Speaking of Research: The SCDTP Podcast

In the fifth episode of Series 2 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Nikki Smith, a doctoral researcher from the University of Brighton. Nikki’s PhD explores the experiences of autistic young people in mainstream secondary schools across England, with the goal of informing school and government policies to create more inclusive educational environments.Drawing on her experience as a teacher, Nikki takes a participatory approach, working alongside autistic individuals to shape her research. Five autistic participants helped refine her research question and methods, leading to the creation of an innovative “star profile” tool for data collection. Through her work, Nikki highlights the importance of listening to autistic voices and tailoring support to help every student thrive - an approach inspired by her own classroom experience, where six autistic students excelled with the right support in place.You can read a transcript of the conversation here.Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.ukThis is a Research Podcasts production.Credits:Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research PodcastsGuest: Nikki Smith, University of BrightonProducer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research PodcastsEditor: Anton Jarvis, Research PodcastsTranscripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

In the fourth episode of Series 2 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Barbara Sherriff, a doctoral researcher from the University of Brighton. Barbara’s research examines the relationship between work and mental wellbeing — a pressing issue in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing prevalence of mental health challenges in the workplace.Focusing on Generation Z employees, Barbara explores how expectations, communication, and organisational culture shape young people’s experiences at work. Through employer interviews, surveys, and focus groups, her study highlights the importance of proactive support systems — from wellness action plans to mental health training — in fostering healthier, more engaged workplaces. Her findings offer practical insights for employers aiming to reduce dissatisfaction and sick leave while building more supportive environments for emerging generations of workers.You can read a transcript of the conversation here.Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.ukThis is a Research Podcasts production.Credits:Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research PodcastsGuest: Barbara Sheriff, University of BrightonProducer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research PodcastsEditor: Anton Jarvis, Research PodcastsTranscripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

In the third episode of Series 2 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Nick Huxley, a doctoral researcher from the University of Brighton. Nick’s research investigates the integration of AI tutor bots in primary education, exploring how these emerging technologies influence learning, engagement, and the role of the teacher.Amid growing interest in artificial intelligence in classrooms, Nick highlights the lack of evidence surrounding its use with younger learners, and the potential risks of deepening the digital divide. His research emphasises the importance of teacher agency, the cognitive relief AI tools might offer, and the need for thoughtful implementation to ensure technology supports rather than replaces educators. With one third of the world still offline, Nick also raises critical questions about equitable access and the future of AI literacy for teachers.You can read a transcript of the conversation here.Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.ukThis is a Research Podcasts production.Credits:Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research PodcastsGuest: Nick Huxley, University of BrightonProducer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research PodcastsEditor: Anton Jarvis, Research PodcastsTranscripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

In the second episode of Series 2 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Victoria Giacomelli, a doctoral researcher from the University of Portsmouth. Victoria’s research explores health literacy in young children aged four to eight - their ability to understand and use health information to make choices that support their wellbeing.Addressing a global challenge, Victoria’s work highlights how fostering health literacy early in life can lead to healthier habits and improved outcomes across the lifespan. Drawing on her experiences as both a mother and an educator, she emphasises the importance of listening to children’s voices and recognising their capacity to engage with health information meaningfully. Her findings reveal that children do possess health literacy, and that targeted interventions can shape both immediate and long-term health behaviours.You can read a transcript of the conversation here.Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk This is a Research Podcasts production.Credits:Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research PodcastsGuest: Victoria Giacomelli, University of PortsmouthProducer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research PodcastsEditor: Anton Jarvis, Research PodcastsTranscripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

In the first episode of Series 2 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we speak to Max Dixon, a doctoral researcher from the University of Portsmouth. Max’s research explores the intersection of foreign policy and the economy, focusing on Taiwan’s pivotal role in global supply chains.As tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific, Max examines how Taiwan’s economic significance has become a growing concern within British foreign policy. His work reveals how anxieties about potential conflict between China and Taiwan are shaping the UK’s approach to economic security - from increased defence spending and Royal Navy expeditions to a renewed emphasis on supporting democratic allies like Taiwan and Hong Kong.You can read a transcript of the conversation here.Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk This is a Research Podcasts production.Credits:Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research PodcastsGuest: Max Dixon, University of PortsmouthProducer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research PodcastsEditor: Anton Jarvis, Research PodcastsTranscripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

In the tenth, and final episode of Series 1 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Toby Meredith, a doctoral researcher from the University of Portsmouth, who is exploring the complex and rapidly evolving role of drone technology in search and rescue operations and sea border surveillance in the English Channel.Drawing on six years of experience in disaster management - including collaborations with the World Food Program and the UK Coast Guard - Toby examines how drone use intersects with humanitarian efforts and border control, with a particular focus on its impact on asylum seekers and refugees.Toby aims to inform policy and practice, while also fostering international partnerships to broaden the reach and relevance of his findings. His research raises vital questions about ethics, technology, and the future of border management. You can read a transcript of the conversation here.Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk This is a Research Podcasts production.Credits:Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research PodcastsGuest: Toby Meredith, University of PortsmouthProducer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research PodcastsEditor: Anton Jarvis, Research PodcastsTranscripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

In the eighth episode of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Elspeth Clark, a doctoral researcher from the University of Southampton. Elspeth’s research explores the relationship between meaningful occupation and a sense of belonging for young people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities.Drawing on her background as an occupational therapist, Elspeth works collaboratively with students in a special school setting, using sensory and embodied methods to co-construct understanding. Her research challenges the idea that people who don’t use words to communicate can’t meaningfully engage in research, and she makes a strong case for more inclusive and participatory approaches.Elspeth shares how she builds trusting relationships, how innovative audio-visual tools are amplifying student voices, and how her findings could inform better practices across education, health, and social care. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of recognising agency, promoting belonging, and designing research that centres those who are often left out. You can read a transcript of the conversation here. Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.ukThis is a Research Podcasts production.Credits:Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research PodcastsGuest: Elspeth Clark, University of SouthamptonProducer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research PodcastsEditor: Anton Jarvis, Research PodcastsTranscripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

In the seventh episode of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we hear from Max Dixon, a doctoral researcher from the University of Portsmouth, about his work exploring British foreign policy toward Taiwan since its first democratic election in 1996. Drawing on a poststructuralist discourse analysis, Max unpacks how parliamentary language and historical legacies—particularly those rooted in Britain’s colonial past—shape the UK’s diplomatic stance on Taiwan.Max reflects on how his time living in Hong Kong sparked his research interest, and how he’s using interpretive methods to reveal the often-overlooked narratives that influence foreign policy decisions. He also shares how he's ensuring impact beyond academia—through writing for policy blogs, contributing to public debate, and engaging directly with policymakers and diplomats.This conversation explores how language, history, and power intersect in international relations—and why these perspectives matter more than ever. You can read a transcript of the conversation here. Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.ukThis is a Research Podcasts production.Credits:Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research PodcastsGuest: Max Dixon, University of PortsmouthProducer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research PodcastsEditor: Anton Jarvis, Research PodcastsTranscripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts