Loughborough Institute of Advanced Studies Podcast

IAS Residential Fellow Dr Mario Panico delivers a seminar on their research -  This seminar will present the first results of my research project on the use of artificial intelligence-generated imagery in contemporary conflict contexts. Through examples drawing from contemporary wars, I will address two questions: (i) how these visual texts activate specific emotional rhetorics, iconographic patterns and memorial references. In this part, I will focus on the notion of the “archive of the present” and how AI images draw on pre-existing visual heritage to appear authentic and culturally credible, redefining what is perceived as “memorable”; ii) how the future is “prescribed”: looking at how temporalities are reconstructed through the representation of future scenarios, between coping, predictions and collective avoidance. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias

Royal Society Wolfson Fellow Professor José Ferreira Alves delivers a seminar on their research - Fractals and chaotic dynamics reveal how complex structures emerge from simple rules, often exhibiting self-similarity across multiple scales. This talk offers an accessible overview of the mathematical foundations of fractals—self-similarity, scaling laws, and fractal dimension—illustrated with classical examples such as the Sierpiński gasket, the Koch snowflake, and the Mandelbrot and Julia sets. Beyond mathematics, we examine how fractal geometry appears in natural landscapes, artistic practice, and cultural expression. Case studies include the fractal analysis of Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings, hierarchical organisation in Bach’s music, and multi-scale patterns in the poetry of Wallace Stevens and Borges. These examples show how fractal principles provide a coherent framework for interpreting complexity, perception, and creative structure across disciplines. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias 

IAS Residential Fellow Dr Gemma Sou delivers a seminar on their research - Small island developing states (SIDS) are disproportionately affected by climate change yet have been marginalized within the global climate regime. Often overlooked are their purposeful collective efforts to reform global climate governance to increase self-determination over their climate futures. Drawing on interviews with civil servants in Antigua and Barbuda, this talk argues that we can reframe SIDS transnational actions as contemporary worldmaking—a resistance-driven process of reimagining and reshaping global systems to foster greater self-determination. The capacity of SIDS to act as world makers reveals how ideas of self-determination and resistance endure, even under profoundly disadvantageous structural conditions, offering critical insights into the possibilities for a more just and inclusive global climate regime. This emphasis also moves beyond the local and regional to centre imaginaries of climate governance at the global scale, showing how such imaginaries are also informed by the emotional and historical terrain of SIDS.  For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias 

With thanks to the generosity of the Biddle Family Scholarship, the IAS is hosting The Simon Marshall Lecture - Sport is full of challenges and is constantly changing. One of the biggest challenges facing sport is coming from climate change. Whilst news stories have rightfully focused on the ecological damage and the impact on sport facilities, the impact on those participating in sport is often overlooked. Despite this, many athletes have pushed for sport to do more. This event is a talk by two former Olympians, Etienne Stott and Laura Baldwin, to explain what motivated them to start advocating for climate action and what they are doing to raise awareness. Etienne and Laura are hosted as IAS Fellows by Dr Mark Doidge. Following their lecture, there will be a panel with Etienne and Laura, and a member of a national governing body (Denise Ludlam). The Biddle family is delighted to support the work of Loughborough University through the Biddle Family Scholarship. Eight members of the family have had an association with the university as either staff or student, or both. This includes James Biddle as a Physical Education in the early 1950s, to James’ son, Grant, also a PE student in the 1970s, to Greg (post-doc) and Jack (MSc in Sport & Exercise Nutrition) from 2015. James’ other son, Stuart has been a student (1970s) and staff member, including being Head of the-then School of Sport & Exercise Sciences, 2001-2007. An important part of the Scholarship donation is to support the Simon Marshall Lecture. Simon Marshall sadly passed away in 2024 aged 53. He grew up local to Loughborough and attended Quorn Rawlins school. After degrees from Liverpool John Moores and San Diego State Universities, he graduated from Loughborough with a PhD in Sport & Exercise Sciences in 2001 under the supervision of Professor Stuart Biddle. He was an outstanding PhD student and Loughborough post-doc prior to returning to San Diego to pursue an equally successful academic career. Later he became an entrepreneur, sport consultant, and sport psychologist, working closely with his wife, Lesley Paterson, a world champion triathlete. He was an outstanding speaker and writer, including contributing to award-winning screen plays. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias  

Emerita Professor Marsha Meskimmon, Former Director of the IAS, delivers our Inaugural IAS Festive Lecture, fully titled "From the Star of Bethlehem to a Cool Yule: Christmas Really Does Come But Once a Year" Having rashly agreed to deliver the first IAS Festive Lecture in the heady months of the summer, I found myself at the start of November wondering where the time had gone. More to the point, I found myself wondering what Christmas has to do with time... In this talk, I will share some of my ruminations on the origins and traditional celebrations associated with this annual festival to ask what it might teach us about time and tide, light and darkness, joy and renewal. Oh, and for those who know me, why having hundreds of lights on a tree in your house is an eminently sensible thing to do, but once a year. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias  

IAS Visiting Fellow Dr Christopher Todd Minson delivers a seminar on their research - We are now in the “urban century” in which humans are more disconnected from the natural world than previously in human existence. This is having a profound negative impact on our physical and mental health. How do we counter the demands and distractions of a plugged-in life with our mental and physical health? The answer may be to get outside our comfort zone through exposure to the world we evolved in: to be surrounded by nature, to be hot, to be cold, to be out of breath. There is a growing interest in how environmental exposures can improve health and well-being, with many people seeking out ways to get back to our core experiences. Research is now demonstrating that these exposures can create a more stress-resistant phenotype to counter inflammation and oxidative stress, which underlie physiological changes with aging, chronic disease, and a sedentary lifestyle. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias

IAS Residential Fellow Dr Andrea Pérez Fernández delivers a seminar on their research - This seminar explores three intersections between the normative contributions of 1980s British feminist art historiography and the insights of interwar avant-garde women artists and thinkers in Germany. The focus is on the work of Hannah Höch and Lu Märten. The first intersection concerns the critique of the genius, while the second addresses how the distinction between art and crafts can result in the precariousness (both metaphysical and economic) of creative activities more commonly undertaken by women. The third intersection concerns the social function of the arts and how art can expand the political imagination. This approach is based on Rosa Luxemburg's reflections on culture and considers how the emancipatory potential of the arts is defined more by their status as a social practice than by the creator’s intention. Drawing on recently recovered or untranslated primary sources, the seminar will facilitate discussion on the relevance of these insights in the context of contemporary debates in feminist theory and visual culture. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias

IAS Visiting Fellow Professor Sébastien Tutenges delivers a seminar on their research - For two decades, Sébastien Tutenges has conducted ethnographic research in bars, nightclubs, festivals, drug dens, nightlife resorts, and underground dance parties in a quest to answer a fundamental question: Why do people across cultures gather regularly to intoxicate themselves? In this talk, he argues that the primary aim of group intoxication is the religious experience that Durkheim calls collective effervescence, the essence of which is a sense of connecting with other people and being part of a larger whole. This experience is empowering and emboldening and may lead to crime and deviance, but it is at the same time vital to our humanity because it strengthens social bonds and solidarity. In developing this argument, Sébastien will present a new definition of collective effervescence, propose a typology of its varieties, and discuss the ways commercial forces amplify and capitalize on this universal human drive. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias

National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) Fellow Dr Vinícius Teixeira Pinto delivers a seminar on their research, fully titled "Democracy on the pitch: an anthropological approach to the politics and activism of Brazilian football supporters." - Brazilian football has undergone significant shifts in its gameplay and its politics in a few years: from its new stadiums, passing through social and urban change, until the recent laws that allowed the conversion of its football clubs into Public Limited Football Companies. Aside the sporting angle, not least important were the political demonstrations that had football as target or background—such as the 2014 FIFA WC protests, or the wearing of Brazilian National Team shirts by the far-right rallies, or lately the anti-fascist football fans activism against ‘Bolsonarism’. Based on ethnographic fieldwork undertaken in Southern Brazil during the Bolsonaro Government (2019-2023), this seminar revisits some of Brazil’s recent political events, offering an anthropological approach to the modalities of political participation and activism that emerged in sport and that in certain cases resonated beyond it, even inspiring the demand for democracy both on and off the football pitch. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias  

IAS Visiting Fellow Dr Mrinal Bachute delivers a seminar on their research - Urban mobility systems are at a critical inflection point, driven by rapid urbanization, climate imperatives, and the need for equitable access. This talk explores how advanced Artificial Intelligence—particularly Generative AI, Agentic AI, and Graph Neural Networks—can transform urban transport into intelligent, adaptive, and sustainable ecosystems. Drawing from real-world deployments in global smart cities, the session showcases AI applications in real-time traffic optimization, demand-responsive transit, and active mobility planning. Emphasis is placed on practical AI architectures using digital twins, federated learning, and edge computing to ensure scalability and data privacy. The talk further outlines how autonomous AI agents can make real-time policy-aligned decisions to support net-zero and inclusive mobility outcomes. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias

IAS Residential Fellow Dr David Braithwaite delivers a seminar on their research - Mathematical reasoning often involves general statements, such as “The sum of any two even numbers is even.” Psychological theory implies that such reasoning should depend critically on knowledge of examples. This hypothesis was tested in a series of studies with university students (not specialized in maths). Students spontaneously referred to examples when engaged in logical reasoning about maths (Study 1), knowledge of relevant examples predicted accuracy in logical reasoning (Study 2), and a manipulation designed to increase knowledge of examples led to more accurate logical reasoning (Study 3). Ongoing work explores how examples affect individuals’ evaluations of general mathematical statements. Initial findings (Study 4) indicate that apparently confirming examples increase belief in true statements without affecting belief in false statements. I will discuss implications of this work for psychological theories and educational practice in maths. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias  

