The Rapid Rise of Drones

What does a technical roadmap to sustainable aviation look like, and what role will innovative technologies, sustainable aviation fuels, and new propulsion methods play in this transformation? We explore the costs, timelines, and infrastructure changes needed, and consider how these shifts could reshape not just the industry, but our global approach to climate resilience. Britain's first astronaut, Helen Sharman, is joined by Professor Christer Fureby. Christer is a professor at Lund University in Sweden, specialising in computational fluid dynamics, with a focus on sustainable energy solutions. With extensive expertise in advanced propulsion systems and sustainable aviation, his research aims to improve the efficiency of energy use and to reduce the climate impact of aviation.

This time we delve into the world of asymmetric warfare, a term used to describe imbalances in conflict. From geopolitics to cutting-edge technology and even the growing divide between humans and machines, asymmetry is reshaping the battlefield of today and tomorrow. We are delighted to be joined on Zero Pressure by Paul Scharre. Paul is an author, scholar, and expert on defence technology, artificial intelligence, and future warfare. He currently serves as the Vice President and Director of Studies at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). Paul is the author of the books - Four Battlegrounds: Power in the Age of Artificial Intellligence, and Army of None: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War. In 2023 TIME Magazine named him as one of the 100 most influential people in AI.  

This time we are exploring how the interplay between the commercial and military sectors - as well as the financial system, can foster innovation. In recent decades there has been a seismic shift in how aerospace, defence and security technologies are funded, with a drastic move from public to private investment. This surge in private funding not only accelerates the production of advanced technologies but also unlocks previously restricted public projects, paving the way for dual-use applications, market efficiency, open-source advancements, and a wealth of commercial opportunities. Helen Sharman is joined by Clayton Williams, Managing Director of IQT International UK Ltd. IQT is a not-for-profit strategic investor that accelerates the development and delivery of cutting-edge technologies to intelligence and national security agencies of the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.

Professor Yang Gao joins Helen Sharman in the studio for a deep dive into robotics. Professor Yang heads the Centre for Robotics Research at King's College London. We'll also be hearing excerpts from our recent Zero Pressure live event at the Great Exhibition Road Festival, where a panel discussed the technologies on Earth that may help humanity thrive on other planets.

This time we are focussing on the world of sensor technology that allows us to collect information at an atomic level. Improvements in quantum sensors are changing how we can detect all sorts of tiny changes in the world around us, revolutionising medical diagnostics, resource extraction and even letting us see around corners… Britain's first astronaut, Helen Sharman, is joined by Professor Sir Peter Knight. Sir Peter is an internationally renowned academic in the field of quantum optics and has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Royal Medal from the Royal Society.

In today's discussion, we're delving into the transformative world of drones. From their pioneering potential in healthcare, other delivery services, disaster relief and agriculture, to disrupting defence and security, the ways drones are used are revolutionizing several sectors at an incredible rate. Much of the drone technology is not in itself revolutionary. Rather, it's the way this technology is harnessed that's helping to change the world around us. Helen Sharman is joined by Professor Sir Iain Gray. Sir Iain is the director of aerospace at Cranfield University and chairs the Drone Industry Action Group for the UK's Drone Industry Trade Association.

Kevin Czinger joins Helen to kick off the third season of Zero Pressure. Kevin is the founder, lead inventor and CEO of Divergent 3D, a company that uses some of the world's most advanced methods of design and additive manufacturing (that's 3D printing) to build vehicle structures. The Zero Pressure podcast series looks at how science and technology positively can contribute to solving complex, interrelated global challenges of today and tomorrow. We look at pioneering technologies and speak to those on the thinking edge. Zero Pressure is a podcast from Imperial College London and Saab. A relaxed conversation with those on the cutting edge of science and technology - hosted by Britain's first astronaut Helen Sharman - Presented by Imperial College London and Saab.

In this special edition of the Zero Pressure podcast, we will be discussing the mapping of the Earth’s oceans. It’s been said that the ocean is the Earth’s final frontier for good reason. With telescopes, scientists can see objects in space that are 30 billion light years away from Earth. Closer to home, 90% of Mars and the entire Moon’s surface has been mapped. Yet only a quarter of Earth’s oceans have been mapped. How can detailed ocean maps be used to solve problems as wide-ranging as energy, defence, and climate change? We are joined in the studio by Professor Jenny Collier. Jenny is a Professor of Marine Geophysics at Imperial College London with broad interests in geology, geophysics, and geodynamics. She specialises in marine methods and often goes to sea on expeditions to collect data that has transformed our understanding of Earth science, including the process by which the island of Britain became isolated from continental Europe. We will also be hearing recordings of the panellists from a Zero Pressure live event at the Royal Geographical Society, part of the 2023 Great Exhibition Road Festival. The Zero Pressure podcast series looks at how science and technology positively can contribute to solving complex, interrelated global challenges of today and tomorrow. We look at pioneering technologies and speak to those on the thinking edge. Zero Pressure is a podcast from Imperial College London and Saab. A relaxed conversation with those on the cutting edge of science and technology - hosted by Britain's first astronaut Helen Sharman - Presented by Imperial College London and Saab.  

This time we are discussing emerging and disruptive technologies. From artificial intelligence to genome editing and quantum computing, industries are being reshaped and traditional norms challenged. How can policymakers stay ahead of the game in an ever-changing world? In this episode, we discuss strategies for policymakers to encourage and support as well as effectively track and regulate these emerging and disruptive technologies. Our guest is Professor Deeph Chana. Deeph is Managing Director of NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, otherwise known as DIANA, which was launched in April 2023 with the mission of uniting innovators so that the NATO Alliance can adapt to emerging and disruptive technologies: seizing opportunities and combatting threats.   The Zero Pressure podcast series looks at how science and technology positively can contribute to solving complex, interrelated global challenges of today and tomorrow. We look at pioneering technologies and speak to those on the thinking edge. Zero Pressure is a podcast from Imperial College London and Saab. A relaxed conversation with those on the cutting edge of science and technology - hosted by Britain's first astronaut Helen Sharman - Presented by Imperial College London and Saab.

This time we're talking about microchips and the world of microelectronics. Microchips are the bedrock of modern technology and are vital in everything from fighter jets to mobile phones. The United States and more recently, Taiwan have been dominant leaders in the global markets of new chip technology. But massive investment in China might change all this. Our guest today is Dr Chris Miller. Chris is an associate professor of international history at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and Jeane Kirkpatrick visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. His research examines key shifts in technology, international politics and economics. His most recent book, 'Chip War', explores the history of microchip technology and the hold this tiny tech has on the whole planet. The Zero Pressure podcast series looks at how science and technology positively can contribute to solving complex, interrelated global challenges of today and tomorrow. We look at pioneering technologies and speak to those on the thinking edge. Zero Pressure is a podcast from Imperial College London and Saab. A relaxed conversation with those on the cutting edge of science and technology - hosted by Britain's first astronaut Helen Sharman - Presented by Imperial College London and Saab.