So, now what?
So, now what?

So, now what?

Gates Cambridge

Overview
Episodes

Details

Fed up with bad news story after bad news story? So, now what? is the podcast from Gates Cambridge, a cutting-edge scholarship programme for international postgraduates at the University of Cambridge. The podcast is for anyone looking for ideas, vision and optimism about how we can practically tackle some of the world's most complex and challenging problems. Scholars from a range of different backgrounds and disciplines will share the actions they are taking to change the world for the better.

Recent Episodes

How do we address the challenges of an ageing world?
AUG 27, 2025
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39 MIN
Leadership for the common good
JUN 3, 2025
Leadership for the common good

In this episode of So, Now What host Catherine Galloway engages with Gates Cambridge scholars Paulo Savaget Nascimento, Sandile Mtetwa, and Uche Ogechukwu to explore innovative business models that address wicked problems such as energy poverty and community empowerment. The conversation emphasizes the importance of unconventional approaches, allyship, co-creation, and interdisciplinary thinking in fostering sustainable solutions for the common good. The guests share their experiences and insights on how to leverage existing resources, engage marginalized communities, and promote inclusivity in entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

  • We are living in complex times with pressing problems.
  • Innovative approaches can address energy poverty effectively.
  • Allyship involves co-creating solutions with communities.
  • Workarounds can provide unconventional solutions to challenges.
  • Inclusivity is crucial in energy solutions for marginalized groups.
  • Interdisciplinary thinking enhances social enterprise effectiveness.
  • Diversity and adaptation are essential for tackling wicked problems.
  • Community ownership leads to sustainable outcomes.
  • Starting small and scrappy can lead to significant impact.
  • Humanizing innovation is key to successful implementation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wicked Problems and New Business Models

05:00 Innovative Approaches to Energy and Community Empowerment

09:56 The Role of Allyship and Co-Creation in Sustainable Solutions

14:54 Workarounds: Unconventional Solutions to Complex Problems

19:54 The Importance of Inclusivity in Energy Solutions

24:59 Interdisciplinary Thinking and Its Impact on Social Enterprise

29:51 So, Now What: Scaling for the Common Good

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40 MIN
What does astronomy tell us about our place in the universe?
APR 29, 2025
What does astronomy tell us about our place in the universe?

In this episode of So Now What, host Catherine Galloway engages with Gates Cambridge scholars Luis Welbanks, Rebecca Charbonneau, and Yinuo Han to discuss the current state of astronomy, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the implications of commercial interests in space exploration. The conversation explores themes of hope and concern in the scientific community, the importance of historical context in understanding current challenges, and the role of narratives in shaping public perception of science. The scholars share their insights on the future of astronomy and the need for collaboration in addressing the wicked problems facing humanity.

takeaways

  • Space exploration is entering a new era with significant discoveries.
  • Hope and concern coexist in the current state of science.
  • The search for extraterrestrial life is more promising than ever.
  • Historical context can inform our understanding of current challenges.
  • Astronomy has a social role in shaping public discourse.
  • Commercial interests in space raise questions about future conflicts.
  • Public narratives about science influence funding and support.
  • Collaboration is essential for success in space exploration.
  • The emotional journey of scientists is part of the discovery process.
  • Engaging with science is crucial for future generations.

Chapters

00:00

Exploring the Cosmos: A New Era of Discovery

04:16

Hope and Concerns in Astronomy

10:46

The Search for Extraterrestrial Life

11:45

Lessons from the Past: The Space Race

14:29

The Importance of Astronomy in Society

18:57

The Role of Narratives in Science

24:34

Commercial Interests and Space Warfare

28:06

Future Aspirations in Astronomy

30:47

A Call to Action: Engaging with Science

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36 MIN