IAS Visiting Fellow Dr Changsheng Wu delivers a seminar on their research - The rapid aging of populations and COVID-19 pandemic have exposed critical healthcare shortcomings. Traditional healthcare remains offline and reactive, with intermittent clinical monitoring. Recent advancements in smart materials, wearables, AI, and IoT enable continuous, personalized digital health solutions. However, challenges persist in achieving advanced monitoring modalities and accessibility. This talk presents our progress in developing cost-effective, accessible sensing technologies for ambulatory monitoring of deep-tissue signals. I will introduce wireless, flexible near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) devices for measuring local hemodynamics and tissue oxygenation, mechano-acoustic sensors to decode tissue mechanics, and radio-frequency metamaterial sensors for non-contact vital sign detection. These accessible devices, powered by advanced signal processing, enable unique capabilities including ambulatory monitoring of hemodynamics and tissue stiffness alongside non-contact physiological assessment, offering promising directions toward pervasive healthcare. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias  

IAS Residential Fellow Dr Bibiana Oliveira Serpa delivers a seminar on their research - This seminar explores how feminist movements mobilize visual storytelling to advance reproductive justice and build transnational solidarities. Drawing on grassroots activism in Latin America and visual archives from the UK and beyond, the session examines how everyday objects, like pañuelos, protest signs, and hangers, become tools of memory, resistance, and feminist pedagogy. Rather than focusing on representation, we approach visual culture as a site of situated knowledge, rooted in bodies, territories, and collective struggle. Through this lens, we will reflect on how visual narratives challenge stigma, sustain political imaginaries, and foster cross-border connections. By centering feminist creativity and material practices often overlooked in academic discourse, the talk invites a dialogue on how design and visual culture can be reimagined toward an embodied practice of knowledge. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias

IAS visiting Fellow Professor Oleksandr Dluhopolskyi delivers a seminar on their research - In today’s world, grounded in the principles of inclusion, sustainability, and democracy, increasing attention is being paid to the issue of young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEETs). This social group is particularly vulnerable to social isolation, poverty, and marginalisation, posing significant challenges to sustainable societal development, economic growth, and long-term prosperity. The seminar will examine how the rising proportion of NEETs across various countries reveals deeper systemic problems within education systems, labour markets, and social protection frameworks. Drawing on international examples such as the UK government’s “Back to Work Plan”, the seminar highlights how flexible, regionally attuned public measures can promote inclusion and opportunity for marginalised youth. This paper investigates the structural and policy-based factors contributing to the NEETs challenge and proposes strategies for regional and national governments to support meaningful integration. The goal is to imagine, prepare, and plan for a more inclusive socio-economic future – one where no young person is left behind. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias  

A roundtable discussion as part of the IAS Spotlight 'Women in Sport' - Discussants: Dr Verity Postlethwaite, Dr Rebecca Grant, Dr Samantha Rowland, Dr Hannah Dugdale This closing session brings together the insights, provocations, and priorities emerging from the IAS Spotlight series to co-create a shared vision and actionable next steps. Drawing on themes of governance, leadership, innovation, and interdisciplinary research, this session will guide participants through a collaborative process to shape an actionable innovation roadmap. Framed by the expertise of contributors across the IAS Spotlight activities, including views from those working on breast health, return to movement, and cross-sport collaboration—this session will explore how to build a thriving, inclusive ecosystem for innovation around women’s sport and health research and practice. Participants will: Reflect on key insights from the roundtables on governance, events, and innovation in women’s sport. Engage with a draft Innovation Road Map structured around research, design, policy, and practice. Identify shared priorities, gaps, and opportunities for collaboration. Contribute to the co-creation of next steps, including research partnerships, funding pathways, and future convenings. This session will close with a collective commitment to action and an invitation to shape the next phase of activities, focusing on the 2026 Women in Sport, Exercise and Academic Network conference which will be hosted by Loughborough in July 2026.

