R&D Unplugged

R&D Unplugged

A chat with researchers about the real-world impact of their work on “Learning Transitions”

Learning Planet Institute

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!

En cours de lecture

#14 Why We Fear Ugly Fruit—And How to Unlearn It, with Carina Castagna

Why do we reject fruits and vegetables just because they look imperfect?

Let's explore the invisible biases in our brains that drive food waste—and how learning can help shift them.
Drawing from six psychological experiments and a neuroscience study using eye-tracking, Carina Castagna shares how aesthetic imperfections trigger risk aversion in the brain’s more primitive regions, leading to the unnecessary disposal of edible produce.

But there’s a powerful insight: when people are encouraged to think abstractly, this wasteful bias drops significantly.

What does it means for education, behavior change, and sustainability transitions? The talk offers practical implications for teaching sustainability and reframing how young people—and adults—learn to care about food and waste.

En cours de lecture

#13 Bridging disciplines: process-oriented co-design approaches to complex challenges, Olga Kokshagina

Tackling complex challenges—whether in healthcare, education, or climate change—demands breaking down disciplinary silos and actively collaborating with diverse stakeholders. Traditional approaches often fall short, making it crucial to adopt longitudinal, process-driven methods.

This episode dives into how action-based research and co-design methodologies can deepen our understanding of complex problems and drive meaningful change. Through real-world, multi-year collaborative projects—including partnerships with the WHO on health guideline design, studies on managing online communities to advance cancer epidemiology, and challenge-based learning initiatives—we explore how to effectively bridge research and practice in dynamic, interdisciplinary settings.

En cours de lecture

#12 Online communities as model systems for collective self-determination, with Seth Frey

In this episode, we welcome Seth Frey to explore how participating in small-scale democracies can shape better citizens for large-scale ones. The internet, with its countless online communities, serves as a modern laboratory for self-governance. But how do these groups unite limited resources around shared goals? Together, we examine three major platforms hosting self-governing communities and tackle key questions: What makes small-scale democracies thrive? How do they manage resources and maintain order? And what lessons can they offer for governing both online spaces and the world beyond? Tune in to discover the future of community-driven governance in the digital age!

En cours de lecture

#11 Reinventing wisdom: mapping pathways to collective flourishing, with Marc Santolini

In an era of climate instability, social fragmentation, and deep uncertainty, fostering collective intelligence is more crucial than ever. But how do we create the conditions for meaningful collaboration? In this episode, Marc Santolini explores the relational dynamics that enable sensemaking and coordination for systemic change. From psychological safety and deep listening to AI-driven network analysis, we discuss emerging frameworks that blend wisdom traditions with participatory methodologies to support collective flourishing. How can we shift from outcome-driven approaches to process-aware collaboration? Tune in to discover new insights at the intersection of science, technology, and human connection.

En cours de lecture

#10 From Thought to Action: The Influence of Our Worldviews on Education with Maria Angelica Mejia Caceres

How do educators' views on knowledge, science, and values shape the way they teach? In this episode, we welcome Maria Angelica Mejia Caceres to explore how these perspectives influence educational practices—affecting not just what is taught, but how it is received. We discuss the impact of language, emotions, and underlying beliefs in the classroom, questioning the limitations of a purely scientific approach. Can optimism or pessimism about social change shape student engagement? Join us as we uncover how recognizing these influences can transform education into a dynamic force for critical thinking and social change.