Agile Rabbit

After near extinction and years of conservation efforts across the UK, the government announced earlier this year that beavers are finally being released back into the wild! Though to the beavers along the River Otter in East Devon, this is old news. Since they were first spotted in 2013, they have made a successful return across the catchment. The River Otter beaver Trial led by Devon Wildlife Trust was the first wild licenced beaver reintroduction project in England. Alan Puttock from the University of Exeter guides a stroll along the famous River Otter to search for signs of beavers. Hear about Alan’s research on nature-based solutions, landscape restoration and the key role beavers play in preserving biodiversity, improving water quality, and reducing drought and flooding. This walk was funded by Devon Community Foundation. ALAN PUTTOCK Geography University of Exeter Alan Puttock is an environmental scientist and ecohydrologist. In his research, he takes on an interdisciplinary approach to investigat

From California to Australia, Wales to Bodmin Moor, news of wildfires has increasingly flickered across our screens. Not only do these fires dramatically change our landscapes, they also release huge amounts of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. But what constitutes a wildfire? And how does it affect wildlife and humans? Dr Thomas Smith from the London School of Economics and Political Sciences visits Exeter to share his experience of chasing wildfires across four continents. Thomas is an environmental geographer who specialises in pyrogeography – the study of fire on earth. Together, we explore the science of wildfires, what they can tell us about the drivers, the impacts of environmental change, and the implications to our lives and broader society. THOMAS SMITH Associate Professor in Environmental Geography Department of Geography and Environment The London School of Economics and Political Sciences Dr Thomas Smith is a wildfire scientist who specialises in understanding wildfire behaviour and smoke em

The chief foreign correspondent of The Sunday Times and bestselling author of ‘I am Malala’ and ‘The Girl From Aleppo’ visits the South West. Christina Lamb’s work is defined by determination and curiosity to vividly convey life in areas of danger and conflict. How else would the rest of us know about the injustice, the violence, but also the hope that can be found in those dark places? What is the point of bearing witness to the atrocities of war? What difference can journalism make? As one of Britain’s leading foreign correspondents, Christina Lamb has never wavered from giving a voice to the unsung heroes of war, often women like the cyclists in Kabul, the Zimbabwean lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa, and the famous Malala. In this talk, Christina Lamb speaks about the defining moments of her career as an author and journalist: travelling with the Mujahidin, the resistance fighting Soviet occupation in Afghanistan during the Cold War, being in a 360 Taliban ambush, and surviving a bus bombing at an assassination

In this live event, Joshua Howgego takes us on a rollicking ride through the world of meteorite hunting. Josh’s interest was sparked six years ago when he heard scientists say meteorites are like time capsules that record the history of our solar system. But how do we look for them? Together, we follow the footsteps of scientists, explorers, and hobbyists to uncover more about the world’s rarest rocks and the secrets within them. Josh will helps us piece together an unexpected new history of the solar system. Find out more in Josh's new book: The Meteorite Hunters JOSHUA HOWGEGO Editor New Scientist Magazine Joshua Howgego is a science journalist based in London. Josh originally trained as a chemist and obtained his PhD at the University of Bristol. He also has a degree in science communication from Imperial College London. After having written for numerous titles, including Times Higher Education, SciDev.Net and Nature, he now works as a feature editor at New Scientist magazine, where he covers physica

Dyslexia isn’t a type of neurodivergence, is it? Neurodiversity means being an autistic adult, right? Does having Tics mean you always shout a lot? What is the purpose of getting diagnosed? Listen to Dr. Abby Russel and Charlie Kelman discuss nine things you never knew about neurodiversity (or maybe you did!). Abby is a scientist based at the University of Exeter Children and Young People’s Mental Health Research Collaboration. Together we look at specific facts about neurodivergence but also delve deeper into things that could help or hinder neurodivergent people. We learn more about our senses, hyper- and hypo-sensitivity, and whether neurodivergence is increasing in the UK – or are we simply becoming more aware of it?

Have you ever wondered what the weather is like on Mars? In this special live event, join a world-leading scientist who works on two Mars Rovers to find out. Dr. Claire Newman is a planetary atmospheric specialist who studies weather and climate on Mars. We take a closer look at what recent surface missions have taught us and why NASA scientists are so curious about the red planet. Claire shares weather reports from the Perseverance Rover which describe a tumultuous place of violent dust storms, desert landscapes, and wildly fluctuating temperatures. Together we explore the key differences and similarities between weather on Earth and Mars. CLAIRE NEWMAN Dr. Claire Newman is a planetary atmospheric scientist who works on weather and climate on Mars and Titan, specialising in the study of dust storms. She is a team member on the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover, InSight Mars lander, and Mars 2020 Perseverance rover, as well as the upcoming Dragonfly Titan rotorcraft.

Fifty percent of the world’s population who make it to middle age and beyond will experience menopause, but talking about it, understanding it, and knowing how to manage it are only gradually becoming more commonplace. So how can we have more open conversations about individuals’ experiences? Mainstream narratives on the menopause often contain a dizzying report of weight gain, brain fog, joint pain, anxiety, depression, dry skin, and hot flashes. Dr. Tina Cartwright joins us from the University of Westminster to chat about what perimenopause and menopause actually are and how they manifest in women differently. Tina talks about recognising your symptoms to help you ask for the right support – whether from your employer or your GP. We also look at how exercise, CBT, yoga, and cold water swimming can support wellbeing during this time of transition.

How does the human immune system react to viruses, bacteria, or fungi invasions? Microbial life doesn’t just become visible under the microscope. During the Covid-19 pandemic, for example, it completely changed our lives. Professor Robin May from the University of Birmingham Robin is fascinated by how microbes cause diseases. He takes us on an investigative safari to take a closer look at what happens when so called pathogens enter the human body. ROBIN MAY School of Biosciences University of Birmingham Robin is Professor of Infectious Diseases at the University of Birmingham and succeeded Sir Chris Whitty last year as the 39th Gresham Professor of Physic. He is currently serving as Chief Scientific Adviser to the Food Standards Agency, where he provides independent science advice to the UK Government on food policy.

Join Dr. Diana Tingley, from the University of Exeter for a walk and talk around Ludwell Valley Park New laws say that housing developments must leave the natural environment in a better state than beforehand, known as Biodiversity Net Gain. We discuss whether the current legislation can work well for people and nature at the same time, and whether it goes far enough. We also talk about the benefits to people from being able to access nature and whether social justice has a role to play in all of this. Dr. Diana Tingley Diana works at the cross section between academia, business, policy and public engagement as a Senior Research Fellow in the Land, Environment ,Economics and Policy (LEEP) Institute, University of Exeter. Her current research focuses on public preferences for how Biodiversity and Environmental Net Gain can be delivered in practice. With contributions from: Professor Ian Bateman: Co-Director LEEP , University of Exeter. Chris Moulton: Nature Reserve Officer, Devon Wildlife Trust. Sar

Celebrating Ada Lovelace Day and the pioneering research of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. A discussion with world leading scientists and thinkers on Artificial Intelligence and equality. From benefits to healthcare and the environment, there is a lot that is exciting about AI and its contribution to our society. However, the risks – including algorithmic bias, invasion of privacy, and the power of big business – are well versed. So how can we ensure that data science and AI is working for and not against us? Hear about how ideas from computer and data scientists – particularly women – are empowering diversity, cooperation and prosperity for all. As many of us turn to generative AI to increase productivity at work, how can we be sure that the everyday tools we use are ethical and fair? This event is for The Joint Centre for Excellence in Environmental Intelligence. SPEAKERS JUDY WAJCMAN Principal Investigator for Women in Data Science and AI Alan Turing Institute Judy Wajcm

From naked mole rats and their teeth digging skills to kickboxing secretary birds, get ready to get your freak on. Dr. Steve Portugal from the Centre of Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour at the Royal Holloway University of London, has long been interested in the curious and peculiar behaviours of our fellow earthly inhabitants. STEVE PORTUGAL Steve Portugal is a comparative ecophysiologist. The common theme of his work focuses on how animals adapt their behaviour and ecology to the challenges of their environment, within the constraints of their own physiological and anatomical limitations. Such questions are particularly important in the light of global environmental change and exploitation of natural resources, in the emerging field of conservation physiology. From September, Steve will commence his new position as Associate Professor of Animal Behaviour at the University of Oxford and St Hugh’s College.

The man behind much meaningful analysis of election statistics visits the South West for an exclusive event with Agile Rabbit. Sir John Curtice is in conversation with former Radio 4 presenter Ritula Shah. Using the latest poll data, Sir John will be sharing potential outcomes and reflecting on the implications for both politicians and the electorate. Sir John famously provides poll analysis on election nights for the BBC and is a regular contributor across the media. 20th June 2024

Nathan Lepora, Professor of Robotics and AI at the University of Bristol, shares his vast knowledge on most recent robotic developments. Professor Lepora is interested in the intersection of artificially embodied intelligence and neuroscience and how, in turn, this manipulates how we perceive our surroundings, learn, and interact with one another. He is the leader of the Dexterous Robotics Group in Bristol Robotics Laboratory, a collaborative research group that investigates and develops dexterous robots with a human-like sense of touch that can intelligently interact with their surroundings. Together with his research group, he has pioneered the use of 3D-printing for easy fabrication of tactile sensors, leading to multiple benefits from open-sourcing the technology to the integration into robot hands and grippers.

Professor Sabina Leonelli, Professor Seán Ó hÉigeartaigh, Professor Anthony King, Rebecca Kesby. Whether it’s a deepfake of Taylor Swift or Rishi Sunak’s summit at Bletchley Park, news about Artificial Intelligence seems unescapable. And it’s accelerating at an unprecedented rate. With a group of world experts, we’re getting behind the headlines to look at what’s really happening in AI safety, particularly the role that law and politics play in providing regulation and reassurance. The AI landscape is complex, ranging from positive impacts such as healthcare advances to those more negative that affect real-life opportunities and services. So, what are the risks of AI as well as the transformative opportunities? This event was part of AI UK Fringe and in partnership with the University of Exeter’s Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and the Alan Turing Institute.

Professor Penelope Endersby FREng, Hon FInstP, Professor Hywel Williams, George Monbiot, Professor Seth Bullock, Professor Sarah Hartley, James Coomarasamy Artificial Intelligence enables us to track environmental footprints, extreme weather events, carbon emissions, and biodiversity loss. But can it help us to find solutions to tackle some of our society’s most pressing environmental issues? AI has a staggering carbon footprint itself – but can it help us find solutions in a rapidly changing climate? The UK’s leading data scientists and environmental thinkers joined us for this special fringe event as part of AI UK Fringe, at Dartington Hall. We heard about how scientists and companies focus their efforts and research on how AI can support communities to navigate their water supply, what the technology can tell us about our changing weather, and whether it can increase harvest globally. This AI UK Fringe panel was for the University of Exeter's Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and in

What fills the space between stars in our universe? Pure nothingness? After sparking interest with our curious audience at Standon Calling, Tessa Baker visited us in Exeter. She discusses how space, in fact, isn’t empty and still, but can twist and stretch like a piece of elastic. And when it does, it produces special ‘sounds’ called gravitational waves, which we can hear with some incredible instruments. Tessa Baker is Professor of Cosmology and Royal Society University Research Fellow at the University of Portsmouth. She take us on a journey through outer space, black holes, and the most violent events in the universe, to explain one of the most exciting scientific discoveries of the century, and what it means for our understanding of the cosmos.

From Partygate and Boris Johnson’s farewell to Jeremy Corbyn handing over Labour’s leadership to Keir Starmer – bestselling author John Crace takes us on a hilarious tour of the whirlwind world of post-Brexit Britain. Over the past few years, the various Prime Ministers, and some heated parliamentary debates at Westminster, John Crace’s brilliant political sketches have provided the nation with some desperately needed comic relief. He speaks about his new book, Depraved New World: Please Hold, the Government Will Be With You Shortly, capturing British politics at its most absurd. Recorded on December 3rd 2023 at Exeter Phoenix

DEATH STARS AND DEMOCRACY The hugely popular Star Wars films famously came about from George Lucas’s desire to tell a ‘Vietnam War in space’. Since then, the Star Wars films have always focused on repurposing contemporary events in a science fiction setting. We’ll discover the fascinating ways in which Star Wars is inspired by real-world events and history. This event explores the films and their responses to real world moments. We also look at the books and computer games in the franchise, to see how they responded to the fall of the Soviet Union, genocides and ethnic cleansing in the 1990s, and both 9/11 and the Global War on Terror.

Funded by DEFRA’s Resilience Innovation Programme, Blue Heart is investigating how rain, river and waste water move through Eastbourne and southern Wealden to help reduce the impact of flooding. Blue Heart are working with local organisations and communities to build resilience to flooding and other effects of climate change, be more sustainable and strengthen connections to our local environment. The latest BBC programme narrated by David Attenborough, Wild Isles, looks at the beauty of nature here in Britain and Ireland. We were joined by Nick Gates one of its directors and producers at the Towner Gallery in Eastbourne for a special event. Nick is a naturalist, producer, and writer based in Bristol. The South Downs feature in the series and Nick grew up in Sussex. With a passion for conservation, nature-friendly farming, and rewilding, he loves to find stories that inspire people to care for the natural world. This was a Blue Heart event recorded at Towner Gallery in Eastbourne You can find out more a

Thursday 22 June 2023 Exeter Phoenix Prof David Butler FREng, Professor Tania Kovats, Trevor Bishop, Dr Sarah Ward, Anu Anand Hear four speakers passionately discuss the implications of our changing world on a key area. Climate Change and water are intertwined, from flooding and drought, to increased demand and varying quality. We’re looking at the 10 key changes you need to know: what we are already experiencing, alongside what to expect in the coming years, and the positive ways scientists and engineers are building resilience. We’re sharing the research behind the headlines, with a particular focus on the work of the Centre for Water Systems at the University of Exeter. We’ll examine the science behind attribution; is there evidence that individual extreme flooding events were affected by Climate Change? How can we become more resilient in a changing world to extreme weather events and how does the artistic community work with scientists to communicate their work? This event is in partnership wi