Physics World Weekly

Ippei Danshita of Kindai University and Daichi Kagamihara of Chuo University explain how they used a remotely accessible Bose–Einstein condensate to investigate anomalous tunnelling. Their theoretical study became an experiment through a cloud-controlled quantum-gas platform. The conversation examines collective excitations, quantum tunnelling and the practical possibilities of remote laboratory access.

Hosted by Hamish Johnston

Ignacio Cirac discusses quantum information and the path from theoretical ideas to useful quantum technologies. Topics include trapped-ion qubits, quantum simulation, Rydberg-atom approaches and the choices facing hardware developers. The conversation also considers expectations, industrial development and the European quantum research community.

Hamish Johnston is joined by Oxford neutrino physicist Kirsty Duffy and Physics World's Matin Durrani to discuss the 2026 physics Nobel Prize awarded to Francis Halzen. They examine the IceCube observatory's contribution to detecting high-energy neutrinos from astrophysical sources and the broader history of Nobel-recognized neutrino research. The episode considers why these elusive particles have repeatedly transformed physics and how studying them opens a window onto the universe.

Hosted by Hamish Johnston

Medical physicist Nick Zacharopoulos, chief executive of Aktina Medical, talks with Tami Freeman about developing radiation-oncology technologies and combining industry with academic research. He traces a career that began building radiotherapy components with his father, discusses product development at Aktina, and explains how persistence and a conversation with a colleague led him to a doctorate at McGill University.

Hosted by Tami Freeman

Lin Ma discusses the development of batteries for electricity grids, including the promise and limitations of sodium-ion systems. The conversation considers safety, materials choices and the role of storage in electricity systems that depend increasingly on renewable generation.

Hosted by Hamish Johnston

Hamish Johnston speaks with iGii co-founder Marco Caffio about Gii, a porous three-dimensional carbon nanomaterial. They discuss how it retains useful electronic, structural and chemical properties associated with graphene while offering different manufacturing and integration options. Applications include chemical sensors, batteries and heaters. The conversation also covers the company’s origins and career advice for physicists entering materials technology.

Hosted by Hamish Johnston

Alaina G. Levine discusses building a satisfying STEM career that fits an individual scientist’s strengths and values. Janelle Shane then examines the unexpected behavior of artificial intelligence systems and what those failures reveal about their capabilities. The episode connects scientific career development with a critical look at how AI actually behaves.

Hosted by Margaret Harris

Katia Moskvitch joins Hamish Johnston to discuss The Quantum Kid, the video channel she co-hosts with her son Kai. Their child-led interviews and laboratory visits encourage researchers to explain quantum ideas to wider audiences. The conversation examines whether early exposure to counterintuitive concepts can inspire future science study and participation in quantum technology. The episode is supported by American Elements.

Hosted by Hamish Johnston

Hamish Johnston interviews Yonatan Cohen, co-founder and chief technology officer of Quantum Machines, about control systems linking quantum computers to classical computation. Topics include the increasing importance of hybrid control as qubit counts grow, support for superconducting circuits, trapped ions, neutral atoms, spins and nitrogen-vacancy centers, industry collaborations and careers in quantum technology.

Hosted by Hamish Johnston

Margaret Harris talks with Scott Waitukaitis of the Institute of Science and Technology Austria about unresolved questions in contact electrification. The discussion connects his earlier research in granular physics with current investigations of how objects exchange charge, including the role of molecules adsorbed on their surfaces.

Hosted by Margaret Harris