S6 E1: The Life Sciences Startup That Almost Never Happened

Helen Pearson is an award-winning journalist, editor at Nature, and honorary professor at UCL - and her new book, Beyond Belief, asks a question that feels more urgent than ever: why don't we follow the evidence, even when it could save lives? In this episode, we trace Helen's journey from a comprehensive school in Essex to Cambridge, Edinburgh and the pages of the world's most influential science journal. She talks about the culture shock of Oxbridge, why she turned down a New Scientist internship to finish her PhD, and how a career questionnaire once told her to become a quarry manager. We also dive into Beyond Belief - the story of the evidence revolution sweeping medicine, education, government and beyond - and Helen shares one of the book's most powerful and sobering stories: how 50,000 infant deaths might have been prevented if the research had been properly synthesised decades earlier.

In this episode of Lab Matters, we speak to Dr Rachel Wells, senior scientist and honorary professor at the John Innes Centre, about the science behind protecting oilseed rape in the UK.   Rachel shares how her career evolved from an early interest in veterinary science to a deep focus on plant genetics, crop resilience and sustainable agriculture. The conversation explores the impact of pesticide withdrawal, the growing threat of cabbage stem flea beetle, and how researchers are using genetics, breeding and integrated pest management to protect a crop that plays an important role in the UK food system.

Season 6 starts with the story behind one of the UK's most successful life science startups. In this episode of Lab Matters, Harriet talks to Paul Colbon, CEO of Liverpool ChiroChem (now LLC Technologies), about his journey from chemistry student to entrepreneur, building a company from the ground up, navigating investment, leading through uncertainty and ultimately achieving a successful acquisition. Along the way, Paul reflects on the lessons he's learned about leadership, resilience, innovation and the people who helped shape his career.

What does it mean to make chemistry sustainable? In this episode of Lab Matters, host Jonathan Smith speaks with Tom Welton, the first Professor of Sustainable Chemistry at Imperial College London. Tom reflects on his journey from a North London council estate to becoming a leading voice in sustainable chemistry. Along the way, he shares how early curiosity about atomic structure, inspiring mentors and the emerging environmental movement shaped the direction of his career. The conversation explores the origins of sustainable chemistry, the science behind ionic liquids, and how global environmental thinking transformed the way chemists approach their work. It’s a thoughtful discussion about curiosity, chance, and how scientific ideas evolve alongside the world around them.

In this episode of Lab Matters, Harriet Gould speaks with Roger Highfield, Science Director at the Science Museum and former Science Editor at The Telegraph. Roger’s career spans physics, journalism, bestselling books and decades of science communication. From researching ultra-thin molecular films at Oxford to covering the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster and interviewing future Nobel Prize winners, Roger has spent his career explaining science to the world. In this conversation he reflects on: • Growing up inspired by the Apollo missions • Studying chemistry and completing a doctorate at Oxford • The unexpected path from academia into journalism • Reporting on major scientific discoveries and global events • Why curiosity and storytelling remain essential to science communication It’s a fascinating look at how science, media and curiosity intersect — and why communicating science has never mattered more.

In this episode of Lab Matters, we sit down with chemical policy strategist and toxicologist Camilla Alexander White to explore a career that spans industry, academia and the highest levels of scientific advisory. From growing up as a young carer and discovering chemistry through fireworks and inspirational teachers, to advising the Food Standards Agency and contributing to international regulatory discussions, Camilla shares what it really takes to influence policy. We talk about: • The reality of being a woman in science in the 1980s • Why policy influence is built on relationships, not headlines • The long road from scientific idea to regulatory change • The ban on animal testing in cosmetics and the future of alternatives • Balancing industry, advisory roles and creative passions This is a conversation about resilience, credibility, patience — and following your passion wherever it leads.

In this episode of Lab Matters, we step inside the Old Operating Theatre Museum with historian Dr Sophie Wearing to explore how science really moves through society. Surrounded by 19th-century surgical instruments, we discuss everything from blood-stained surgeons and the slow acceptance of germ theory to the evolution of medical authority and expertise. Sophie reflects on how science professionalised, how knowledge spreads (often far more slowly than we imagine), and why some “truths” are only true within certain limits. We also look forward - from vaccine breakthroughs during Covid to inequalities in pharmaceutical development, and even the possibility of an approaching AI “winter”. This is a fascinating conversation about progress, power, and the human forces that shape scientific discovery.

Artist Stuart Luke Gatherer reflects on creativity, chemistry, and meaning, exploring how science, symbolism, and paint intersect in his work.

In this episode of Lab Matters, Harriet Gould is joined by STEM educator, technician and mentor Lawrence Dawkins-Hall (Science Council) for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about what shapes a science career - and what needs to change next. From early inspiration sparked by the Apollo missions and Attenborough, to the realities of working life in labs, Lawrence shares the highs, the hard lessons, and the turning points that led him to champion better recognition and progression for technicians. The conversation explores professional registration and chartership, the Technician Commitment, and why the sector needs stronger, clearer career pathways that let technical talent thrive without being forced away from the bench.