Navigating science careers: Strategic pathways for the future
What does it take to turn science into action on the global stage? In this second episode, science journalist Izzie Clarke speaks with two leading voices in science diplomacy: Professor Zakri Hamid, former Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, and María Estelí Jarquín, ISC Governing Board member and international relations manager at the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. Together, they reflect on their career paths and share candid insights on how researchers can build meaningful careers in science policy, diplomacy, and advisory roles. From advising prime ministers to navigating international negotiations, they offer candid reflections and practical advice on the skills, mindset, and opportunities that matter most.
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Rethinking scientific careers in a changing world
This opening episode explores how today’s rapidly changing scientific landscape impacts early- and mid-career researchers (EMCRs). Professor Robbert Dijkgraaf and Dr Baojing Gu discuss career uncertainty, access to resources, international collaboration, and balancing personal responsibilities, while sharing real examples of the support available. The conversation highlights why addressing these barriers is vital for the future of science and society.
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Science Fiction and the Future of Science: Cory Doctorow - Leveraging Digital Advancements for the Future
In this last episode, we invite Cory Doctorow, a science fiction author, activist, and journalist from Canada. He is the author of many books, most recently The Lost Cause, a solarpunk science fiction novel of hope amidst the climate emergency. Our conversation touches on digital rights management, social justice and sustainability in the digital world.
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Science Fiction and the Future of Science: Qiufan Chen - Values and Senses in Artificial Intelligence
Qiufan Chen is an award-winning Chinese speculative fiction writer, author of Waste Tide and co-author of AI 2041: Ten Visions for Our Future. He is also a research scholar at Yale University and a fellow of Berggruen Institute. Our main discussion centres around artificial intelligence, how we can harness the power of this technology while avoiding the dangers it poses.
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Science Fiction and the Future of Science: Fernanda Trías - Lessons from an Eco-Dystopia
This fourth episode invites Fernanda Trías, an award-winning writer from Uruguay and an instructor of creative writing in Colombia. She has published a short story collection and four novels, including the English-translated book Pink Slime. We ask her whether horror can bring about change, and why there is the need to integrate the arts and sciences.
ISC Presents is a podcast by the International Science Council. Our short episodes provide listeners with a melting pot of insightful discussions and thought provoking debates through the voices of guests and experts of the international scientific community. We discuss the challenges, stories, and celebrations of science while seeking to encourage international action on concerns to both science, and society. We look forward to listening with you.
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