Free Daily Podcast Summary
Physics World Weekly Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Physics World
Physics World Weekly offers a unique insight into the latest news, breakthroughs and innovations from the global scientific community. Our award-winning journalists reveal what has captured their imaginations about the stories in the news this week, which might span anything from quantum physics and astronomy through to materials游戏副本 science, environmental research and policy, and biomedical science and technology.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Yesterday30 min
Inside EPSRC: Charlotte Deane on funding the future of UK physics
The executive chair of the UK funding agency is our podcast guest
- 1 weeks ago25 min
Open data: the benefits and challenges of sharing a precious resource
Data are at the core of science, but traditional journal articles normally deliver a distillation of the raw data gathered by the authors. While the movement towards open access is widely supported by researchers and funding agencies, a 2024 study by IOP Publishing revealed that many scientists still encounter a wide range of practical, ethical and technical barriers when it comes to sharing their data. As a result, the publisher has launched a free online course that aims to give early-career researchers the practical skills and confidence they need to share and manage research data effectively. To talk about the course and IOP Publishing’s open data policy I am joined by Laura Feetham-Walker, who is head of publishing strategy and performance at IOP Publishing. IOP Publishing is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Institute of Physics and it publishes Physics World. You can register for the free course here: “Open Data Excellence“
- 2 weeks ago37 min
Thermodynamic computing: noise as a resource, not an enemy
Noise is the enemy of many computing paradigms. Conventional computers are power hungry because they must operate at energy levels well above those of electronic fluctuations in silicon. The problem is much more acute in quantum computing, where noise is a significant barrier to creating practical processors. But what if we could use noise as a computational resource? That is the idea behind thermodynamic computing – which is the focus of this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast. My guest is the theoretical physicist Stephen Whitelam – who joins me down the line from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the US. “Generative Thermodynamic Computing” by Stephen Whitelam
- 3 weeks ago36 min
Paul Howarth: IOP president highlights the need to raise the profile of physics in society
This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features an interview with Paul Howarth, who became president of the Institute of Physics (IOP) in February. The IOP is the professional body and learned society for physics in the UK and Ireland. Representing 21,000 members, it supports physicists at all stages of their careers and seeks to make physics accessible to people from all backgrounds. With a PhD in nuclear physics, Howarth has had a long career in the nuclear sector working on the European Fusion Programme and at British Nuclear Fuels, as well as co-founding the Dalton Nuclear Institute at the University of Manchester and serving as chief executive officer of the National Nuclear Laboratory. He talks to Physics World’s Michael Banks about his career in nuclear energy and his priorities now as president of the IOP. These include improving physics education and raising the profile of physics and physicists across society. Howarth also voices concerns about recent funding cuts to particle physics, astronomy and space science in the UK, saying it could hamper the flow of students into the subject, with a potential impact on burgeoning areas such as quantum tech. The Institute of Physics owns IOP Publishing, which brings you Physics World.
- 4 weeks ago32 min
Near-oxymoronic requirements: the materials challenges of fusion energy
Nuclear fusion powers the Sun, and scientists and engineers have long been trying to harness the process to generate clean energy. While much progress has been made, the commercially-viable generation of fusion energy remains elusive. One important challenge is developing a range of specialized materials that can contain an extremely hot, radiation-emitting plasma in close proximity to ultracold superconducting magnets. Our guest this week is Jacob John of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, who studies how radiation damages materials. In conversation with Physics World’s Matin Durrani, he talks about the near-oxymoronic materials requirements for fusion reactors and how they can be met.
- Apr 23, 202626 min
Quantum sensors benefit from miniaturized ultrahigh vacuum
The quantum-technology sector is burgeoning, but challenges remain when it comes to creating viable commercial products. While quantum sensors show great promise, some technologies rely on ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) – which is difficult to achieve in compact, portable devices. My guest in this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast is Florence Concepcion, who focuses on the miniaturization of UHV systems for practical quantum sensors and other devices. She is a senior quantum engineer at Aquark Technologies – a UK-based company that is developing cold-matter quantum technologies. In 2025 Concepcion was awarded a £1.9m Innovate Future Leaders Fellowship by the UK government. She explains how that money will be spent over four years to develop vacuum systems for quantum technologies. Before joining Aquark, Concepcion did a PhD on a topic at the intersection of astronomy and atomic physics. She talks about her transition from academia to industry and we chat about careers for physicists in the quantum sector.     SmarAct proudly supports this episode of Physics World Weekly. The company advances breakthroughs in science and technology through high-precision positioning, metrology and automation. Discover how SmarAct shapes the future of innovation at smaract.com.  
