“Equal opportunity, intersectionality and where DOES physics meet philosophy?" In conversation with UoM VC Prof Duncan Ivison – a bonus episode

Following a season filled with big questions, we’re BACK - and this time we’re taking them straight to the top. In this special bonus episode, we sit down with Professor Duncan Ivison (he/him), Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, to explore what equal opportunity, centering human experience, and intersectionality really mean for the future of STEM and beyond.

We are also joined by Season Two Big Sister and exceptionally gifted Physics Student, Esther Ngongala (she/her). Listen as Esther and Duncan quickly find common ground across her world of Physics and his in Philosophy, and we find ourselves asking: is identifying the right question as illuminating as finding the answer?

So, grab a coffee and settle in for an episode where STEM meets the Humanities, and where we’re reminded that together we may be stronger than ever.

About our guests

Since joining the University in August 2024, Duncan has become a beloved face on campus, and a friend to students and staff alike. Raised in Montreal, and previously serving as Deputy Vice Chancellor at The University of Sydney, Duncan’s own educational background is within political philosophy and theory. He has written extensively on postcolonialism, liberalism, and indigenous rights - and yes, we did prepare for this episode by reading his paper ‘Why Globalise the Curriculum?’

If you’re a Season Two listener, you will recognise Esther Ndongala from Episode 4, where she shared her journey into studying Physics at Manchester. From a summer spent in research labs through the Nuffield Scheme to becoming a Cowrie Scholar, Esther not only excels in understanding complex science and its impact, but she has a gift for communicating it. Now in her second year, we can’t wait to see where her path leads next.

If you didn't guess from this title, geology ROCKS! In this episode, both our guests were captivated by the great outdoors at a very young age, whether it was star-gazing out their bedroom windows or trawling for newts in the garden pond. These childhood dreams became Esther Ndongala's and Natalie Farrell's grown-up realities, and the invisible string which ultimately connected them years later.

Natalie is a Geologist based in the Rock Defamation Lab, which is *literally* as cool as it sounds. Her research investigates the effects of fractures on the structural properties of rocks, among other incredible things. Basically, metamorphic rocks are her jam! She became an academic after spending four years in male-dominated industry, and actually completed her PhD while having her first baby! She runs an incredible programme called The Nuffield Scheme, inviting 17-year-olds from low-income local schools into the lab.

Meanwhile, Esther has been a gifted student from childhood, and her acceptance onto the Nuffield Scheme by Natalie was foundational in her journey into research at Manchester! She now successfully holds the VERY impressive Cowrie Scholarship, and her love for physics far transcends outdated perceptions of the subject. Unfortunately, Esther feels incredibly under-represented as a black woman in her chosen field; there's less than 10 black students in her cohort of 200, where the gender split is only % women.

This episode is one of our favourites. We cover so much, from conference childcare and beautiful rock illustrations, to comparing Albert Einstein to... Troy Bolton (?!)

So, put your headphones on, grab a coffee and get comfy as we share stories, perspectives, and have a good old laugh while we're at it. You thought you didn’t have sisters to turn to for advice? Oh, yes you do.

CHAPTERS

1:45 lt all started that summer (Nuffield Scheme)
2:21 The Rock Deformation Lab
2:51 Chemistry of rocks
4:00 You're the first person to see what you're seeing
6:03 Preparing for a placement
7:58 Why I study physics...
9:18 Geoscience pathways at Manchester
11:41 Meteorites, oh my!
15:40 Practical physics
18:50 The merit in doing experiments yourself
19:34 Representation in academia
23:55 New discoveries in physics
24:27 Physics is a team sport
25:50 Troy bolton and Einstein?
27:24 Male dominated fields
30:43 The figureheads of physics
31:00 Treatment of women in labs
31:30 Finding communities in geoscience
32:30 Having children in academia
33:25 Oil and gas
35:00 Sexual harassment in the workplace
37:10 Career progression for women in STEM
39:55 Becoming a parent during your PhD
44:02 Shoutout to Wigan!
45:50 'The greatest scientists are artists'
46:14 Choosing the right A-Levels
47:35 Unconventional science 🌀

Voted by popular demand! We're honoured to be joined by the NEW representative for the University of Manchester's Faculty of Science and Engineering... the wonderful Amrit Dhillon (she/her). Elected by her peers, she is basically an MP for her student cohort, championing their interests and getting their voices heard!

Amrit has always been a leader. Living in close proximity to Rolls-Royce HQ, she grew up going to 'women in engineering' events with her mum, so STEM has always felt like an option. Raised with her head held high, the unequal gender split at university was shocking. It's unsurprising then, she'll soon be attending meetings with senior staff and hosting 'Faculty Forums' to hear students' POV - determined to make no-one feel left behind.

This LEAD MCR role from the Students' Union came at the right time; Amrit shares how she struggles to fit her hobbies into her busy study schedule, and there's an overwhelming number of options to consider post-graduation. With the artistic flair she brings to her engineering solutions, she's more than ready to embark on this new challenge with creative engagement initiatives.

We had such an incredible time recording this spotlight episode! You'll definitely want to hear how Amrit's full-time paid role offers a break from her Mechanical Engineering studies, an AMAZING opportunity for personal development and a chance to give others women that unshakeable self-belief.

So, put your headphones on, grab a coffee and get comfy as we share stories, perspectives, and have a good old laugh while we're at it. You thought you didn’t have sisters to turn to for advice? Oh, yes you do.