ResearchPod

Join Professor Michele Barbour for an energising and deeply insightful conversation with Dr Luke Cox, CEO of Impulsonics, a University of Bristol spin‑out transforming how cell handling and automation are done in biotechnology. 
What begins as an exploration of Luke’s journey from engineering undergraduate to PhD researcher becomes an exhilarating story of invention, grit, and entrepreneurial drive. From early work in acoustic levitation to co‑developing a novel “impulse control” technology, Luke unpacks how a speculative research project evolved into a breakthrough method for moving millions of cells simultaneously — enabling automation where traditional tools have long failed. 
Discover how Luke navigated the risks, setbacks, and thrill of taking on the role of CEO while spinning out a deep‑tech company; how customer discovery reshaped their market focus; and why Impulsonics’ modular, ultrasound‑based approach could unlock scalable personalised medicine, reduced lab waste, and new possibilities in drug discovery. 
This is a candid discussion about ambition, risk engineering, accidental luck, and finding the “beachhead market” that biologists have needed for decades — all told with Luke’s characteristic insight, humility, and humour. 
In this episode 
From engineering undergrad to PhD researcher: discovering acoustic levitation 
The origins of “impulse control” and its biocompatible applications 
Why automation in biotechnology breaks down — and how Impulsonics bridges the gap 
Building prototypes, identifying markets and finding early‑stage grant funding 
Becoming CEO: translating between tech, biology, and business 
How automation could enable precision functional medicine 
The role of AI: hype, data quality, and industry realities 
Storytelling, improv theatre, and becoming unafraid to ask “stupid questions” 
Advice for early‑career researchers and aspiring entrepreneurs 
 
🌐 About the Enterprise Sessions 
The Enterprise Sessions bring together founders and researchers to share candid insights on spin-outs, start-ups, raising capital, and translating research into real-world impact. Our goal? To inform, inspire, and challenge myths about research commercialisation. 
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If you enjoyed this episode, please like and share! Explore more at University of Bristol Enterprise Sessions and subscribe to our YouTube channel for future episodes. 
Connect with our Guests: 
Dr Luke Cox – LinkedIn
Prof Michele Barbour – LinkedIn 

Chapters 
0:00 – Introductions
0:34 – From engineering student to acoustic levitation researcher 
3:20 – How ultrasound manipulates millions of cells  
5:25 – Exploring the potential of ultrasound and technology  
9:00 – How the culture of innovation in Bristol inspired Luke
13:08 – Creating a product useful for the target audience 
18:22 – Finding direction through the ICURe programme 
22:47 – How cell passaging became the perfect first market — and how Impulsonics automates it 
27:10 – Leadership, learning to translate across disciplines, and choosing not to bring in an external CEO 
32:29 – Navigating grants, investors, risk engineering, relationships, and the realities of building hardware and biology together 
42:28 – How Impulsonics’ technology could enable patient‑specific drug testing and more sustainable labs 
46:19 – The founder mindset
51:45 – Advice for early‑career researchers

Obesity is one of the most pressing health challenges of our time, yet public campaigns on diet and exercise have struggled to reverse rising global rates.
Assistant Professor Xuan Zhang from the School of Economics at Singapore Management University explores how a simple, low-cost intervention – a series of short, personalised text messages – can help people better understand their weight classification and adopt healthier habits.
Her team’s randomised controlled trial found that regular digital reminders significantly improved weight perception and diet among older adults, showing how behavioural insights can drive meaningful change in public health.
Read the original research: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jebo.2024.04.029

Professor Keon West has long been interested in the gap between what people think they know about racism and what the science actually shows.
Alongside his academic work, he regularly appears at events like Cheltenham Science Festival, opening up conversations about bias, scientific literacy, and why facts matter even in the most emotionally charged topics.
In this episode, we talk about applying science to racism, the misconceptions that persist, and what happens when research meets real-world audiences.

In this final episode of the series, we join a round-table discussion among experts from the Smart Internet Lab at the University of Bristol. Join Dimitra Simeonidou, Simon Saunders, and Paul Wilson as they explore the future of telecommunications and the exciting advancements in network technology.
 Discover how AI and sensing capabilities are transforming networks into intelligent systems that not only communicate but also 'feel' the environment. This episode delves into the implications of these innovations for smart cities, crisis management, and the ethical considerations that come with them.

Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:30) The Evolution of Telecommunications
(10:15) AI and Sensing in Networks
(20:00) Future Networks Scenarios
(30:00) Ethical Considerations and Governance
(40:00) Closing Thoughts

This is an 18Sixty Production.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating concept of sensory living networks with Prof. Dimitra Simeonidou, director of the Smart Internet Lab, Paul Wilson, chair of the advisory board for SmartCitiesWorld and Simon Saunders, honorary professor at the Smart Internet Lab. Discover how these intelligent networks can revolutionise emergency responses and provide critical data to enhance urban living. Join us as we delve into the potential benefits and ethical considerations of utilising such technology for the greater good of society.

Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:15) Sensory Living Networks Explained
(05:30) Emergency Services and Data Utilisation
(10:00) The Role of Regulation
(15:45) Global Standards and Cooperation
(20:30) Future of AI and Data Governance
(25:00) Conclusion

This is an 18Sixty Production.