- Apr 16, 202649 min
Proteins on manuscript reveal how Renaissance medicines were made
Gleb Zilberstein is my guest in this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast. A physicist by training, Zilberstein applies the principles of proteomics to the study of historical objects including Renaissance manuscripts. He is also a director of Israel-based SpringStyle Tech Design, which has created a special film that lifts proteins from the surfaces of historical objects. Analysis of these proteins provides important information about how those objects were used. In a recent paper, Zilberstein and colleagues studied protein residues on a well-thumbed book of medical recipes that was published in Germany in 1531. He explains how their analysis provides a new view into how medical practitioners used the book and what sorts of concoctions they were making. Astonishingly, the team found evidence that European readers had access to ingredients derived from hippopotamuses. Some papers about the application of proteomics to historical research: The Scientific Analysis of Renaissance Recipes Count Dracula Resurrected EVA Technology and Proteomics: A Two-Pronged Attack on Cultural Heritage
- Apr 9, 202632 min
Backing winners in deep tech: physicist and venture capitalist Alexandra Vidyuk
The physicist and venture capitalist Alexandra Vidyuk is our guest in this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast. She is the chief executive and founding partner of Beyond Earth Ventures, which provides funding and support to early-stage companies in deep-tech sectors including space, robotics and energy. In conversation with Physics World’s Margaret Harris, Vidyuk explains how her BSc in applied mathematics and physics and her early career in banking and fintech set her on a path to deep-tech venture capital. Vidyuk talks about the specific challenges facing deep-tech entrepreneurs and reveals what she looks for when deciding which companies to fund. She also emphasizes the importance of building an organization that understands its customers and can communicate effectively with them.
Get Physics World Weekly Podcast summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
Physics for Future
Experts discuss quantum mechanics, atomic clocks, and AI to make physics accessible for students and the public.
The World, the Universe and Us
Explores big scientific questions about life, consciousness, climate, and the cosmos with expert scientists and New Scientist journalists.
Math & Physics Podcast
Two University of Toronto students discuss topics in math and physics.
The Quanta Podcast
A deep dive into fundamental questions in science and math through conversations with researchers and Quanta Magazine editors.
Nature Podcast
Weekly science stories from Nature journal, covering research across all fields with insights from scientists and editors.
Science Magazine Podcast
Weekly episodes covering original scientific research, global science news, and expert commentary.
Short Wave
A daily science podcast exploring discoveries, mysteries, and the research behind the news in under 15 minutes.
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week
Three science journalists share bizarre and little-known facts they’ve recently discovered.
Science In Action
The BBC covers the latest weekly developments and news in science.
Cosmos in a Pod
Explores space, science, philosophy, and technology to reveal the wonders of the universe and humanity's place within it.
The Pulse
Explores surprising stories in health and science, from operating rooms and labs to breakthrough innovations.
The Life Scientific
A scientist discusses their research, inspirations, and career with physicist Jim Al-Khalili.
About Physics World Weekly Podcast
Physics World Weekly offers a unique insight into the latest news, breakthroughs and innovations from the global scientific community. Our award-winning journalists reveal what has captured their imaginations about the stories in the news this week, which might span anything from quantum physics and astronomy through to materials游戏副本 science, environmental research and policy, and biomedical science and technology.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Physics World Weekly Podcast in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Physics World Weekly Podcast daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Physics World Weekly Podcast as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Physics World Weekly Podcast podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Physics World Weekly Podcast product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Physics World.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Physics World Weekly Podcast release new episodes?
Physics World Weekly Podcast publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Physics World Weekly Podcast cover?
Physics World Weekly Podcast covers topics including Science, Technology, Physics. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Physics World Weekly Podcast summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.