It was refreshing to chat to Dr. Carlos Vega, Research Engineer at the Luxembourg Institute of Health and a teacher at the University of Luxembourg. Carlos, who recently distinguished himself in the science.lu Science Writing competition, is a very good communicator. In this episode we explore the practical challenges of data collection, processing, and visualisation, highlighting the pitfalls and ethical considerations that accompany the use of data in scientific research.

Carlos uses vivid analogies, such as the omelette analogy from his award-winning article, to illustrate complex concepts in a relatable manner. The conversation also touches on the role of inductive reasoning and the potential for errors in data interpretation.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of data science, ethics, and technology.

Today we embark on a new journey exploring European researchers and their contributions to science and society. Our first European guest, Tina de Gendt, a public historian, curator, writer and journalist recently received the European Heritage Europa Nostra Award for the Square Kilometre Project coordinated and funded by STAM Ghent City Museum and the Ghent Heritage Cell.

Tina shares her insights on the concept of public history, a field dedicated to involving the public in the historical narrative. She discusses the challenges and rewards of engaging with diverse communities, the importance of negotiating narratives, and the ethical principles guiding her work. Discover how Tina's unique approach as a freelance historian allows her to bridge the gap between institutional history and the lived experiences of people in super-diverse urban neighbourhoods.

We also explore Tina's innovative projects, such as the Square Kilometre Project, and her work as a historian in residence, where she collaborates with local communities to uncover hidden histories and bring them to life through exhibitions, podcasts, and more. Learn how these initiatives foster a deeper understanding of migration, urban transformation, and the past that connects us all.

USEFUL LINKS


Tina de Gendt: https://sites.google.com/view/tinadegendt/homepage
STAM Ghent City Museum: https://stamgent.be/en
Square Kilometre Project: https://stamgent.be/en/thesquarekilometre
European Heritage Awards: https://www.europeanheritageawards.eu/winners/the-square-kilometre/
About the 'Turkey on the Lys' book: https://www.journalismfund.eu/supported-projects/turkish-people-belgium
Master in Digital and Public History at the University of Luxembourg: https://www.uni.lu/fhse-en/study-programs/master-in-digital-and-public-history/

In this episode of SciLux, we talk about mitochondrial biology with Professor Anne Grünewald, a neuroscientist at the LCSB (Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine), University of Luxembourg. We explore the intricate role of mitochondria and their significance in energy production and cellular processes. Professor Grünewald shares her journey from biotechnology to neuroscience, highlighting the pivotal influence of inspiring educators and the dynamic nature of scientific exploration.

The conversation navigates through the complexities of mitochondrial function, their genetic components, and the implications of mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's. We discuss the potential of mitochondrial research in understanding and possibly predicting the onset of Parkinson's disease, along with the challenges and opportunities in translating genetic insights into therapeutic strategies.

USEFUL LINKS

LCSB (Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine) - https://www.uni.lu/lcsb

University of Luxembourg - https://wwwen.uni.lu/

Anne Grunewald, the ATTRACT Fellow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GLm4nzgcrU&pp=ygUOYW5uZSBncnVuZXdhbGQ%3D

ATTRACT Fellowship of FNR - https://www.fnr.lu/funding-instruments/attract/

More about Professor Yamanaka - https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2012/yamanaka/facts/

Related SciLux episodes:

- Episode with Prof. Emma Schymanski - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1412332/episodes/10331298
- Episode with Dr. Ibrahim Boussad - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1412332/episodes/11616471