A roundtable discussion as part of the IAS Spotlight 'Women in Sport' - Key Speaker: IAS Visiting Fellow Professor Deidre McGhee Discussants: Dr Rebecca Grant, Dr Aimee Mears, Dr Kelsie Johnson This session explores the critical intersection of breast health, sports bras, and protective innovation, highlighting how medicine and engineering are coming together to support women and girls in sport. From biomechanical research and clinical insights to cutting-edge design and material science, the conversation will delve into how tailored support solutions are being developed to enhance performance, reduce injury risk, and empower women of all ages. Special attention will be given to pregnancy and postpartum populations, addressing the unique physiological changes and support needs during these life stages, and how thoughtful design and evidence-based approaches can facilitate a safe and confident return to sport and physical activity. By bridging disciplines and centring female physiology, this work is redefining what it means to be truly supported in movement. Discussion Areas Will Include: How biomechanical and clinical research is informing the next generation of breast support technologies. How sports bra design can be reimagined through user-centred, evidence-based, and inclusive approaches. How pregnancy and postpartum transitions challenge conventional support paradigms—and what innovation looks like in response. How interdisciplinary collaboration can accelerate the translation of research into real-world products, policies, and practices. This session will highlight the importance of centring female physiology in sport science and design, and will explore how thoughtful, adaptive solutions can empower women to move with confidence, comfort, and safety—at every stage of life.

A roundtable discussion as part of the IAS Spotlight 'Women in Sport', fully titled "The Collaborative Ecosystem of Women’s Sport: A Roundtable Discussion on the Conceptualization, Research and Innovation Agenda" - Key Speakers: IAS Visiting Fellows - Dr Becca Leopkey, Dr Dana Lee Ellis, Dr Lucy Piggott Discussants: Dr Verity Postlethwaite  As women’s sport continues to grow in scale, visibility, and influence, there is a timely opportunity to explore how governance, leadership, and major events can shape its future. This academic roundtable brings together scholars, practitioners, and policy leaders to examine the evolving ecosystem of women’s sport and to co-develop a forward-looking research and innovation agenda. Building on the work of scholars such as Dr. Rebecca Leopkey (sport event governance and legacy), Dr. Dana Lee Ellis (strategic alliances and sport development), and Dr. Lucy Piggott (gender equity in sport leadership), this session will critically engage with the systems, structures, and power relations that underpin the development of women’s sport across disciplines and contexts. Discussion Areas Will Include: How governance and leadership models can evolve to reflect the values, needs, and ambitions of women’s sport. How major events can be leveraged not only for performance and commercial success, but also for cultural and structural transformation. How interdisciplinary research can support the sustainable growth of women’s sport, from grassroots to elite levels. How collaboration across sports, sectors, and institutions can accelerate innovation and amplify collective impact. This roundtable aims to spark dialogue, identify shared priorities, and lay the groundwork for a collaborative research ecosystem that supports the continued evolution of women’s sport in the UK and beyond.

IAS Residential Fellow Dr Sara Shaker delivers a seminar on their research - This seminar examines the role of comic journalism in archiving the Arab Revolutions/Uprisings, with a particular focus on the graphic narratives of Arabic artists like Deena Mohammed, Yazan Al Saadi, Hamid Suleiman, and Rawand Issa. By focusing on the visual artworks of What Factors Make You Insecure?, Lebanon is Burning, An Uprising in Sudan, Freedom Hospital, and Aasiya (The Insubordinate)—the seminar explores how these visual narratives operate as counter-archives that contest the official accounts disseminated/circulated Arab state regimes. These artists act as ethical witnesses who challenge prevailing dominant political narratives and uncover state-sanctioned violence and trauma by adopting the tools of comic journalism. The seminar showcases how Arab comic artists deploy the visual-verbal power of comics to document atrocity, foreground marginalized voices, and present unfiltered testimonies. It argues that the comic platform provides an unmediated form of history witnessing-one that combines activism, resistance, and documentation. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias

IAS Residential Fellow Dr Eefje Hendriks delivers a seminar on their research - Curious about when, where, and how assistance can truly strengthen disaster resilience in the Global South? Eefje Hendriks’ research addresses the urgent need for evidence on reconstruction decisions by vulnerable groups and the wider impact of reconstruction assistance. Reconstruction is often challenged by factors such as limited resources and technical knowledge. Eefje explores both generic and individual decision-making systems, measuring the impact of various types of assistance across diverse contexts. Her goal is to guide more effective, personalized humanitarian and governmental aid. Through case studies in Nepal and the Philippines, she reveals the complex choices disaster-affected households face. Her transdisciplinary approach bridges technical and social dimensions of post-disaster recovery. By using mixed methods and diverse analysis techniques, her work enhances understanding and ensures more people receive targeted, impactful support. For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias

Joining Loughborough in 1998, Marsha has been a driving force behind many of the University’s initiatives, including the incredible Institute of Advanced Studies, which she became the Director for in 2018.   The Institute sits at the heart of our research, innovation, and internationalisation strategies, and its evolution and impact are direct reflections of Marsha’s leadership, creativity, and unrelenting commitment to excellence. In less than a decade, the facility has welcomed more than 420 Fellows from over 45 countries.    Last year, Masha’s dedication was honoured when she was awarded the title of Emeritus Professor. This University Medal adds to her list of prestigious accolades by honouring her visionary leadership and lasting impact on the University.   For more information about the IAS, please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/ias