When Science Finds a Way: Our podcast

What are we really trusting when we trust science? Alisha Wainwright is joined by Dr Sarah Chan, Professor Tom Ellis and Professor Sarah Hartley to explore what it takes for science to be trustworthy, drawing on synthetic biology and other emerging science. They look at why trust is shaped less by what people know and more by process and who gets a say, and why listening may matter as much as explaining. 

What do people really think about science? Alisha Wainwright is joined by Dr Cary Funk and Dr Jerome Kim to explore the findings of the Wellcome Global Monitor 2026. They look beneath the global picture at what trust is connected to, why it varies so much between places and people, and why every good study leads to more questions.

Carbon dioxide is often seen as the main driver of climate change. But other pollutants are responsible for roughly half of global heating. Host Alisha Wainwright explores the role of  “super pollutants” and how reducing them could help slow climate change and improve health. 

Tuberculosis has affected humans for thousands of years. But today, drug-resistant TB is creating new challenges for doctors and researchers. Host Alisha Wainwright explores the global fight against drug-resistant tuberculosis. 

Extreme heat is becoming more common around the world. While its physical dangers are well known, scientists are only beginning to understand its effects on mental health. Host Alisha Wainwright explores the growing research linking rising temperatures and mental wellbeing. 

People around the world are living longer than ever before. But how can we ensure those extra years are healthy ones? Host Alisha Wainwright explores the science of ageing and how growing knowledge could lead to more personalised approaches. 

We often think about food in terms of physical health. But what role could diet play in mental wellbeing? Host Alisha Wainwright explores the science linking nutrition and mental health. 

Postpartum haemorrhage is one of the leading causes of maternal death worldwide. But an overlooked drug is helping change that. Host Alisha Wainwright explores the story of tranexamic acid (TXA) and how it is now saving thousands of lives after childbirth. 

Brain invading fungi might sound like science fiction, but they are a real-world health threat. Host Alisha Wainwright explores Cryptococcal meningitis, the leading cause of death from fungal disease worldwide.

AI chatbots and apps are increasingly being used for mental health support. But could these new tools carry hidden risks? Host Alisha Wainwright continues her exploration of AI and mental health, looking at how to stay safe when seeking help digitally and the challenges posed by unregulated tools. 

Young people face a growing mental health crisis, but effective treatments remain limited. Alisha and Professor Vikram Patel explore a school-based trial in India testing POD (Problem Identification, Option generation and Do it), a practical approach helping students tackle problems head-on. With counsellor Bindiya Chodankar and researchers adapting the model for universities, this episode asks: can simple, accessible tools reshape youth mental health? 

Hierarchical Phase Contrast Tomography (HiP-CT) is a new imaging technology that allows entire human organs to be scanned in 3D, in unprecedented detail. Alisha speaks with the researchers who pioneered this innovation, uncovering what it revealed about Covid-19 and what it could mean for the future of medicine. 

From malaria to dengue, climate change is reshaping patterns of infectious disease. But could the same data that tracks our warming planet help prevent future outbreaks? Alisha meets researchers using climate models and local insights to map where diseases are likely to spread, turning prediction into a powerful tool for global health.

Alisha speaks with Dr Aimee Grant about ‘Autism: from Menstruation to Menopause’, a groundbreaking study led entirely by autistic people. With input from a neurodivergent Community Council, the project is gathering vital data across the reproductive life cycle to design tools that make healthcare more inclusive and accessible.

From singing to painting, creative outlets have long been linked to better mental health. But how can we harness their therapeutic power in practice? Alisha meets Professor Daisy Fancourt, whose research is establishing the arts as a key ingredient for wellbeing, alongside diet and exercise.

Hearing voices is a challenging symptom of psychosis that treatments have often failed to address effectively. AVATAR therapy is a remarkable approach that could help patients engage with distressing voices and regain control. Alisha meets Dr Vaughan Bell to explore the therapy's potential, talk about findings from the latest clinical trial and hear a personal story of transformation.

Genomics has revolutionised cancer research, offering new hope for cancer diagnosis and treatment. But there are challenges ahead. Alisha is joined by Dr Peter Campbell and researchers Dr Solomon Rotimi and Sara Gómez Trillos to discuss the breakthroughs and the issue of ensuring fair access to advancements for patients worldwide.

Alisha sits down with Professor Iruka Okeke to talk about the factors driving cholera's spread and the innovative mapping techniques being used in Kenya to identify hotspots.

Alisha is joined by Dr Flor M Munoz, a global expert in maternal immunisation to discuss a new vaccine trial, safety considerations and the future.

As rising temperatures challenge vulnerable regions, could ‘cool roofs’ be the affordable, sustainable solution? Alisha joins Dr Aditi Bunker to talk about the remarkable health benefits uncovered in Burkina Faso's trial. Hear firsthand accounts of how this simple intervention significantly reduces indoor temperatures, lowers heart rates and improves overall health.

Alisha meets Dr Jonathan Roiser and his team of researchers to uncover insights from a groundbreaking pilot study exploring brain activity during exercise, including how it could transform the diagnosis and treatment of conditions like depression.

Join Alisha and Dr Nicole Redvers as they explore cultural burning, a traditional Indigenous technique offering a potential solution to modern wildfire challenges. Hear from those bridging traditional practice and science.

Join Julia Gillard, Chair of Wellcome, as she brings together three experts from the podcast series to reflect on the main themes that have emerged and ask what challenges still lie ahead in the field of global health.

Alisha speaks to Professor Christian Happi about his pioneering use of genomic sequencing during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, and how the technology could unlock the secrets of disease prevention.

Alisha speaks to Professor Vikram Patel to explore how cash transfers could hold the key to coming up with a universally applicable and low-cost breakthrough in the treatment of mental health disorders.

Alisha speaks to Professor Ruth DeFries to discuss how the world has become reliant on a small number of crops (such as corn and rice), leaving us in a vulnerable position if these staples do not grow well as the planet heats.

Alisha speaks to Professor Daniel Freeman about the importance of sleep and its potential in fighting the global mental health crisis.

Danish geneticist Professor Eske Willerslev and Dr Shane Doyle, a member of the Crow Tribe in Montana, USA, join Alisha to discuss the possibilities and pitfalls of ancient DNA research and how to build mutual trust and respect between indigenous communities and scientists.

Human infection studies are a quick and effective way to gather data to see whether or not a vaccine is working. Alisha speaks with Dr Dingase Dula to learn more about the impact of infection studies in combating infectious disease.

Around the world, roughly one billion people live in informal settlements. These communities are especially vulnerable to extreme weather events. Alisha speaks to Professor Karin Leder about projects in Indonesia and Fiji that are collaborating with local communities to address these challenges.

Alisha is in discussion with Professor Iris Sommer to understand more about psychosis – one of the most severe and stigmatised mental health conditions – and hear about an innovative AI project that could help us spot the signs early on.

Alisha talks to Professor John Wright about how one open-ended study of 40,000 people in the city of Bradford is changing lives and bonding communities around the world.

Kathy Baughman McLeod talks Alisha through the realities of what heat stress does to us, how workers across the globe are feeling the heat, and the tangible solutions being implemented to increase resilience.

Professor Susan Golombok joins Alisha to discuss how her research into different family structures has changed laws and perceptions on same-sex parenting.

Dr Anand Anandkumar joins Alisha to correct the misconceptions around antimicrobial resistance and explain what we can do about it.