This episode follows the remarkable journey of Admir Masic, a refugee turned influential chemist and materials scientist at MIT.

You'll discover how he and his colleagues are taking an unusual unique approach to sustainability that is transforming one of the construction industry's most notorious materials - concrete - into one that could revolutionise renewable energy storage around the world.

From ancient Rome to modern laboratories, Masic's story is not just about scientific breakthroughs but also about the power of education, resilience, and innovation in facing global challenges.

Tune in for an inspiring tale of how personal adversity doesn't have to be a barrier to talent, and how a passion for learning has contributed to groundbreaking solutions for our planet's future.

(00:00) Introduction to Admir Masic

(03:20) THE PAST - My Life and Career Journey

(17:54) MIT React - programme for talented refugees

(21:12) Creative artefact

(22:23) THE PRESENT - My Work and Innovation

(32:02) THE FUTURE - Future of Work

(34:19) Concluding advice and what's special about humans in a world of AI

MIT Refugee Action Hub (ReACT) and the Emerging Talent Programme: ⁠https://react.mit.edu/⁠

DMAT company innovations including self-healing concrete: https://dmat.co/it/self-healing/

News - Storing electricity in concrete: https://news.mit.edu/2023/mit-engineers-create-supercapacitor-ancient-materials-0731

The Masic Lab at MIT - bio-inspired design: https://www.masicgroup.mit.edu/

Concrete Sustainability Hub (CS-Hub) at MIT: https://cshub.mit.edu/

MIT Dept of Civil and Environmental Engineering: https://cee.mit.edu/