Research for What?
30 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 months ago -Hello and welcome to Research for What? The podcast that discusses scientific research, its purpose and impact. I am your host Rom Bouveret.
Each week I will interview recognised thought leaders who share the same passion for science and research and invest their energy, time or money!!
We will talk about the challenges and opportunities for research. I am also very keen to find out how experts define impact and what methods are used to measure impact. Every week, I will ask the question: Research for what?
Photo by Shalaka Gamage on Unsplash
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Homepage Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Culturing a woolly mammoth meatball on a Petri dish
May 10, 2023 10:51 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MBIn this episode of Research for What?, I am very privileged to discuss with George Peppou, CEO and Founder of VOW, one of Australia’s most innovative food tech start-up. VOW’s mission is clear and simple – to ‘make ridiculously good meat’. It does this by culturing animal cells from traditional and new species. In fact, VOW’s aim is to bring any animal on the menu and recently made headlines for producing a woolly mammoth meatball. Last year, VOW raised ~US$50M in Series A funding. In ...
Cochlear - smart research and commercialisation
April 16, 2023 09:03 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBIn this new episode of Research for What?, I am very privileged to discuss with Dig Howitt, CEO and President of Cochlear Limited, one of Australia’s most celebrated advanced manufacturing success stories. Cochlear Limited was established in 1983 as a subsidiary of Nucleus, to commercialise the cochlear implant, also known as the bionic ear, an innovative technology developed by Professor Graeme Clark at the University of Melbourne. After more than 40 years of innovative research and sustai...
Bringing art and research together to bring down barriers for people with disabilities
September 02, 2021 01:20 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MBTRANSCRIPT In this week’s episode of Research for What?, I learn about the work of legally-blind artist and researcher Dr Erica Tandori. Erica creates artwork to exhibit science to people with vision or hearing impairment, who traditionally don’t have access to research. Erica has spent the last couple of years in the Rossjohn Lab at the Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University to understand, articulate and exhibit research and science using multiple senses like vision, touch, s...
Who Needs a Mentor?
December 17, 2020 00:40 - 57 minutes - 52.5 MBIn this episode of Research for What?, I find out who needs a mentor. And how to find a great mentor! This recording is from a live free panel discussion with three inspiring experts and scientists: Dr Vaishnavi Ananthanarayanan, an EMBL Australia group leader at the EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science at UNSW Sydney. Previously, she was an Assistant Professor in the Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. She is passionate ...
Collaborate: why, when, how?
November 08, 2020 00:10 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MBIn this week’s episode of Research for What?, I talk with Mark Elliott, Managing Director and Founder of Collabforge. Mark has made it his career and business to help individuals and organisations collaborate. Here he shares tips on how to establish successful collaborations that will deliver innovative outcomes. A clue? Setting clear expectations early. He also explains how to keep momentum through long and multi-disciplinary projects. If you want to learn when and how to collaborate ef...
Collaborate: why, when, how? with Mark Elliott - Collabforge
November 08, 2020 00:10 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MBIn this week’s episode of Research for What?, I talk with Mark Elliott, Managing Director and Founder of Collabforge. Mark has made it his career and business to help individuals and organisations collaborate. Here he shares tips on how to establish successful collaborations that will deliver innovative outcomes. A clue? Setting clear expectations early. He also explains how to keep momentum through long and multi-disciplinary projects. If you want to learn when and how to collaborate ef...
Why publish and who decides what a great paper is? with Justin Gooding - ACS Sensors
October 23, 2020 03:30 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MBIn this week’s episode of Research for What?, I talk with Prof Justin Gooding, ARC Laureate Fellow in the school of Chemistry at UNSW Sydney and Editor-in-Chief of ACS Sensors. Justin shares his views about the benefits of publishing for researchers from both academia and industry and tips to find the most suitable journal. Justin explains his role as editor-in-chief in attracting and selecting 'the best science'. We discuss the peer-review process, open access and who decides what makes a ...
Why publish and who decides what a great paper is?
October 23, 2020 03:30 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MBIn this week’s episode of Research for What?, I talk with Prof Justin Gooding, ARC Laureate Fellow in the school of Chemistry at UNSW Sydney and Editor-in-Chief of ACS Sensors. Justin shares his views about the benefits of publishing for researchers from both academia and industry and tips to find the most suitable journal. Justin explains his role as editor-in-chief in attracting and selecting 'the best science'. We discuss the peer-review process, open access and who decides what makes a ...
What challenges do women in research face and why is it impacting everyone? with Melina Georgousakis - Franklin Women
September 26, 2020 22:32 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MBIn this week’s episode of Research for What?, I talk with Melina Georgousakis, Founder and Director of Franklin Women. Franklin Women is a grassroots organisation for women working in health and medical related careers. As I wanted to be more aware and conscious of women under-representation in research, I took the risk to expose my unconscious biases and ignorance on this very important (and sometimes controversial) topic!! My goal was primarily to better understand and talk about the cha...
What challenges do women in research face and why is it impacting everyone?
