Physics World Stories

Andrew Glester explores how drones, robotics and machine learning support wildlife research and conservation. Blair Costelloe discusses the WildDrone and WildBotics networks and the Mara Elephant Project; Camille Rondeau Saint-Jean describes real-time animal monitoring; William Njoroge explains how Ol Pejeta Conservancy combines drones with established conservation methods. The episode considers population data, field constraints, regulation and collaboration across disciplines.

Hosted by Andrew Glester

Andrew Glester speaks with e-MERLIN director Simon Garrington and research-support scientist David Williams-Baldwin about the radio-telescope network’s scientific role and proposed funding cuts. They explain how seven UK telescopes combine signals for high-resolution astronomy, the consequences for researchers and the wider community, and the relationship to other activities at Jodrell Bank. The discussion records the situation and institutional responses at publication in August 2026.

Hosted by Andrew Glester