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Oxford Sparks Big Questions

Oxford Sparks
Climate Change
Cuteness
Cats
Kissing
Bed Bugs
Neuroscience
Bees
Volcanoes
Plant Care
Moon
Wine
Human Emotion
Earworms
Wind Drought
Pleasure
Gender Differences
Baby Responses
Grey Seals
Fisheries
Harbour Seals

'Will my bacon sandwich kill me?', 'Is vaping better than smoking?', 'How do you become an astronaut?' - just some of the Big Questions we ask some of the brightest minds behind Oxford science. Join us in each podcast as we explore a different area of science.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes204Founded11 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ScienceNatural Sciences

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Artwork for Oxford Sparks Big Questions

Latest Episodes

Historically, only two women have ever started a Grand Prix race, and as of the 2026 season, no women are competing in Formula One. This male dominancy is by no means restricted to the track, with social scientist Dr Kate Bancroft estimating that a m... more

We're living in an age of rapid technological development which - alongside many benefits - comes at an environmental cost. We speak to Dr Shurui Miao, an experimental chemist who aims to decouple technological advancement from the impacts of increas... more

YouTube

This week we are featuring a special bonus episode from our friends at the Milk on the Move podcast. Milk on the Move explores milk's deep cultural roots, evolving scientific narratives and the systems that shape its production today. Hosts Johanna Z... more

YouTube

If you've had the chance to visit Oxford's History of Science Museum, you may have found yourself gazing upon a rather special blackboard. Featuring equations that connect the age, size and density of the Universe, the penmanship is that of Albert Ei... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Dr. Shurui Miao
Physical chemist specializing in liquids and solutions; researcher
University of Oxford
Episode: How do you convert CO2 to rock?
Deborah Valenzi
Professor of History at Barnard College, Columbia University, and the author of five books including Milk, A Local and Global History
Barnard College, Columbia University
Episode: From the Milk on the Move podcast: Purity and Danger
Heather Paxton
Cultural anthropologist and science and technology study scholar
Episode: From the Milk on the Move podcast: Purity and Danger
Bronwyn Percival
Technical Director for Niels Yard Dairy in London, co-author of Reinventing the Wheel, Milk, Microbes and the Fight for Real Cheese
Niels Yard Dairy
Episode: From the Milk on the Move podcast: Purity and Danger
Frances Percival
Episode: From the Milk on the Move podcast: Purity and Danger
Anna Fry
Patient with Lynch syndrome, engaging in cancer prevention research
Episode: Could vaccinations stop people from getting cancer?
Annie de Bray
A diabetes and endocrinology doctor currently doing a PhD in diabetes research.
University of Oxford
Episode: How does Ozempic actually work?
Sofia Della Sala
A researcher in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford and a volcanologist in training.
University of Oxford
Episode: How can robots investigate underwater volcanoes?
Dr. Tom Crawford
Public Engagement Lead at the Department for Continuing Education and a mathematician.
University of Oxford
Episode: What is it like to be on Countdown?

Host

Emily Elias
Host of the Oxford Sparks Big Questions, Emily engages with experts to simplify complex scientific topics and guides listeners through intriguing discussions with humor and insight.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 83 ratings
  • Brilliant!!!!!!

    Just absolutely love it! From the largest scale of astronomy to the tiny worlds of neuroscience, Oxford Sparks has the answers to all strange questions you may possibly have! A joy to listen to!!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chara2020
    Taiwan4 years ago
  • Ideological not scientific.

    Obvious points of tension within philosophy. This program makes claims without presenting facts.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Boicarguy
    United States5 years ago
  • He he rating button to tap tap

    Bbbbb

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    dwarfwatcher52
    Australia5 years ago
  • The best science podcast

    Every episode is full of fascinating, cutting-edge science from a wide range of fields. It's brilliant. But, there are a lot of podcasts with interesting science in them - what makes this one *special*, and a must-listen for everyone, is host Emily Elias. She skillfully guides us through these topics with great humour, getting the best out of her interview subjects and putting togehter a really unmissable show.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mackenwells
    United Kingdom6 years ago
  • Straight into my top 10

    First class -- short, clever, unpredictable -- straight into my top 10 after a few listens.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Autodidact55
    United Kingdom8 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

There are positive remarks about the quality of the guests and the breadth of scientific subjects covered, underscoring the podcast's educational value.
Listeners appreciate the mix of humor and serious scientific inquiry, making complex topics accessible and engaging.
The content is often described as informative while maintaining a fun and entertaining format.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How do you convert CO2 to rock?
Q: How do you translate lab results to real-world scale?
There are pilot projects in Europe, especially Iceland, with companies like Carbfix and Climeworks collaborating to build large storage facilities; the challenge is moving from small-scale experiments to industrial-scale operations.
How do you convert CO2 to rock?
Q: How does carbon capture work?
The process involves capturing CO2 from the air using large fans and then concentrating it as a purified gas that can be pressurized for storage, with the goal of making long-term containment possible.
How can I use AI to raise my salary?
Q: Does the University of Oxford offer this sort of microcoursing thing that I could take and get some sort of AI skills to add to my CD?
Yes, various departments at the University of Oxford offer courses, including stand-alone and collaborative online courses.
How can I use AI to raise my salary?
Q: How do I get these skills then?
Acquiring skills in AI requires finding credible education providers, often through workplace learning or online courses.
What happened to the birds in 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'?
Q: What kind of state are these birds in currently in 2025 in the UK?
The current state of many of these birds is quite dire, with populations like the grey partridge and turtle dove facing significant declines.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Oxford Sparks Big Questions

What is Oxford Sparks Big Questions about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Content covers a wide array of scientific questions tackling everyday dilemmas and contemporary issues, such as health, environmental concerns, and technology. Episodes feature insightful discussions with experts from various fields at the University of Oxford, aiming to make complex topics accessible and engaging for a general audience. The unique blend of humor and serious inquiry, combined with a focus on current scientific research, creates an informative space that encourages curiosity and critical thinking about the world around us.

Listeners can expect to explore innovative ideas and pressing questions, from the implications of dietary choices to groundbreaking advancements in technology and the natural sciences. This podcast seeks ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Oxford Sparks Big Questions?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Oxford Sparks Big Questions:

1. Sliced Bread
2. Science Weekly
3. Health Check
4. Unexpected Elements
5. The Documentary Podcast

How many episodes of Oxford Sparks Big Questions are there?

Oxford Sparks Big Questions launched 11 years ago and published 204 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Oxford Sparks Big Questions?

Recent guests on Oxford Sparks Big Questions include:

1. Dr. Shurui Miao
2. Deborah Valenzi
3. Heather Paxton
4. Bronwyn Percival
5. Frances Percival
6. Anna Fry
7. Annie de Bray
8. Sofia Della Sala

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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