Joce Nuttall, Professor of Education and Executive Dean at the University of Canterbury, discusses the difference between education and schooling and why it matters. She explores how governments’ focus on job-ready skills and lack of trust in teachers may be shifting schools away from true education, and what this means for society.

Anna Earl, Senior Lecturer at the University of Canterbury Business School, discusses how multinational corporations respond to sanctions and continue international trade. Drawing on her research, she highlights how firms adapt, leverage networks, and navigate the political game to protect profits in global business.

Jenni Adams, Professor of Physics at the University of Canterbury, discusses how scientists are using the IceCube Neutrino Observatory buried deep in Antarctic ice to study ghost-like particles called neutrinos. She explains how these elusive messengers from exploding stars and black holes are helping us unlock some of the universe’s biggest secrets.

Stephen, Lecturer in Economics and Finance at the University of Canterbury, discusses why economic growth matters for more than just wealth. From dramatic gains in global life expectancy to broader measures of human flourishing, he examines how growth underpins better health, education, and living standards worldwide.

Kuntal Das, Associate Professor of Economics and Finance at the University of Canterbury, discusses the unraveling of globalisation. He examines the rise of tariffs, trade wars, and “de-risking” strategies, and what these shifts mean for countries like New Zealand that depend on global trade in an increasingly uncertain world.

Stuart Parsons, Professor of Biological Sciences and Executive Dean of Science at the University of Canterbury, discusses the myths and realities of bats. He explores their role in disease transmission, their importance as pollinators and pest controllers, and why these misunderstood creatures are vital for healthy ecosystems — and even tequila.

Billy O’Steen, Associate Professor of Education at the University of Canterbury, discusses how transformative learning shapes students and communities. Drawing on ideas from John Dewey, Kurt Hahn, and Terry Borton, as well as his own work with the Student Volunteer Army after the Christchurch earthquakes, he explores how powerful experiences can change the way we think, act, and contribute to society.

Ricky Lee, Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Canterbury and an expert in space law, discusses the rise of commercial space travel. From rockets launched by SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic to New Zealand’s role in this new frontier, he explores how close we are to space holidays, what the experience might deliver, and whether the investment is really worth it.

Annette Mills, Professor at the University of Canterbury Business School, discusses how artificial intelligence is reshaping our daily lives, from facial recognition to emotion tracking. She explores the promises and pitfalls of AI, raising questions about data control, identity, and values, and shares insights on how individuals, parents, businesses, and policymakers can protect privacy in a tech-driven future.

Kevin Watson, Professor of Linguistics and Executive Dean of Arts at the University of Canterbury, discusses how the way we speak shapes identity, stereotypes, and social connections. He explores why accents change, what they reveal about us, and the surprising truths about language that might change how you hear the world.