We're living in a world of opportunities. But to fully realise them, we have to reshape the way we innovate. We need to stop siloing data, ring-fencing knowledge, and thinking in traditional value chains.
That's what this podcast is about – taking a look at data outside the box.
With inspiring guests from different walks of life, join us to learn how data can move markets, transform business, and help us solve the world's greatest challenges.
Data Today: the only data podcast you need in your life! Find us on all your favourite platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts.
Neural networks are the backbone of many AI and machine learning systems. But how can they be applied to real-world scenarios?
Today's guest is Damian Borth, Professor of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning at the University of St. Gallen. He is also the director of the Computer Science Institute at St. Gallen.
His work on neural networks has taken him to several subject areas including climate change, financial fraud detection, and text-to-speech. He is also the recipient of a Google Research Scholar Award.
We discuss what neural networks are, what they do, and how their application could help us save the world.
According to Alzheimer's Disease International, the number of people around the world with the condition will reach 78 million in 2030, and 139 million in 2050. As of 2024, there is no known cure for Alzheimer's, dementia, or similar degenerative brain conditions. So, how are those testing for these diseases using data and technology to help improve health outcomes?
Today’s guest is Rhoda Au, Professor of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Neurology, and Epidemiology at Boston University, and Director of Neuropsychology at the Framingham Heart Study. She’s also the Director of Global Cohort Development at the Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative.
We discuss Rhoda’s experience of paper-and-pen Alzheimer's testing in the early 90s, her switch to voice capture in 2005, and her thoughts about how medical data should be shared.
We don’t often think about what's going on beneath the surface of our cities and towns. But how could more understanding of this underground world help deliver better public services and tackle environmental impact?
Today’s guest is Holger Kessler, a renowned geoscientist who has racked up an astonishing 25 years at the British Geological Survey. In early 2024, he started a new role at AtkinsRéalis but previously worked at the Government Office for Science as the Science Lead of the Future of the Subsurface Foresight Programme.
We discuss the siloed nature of data underground, the benefits of digital twins, and why it's so important to use the utilities we have underground.
Public services and higher education facilities are under enormous pressure to keep track of their funds. But what if they were able to utilise some of that money, and put it back into the hands of the communities they serve?
Today’s guest is Peter Forsgren, co-founder and COO of three+one, an organisation that assists clients across the United States in identifying opportunities to increase their revenue.
Peter has worked in public sector finance for a long time, but also serves on his local school board.
We discuss Peter’s first role out of college with the Oneida Indian Nation, break down just how much financial data is required to optimise funds, and examine a few case studies that show the power of money saved.
The UK’s public sector uses vast quantities of data to keep its vital services running. But what's the best way to communicate with the public about these services?
Today’s guest is Giuseppe Sollazzo, who currently heads up data products and services at the Department of Work and Pensions. He’s spent his entire career at the heart of the public sector. Giuseppe initially aspired to be an academic, but one failed PhD later, he realised he needed to be more agile in his career trajectory. This led him into the NHS, the Department for Transport, and placed him squarely at the nexus of how we communicate data across society.
Giuseppe and his team also pen the famous Quantum of Sollazzo newsletter, which has become a staple in the open data community.
We discuss communicating data to citizens, the role of AI in the public sector, and the UK’s digital skills gap.
It's been just over two years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. How has disinformation played a part in the conflict, and what has been done to help combat it?
Today's guest is Olga Tokariuk, a Chatham House Fellow and journalist who specialises in research around disinformation. She has spoken widely about Russia's use of disinformation in the war and what it means for the public's wider trust in the media.
We discuss the four ways that technology and AI are being used in Ukraine, how to debunk and tackle disinformation in wartime, and how the public has been galvanised to think critically about the media they're consuming.
We can use archives to unlock our past. But how can these vast analogue data sets utilise technology and still retain their value?
Today’s guest is John Sheridan, Digital Director at The National Archives. In his role, John looks after all things digital. He shapes the strategy and direction of its numerous digital services including the vast and extensive National Archive website.
We discuss the power of being able to easily access archival material, the increasing quality of document digitisation, and why archives are critical to the retention of primary sources.
