This is Lancaster. Global research tales from the North of England.

From sales of body parts in Sierra Leone to belief in child possession in the UK, this podcast contains powerful stories from those at the forefront of the fight against harmful practices associated with beliefs in witchcraft in the 21st century.In this special episode of ‘This is Lancaster’, Lancaster University’s Charlotte Baker Professor of French and Critical Disability Studies in the School of Global Affairs, hosts the International Network Against Accusations of Witchcraft and Associated Harmful Practices on our campus in the North West of England. During this fascinating event, barristers, campaigners, academics and impacted communities from around the world gathered at Lancaster University to leverage their collective power, raising awareness of existing laws and sharing knowledge to protect people across the world from harm.  Photo: Mohammed Osman Kamara - Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism

From man-made gems, healthy ageing and artificial intelligence to biomaterials and the climate crisis, the Festival of Futures at Lancaster University explored how design research can respond to an array of local and global challenges. Tune in to hear researchers from four design-research centres of excellence across the UK share their stories of collaboratively designing for a better tomorrow with partners from industry, health, private and public sectors. The episode demonstrates the transformational power of design and design research for the benefit of people, place, and planet.Participating organisations include ImaginationLancaster at Lancaster University, The Centre for Print Research at University of the West of England, Bristol; The Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment at Newcastle University and Northumbria University; and Lab4Living at Sheffield Hallam University. 

Meet the researchers tackling large scale criminal activity in the pharmaceuticals industry by harnessing quantum identity techniques developed at Lancaster University.Supported by the Impact Acceleration Account (IAA).

Lancaster researcher Sam Murphy breaks down cutting edge developments in Nuclear Fusion – with the help of a pool table.Supported by the Impact Acceleration Account (IAA).

How design research is helping stop the smart tech graveyard gathering dust in almost every home.Supported by the Impact Acceleration Account (IAA).

Healthier Fleetwood – how working in partnership with a socially deprived UK coastal town is helping identify priority areas to focus COVID-19 recovery.Supported by the Impact Acceleration Account (IAA).

How Dr Charlotte Baker pivoted her research focus onto work with partners trying to protect people with Albinism around the globe.Supported by the Impact Acceleration Account (IAA).

The UK may be experiencing record levels of employment, but for millions work remains insecure, poorly paid and unsustainable. Ben Harrison, Director of Lancaster University’s Work Foundation discusses why their mission is as important today as it was 100 years ago, and how at Lancaster we’re pushing for positive changes in employment policy and practice