THE Connect

In the UK and worldwide, the gender health gap continues to create significant challenges when it comes to women’s health, with women spending around 25 per cent more of their lives in poor health than men. So why is the gender health gap still so wide – and what can be done about it?

In this episode of the THE Connect podcast, host Ashton Wenborn speaks with Shakila Thangaratinam, professor of women’s health at the University of Liverpool and consultant obstetrician at Liverpool Women’s University Hospital. They discuss the pioneering gender-aware research taking place at the university, the role of digital tools in addressing care disparities, and the imperative to train the next generation of healthcare professionals.

This episode is sponsored by the University of Liverpool.

The University of Exeter and Simon Fraser University (SFU) have launched an Accelerated Law Programme, giving students the opportunity to combine an undergraduate degree at SFU with a Bachelor of Laws at Exeter. The six-year dual degree aims to broaden students’ perspectives through international and interdisciplinary study, while creating new opportunities for collaboration between the two institutions.

In this episode of the THE Connect podcast, host Ashton Wenborn speaks with Caroline Fournet, head of the Law School at the University of Exeter, and Dai Heide, associate dean for learning, teaching and student experience at Simon Fraser University, about the programme and how international experience can help shape better lawyers. They discuss the benefits of studying different legal traditions, widening access to legal education, graduate employability and opportunities for future collaboration in teaching and research.

This episode is sponsored by the University of Exeter.

Higher education is central to research and knowledge creation. But today, institutions are being challenged to go one step further by turning their excellence into innovation, entrepreneurship and measurable impact. Programmes such as the Higher Education Initiative by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, recognise this shift, helping institutions strengthen their innovation capacity and accelerate their contribution to Europe’s knowledge and innovation ecosystem.

In this episode of the THE Connect podcast, host Sreethu Sajeev speaks with Ilaria Tagliavini, head of operations at the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. They discuss how universities and industry can strengthen collaboration, and the role of higher education in driving innovation in Europe.

This episode is sponsored by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.

Neurological disorders affect more than 3 billion people worldwide, representing the leading cause of disease burden and the second leading cause of death. In response to this global challenge and aligned with the World Health Organization’s action plan for epilepsy and other neurological disorders, the Liverpool Neuroscience Interdisciplinary Centre, known as LINC, brings together nearly 170 researchers and clinicians from the University of Liverpool, The Walton Centre, Alder Hey, Mersey Care and international partners.

In this episode of the THE Connect podcast, host Ashton Wenborn speaks with Benedict Michael, director of LINC and the Brain Infection and Inflammation Group at the University of Liverpool. They discuss the challenges that neurological disorders present and the benefits of bringing interdisciplinary expertise together to address global health problems.

This episode is sponsored by the University of Liverpool.

Higher education participation varies significantly across the UK. In areas known as higher education cold spots – regions with historically low rates of university enrolment – businesses often struggle to access the skilled talent they need, limiting both regional and national economic growth.

In this episode of the THE Connect podcast, host Ashton Wenborn is joined by Mark Durkin, pro vice-chancellor for partnerships and enterprise at the Open University, to discuss the institution's In From the Cold report. Drawing on insights from more than 350 employers in higher education cold spots, the report examines how organisations can better identify and develop talent, why long-term commitments to inclusion matter, and what effective partnerships between employers and further education colleges look like.

Read the In From the Cold report.

This episode is sponsored by the Open University.

Social and emotional learning (SEL) refers to the development of students’ abilities to understand and manage emotions, build positive relationships, make responsible decisions and navigate complex social environments. While traditionally emphasised in primary and secondary education, SEL is increasingly recognised as critical in higher education.

In this episode of the THE Connect podcast, host Ashton Wenborn speaks with Fajer Bin Rashed, assistant professor in the English Language Programme at the Australian University in Kuwait. Rashed’s work focuses on the value of integrating SEL into higher education to support student well-being, enhance collaboration and encourage ethical reasoning, competencies that are essential for addressing complex global challenges and contributing meaningfully to a sustainable and inclusive society.

This episode is sponsored by the Australian University in Kuwait.

The Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences at City University of Hong Kong focuses on shaping students to be compassionate about animal welfare and nurturing their development as emerging veterinary scientists

In this episode of the THE Connect podcast, host Sreethu Sajeev speaks with Vanessa Barrs, dean of the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, and student Jalal Abdullah Ali Abdulrahim about the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine programme at City University of Hong Kong. The episode explores the programme’s focus on practical clinical skills, research projects and real-world placements.

This episode is sponsored by City University of Hong Kong.

Led by researchers at Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University, the LINKS project evaluates and strengthens evidence-based early-childhood programmes in conflict-affected countries, developing culturally grounded models that connect quality early education with long-term social cohesion and peacebuilding outcomes.

In this episode of the THE Connect podcast, host Ashton Wenborn speaks with Laura Dunne, reader at the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at Queen’s University Belfast. They explore the global impact of the LINKS project and the next steps for research, policy and practice when integrating childhood development into peacebuilding efforts.

This episode is sponsored by Queen’s University Belfast.

The Centre for Precision Technologies at the University of Huddersfield advances precision engineering through integrated research, doctoral training and close collaboration with industry partners. Through diverse funding streams and strategic innovation efforts, the centre delivers both fundamental research and real-world manufacturing impact while preparing for emerging technologies.

In this episode of the THE Connect podcast, host Alistair Lawrence speaks with Liam Blunt, director of the Centre for Precision Technologies, and Andrew Longstaff, research director at the Centre for Precision Technologies at the University of Huddersfield

This episode is sponsored by the University of Huddersfield.

Digital technologies give universities powerful ways to enhance how students learn, but the real challenge lies in using them effectively. Too often, new tools are introduced without input from those who will use them, leading to poor adoption. At Queen’s University Belfast, the Centre for Technological Innovation, Mental Health and Education collaborates with clinicians and educators to design immersive, practical learning experiences.

In this episode of the THE Connect podcast, host Ashton Wenborn speaks with Paul Best, director of the Centre for Technological Innovation, Mental Health and Education, and Janine Stockdale, lead midwife for education at Queen’s University Belfast.

This episode is sponsored by Queen’s University Belfast.