September 26, 2020 22:32 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MBIn this week’s episode of Research for What?, I talk with Melina Georgousakis, Founder and Director of Franklin Women. Franklin Women is a grassroots organisation for women working in health and medical related careers. As I wanted to be more aware and conscious of women under-representation in research, I took the risk to expose my unconscious biases and ignorance on this very important (and sometimes controversial) topic!! My goal was primarily to better understand and talk about the cha...
How to Maximise Research Impact?
September 18, 2020 06:15 - 55 minutes - 44.9 MBHow can researchers boost their scientific discoveries for the benefit of our broader society? This virtual event was part of National Science Week and was recorded on the 21st August 2020. Designed primarily for research staff and students, this event was centred on a hypothetical scenario where a researcher, Dr Vaishnavi Ananthanarayanan from the Indian Institute of Science, was seeking opportunities to boost the impact of a scientific discovery. Five experts from different specialties,...
What are accelerators and should you join one? with Hamish Hawthorn
August 30, 2020 01:25 - 32 minutes - 44.2 MBSince Y Combinator was created in 2005, start-up accelerators are booming and competing to attract founders and researchers alike. But what are accelerators and should you join one? In this week’s episode of Research for What?, I talk with Hamish Hawthorn. Hamish has been the founder, director, advisor and investor of many start-ups. He was the Chief Executive of ATP Innovations, one of Australia’s first and largest incubators for start-ups and scale-ups. Hamish has vast experience working ...
Philanthropy and Research - trust, honesty and communication - with Anna Guillan Founder of NELUNE Foundation
August 16, 2020 00:21 - 38 minutes - 31.1 MBHow can researchers connect with philanthropists and supporters? In this week’s episode of Research for What?, I talk with Anna Guillan. Anna is the Deputy Chair of Tourism Australia and the Australian consultant to Kerzner International, a global operator of luxury resorts. More relevant to this podcast is the fact that Anna is the co-founder of the NELUNE Foundation, which she established with her friend Nelune Rajapakse in 2001. Today, they have raised over $33M to support patients di...
Confluence of interests to translate research ideas into products - with Vijay Sivaraman
August 02, 2020 00:15 - 34 minutes - 47.2 MBIn this week’s episode of Research for What?, I talk with Vijay Sivaraman - leader in Software Defined Networking and Professor of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. Because his children played online shooting games and needed instant access to data, Vijay founded Canopus Networks, a start-up that commercialises technology developed in his research team. Here Vijay discusses how his research led to developing a product to improve ...
How to spiral a start-up into a unicorn? With angel-investor and tech-entrepreneur Alan Jones
July 19, 2020 01:23 - 45 minutes - 41.2 MBIn this episode, I talk with Alan Jones - an angel investor, tech-entrepreneur and mentor. Alan has worked as an entrepreneur-in-residence with accelerator programs like Startmate, muru-D and BlueChilli and is currently working for the Remarkable accelerator program which helps develop disability tech start-ups. I asked Alan what it takes to transform a start-up into a unicorn, and what the metrics and contextual drivers are. Alan generously shares his immense experience, passion and wisdo...
From research lab in Australia to start-up in the US - with Maryam Parviz
July 05, 2020 04:00 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MBIn this episode of Research for What?, I speak with Maryam Parviz, Founder and CEO of SDIP-Innovations. Maryam studied engineering in Iran before working as an academic researcher in Australia. In 2018, she founded SDIP-Innovations, a start-up that develops new reservable implants. In April 2019, Maryam received a 2-year fellowship from NSW Health to relocate to the QB3 incubator at the University of California San Francisco and UCSF Rosenman Institute and advance the commercialisation of S...
Minister of Research for What? Hon Jillian Skinner, fmr NSW Minister for Medical Research and Minister for Health
June 21, 2020 00:01 - 35 minutes - 49.3 MBIn this episode, I speak with Hon Jillian Skinner, first stand-alone Minister for Medical Research in NSW from 2011 to 2015 and Minister for Health between 2011 and 2017. Mrs Skinner is one of Australia’s most experienced politicians in Health and Medical Research. I was curious to learn how a Minister for Medical Research and Minister for Health, in charge of 1/3 of the NSW total budget, identifies health needs, selects projects and advisors, understands new technologies and works for our ...
Science and Engineering for NSW Prosperity and beyond
June 13, 2020 23:55 - 33 minutes - 31 MBIn this episode I speak with NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer Prof Durrant-Whyte, who explains his role. Promoting STEM through funding and presentations like this one is one part of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer’s job. Hugh also provides evidence-based policy advice to ministers, on a diverse range of topics, including controversial issues like water management and horses in the Kosciuszko National Park. Here Hugh insists on his independence and his strong reliance on external exper...
Science and Engineering for NSW Prosperity and beyond - Prof Hugh Durrant-Whyte, NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer
June 13, 2020 23:55 - 33 minutes - 31 MBIn this episode I speak with NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer Prof Durrant-Whyte, who explains his role. Promoting STEM through funding and presentations like this one is one part of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer’s job. Hugh also provides evidence-based policy advice to ministers, on a diverse range of topics, including controversial issues like water management and horses in the Kosciuszko National Park. Here Hugh insists on his independence and his strong reliance on external exper...
