The jury system sits at the heart of the justice system, trusted to deliver fair and impartial verdicts. But in an age of 24-hour news, viral trials, and social media commentary, does trial by jury still work as it was intended?

In this episode of Surrey Speaks, Dr Emily Finch, criminologist, criminal lawyer and Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Surrey, joins Georgie and Ness to put the jury system on trial.

The discussion explores how juries are meant to function in theory and whether that ideal holds up in practice. Dr Finch examines how emotion, media coverage and online discourse can influence juror decision-making, drawing on high-profile cases such as the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial, alongside examples closer to home in the UK.

The episode also looks at whether juries can ever be truly impartial. It considers how jurors are selected, how effective current safeguards are at filtering bias, and how factors such as race, gender and socioeconomic background can shape verdicts.

With cameras now entering some UK courtrooms for the first time, the conversation asks whether greater transparency strengthens justice or risks turning trials into performances. Dr Finch also unpacks whether jurors understand complex legal language, how majority verdicts work, and whether compromise decisions always lead to justice.

Finally, the episode compares jury-led systems with judge-only trials used in other countries and asks a bigger question: if we were rebuilding the justice system from scratch, would juries still exist at all?

A timely and thought-provoking episode for anyone interested in criminal justice, legal reform, and how society decides guilt and innocence.

ADHD content is everywhere. From TikTok clips to viral checklists, millions of people are questioning whether they might have a neurodevelopmental condition. But how much of what we see online reflects medical reality?

In this episode of Surrey Speaks, Professor Raja Mukherjee, who leads the Psychiatry specialism at Surrey Medical School, joins hosts Georgie Gould and Ness Bellringer to cut through the noise. Together they explore why ADHD content has surged on social media, how misinformation spreads, and why self-diagnosis can carry real risks.

The conversation looks at the gap between lived experience and clinical evidence, the impact of overestimating how common ADHD really is, and whether online trends may be influencing assessments and waiting lists. Professor Mukherjee also explains what ADHD actually looks like in a clinical setting and what steps people should take if they think they may need support.

A timely and thoughtful discussion about awareness, accuracy, and how to seek help safely in a digital age.

Embark on a journey to explore the profound questions surrounding AI and its potential to develop consciousness with Professor Jim Al-Khalili, a distinguished expert in quantum physics, AI, and the philosophy of the mind.

Is there a possibility of machines achieving true consciousness? And if so, what are the implications of conscious AI for humanity? Will it be a collaborator, a threat, or an entirely new entity reshaping our world.

Join us for a captivating exploration of the boundaries between artificial intelligence and consciousness, as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology and humanity.

In this episode, we dive into the transformative potential of AI in the media industry. Joining us are Professor Adrian Hilton, Director of the Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI, and Professor Polly Dalton, a Cognitive Psychology expert from Royal Holloway.

Together, we explore how AI could revolutionise the way we create and consume media. From personalised audience experiences that consider age, language, neurodiversity, and disability, to AI's role in storytelling techniques and media inclusivity—this conversation is packed with insights. We also discuss the UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for Digital Media Inclusion, a pivotal initiative shaping the future of digital media.

Tune in to hear about cutting-edge research, including the CoStar National Laboratory and the AI4ME initiative, and learn how AI is poised to reshape audience engagement and storytelling.

Don’t miss out—discover how AI could be the key to the future of the media landscape!

Join hosts Georgie Gould and Dr Caroline Shenton-Taylor as they sit down with Dr Valentina Pitardi, an expert in human interactions with AI chatbots, to unravel the complexities of AI friendship app addiction. With over 70% of individuals reporting a sense of dependency on AI-driven applications, the addictive potential of these technologies cannot be ignored.

Together, they explore how AI is currently contributing to addictive behaviors, the specific aspects of AI that pose the highest risk, and emerging technologies designed to keep users engaged at potentially addictive levels. They also delve into the psychological mechanisms behind AI algorithms and their impact on user behavior, shedding light on the psychological implications.

But it's not all doom and gloom—we discuss preventative measures users can take to protect their mental health, and whether AI itself could play a role in mitigating addiction. We also touch on ongoing studies and initiatives exploring the long-term effects of AI addiction on mental health, sharing key findings that are crucial for understanding and addressing this growing concern. Tune in for an insightful conversation that delves into the intersection of technology, psychology, and wellbeing.

Did you know that over 90% of kids interact with AI daily, shaping their educational experiences and playtime?Explore the future of parenting and teaching in this captivating episode featuring Dr Alexandra Grandison, a leading expert in psychology and Director of the Surrey Baby Lab.

Join the conversation as our guest sheds light on AI-driven personalised learning experiences and their significant impact on student outcomes. From improved engagement to higher assessment scores, the stats speak volumes about the potential of AI in education.

Don't miss this enlightening discussion that redefines the relationship between AI and the next generation. #Parenting #AIinEducation #FutureGeneration #PodcastInsights

Embark on an eye-opening journey into the future of sustainability with our latest podcast episode. Join us as we sit down with Dr Michael Short, a trailblazer in AI optimisation, to uncover the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in reducing food waste. We explore everything from the diverse sources of food waste for biofuel conversion to the environmental benefits of turning leftovers into fuel. Discover how AI is reshaping our energy landscape, predicting demand, and revolutionising the fight against food waste.

Join hosts Georgie and Dr Caroline in a captivating conversation with Dr Ines Violante, a trailblazer in AI and neuroscience.

Discover facts about Alzheimer's disease, the role of neurostimulation, and how AI is reshaping our approach to understanding and combating this debilitating disease.

Tune in and gain a new perspective on the future of Alzheimer's treatment.

Tune in for a discussion on the intersection between artificial intelligence and the justice system with the esteemed Dr Mikolaj Firlej, a leading expert in AI Law and Regulation. Together, we unravel the current use of AI in the legal system, the challenges posed by AI-generated evidence, and the safeguards needed to prevent corruption.