Are you curious about the future of biotechnology? Regular contributors Tim Fryer, Jack Loughran and Tanya Weaver are joined by expert guest Professor Karen Polizzi from Imperial College London, as they explore the strides and setbacks in biotechnology – an industry often touted as transformative but still misunderstood. From bioengineering breakthroughs to the ethical puzzles posed by genetically modified crops and lab-grown meat, this episode offers a down-to-earth view on whether biotechnology is living up to the hype. Professor Polizzi shares first-hand knowledge of industry shifts in health, agriculture, and even energy, shedding light on what's driving these changes and what hurdles remain.

Why aren't we all eating lab-grown burgers yet? Will biotechnology one day replace petrochemicals or conventional farming? With a blend of humour, film references, and deep scientific insights, this episode tackles the fascinating potential of biotechnology, balancing promise with reality.

Three years ago E+T looked at the challenges facing humanity and set seven Critical Targets that the engineering and technology sector needs to achieve if we want to look optimistically to the future. To evaluate progress on these Critical Targets and talk more broadly on these fundamental challenges, we talked to seven experts in a series of podcasts. 

Inspiration 

Will all companies invest in outreach programmes to inspire the young?

Special Guest: Fran Scott

Three years ago E+T looked at the challenges facing humanity and set seven Critical Targets that the engineering and technology sector needs to achieve if we want to look optimistically to the future. To evaluate progress on these Critical Targets and talk more broadly on these fundamental challenges, we talked to seven experts in a series of podcasts. 

Future Mobility 

Will we be able to cross the Atlantic in an electric airliner?

Special Guest: Prof Sven Schimpf

Three years ago E+T looked at the challenges facing humanity and set seven Critical Targets that the engineering and technology sector needs to achieve if we want to look optimistically to the future. To evaluate progress on these Critical Targets and talk more broadly on these fundamental challenges, we talked to seven experts in a series of podcasts. 

Trust and Truth 

Can we bring more decency and responsibility into  the online world?

Special Guest: Coral James O’Connor

Three years ago E+T looked at the challenges facing humanity and set seven Critical Targets that the engineering and technology sector needs to achieve if we want to look optimistically to the future. To evaluate progress on these Critical Targets and talk more broadly on these fundamental challenges, we talked to seven experts in a series of podcasts. 

Global Family 

Could water poverty become a thing of the past?

Special Guest - Dr Claire Malone

Three years ago E+T looked at the challenges facing humanity and set seven Critical Targets that the engineering and technology sector needs to achieve if we want to look optimistically to the future. To evaluate progress on these Critical Targets and talk more broadly on these fundamental challenges, we talked to seven experts in a series of podcasts. 

Alternative Energy 

Fossil fuels - is it really possible to confine them to history?

Special Guest: James Bamborough

Three years ago E+T looked at the challenges facing humanity and set seven Critical Targets that the engineering and technology sector needs to achieve if we want to look optimistically to the future. To evaluate progress on these Critical Targets and talk more broadly on these fundamental challenges, we talked to seven experts in a series of podcasts. 

Sustainability 

Should biodiversity be sacrosanct and underpin everything we do?

Special Guest: Yewande Akinola

Three years ago E+T looked at the challenges facing humanity and set seven Critical Targets that the engineering and technology sector needs to achieve if we want to look optimistically to the future. To evaluate progress on these Critical Targets and talk more broadly on these fundamental challenges, we talked to seven experts in a series of podcasts. 

Diversity 

Can the make-up of the engineering sector broadly reflect that of society?

Special Guest: Dr Shini Somara

In this episode of E+T: Off the Page, we dive into the challenges and progress in the global shift to electric vehicles (EVs). Regular contributors Tim Fryer, Jack Loughran and Tanya Weaver are joined by EV advisor and expert Claire Miller to discuss the factors shaping the EV journey, from infrastructure needs to consumer perceptions. Miller brings her expertise on policy, technology, and market dynamics to assess the impact of the growing number of EVs globally and the gaps in infrastructure and charging technology. The discussion also covers barriers such as upfront costs, range anxiety, and inconsistent charging support, with insights into how policies, like the Zero Emission Vehicles mandate, aim to ease this transition.

The conversation touches on consumer concerns about EV accessibility, price, and convenience as well as the need for educational outreach to help drivers understand options like salary sacrifice and charging alternatives, which can lower costs. The panel also addresses global discrepancies in EV adoption and how countries with diverse energy sources will impact the environmental benefit of EVs.

In this episode of E+T: Off the Page, the team delves into the often-overlooked topic of global population growth and its significant impact on sustainability and resource use. Regular contributors Tim Fryer, Jack Loughran and Tanya Weaver are joined by special guests Chris Edwards and Dr Joe Strong to explore how population trends affect energy, food production, and environmental pressures worldwide. The conversation opens with reflections on COP28's discussions around fossil fuel reduction and financial support for low-income countries, setting the stage for a debate on whether global population growth is the unspoken factor in climate change solutions. Together, they question whether humanity can balance family size preferences with sustainable resource consumption.

Edwards and Dr Strong also share insights from their respective work, unpacking the complex dynamics between population growth and sustainable development. The episode includes discussions of how population projections are not as extreme as once feared, noting a likely peak around 10 billion by mid-century, with Africa contributing significantly to that growth. Dr Strong also challenges the concept of "overpopulation," arguing that population issues are often political and related to resource distribution rather than sheer numbers.