In this episode of Discovery Matters, we explore the science, stigma, and innovation behind one of medicine’s most misunderstood hormones. We are joined by Shalin Shah, CEO of Marius Pharmaceuticals, to unpack why testosterone plays a foundational role in health for both men and women, how flawed studies and outdated perceptions shaped public opinion, and what it really takes to bring evidence‑based hormone therapies to patients. From regulation and innovation to patient outcomes, this conversation reframes testosterone as a core component of everyday health — not a cultural stereotype.

Oligonucleotides are moving beyond rare diseases—but scaling them is anything but simple. As therapies target larger patient populations, new synthesis technologies must stand up to real‑world manufacturing constraints, regulatory scrutiny, cost pressures and sustainability demands.In this episode of Discovery Matters, industry experts explore what it really takes to make oligos at scale. From the limits of legacy synthesis methods to the promise - and risk - of data, automation and AI, they unpack why progress depends on mastering fundamentals before accelerating innovation.The takeaway? The future of oligos isn’t just better science. It’s smarter, scalable and collaborative manufacturing—built to reliably deliver life‑changing medicines to patients.

Global health has hit a low tide, but the story doesn’t end there. In this episode, we revisit Dr. Jerome Kim of the International Vaccine Institute to explore funding cuts, shifting power, and how regions like Africa and Europe are stepping up to reshape vaccine security and pandemic preparedness.

What does real innovation in life sciences actually look like?In this episode of Discovery Matters, we explore innovation from both a scientific and deeply human perspective. Guests Helena Strigård, CEO of Ventures Accelerated, and Lisa Lindström, Business Reinvention Leader at EY, share how AI, precision partnering, empathy, and behavioural insight are reshaping life sciences — and why true innovation depends as much on curiosity, collaboration, and judgment as it does on technology. From navigating financial headwinds to designing patient‑centred solutions, this conversation looks at how ideas move from possibility to real‑world impact.

In this episode of Discovery Matters, we explore both sides of the gene‑editing coin: the tools that cut DNA and the technologies that safely deliver them where they need to go.First, we’re joined by Dr. Stephan Riesenberg from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, who takes us inside the world of synthetic guide RNAs. Then, we zoom out to delivery and analytics with Adam Crowe, Senior Manager of Nanomedicine Analytical Development at Cytiva. Adam reveals why lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are both powerful and incredibly complex, and how cutting‑edge analytics are critical for turning promising gene‑editing tools into real medicines.

In this episode, we talk with Prof. Tej Pal Singh, a leading figure in structural biology whose work has revealed the shapes and functions of hundreds of important proteins. He shares how these discoveries have helped us better understand immunity, inflammation, and disease—and how they’re guiding new approaches to designing medicines. From breakthrough crystal structures to innovative peptide work, Prof. Singh offers a clear, inspiring look at how structural biology drives modern medical progress.

Kenya has eliminated human African trypanosomiasis —sleeping sickness — as a public health problem. Dr. Gerardo Priotto from the World Health Organization joins us to explain how Kenya met WHO’s rigorous criteria, the science behind the validation, and the partnerships that made this milestone possible. We unpack the challenges of T.b. rhodesiense, the role of surveillance and community action, and what Kenya’s success means for the global fight against neglected tropical diseases.

From the mysteries of space to the secrets of the microbiome, from the science of pain to extraordinary stories of resilience and discovery — 2025 was a year to remember. Join Conor, Dodi and the team as they reflect on the highlights on Discovery Matters.

Brain tumours are among the most complex and challenging conditions in modern medicine. In this episode, we explore what brain tumours are, how they develop, and most importantly, the patient experience.

Discover the story of Dr. Rex Spendlove, the humble scientist behind a breakthrough in cell culture media. From his early days tackling unreliable fetal bovine serum to founding HyClone Laboratories, Dr. Spendlove’s innovations set new standards for scientific research and helped shape modern biotechnology. Join us as we explore how curiosity, collaboration, and a drive to help others can change the world.