“Equal opportunity, intersectionality and where DOES physics meet philosophy?" In conversation with UoM VC Prof Duncan Ivison – a bonus episode

Following a season filled with big questions, we’re BACK - and this time we’re taking them straight to the top. In this special bonus episode, we sit down with Professor Duncan Ivison (he/him), Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, to explore what equal opportunity, centering human experience, and intersectionality really mean for the future of STEM and beyond.

We are also joined by Season Two Big Sister and exceptionally gifted Physics Student, Esther Ngongala (she/her). Listen as Esther and Duncan quickly find common ground across her world of Physics and his in Philosophy, and we find ourselves asking: is identifying the right question as illuminating as finding the answer?

So, grab a coffee and settle in for an episode where STEM meets the Humanities, and where we’re reminded that together we may be stronger than ever.

About our guests

Since joining the University in August 2024, Duncan has become a beloved face on campus, and a friend to students and staff alike. Raised in Montreal, and previously serving as Deputy Vice Chancellor at The University of Sydney, Duncan’s own educational background is within political philosophy and theory. He has written extensively on postcolonialism, liberalism, and indigenous rights - and yes, we did prepare for this episode by reading his paper ‘Why Globalise the Curriculum?’

If you’re a Season Two listener, you will recognise Esther Ndongala from Episode 4, where she shared her journey into studying Physics at Manchester. From a summer spent in research labs through the Nuffield Scheme to becoming a Cowrie Scholar, Esther not only excels in understanding complex science and its impact, but she has a gift for communicating it. Now in her second year, we can’t wait to see where her path leads next.