Peter Field, Associate Professor of History and Head of the School of Humanities at the University of Canterbury, discusses what Donald Trump’s elections reveal about democracy, leadership, and political change. He explores how American political systems have evolved, what the Trump era says about global politics, and the lessons we can draw from it.

Michelle LaRue, Associate Professor of Antarctic Marine Science at the University of Canterbury, discusses how satellites are helping scientists study penguins and seals in some of the harshest environments on Earth. She shares insights from the field on emperor penguins, Weddell seals, and Adélie penguins, and explores how technology is revealing the secrets of species living on the edge.

Phil Borell, Senior Lecturer in Māori and Indigenous Studies at the University of Canterbury, discusses the pressures and lived experiences of professional athletes. He explores the hidden challenges behind sporting success, the mental health impacts of life in the spotlight, and what it means for fans to better understand the realities of the sporting world.

Rachael Dixon, Senior Lecturer in Health at the University of Canterbury, discusses the aims and realities of health education in schools. She explores the shift from scare tactics to critical approaches, the myths that surround the subject, and what young people say they actually gain from studying health education.

Aisling O’Sullivan, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Canterbury, discusses how everyday waste can be transformed into tools for cleaning stormwater and wastewater. She explores regenerative technologies like the Storminator™, the promise of material circularity, and how engineering with nature can reshape our relationship with water, waste, and sustainability.

Greg O’Beirne, Professor of Audiology at the University of Canterbury, discusses how the ear transforms sound waves into signals the brain can understand. He explores the delicate structures that make hearing possible, what happens when they fail, and how scientists test and measure this remarkable sense.

Natalia Chaban, Professor of Media and Communication at the University of Canterbury, discusses how narratives shape power, legitimacy, and action in global politics. Using the war in Ukraine as a case study, she examines how competing stories influence international opinion, policy, and the future of world affairs.

Simon Kingham, Professor of Geography at the University of Canterbury, discusses the tensions between cars, cycleways, and city planning. He examines why councils slow traffic and invest in alternatives, what global cities are doing to tackle congestion and climate change, and what this means for creating more liveable communities.