In this episode, we’re delighted to welcome Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith. Anne is a globally recognised expert in mammalian genetics and epigenetics, and currently holds the Arthur Balfour Professorship of Genetics at Cambridge. Her research investigates how epigenetic mechanisms regulate genome function, with a focus on how genetic and environmental factors influence development, health, and disease. She is also the Executive Chair of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the former Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and International Partnerships at the University of Cambridge.

In this conversation, Anne shares insights into her journey into science, the vital role of epigenetics in understanding complex biological systems, and her leadership path in research and policy.

This episode was recorded a while ago, so some of the information may be out of date.

Hosts: Laura Ryan and Laura Lungu

Link to YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsNAyfQHSYE

In this episode, we’re delighted to welcome Alan Rigby to Gravity Encounters. With a career spanning academia, biotech, and drug discovery, Alan has made a significant impact on cancer research and immunotherapy. From his time as an Assistant Professor at Harvard to leading multiple innovative companies, he has been at the forefront of tumor biology, computational drug discovery, and antibody therapeutics. Now the CEO of Epitopea, Alan continues to drive breakthroughs in the field, shaping the future of cancer immunotherapies and vaccines.

In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Madeline Lancaster, a leading expert in brain development and neuroscience. As a group leader at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Madeline has pioneered the development of brain organoids; 3D models that mimic early human brain development and provide critical insights into neurodevelopmental disorders and evolution.

Her groundbreaking work has reshaped our understanding of how the human brain forms and functions, with implications for disease modelling and future therapeutics. In this interview, Madeline shares the story behind the discovery and development of brain organoids, the challenges and opportunities they present, and their potential to revolutionise our understanding of the human brain.

Hosts: Laura Ryan and Laura Lungu

Link to YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcTTyafAflo