Physics World Stories Podcast
Episodes
Exploring the astrophysics behind Project Hail Mary
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when hard science fiction collides with big-budget cinema? The latest episode of Physics World Stories delves into the ideas within Proj...
Chernobyl at 40: physics, politics and the nuclear debate today
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On 26 April 2026, it will be 40 years since the explosion at Unit 4 of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant – the worst nuclear accident the world ha...
Cosmic time capsules: the search for pristine comets
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Physics World Stories, host Andrew Glester explores the fascinating hunt for pristine comets – icy bodies that preserve materi...
Forging a more inclusive new generation of physicists
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The latest episode of Physics World Stories takes you inside CUWiP+, the Conference for Undergraduate Women and Non-Binary Physicists, and the role t...
Quantum 2.0: Paul Davies on the next revolution in physics
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Peering into a near future where quantum science blends with AI. What are the implications for science, society and the arts?
Queer Quest: a quantum-inspired journey of self-discovery
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Exploring how quantum ideas can inspire liberation, identity and community
Training for the stars: Rosemary Coogan on becoming an astronaut
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Inside the training, science and imagination that inspire ESA’s new generation of astronauts
Overlooked pioneers from quantum history
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Physics World Stories explores a new book that restores women to the early history of quantum mechanics
Entangled expressions: where quantum science and art come together
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A journey into the artist-in-residence programme at the Yale Quantum Institute
Painting the unseen: visualizing the quantum world
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From swirling oil paints to the grin of a Cheshire cat, this Physics World Stories episode brings quantum science to life
The Physics Chanteuse: when science hits a high note
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Songs, science and satire collide in this month’s Physics World Stories podcast with Lynda Williams
Alternate quantum realities: what if Heisenberg stayed at home?
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kevlin Henney discusses his new quantum-themed flash fiction and the power of short stories
AI and the future of physics
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How artificial intelligence is accelerating discoveries – and raising profound questions – about the future of physics
Threads of fire: uncovering volcanic secrets with Pele’s hair and tears
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hear from volcanologists about these stunning geological phenomena and the thrill of working in volcanic landscapes
Helgoland: leading physicists to gather on the tiny island where quantum mechanics was born
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
100 years since Heisenberg made his mythical trip, a select group of quantum researchers will retrace his footsteps
From physics to filmmaking: Mark Levinson on his new documentary, The Universe in a Grain of Sand
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Towards a unified vision of nature, humans and machines
Trailblazer: Astronaut Eileen Collins reflects on space, adventure, and the power of lifelong learning
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Astronaut Eileen Collins and filmmaker Hannah Berryman discuss the new documentary SPACEWOMAN and the thrill of pushing human frontiers
Flocking together: the physics of sheep herding and pedestrian flows
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how the science of crowd movements can help shepherds and urban designers
Working in quantum tech: where are the opportunities for success?
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Quantum professionals describe the emerging industry, and the skills required to thrive
CERN at 70: how the Higgs hunt elevated particle physics to Hollywood status
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Peering behind the comms curtain at the world's most famous particle physics lab
Could humans run on water?
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Scientists have investigated whether we could mimic basilisk lizards, on Earth or elsewhere
Physics and sport: flying balls, perfecting technique, and wellbeing in academia
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hear from two physicists whose passion for sport has shaped their careers and lives
Swift Quakes and new podcast music inspired by the fine-structure constant
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the geophysics of Taylor Swift concerts and the hidden physics within our new podcast jingle
3 Body Problem: a deep dive into the Netflix show
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Exploring the multi-layered story about humanity's first contact with an alien civilization
An orchestral trip through the moons of our solar system
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda Lee Falkenberg describes the process of turning mysterious worlds into music
Dark matter vs modified gravity: which team are you on?
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Two researchers who have switched sides in this heated cosmic debate
Radio pioneers: the enduring role of ‘amateurs’ in radio astronomy
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With its wartime origins and iconic facilities, radio astronomy has always inspired curious tinkerers
Radiant chills: the revolutionary science of laser cooling
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chad Orzel discusses the pivotal breakthroughs in the history of laser cooling
The biographer who inspired Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster film Oppenheimer
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A conversation with Kai Bird, co-author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of Robert Oppenheimer
Physics for fairness: tackling global sustainability challenges through science
13 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hear from two physical scientists applying their knowledge to create a more equitable world
Green and novel: the future of energy generation
04 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Harnessing energy directly in space and from the ocean flow
Our universe is humming with gravitational waves
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What the new discovery of gravitational wave imprints in pulsar signals can reveal about the cosmos
Moore’s law in peril and the future of computing
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Demand for computer power continues to soar, but can the hardware keep up?
Will AI chatbots replace physicists?
09 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Large language models are changing the way physics is taught and practised
Cosmic generosity: a selfless investment in the future of physics
12 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell won a $3m prize and is giving it all to physics PhD students from under-represented groups
How can we make lithium-ion batteries more sustainable?
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Circular economies and alternative lithium sources could reduce the environmental impacts
Quantum melodies: the intersection of music and quantum physics
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Music generated by quantum computers is intriguing from musical and scientific perspectives
Finding solace in the stars
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Astrophysicist’s story shows the power science and human connection
Making spaceflight accessible to people with physical disabilities
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
ESA launches parastronaut feasibility study to make spaceflight more inclusive
Robin Ince and the joy of popular-science books
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our traditional end-of-year episode will give you some holiday reading ideas
Quantum technology gathers pace
28 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The 2022 Nobel Prize for Physics celebrated research that is underpinning a tech transformation
Is the 2022 FIFA World Cup really carbon neutral?
28 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Investigating how sporting events can become more sustainable without losing their magic
Trouble on the Horizon for UK-based researchers
16 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Political wrangling over the UK’s status in the Horizon Europe research programme leaves scientists in limbo
The science-fiction legacy of Satyajit Ray
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ray’s eclectic work is a treasure trove for scientists
The Higgs boson discovery revisited
04 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Reflecting on that historic day, 10 years later
Fixing our bodies with glass
01 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bioglass can heal our bones while fending off harmful microbes
Cutting the carbon footprint of supercomputing in scientific research
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
More efficient coding and quantifying climate impacts are among the solutions
JET’s record result and the quest for fusion energy
04 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Physics World Stories examines the recent breakthrough at the Joint European Torus experiment
Music from our material world
08 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From spiderweb harmonies to a viral hit inspired by the COVID-19 spike protein
The James Webb Space Telescope launches astronomy into a new era
25 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Now the mission has reached its destination, what lies ahead for the science programme?
Physics books that captured the imagination in 2021
22 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Some of the year’s best popular-science books and a Stephen Hawking quiz
Sharing is caring: open hardware has global impact
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
High-spec microscope is helping malaria diagnosis in Tanzania
Searching for signs of alien technologies
20 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Astronomers are looking for the technosignatures of advanced civilizations
Free and open-source software is driving physics forwards
22 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Pioneers of free and open-source software discuss opportunities and challenges for science
We’re all going on a geeky holiday
24 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Science-themed vacations are gaining in popularity: hear from people who have caught the geek travel bug
Deflecting asteroids and exploring a metal world
09 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Profiling NASA’s two upcoming asteroid missions, DART and Psyche
Helgoland and the captivating origins of quantum theory
15 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Carlo Rovelli discusses his new book and the role of philosophical thought in physics
The bots are not as fair-minded as they seem
28 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Physics World Stories investigates ethical issues at the heart of artificial intelligence
Muon mania: are we finally on the brink of new physics?
29 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A detailed look at the two recent results from CERN and Fermilab
Arecibo Observatory: a scientific giant that fell to Earth
17 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Exploring the legacy and the future of the Arecibo telescope in Puerto Rico
Searching for signs of past life on Mars with NASA’s Perseverance rover
10 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Exploring the scientific goals of one of the three missions to arrive at Mars this month
Life at CERN during the pandemic
22 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How the particle-physics community is adapting to COVID lockdowns
The best of physics in books, TV and film in 2020
23 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Looking back at some of the year’s most memorable books and media
Physics and LEGO: an enduring love affair
23 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In addition to the fun, LEGO can be an effective teaching tool
How capable are today’s quantum computers?
14 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Exploring what the first quantum computers might achieve, plus a preview of Quantum 2020
Could there really be life in the clouds of Venus?
23 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Exploring the story behind the detection of phosphene in the Venusian atmosphere
Autonomous cars: potential lifesavers but with new risks
26 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Exploring the consequences of removing humans from the driving seat
Planet Nine: is it a planet, a primordial black hole, or something else entirely?
17 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Fleets of tiny probes might discover what’s lurking at the edge of our solar system
Working in medical physics: not your average career
30 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Exploring the variety of careers at the Christie Hospital
The mystery of missing marine plastic
27 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Oceanographers are not sure where all the plastics are ending up in the world’s oceans
Doing physics in the time of COVID-19
28 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How the pandemic is affecting the present and how it might permanently change the way physics is done
Tips for a rewarding career in physics
31 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Taking a closer look at the reality of life as a researcher
The acoustics of music and theatre venues
06 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Find out why Bristol’s Old Vic and Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall sound so great
Book of the year 2019
18 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Physics World’s book of the year revealed and the runners up discussed – listen to the December episode of the Physics World Stories podcast
Physics and film, a match made in Hollywood
28 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Looking behind the scenes of Interstellar, Contact and The Martian
Doing physics in microgravity environments
28 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The opportunities of doing physics experiments on the ISS and other microgravity facilities
Driving in the present
30 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Exploring the technology and economics of electric cars
Physics and the climate crisis
16 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
How can scientists reduce the climate impact of their labs without compromising on the quality of their research? Andrew Glester investigates
50th anniversary of Apollo 11 – returning to the Moon and going beyond
24 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The Physics World Stories podcast explore what’s next for manned and robotic space travel
50th anniversary of Apollo 11 – hidden stories
26 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The Physics World Stories podcast investigates some of the lesser known stories from the Apollo era
The story behind the first ever black hole image
22 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Physics World Stories explores this feat of science and engineering and the EHT’s prospects for further breakthroughs
The future of the Internet
23 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Emerging technologies shaping our connected world
Physics World 30th anniversary podcast series – 30 years of the World Wide Web
12 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Fifth episode in mini-series revisits the birth of the Web and the challenges it now faces
Physics World 30th anniversary podcast series – high-temperature superconductivity
27 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Fourth episode in mini-series tracks the hype, frustration and renewed hope for this field
Physics World 30th anniversary podcast series – fusion energy
22 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Third episode in mini-series explores the prospects for fusion as a viable energy source
Physics World Book of the Year 2018
17 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Tune in to the December Physics World Stories podcast to hear from the winner of our 2018 Book of the Year award, as well as catch up with previous wi...
Physics World 30th anniversary podcast series – gravitational waves
28 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Second episode in mini-series explores the future of astronomy
Physics World 30th anniversary podcast series – particle physics
23 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
First episode in mini-series explores the future of particle physics
Communicating science at music festivals
18 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Talks, plays, poetry and many more innovative approaches
Driving in the future
17 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
How we might wean ourselves off high-carbon transport
A quantum leap for industry
24 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Exploring the emerging technologies based on quantum physics
Doing business in space
18 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Asteroid mining, Brexit impacts and the UK’s first spaceport
Learning from the ozone solution
21 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Nobel laureate Mario Molina and Lorraine Whitmarsh discuss climate politics
Plant-inspired innovations
18 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
From tackling oil spills with lotus leaves to mangrove-inspired coastal defences
Artificial intelligence: is there anything to fear?
21 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Polymath Nathan Myhrvold on why he disagreed with his friend Stephen Hawking
Falcon Heavy and Humanity Star: trailblazers or space junk?
15 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Recent private space launches have provoked public awe but also a few dissenting voices
Physics in 2018
23 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Physics World journalists discuss what excites them about the year ahead
Book of the Year 2017
13 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Physics World book experts Matin Durrani and Tushna Commissariat discuss the themes and trends that surround some of the best popular-physics books of...
Exploring the cosmos with gravitational waves
09 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Recent discoveries usher in a new era of multimessenger astronomy
Illuminating a radio icon
10 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
How the historic Lovell telescope was transformed into a multimedia art installation