Welcome to "R&D Unplugged", a podcast from the Learning Planet Institute that delves into the real-world impact of research. Each episode features an insightful...
#8 Empowering Inclusive Decisions with AI & Social Simulations for SDG acceleration with Serge Stinckwich
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim for a better, more sustainable future, but progress is slow, and in some areas, we are regressing. Evaluating the impact of policy on sustainability is key to understanding this stagnation.
In this episode, we speak with Serge Stinckwich, computer scientist and head of research at the United Nations University Institute in Macau. We discuss how artificial intelligence and social simulations can reveal the complex factors behind sustainability. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the role of modelling in guiding policy decisions.
Effective, data-informed policies require inclusive, representative data, and responsible modelling must be transparent and evidence-based, considering marginalized populations and future generations. How can AI-driven tools ensure diverse voices are included in decision-making? Serge shares innovative research projects from the United Nations University Institute in Macau.
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17:12
#7 The role of educators in building a caring and sustainable university - with Manon Sala
In this episode, we sit down with Manon Sala, a second-year PhD student in Sociology and Learning Sciences at the FIRE Doctoral School at the Learning Planet Institute. Manon’s research delves into the institutionalization of Social and Ecological Transition Pedagogies in Higher Education in France, through a comparative analysis of various curricula.
Our conversation centers around the French government’s 2026 recommendations for Ecological and Social Transitions in Higher Education. We explore the role of educators as a “creative middle ground,” bridging the gap between structural changes and the development of psychosocial competencies in students. Together, we examine how these dual levels of action can transform learning cultures and contribute to building a more sustainable and caring society.
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22:38
#6 Teachers’ collective intelligence, is it possible? with Ignacio Atal
Teachers play a critical role in ensuring high-quality education for all, but top-down recommendations on proven teaching practices often miss the mark. In reality, teachers rely on their own experiences to navigate challenges in the classroom. While this experiential knowledge is widely shared, it’s often localized and intuitive, raising the question: can it become a trusted, shareable knowledge base for the profession?
In this episode, we talk with Ignacio Atal, founder of the Profs-Chercheurs program, a participatory research initiative designed to engage teachers in producing reliable and cumulative knowledge about their educational practices. Together, we reflect on five years of the program, exploring how collective intelligence can help teachers collaboratively tackle shared challenges. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the potential and obstacles of fostering teacher-driven research.
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20:35
#5 The missing piece of the AI research puzzle - with Jean-Marc Sevin
Nearly two years after the public release of ChatGPT and the widespread adoption of Large Language Models (LLMs), what have we learned about their relevance in real-world applications?
In this episode, we’re joined by Jean-Marc Sevin, a senior data scientist at the Learning Planet Institute, to tackle some of today’s most pressing questions: How can we effectively apply this technology to support learning around the Sustainable Development Goals? And should we shift the AI research agenda toward new disciplines to better understand the so-called magic behind LLMs?
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21:51
#4 Childism - Do we really love children? - with Laelia Benoit
Although we like to believe that we care about children and their future, studies on climate change and children's mental health reveal that their concerns about the planet and their actions are often undermined.
In this episode we will discuss with Laelia Benoit how childism, the prejudice against children, is prevalent in our daily lives. Additionally, we will discuss ways to become more aware of this issue, address childism as it occurs, and collaborate with children to overcome stigma and empower them to drive change.
Welcome to "R&D Unplugged", a podcast from the Learning Planet Institute that delves into the real-world impact of research. Each episode features an insightful conversation with a leading researcher who shares their journey, key findings, and the practical implications of their work.
Our aim is to make complex research accessible and relatable. How research addresses critical global challenges, providing concrete examples of its impact on society? Listen to us and gain valuable insights into how research bridges the gap between theory and practice, transforming lives and communities!
Through engaging stories and clear explanations, "R&D Unplugged" demonstrates the vital role of research in solving real-world problems. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply curious about the world, our podcast offers a unique perspective on how research drives positive change. Join us and be inspired to see how research can make a difference!
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