That's What I Call Science!

During her final week in the UK, Olly had the pleasure of visiting The National Museum of Computing in Bletchley. There, she chatted with four volunteers about what visitors can see at the museum, as well as their own experiences in computing and electrical engineering.

The museum houses computer models from the very early days of computing, including those far larger than Olly herself!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! 

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: o...

A long, long time ago in a university far away, TWICS host Olly studied Zoology alongside adventurer Kate Lacey. Kate’s career would take her across the world to places like the Amazon, South Africa, and beyond. 

On her recent trip to the UK, Olly caught up with Kate to hear about her career in ecology, including Kate’s involvement with the recent reintroduction of pine martens to southwest England. 

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every...

How much can a tree tell us about the climate? Quite a lot, it turns out.

This week, we chat with Dr Kathryn Allen from the University of Tasmania, one of Australia’s few dendroclimatologists, about how she uses tree rings to reconstruct past climates and environmental change.

Kathryn shares her unconventional pathway into science and how she built a career in climate research. Along the way, we explore how tree rings record rainfall, temperature and drought, what these natural archives can reveal about past climate variability, and why this research is so important for un...

Copper is all around us, from the wires in our homes to the technologies powering the transition to renewable energy. But where does it actually come from, and how do we find it?

In this episode, Dr Hannah Moore is joined by geologist Dr Yamila Cajal to explore the fascinating science behind copper. From her early career in mining and exploration in Chile to her current research at UTAS, Yamila shares what it’s really like to work as a geologist and how scientists uncover valuable resources hidden deep beneath our feet.

Together, they dive in...

What is a hydrogeologist, why is groundwater important, and how can mine sites both contribute to and impact our hidden water sources? In this episode, Dr Elise Tuuri is joined by the recently conferred Dr Birte Moser, a hydrogeologist at Flinders University's National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training and the One Basin Cooperative Research Centre. Birte takes us into the hidden world of groundwater, from the surprising hydraulic evolution of pit lakes after mine closure, to banking surplus water underground in the Murray–Darling Basin as a resource to utilise in periods of drought.

Sho...

Welcome back to another episode in sunny Oxford! 

While Olly was in the UK, she visited St John’s College at the University of Oxford. There, she sat down with the College President, Professor Lady Sue Black, Baroness Black of Strome, to hear about Sue’s career in forensic anthropology and what it is like working as a scientist when your data can be used in the courtroom. 

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! 

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta...

This week, Dr Jane Younger returns to the TWICS mic to tell Olly about her recent adventures down south to Antarctica.

Unfortunately, the trip involved seeing staggering rates of avian influenza, affecting multiple species of seabirds as well as seals. Jane talked Olly through her experiences, as well as the science conducted to help understand what’s happening.

A bonus fact about the episode: despite the episode being about the most southern continent in the world, Jane and Olly recorded the episode when they crossed paths in the northern hemisphere.

Show the...

In this episode of That's What I Call Science, Dr. Elise Tuuri sits down with Dr. Andrew Turner, Medical Director of DonateLife Tasmania, to explore the life-saving world of organ and tissue donation. Tasmania is leading the nation in donation rates, with 25 donors saving the lives of 62 Australians in 2025 alone, and Dr. Turner unpacks what is driving that culture of generosity. From the science and logistics of donation to the deeply human connections between donors' families, recipients, and hospital staff, this episode explores what it really means to say yes to donation. We discuss the importance of registering as...

With Pint of Science just around the corner, we’re joined by three of the presenters from Hobart’s 2026 event, “From Inner Workings to Icy Worlds” at Shambles Brewery.

First, sea ice researcher Dr Johannes Lohse takes us to the Arctic and Antarctic to explore how scientists study sea ice and why it matters for our changing climate.

Next, postdoctoral researcher Dr Vimarsha Kodithuwakku discusses how subtle changes in blood vessels during childhood may help detect cardiovascular disease risk earlier in life.

Finally, PhD candidate Rachel Breslin dives into Tasmania’s sand flathead population...

Henna Tyyskä is a PhD student in Catalonia, Spain studying how historical land-use affects fungi under the  forest floor.

Inspired to be a scientist after reading Gorillas in the Mist by Dian Fossey, Henna grew up in Finland, hanging out by lakes & collecting berries and mushrooms in the forest.  Before her current position Henna developed a taxonomic key to identify plants from a group that lives in Borneo and worked as an environmental consultant for an engineering company in Scotland.

Hear about Henna’s fascinating past and current roles and the combination of history, genetics, field...

From Catalonia, PhD student Marc Busuldu grew up fascinated by the stars. Internships across Spain led him to a position at CREAF and to his current PhD on how characterising the electrical signal of leaves can help us to better understand and detect drought in forests through satellite imaging.

Marc’s project combines mathematics, electrics and biology reflecting his varied interests which span plants, philosophy and theatre. Join Dr Kate Johnson to hear about Marc’s research and why it matters in a changing climate, his reflections on the barriers to a scientific career and advice to othe...

From the posters at the 2026 AMOS conference, we bring you a podcast episode with the latest science on oceans, the climate and weather! We hear from a range of experts who tell us about  the science laid out on their data-filled posters, displayed in a crowded conference room of scientists. 

We learn about all things climate and weather; from climate change communication in Australia to flood modelling in New Zealand to climate extremes  in Antarctica. Join us for the newest poster session episode! 

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Th...

In this episode, Olly and Georgia journey to the Tasmanian ‘Science in the Park’ event held in late 2025. Science in the Park is a hands-on event where science comes alive in all its forms! Despite a day of rain, wind, and sunshine, visitors of all ages explored everything from AI and robots to Tasmanian fish identification and live dissections, flying drones, and the fascinating world of brains and neuroscience. We also learned about edible plants in the Tasmanian environment and even making a pH indicator from purple cabbage. This episode celebrates curiosity, discovery, and the joy of experiencing science in a...

In this episode, we speak with Alyssa Seckinger-Crow, who is studying Marine and Antarctic Governance at the University of Tasmania. Alyssa is the founder of the Tassie Student Science Communicators Network and Young Ocean Innovators, and serves on the Antarctic Youth Coalition Research Team. Her research examines how we can build communities that help young people grow into confident science communicators and leaders. As science engagement rapidly evolves through social media and short-form content, Alyssa explores how hands-on practice, good mentorship, and supportive spaces can help young communicators move from feeling unqualified or fearful to seeing themselves as capable...

Raised on the coast of Maine, Dr Haley Viehman has been drawn to the ocean her whole life. Starting in civil and environmental engineering, she discovered her passion for marine science by studying how fish interact with tidal energy turbines in fast‑flowing waters. In this week’s episode, we hear how Haley uses hydroacoustics to uncover how fish move, behave, and adapt in extreme tidal environments. Now based in Tasmania as a Hydroacoustic Specialist at Echoview Software, she supports researchers around the world who use sound to understand aquatic life, renewable energy, and the rapidly growing blue economy.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Ella Burgun, our Social Media Team Coordinator and local science communicator! We dive into Ella’s path into science communication and explore her recently completed Master’s thesis in forensic shark genetics. Ella’s research focused on using molecular techniques to identify which shark species end up in liver oil and fish oil products, a critical step for understanding the impact on vulnerable deep‑sea species like gulper sharks. We also chat about her new role at Echoview Software and how she’s bringing her scientific expertise into the world of marine acous...

This week, Dr Simon Torok and Dr Cintya Dharmayanti from Scientell join Olly to talk about their experiences in scicomm, what Scientell is, and the evolving landscape of communicating STEMM. 

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! 

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Production: Dr Hannah Moore (@volcanohannah)

Media & Promotion: Georgia Stewart (@ggstew25)

Growing up excited for every visit to her grandparents’ farm where she could sit amongst the trees eating tropical fruits, Dr. Lucette Adet has always been fascinated by plants. Currently undertaking research in the Congo Basin in Cameroon, Lucette aims to understand how different tree species respond to their environment, in the context of changes in climate and land-use.

Join Dr Kate Johnson and hear Lucette’s exceptional story-telling as we journey through the ‘magic place’ of the tropical forest with ‘the wind flowing and the monkey’s jumping’, experiencing it as a place of research an...

Join Dr Kate Johnson and Laura Wynne Stewart to hear about the busy, beautiful forests that Laura is working to understand and advocate for. Growing up on islands, Laura’s curiosity and love for nature drove her to science and her current PhD position in forest ecology in Barcelona, Spain. Laura’s research focuses on understanding trees and forests using nifty tools such as satellites, lasers and tree-based sensors. Listen to hear about the joy of being in a forest, the broad reaching implications of Laura’s research and her excellent life advice.

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Welcome to the last episode of 2025! 

Earlier on in the year, we had a mini-series on literacy and numeracy. Today’s episode continues on from that theme as Olly is joined by Austin and Richard from the 2 To Ramble podcast. The three discuss the use of science in science fiction books and films, as well as the creator’s role of balancing being factual and imaginative.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! 

Host: Dr Olly Dove...

Join us to hear from the winners of our STEMM Solutions For Our Island Competition 2025!

STEMM Solutions For Our Island was open to grade 10, 11 and 12 students in lutruwita/Tasmania who identify as female, femme or non-binary, funded by Inspiring Tasmania. Entrants identified an issue in their local community or wider lutruwita/Tasmania, and pitched a creative solution.

Join Tegan Clark and Dr Olly Dove to hear from our talented winners:  1.) Abigail McCallum, a year 10 student at Sheffield high school on Tasmania’s north-west coast, who pitched solutions to combat the...

Computer implants into human bodies powered by AI is no longer a dystopian, science fiction trope - it is real life. Whilst the fiction is gone, the dystopian still remains. 

Associate Professor Frederic Gilbert answers our questions about the current state of human-computer interfaces, how our biological and neurological data is collected, and the ethics behind it all! 

We explore how this technology was originally developed for medical purposes, and how it has been a game-changer for fighting against some neurological diseases. We question the ethical responsibilities of big-tech who are developing these technologies for no...

“Engineers got us into this mess…it’s engineers who will get us out again.”

This is a catchphrase of one of our guests today, Associate Professor Evan Franklin. Along with Professor Tim Finnigan, Evan joined Sarah and Olly to talk about all things climate engineering, and why it’s so important that more engineers get involved.

This episode also marks a special occasion for us, as it’s Dr Sarah Lyden’s last time co-hosting at TWICS. We’re super grateful for Sarah’s time on the show, and hope the futur...

Welcome back to our third week of climate engineering! This week, we’re joined by Dr. Pooyan Alinaghi Hosseinabadi, a lecturer and postdoctoral researcher in electrical engineering. 

Pooyan’s work has taken him across the world and his current research focuses on renewable energy. Tune in to find out how we can be reducing emissions and you might just start looking at the electronics in your house in a whole new light. 

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-th...

Landslides can bring devastating consequences to the communities they affect. Dr Ashley Dyson, a geotechnical engineer, joins Sarah and Olly for part two of our climate engineering series to explain how we can go about mitigating the risks of landslides and why it’s so important to have as much data as we can on soils, rainfall, and slopes.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! 

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Dr Sarah Lyden

Pro...

Ever wondered what sheep and vineyards have in common? Turns out it’s agrivoltaic systems: generating solar power alongside agriculture. 

Olly and Sarah are joined in today’s episode by Ganesh Pandey, who tells the two all about the implementation of solar panels in pastures and fields. 

Today’s episode kicks off the first of our mini-series in climate engineering, so make sure you tap back in next week to hear about more engineering marvels! 

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteer...

Welcome back to Part 2 of our CoLab 2025 double bill!

In case you missed last week’s episode, CoLab pairs scientists with high schoolers, who, after workshops and lab visits, make art out of research! 

This week, Ella and Anna hear from scientists Danielle Zimmerman, Millie Goddard-Dwyer, and Katya Bandow about their experiences with CoLab. We also hear from the students themselves about how they found diving into the artistic side of science. 

Photo credits: Beaker Street and Oi Studios

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Th...

What happens when you pair research scientists with high schoolers? Incredible art, that’s what! 

Through CoLab, six scientists are paired with two to three high schoolers each who, after a series of workshops, create art inspired by the scientists’ research. The results are then displayed at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery during the Beaker Street Festival.

This week, join Ella and Anna as they hear from scientists Esmat Sarafraz, Samantha Bramich, and Roisin Moloney about the exhibition as well as from the student artists themselves. 

Make sure you come back next week t...

Arnold Schwarzenegger, popcorn, AND science?! What more could you want?

As part of National Science Week 2025, That’s What I Call Science hosted From Fact to Fiction: a live screening of Total Recall (1990) followed by a panel of STEMM experts. Tune in to hear from Associate Professor Frederic Gilbert, Dr Soonja Yeom, and Mikaela Green about their takeaways from the film and its reflections in our modern day society. 

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week!

Hos...

Last week, you heard from two of this year’s cohort of the Inspiring Women in STEMM Fellowship. This week, we have Rose Aawulenaa and Dilini Manage on the mic to share their PhD research topics and plans for the fellowship with you!

Rose is an Agricultural Science PhD candidate and Dilini is a supply chain decarbonisation PhD candidate. What do they have in common? Leading incredible projects in their home communities that can help raise up the next generation. Make sure you tune in to hear them chat with Olly about their incredible work!

From the sea to how we see!

Barbara Labbe and Isabelly de Lima may have very different research fields, but what they do have in common is that they are both in the 2025 cohort of Inspiring Women in STEMM Fellows! 

Tune in to today’s episode for Part 1 about this year’s fellows. You’ll hear about Barbara’s work with seaweed and her outreach in Chile, as well as about Isabelly’s work in paediatric cataract and her outreach in Brazil. 

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the w...

We’re proud to share That’s What I Call Science’s 300th episode!

This milestone is an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come since our café planning sessions in 2018 and first live broadcast in 2019. TWICS is a volunteer-led radio and podcast show created to provide a platform for people from under-represented backgrounds to share their work in STEMM.

What began as a small team in Hobart is now broadcast Australia-wide and downloaded in over 60 countries. Our team of 16 volunteers bring together skills in science communication, media production, and community engagement, and it truly...

It’s that time of year again! Beaker Street Festival 2025 came to Hobart in August and, with other 100 events going on, the TWICS team wanted to pop in to say hi to the scientists sharing their work. Last year, we recorded at the Roving Scientist Bar and, this year, we’re back again!

From fear of sharks to rocks to brains, we’ve got a little bit of a lot of STEMM in today’s episode for you!

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-t...

Ever had a burning question you’d hoped to ask a scientist? Dr Olly Dove and Katya Bandow answer your burning science questions in a candid conversation covering everything from sci-fi favourites to very old plants, and the not-so-glamorous reality of being early-career scientists living on a below-minimum wage.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to the whole TWICS team for the incredible behind-the-scenes volunteering every week! 

Host: Dr Olly Dove (Insta: ols_dove)

Co-Host: Katya Bandow

Production: Ryan Smi...

Join us as we dive into the icy waters of the Southern Ocean aboard the Denman Voyage to Antarctica. In this episode, we chat with marine biologist Dr Haiting Zhang (IMAS & AAPP), who studies the physiology, biochemistry, and ecology of Antarctic krill. Haiting shares her experience leading a research team on board, investigating how krill respond to climate change using biochemical indicators and field sampling methods. We explore why these tiny creatures are so vital to Southern Ocean ecosystems, what the voyage could reveal about their future, and what life is really like on an Antarctic research expedition.
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In the final episode of our plastics series, we head to the world’s most remote continent, Antarctica. PhD candidate Vaibhavi Dwivedi (University of Tasmania) joins us to explore how plastic pollution, including micro- and nanoplastics, is reaching the Southern Ocean. With a background in law and environmental management, Vaibhavi examines how plastics are governed across international treaties, national policies, and global agreements. We discuss the challenges of managing this pollutant in a global commons, the politics and dynamics shaping action, and what the Antarctic case can teach us about tackling plastic pollution. This episode weaves together science and go...

This episode continues our microplastics mini-series with a focus on engineering solutions.  Dr Anna Wróbel an environmental engineer from the School of Engineering at the University of Tasmania joins us to talk all things microplastics and the key role that engineers can play in reducing future microplastics and removing existing microplastics from the environment.  We’ll explore a range of questions including if stopping using plastics tomorrow would solve the problem, and how engineers contribute to solving the challenges of microplastics.

Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod

Thank you to th...

In this episode we continue our microplastics mini-series, this time considering the intersection between agricultural systems and engineering.  Our two guests, Sadique Bawa Anyame and Carmel Towns are PhD students studying different aspects of agricultural systems and microplastics.  Both come from industry backgrounds, and share their extensive experience in their fields as well as the innovative work they are doing in their PhDs in this episode.  Anyame is investigating microplastics in biosolids while Carmel is investigating how microplastics end up in farm systems with a focus on poultry, both are also considering how to engineer a solution.  Tune in to l...

Microplastics are everywhere, in the ocean, our food, and even the air we breathe. But what exactly are they, where do they come from, and why should we care? In this episode, we chat with Elise Tuuri, a marine scientist who has just submitted her PhD on microplastic pollution. Elise shares her journey into marine science, what sparked her interest in studying tiny plastics, and what she discovered about microplastics in Australian waters. We also discuss how these plastics affect marine life, what it’s like working in this field, and her hopes for the future of microplastics research. Tu...

How do you track the invisible spread of disease or predict the risks of invasive species? In this episode, we speak with ecological modeller, Nick Beeton, who uses maths, stats and a whole lot of code to make sense of complex environmental challenges. Nick shares his journey from growing up in Tasmania to working at CSIRO, where his projects have included modelling for wildlife disease like Devil Facial Tumor Disease on Tasmanian devils to genetically engineered mosquitoes for malaria prevention. It’s a fascinating dive into how numbers help us make better decisions for the planet.

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