Heriot-Watt celebrates Global Watt Day with the launch of Shaping the Future podcast series
As part of Global Watt Day, Heriot-Watt University has launched a new podcast series, Shaping the Future, highlighting the University’s commitment to building a sustainable world through the groundbreaking research and insights of our academics and leaders. Hosted by the University’s Chief Scientist, Professor Tadhg O’Donovan, Shaping the Future features 10 episodes, each exploring Heriot-Watt's transformative contribution to a specific sector.
At Heriot-Watt, we aim to take a distinctive lead in shaping the path toward global sustainability, serving as both a beacon of best practice and a catalyst for action. The launch of our Shaping the Future podcast series is designed to inspire leadership, spark meaningful conversation, and share unique insights in an engaging and enjoyable way.
From developing sustainable bricks made from construction waste to creating diagnostic materials from discarded chewing gum and pioneering the field of transition engineering, each episode unveils the story behind the research, showcasing how our experts are driving innovation and making an impact in their field. The first episode, Shaping the Future of Global Education, features the Chief Scientist in conversation with Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard A. Williams and Provost and CEO at Heriot-Watt Malaysia, Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi. Together they explore emerging trends in higher education.
The second episode, Shaping the Future of Energy, features Professor Susan Krumdieck, who takes listeners on a fascinating time-travel adventure to explore how transition engineering could shape the world by the year 2121.
Episode three, Shaping the Future of Sustainable Buildings, highlights the race against finite resources for the construction industry, as Professor Gabriela Medero details how her own innovation offers sustainable solutions. Following episodes feature Deputy Principal of Business and Enterprise, Professor Gillian Murray, who shares how her personal educational journey has inspired the University’s collaboration with industry. Listeners will also hear from Professor Louise Valentine who explores the evolution of design, highlighting the shift from traditional practices to a more human-centred approach.
Professor Adam Dixon, Adam Smith Chair in Sustainable Capitalism, talks green finance, while academic Co-Lead of the National Robotarium, Professor Oliver Lemon turns science-fiction into reality in a further episode.
Listeners will also hear from Deputy Principal for Global Sustainability Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer, as she explores decarbonisation strategies for achieving net zero. Professor Nik Willoughby fuses history and heritage, shaping the future of sustainable brewing and distilling. And Professor Maïwenn Kersaudy-Kerhoas, Co-Academic Lead for the Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies, reveals how discarded chewing gum is being transformed into innovative diagnostic cartridges.
Commenting on the launch of the podcast series, Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor said:
“At Heriot-Watt, we aim to take a distinctive lead in shaping the path toward global sustainability, serving as both a beacon of best practice and a catalyst for action. The launch of our Shaping the Future podcast series is designed to inspire leadership, spark meaningful conversation, and share unique insights in an engaging and enjoyable way.”
The first three episodes will be released on Global Watt Day, celebrated annually on 19 January to honour the anniversary of the birth of James Watt. Subsequent episodes will be released every fortnight. You can listen to the podcast trailer by clicking on the link to download it to enjoy it on Apple, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms. The series will also be available on the Heriot-Watt University website. Please keep checking in as the episodes are uploaded bi-weekly.