The world has emerged from a pandemic, but beyond the obvious impact of this global health issue and other chronic diseases, there are broader forces at play transforming our health. In this episode, Dominic Barton delves into the physical and social determinants of health that profoundly affect our quality of life. 

We hear from young innovators and leading researchers including Dr. Donna Strickland, Nobel laureate and Dr. Anita Layton, Canada’s 150 Research Chair in Mathematical Biology and Medicine. 

Featured in order of appearance:

Dr. Vivek Goel
Dr. Anita Layton
Dr. Donna Strickland
Jeremiah Hyslop
Seun Adetunji
Dr. Carrie McAiney
Dr. Dillon Browne 

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Shortages in skilled labour, disruptions to supply chains, geopolitical and digital threats have shown us the vulnerabilities and risks inherent in our economy. And many economies around the world are experiencing unprecedented growth, while others are bracing for a recession. In this episode, Dominic Barton discusses the intersections of societal and technological changes impacting our local and global economies.

We hear from students and alum starting out their careers as well as established business leaders including Dave McKay, president and CEO of RBC, and Brigette Lau, co-founder of Firework Ventures.

Featured in order of appearance:

Dr. Vivek Goel
Dave McKay
Rachel Almaw
Jason Amri
Sefunmi Osinaike
Dr. Norah McRae
Brigette Lau
Dr. David Drewery
Dr. Joel Blit

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Innovation and technology are driving every sector of our economy forward. They are changing the way we live, work and play in immeasurable ways. In this episode, Dominic Barton explores how we can lead the next technological transformation to ensure a safe and human-centred digital future.

We hear from young innovators and internationally renowned researchers including Dr. Kerstin Dautenhahn, Canada 150 Research Chair in Intelligent Robotics, and Dr. Will Percival, Distinguished Research Chair in Astrophysics.

Featured in order of appearance:

Dr. Vivek Goel
Dr. Jimmy Lin
Dr. Joel Blit
Dr. Kerstin Dautenhahn
Seun Adetunji
Dr. Sebastian Fischmeister
Dr. Chris Fletcher
Dr. Will Percival 

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The fundamental structure of society is being influenced by five factors: rising inequality, polarization of media and politics, increasing displacement of technology, increasing displacement from trade, and geopolitical instability. In this episode, Dominic Barton discusses what’s at stake if we don’t respond thoughtfully and inclusively. 

We hear from tech, environmental and political science experts including Dr. Jimmy Lin, co-director of the Waterloo Artificial Intelligence Institute and Dr. Bessma Momani, senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation.

Featured in order of appearance:

Dr. Vivek Goel
Dr. Ashley Mehlenbacher
Dr. Mary Wells
Dr. Bessma Momani
Dr. Charlie Clarke
Dr. Jimmy Lin
Dr. David Drewery
Elder Myeengun Henry
Savannah Sloat 

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The existential threat of climate change is very real. We can physically feel it and see it across the world. In this episode, Dominic Barton uncovers the role that sustainability plays as a driver of modernization — where industry and environment, ecology and the economy are not conflicting goals, but intrinsically linked. 

We hear from international experts including Dr. Sarah Burch, Canada Research Chair in Sustainability Governance and Innovation, and Dr. Suzanne Kearns, founding director of the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics.

Featured in order of appearance:

Dr. Vivek Goel
Dr. Suzanne Kearns
Dr. Daniel Scott
Dr. Sarah Burch
Dr. Leia Minaker
Dr. Amelia Clarke
Dr. Rebecca Ronney
Celine Isimbi
Jason Amri

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We are living in the most disruptive era in 200 years. The world continues to face multiple, compounding crises that cut across society, health, the environment, technology and the economy. This series, Global Futures in Focus, examines the intersections of the transformational forces guiding our future and that space in between where solutions can be uncovered to make the world a better place for all. 
 
Listen to each of the five episodes: Health, Economic, Technological, Societal and Sustainable Futures. You’ll hear from Dominic Barton alongside leading experts from the University of Waterloo on the challenges and solutions that are shaping humanity’s future.  
 
This is Global Futures in Focus with Dominic Barton.

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