Doctoral Dialogues

From co-designing culture-sensitive healthcare pathways to unlocking the secrets of gut health and mood, how can doctoral research directly transform public well-being? In this episode of Doctoral Dialogues, we explore the diverse world of life sciences with University of Westminster PhD researchers Fabia Mone and Manpreet Murjal. Fabia, a first-year researcher in public health nutrition, discusses her mixed-methods study aimed at tackling food and nutrition inequalities in palliative care across Greater London. Manpreet, who is nearing completion, breaks down her clinical trial investigating how inulin supplementation impacts cardiometabolic markers and appetite in South Asians on Western diets. Both reflect on the vital role of open science communication, public engagement, and the power of a supportive doctoral community. You can read a transcript of the conversation here. Find out more about the University of Westminster Graduate School at westminster.ac.uk/research/graduate-school   This is a Research Podcasts production.  Credits: Presenter and editor: Jamie Adam, Research Podcasts Guests: Fabia Hannan Mone & Manpreet Murjal, University of Westminster Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts 

Can we really spot AI-written misinformation, and how do media audiences process political bias in the digital age? This episode of Doctoral Dialogues tackles the complex world of media literacy, perception, and politics with media researchers Sangya Tyagi and Ayushi Chamoli. Sangya discusses her double-blind experiment testing whether self-proclaimed tech experts can actually identify AI-generated news pieces, highlighting critical vulnerabilities in media literacy. Ayushi shares insights from her qualitative interviews with right-wing TV news viewers in India, exploring how audiences perceive media critique and government bias. Both also open up about public engagement and navigating the unique social and mental pressures of PhD culture. You can read a transcript of the conversation here. Find out more about the University of Westminster Graduate School at westminster.ac.uk/research/graduate-school   This is a Research Podcasts production.  Credits: Presenter and editor: Jamie Adam, Research Podcasts Guests: Sangya Tyagi & Ayushi Chamoli, University of Westminster Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts 

How do corporate leaders navigate the chaos of digital transformation, and what drives value inside one of the world's most powerful innovation ecosystems? In this episode of Doctoral Dialogues from the University of Westminster Graduate School, we dive into these pressing global business questions with PhD researchers Timo Holtappels and Wei Wang. Timo shares insights from his qualitative study on how middle managers make critical decisions during rapid digital shifts, while Wei breaks down her mixed-methods research into the practical mechanisms of China’s innovation ecosystem. Beyond their data, both reflect on what it takes to actually thrive as a researcher, highlighting the vital role of diverse peer communities, collaborative culture, and social connection in doctoral success. You can read a transcript of the conversation here. Find out more about the University of Westminster Graduate School at westminster.ac.uk/research/graduate-school   This is a Research Podcasts production.  Credits: Presenter and editor: Jamie Adam, Research Podcasts Guests: Timo Holtappels & Wei Wang, University of Westminster Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts 

Can granting legal rights to nature stop corporate environmental destruction, and what does it actually mean to be a "good" football club owner? This episode of Doctoral Dialogues dives into the intersection of law, ethics, and accountability with Department of Law researchers Marie-France Nguo and Mark O’Neill. Marie-France details her final-year research into the rights of nature in the Democratic Republic of Congo, drawing on the philosophy of Ubuntu to argue for corporate models that protect ecosystems rather than just human interests. Mark, a part-time researcher, traces the history of football club ownership from the 19th century to the modern day, exploring how regulatory frameworks align - or clash - with the values and expectations of local fans. You can read a transcript of the conversation here. Find out more about the University of Westminster Graduate School at westminster.ac.uk/research/graduate-school   This is a Research Podcasts production.  Credits: Presenter and editor: Jamie Adam, Research Podcasts Guests: Marie-France Nguo & Mark O’Neill, University of Westminster Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts 

How does digital transformation reshape the physical world around us - whether we are navigating a bustling international airport or experiencing art in virtual reality? This episode of Doctoral Dialogues bridges the gap between infrastructure and technology with researchers Su Jayaraman and Maritina Keleri. Su outlines her mixed-methods PhD assessing how digital shifts impact airport efficiency, sustainability, and passenger processes across Europe, India, and Panama. Maritina describes her practice-based study on how immersive VR tools shape the creative art-making process and alter an artist’s psychological "flow state." Together, they discuss surprising overlaps in biometrics, managing data concerns, and the immense value of interdisciplinary collaboration. You can read a transcript of the conversation here.  Find out more about the University of Westminster Graduate School at westminster.ac.uk/research/graduate-school   This is a Research Podcasts production.  Credits: Presenter and editor: Jamie Adam, Research Podcasts Guests: Su Jayaraman & Maritina Keleri, University of Westminster Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts 

Welcome to Series 5 of the Doctoral Dialogues podcast, where doctoral researchers from across the University of Westminster share the stories behind their research, the impact they hope their work will have, and the experiences that shape their doctoral journeys.From virtual reality and creative practice to research culture, collaboration, and the diverse ways of undertaking a PhD, this series explores the breadth of doctoral research at Westminster while offering honest conversations about the challenges, opportunities, and realities of doctoral study.Discover what to expect from the series and hear how Doctoral Dialogues shines a light on the people, ideas, and research making a difference both within and beyond academia.Find out more about the University of Westminster Graduate School at westminster.ac.uk/research/graduate-school   This is a Research Podcasts production.