You Shouldn't Mention
Our guest Bruno Teheux knows that people are often scared of maths and he's found numerous ways to convince them that it can be real fun. Listen to the episode to find out for yourself! USEFUL LINKSBruno's Webpage: http://math.uni.lu/teheuxReCreate project in Dubai: https://math.uni.lu/outreach/recreate/The Simplicity of Complexity in Dubai: https://math.uni.lu/outreach/dubai/The Sound o