Defence Research for What?
June 07, 2020 05:00 - 27 minutes - 37.8 MBListen to the first, officially ‘UNCLASSIFIED’, episode of Research for What? . A few weeks ago, I launched ‘Research for What?’ to discuss why we do research. This week’s episode is special as I learn about defence research and innovation with Dr David Kershaw, Chief Science Engagement and Impact Division, Defence Science and Technology (DST), an agency of the Australian Department of Defence. I asked naive questions to David who spoke very openly about defence research, its role and impa...
"No shortage of capital for good ideas!"
May 25, 2020 02:00 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBThis week I spoke with Ben Apted, Senior Partner at SPP, an independent and general management consultant firm in Melbourne. Ben’s expertise and work are unique and probably unknown from most researchers. Ben offers insights on how consultant firms like SPP can help researchers by facilitating conversations between researchers and investors. Ben and his team can help a) make a case for research to raise funding; b) identify the market and applications to translate research; and c) quantify a...
How and why build a new Health Innovation precinct?
May 24, 2020 06:00 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBIn this week’s episode of ‘Research for What?’, I discuss with Lance Chia, Manager of the new Liverpool Health Innovation Precinct in Sydney’s South West. Lance shares his vision to develop a multibillion-dollar precinct that will drive outcomes and impact from innovation generated within the precinct. A strength of the future precinct will be collaboration fostered between many local partners including the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool City C...
How and why build a new Medical Research Institute?
May 16, 2020 10:10 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBI interviewed Darryl Harkness, the CEO of the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research to find out why and how the Ingham Institute was created in this competitive environment. In October 2012, the Ingham Institute came to life in Sydney’s South West with massive generous support from Mr Bob Ingham AO and his family. The Ingham Institute is now one of the 55 Medical Research Institutes in Australia. A major goal of the Ingham Institute is to perform world-class translational research...
How to create a big business from early-stage research?
May 10, 2020 02:00 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MB‘For us, great research can create a very big business that we can sell for $100M in 5-7 years’ In this episode, Natasha Rawlings introduces Uniseed, an early-stage deep-technology investment fund, its role and partners. Natasha explains what she sees as great research and how she finds it to create big businesses that do good in the world. She discusses why and how Uniseed invests in early-stage research and what the expectations are. Natasha receives 300 disclosures every year and gi...
Can all research be useful and create an impact? with Erin Rayment, QUT & KCA
May 03, 2020 10:48 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBIn this fifth episode, I talk with Erin Rayment, Executive Director, Industry Engagement at the Queensland University of Technology and Current Chair of Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia. My conversation with Erin Rayment was truly amazing. Tune in if you want to hear Erin explain what is useful research; what is research commercialisation; how to create an impact; or how to quantify research impact. Erin talks about her work at QUT and how she brings together governments, researcher...
Can all research be useful and create an impact?
May 03, 2020 10:48 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBIn this fifth episode, I talk with Erin Rayment, Executive Director, Industry Engagement at the Queensland University of Technology and Current Chair of Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia. My conversation with Erin Rayment was truly amazing. Tune in if you want to hear Erin explain what is useful research; what is research commercialisation; how to create an impact; or how to quantify research impact. Erin talks about her work at QUT and how she brings together governments, researcher...
How can evidence-based medical research solve global health challenges?
April 26, 2020 10:00 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBIn this episode, I sit down with Dr Parisa Glass - Director of Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Deputy Director at the George Institute for Global Health in Sydney. Parisa discusses why a leading independent medical research institute, like the George Institute, focuses on big issues and major global health challenges, in particular in developing countries. She is passionate about evidence-based research conducted at the Institute that addresses unmet needs globally. Parisa also ...
How researchers make a difference to the world?
April 19, 2020 04:15 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBIn this episode, Prof Eric Knight, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research – Enterprise & Engagement) at the University of Sydney and Professor of Strategic Management at the University of Sydney Business School, talks about academic research and its impact, including the work of Nobel Prize winner Steven Chu. Eric explains why academics make a difference in their job and what universities should do to allow their best talents to take risks and have an impact. Eric and I discuss the mission of the U...
Why patients need Research?
April 13, 2020 23:27 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBIn this episode, Robert Gardos, Chair of PKD Australia, explains what is Polycystic Kidney Disease and what is the impact of this disease on patients and their families. PKD Australia raises funds to support PKD research. I asked Robert why and how they support research; what impact PKD research has had on patients and their families; and what the challenges and opportunities are for PKD research in the future. Robert also speaks about his interactions with researchers and why he hopes that...
What is the purpose of Research? What is Impact?
April 09, 2020 04:15 - 38 minutes - 34.9 MBIn this episode, Prof Kristy Muir explains what social scientific research is conducted at the Centre for Social Impact and what the purpose of this research is. Our conversation touches on the COVID-19 crisis and we discuss how it is influencing and changing research, economies, governments, policies and people. Kristy explains how research can improve the condition of vulnerable groups in our society before, during and after a crisis by focusing on ‘what matters’. Kristy and I also talk ...