Nuclear weapons still loom large on the world stage. So why has the number of nuclear tests dropped so dramatically?
Today’s guest is Megan Slinkard, Chief of the Software Applications Section in the International Data Centre at Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization [CTBTO]. Based in Vienna, Megan has worked in nuclear explosion monitoring for more than 10 years and is really at the coal face of the monitoring work that the organisation does.
We discuss Megan’s path to nuclear testing, how the CBTO has helped to create a culture where nuclear testing is rare, and how monitoring nuclear tests has helped bolster the CTBT (Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty).
When moving and transforming data, how do you make sure it retains its accuracy?
That's the question that drives today’s guest, Heather Savory. Heather has 30-years of experience in both the public and private sector. She currently holds Non-Executive Director roles in the UK Parliament and Ministry of Justice and was previously the Director General for Data Capability at the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
We discuss connecting siloed data sources, how to communicate the importance of data with the public and the benefits of sharing data.
Properly archiving cultural history is essential to the spotlighting of marginalised voices from the past. But how do you go about preserving this data for generations to come?
LeRonn Brooks is the Associate Curator for Modern and Contemporary Collections at Getty Research Institute, which recently acquired the entire back catalogue of the legendary Jet and Ebony magazines. The collection at Getty “is regarded as one of the most significant and substantial collections of Black American culture in the 20th century”.
We discuss LeRonn’s deep personal connection to his work, communicating data points through storytelling and the human stories behind the data points and what it means to be a protagonist in the history of art.
Nothing creates more data than international trade. But how do you navigate the complexities that come with transporting goods around the world?
Today’s guest is Kevin Daffey, Vice President Governmental Engineering & Marine Automation at Rolls-Royce Business Unit Power Systems.
We discuss Kevin’s impressive career, the vast flows of information that are required to keep the marine industry moving, and how shipping can reach net zero.
Explore this episode and get the transcript.
Digital inclusivity is vital in creating a fairer world. But how do you find a way to connect billions of people?
Isabelle Mauro, former Head of Information, Communications and Technology Industries at the World Economic Forum, has spent her career in telecommunications building relationships between sectors to help marginalised communities come online and grow.
We discuss Isabelle’s formative experience connecting women in Bangladesh through SMS, why it’s so important that we promote digital inclusivity as part of ESG metrics, and how we can incentivise businesses to do more for those in need.
Curious how data is used in the music industry? How it helps musicians get paid? This episode is for you!
Bryan Calhoun is a veteran in the industry (working with well-known artists such as Kanye West, Drake, Dead Prez, and others) and has made it his mission to advocate for artists and help them receive fair compensation. As the former VP of SoundExchange, Bryan has used data to distribute digital performance royalties for sound recordings, and has a long track record of success.
Here he shares his insights on how data can be used to help musicians know their worth and earn what they deserve. We also explore the importance of stringent record keeping and how it can benefit both artists and the industry as a whole.
Ethical questions around technology and data are nothing new. But should organisations be more transparent with the public? Does the public even want to be educated about data?
These are the thought-provoking questions raised by today’s guest, Anne Thielen, R&D Manager, Health Technology Solutions at Sonova AG.
We learn about Anne's background as a technologist, and explore the current challenges facing the medical field when it comes to data. Join us as we explore the fascinating topic of The Internet of Humans and the difficult conversations we need to be having about data ethics.
Data is the lifeblood of the public sector. But how do you ensure you're using data responsibly for the public good?
That's been a career-long battle for today's guest, Tom Smith, whose full job title (it's a big 'un!) is: Director, Spatial Data Unit, Chief Data Officer, Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
We discuss Tom's career, his journey, and the art of using data to cut through external noise and political pressure to improve the lives of millions.
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Dan is the Global Chief of AI & Data and has extensive experience working across a diverse range of sectors, including government, transport, telecoms, and manufacturing. As a skilled engineer and strategic advisor, Dan effectively connects the needs of leadership with the technical expertise of teams to successfully drive data transformation initiatives for organisations. He brings a unique combination of strategic thinking and deep knowledge of data and engineering to his consulting work.
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