Access to Inspiration

In this episode of our podcast, host Sue Stockdale talks to Professor Dame Anne Glover, President of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. Anne emphasizes the importance of effective communication in science and geography. Whether it's encouraging more people to pursue science or communicating the importance of research findings, clear and effective communication is essential.

With Climate Solutions as the theme of this podcast series, Anne shares her thoughts on how the data generated from understanding the current climate situation can be used to generate solutions and highlights the importance of taking responsibility and finding pleasure in the knowledge gained from research. Finally, Anne reflects on the importance of representation and inspiring others, particularly young women, to pursue their passions and overcome barriers.

About Professor Dame Anne Glover

Professor Dame Anne Glover PRSE FRS is a molecular biologist who has studied how we respond to stress at the molecular level and is currently Special Adviser to the Principal at University of Strathclyde. She was the first Chief Scientific Adviser to the President of the European Commission (2012-2015) and is a well respected ambassador for European science with deep experience of evidence-based policymaking.

Prior to that, Anne was the first Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland (2006-2011) and has worked to increase diversity in both science and in society as well as ensuring that knowledge generated from research can be made useful.In 1999 Anne spun out a company from her research to both diagnose and provide solutions for environmental pollution.

She is/has been a trustee and Chair of a number of charities and has a particular interest in how knowledge can be used to transform lives in Africa and developing nations.Anne also serves on a number of Boards in the UK with a common theme of harnessing innovation for sustainability and health. She has been awarded over 20 honorary degrees and fellowships both nationally and internationally and appears regularly in the media and at science festivals.

Find out more about Professor Dame Anne Glover via University of Strathclyde and Wikipedia and Twitter

Key Quotes

• "Excitement is a life in science."
• "People think sometimes that science is a value-free zone. It's just absolutely all about evidence and data. And of course, that's not true."
• "I think the most important thing is to be outward looking."
• "I think scientists are pretty good communicators."
• "I think it's inexcusable to take public money to do research, and not to think about how do you make sure that the knowledge that you generate has impact and is valuable to other people."

Partners and Supporters

We partnered with the Royal Scottish Geographical Society to bring you this series. Take a look at their Climate Solutions course, developed by leaders and experts in climate change and endorsed by the Institute of Directors.

We are also supported by Squadcast –the remote recording platform which empowers podcasters by capturing high-quality audio and video conversations.

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Actions to take after listening to the podcast

• We have created a list of questions to help you reflect on the podcast episode and what you heard
• Sign up for our Zoom listener discussion on the topics raised in this series on Friday 21st July from 1300 to 1345hrs BST.

Credits:
Sound Editor: Matias de Ezcurra
Producer: Sue Stockdale