In this episode of the Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer explores the world of vaccines and efforts to make sure they are safe to use. Professor Nicholas Wood, a paediatrician and immunisation researcher, discusses his experiences studying vaccine safety and innovation during his Churchill Fellowship travels. From the development of mRNA vaccines to addressing vaccine hesitancy, Professor Wood talks about critical aspects of immunisation. He also outlines the need for a national vaccine safety office in Australia and the importance of understanding viruses in the ongoing battle against infectious diseases.

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How can we find new medicines from ocean creatures, and then how can we speed up those drugs’ development? These are questions being answered by Dr Michela Mitchell, Australia's first sea anemone taxonomist. In this episode, host Adam Spencer explores the fascinating world of sea anemone toxinology and its potential in drug development. Dr Mitchell discusses her journey from computer programming to marine biology and her research on sea anemone venom. She highlights the complexities of venom extraction and analysis, as well as the need for collaboration among scientists, clinicians, and pharmaceutical companies to expedite drug development.

The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by:

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How do we know what is really going on behind bars in Australia’s prisons? In this episode, host Adam Spencer explores the secretive world of intelligence gathering in the corrections system. He interviews Helen Glazebrook about her fascinating career as an intelligence officer, and her experiences during her Churchill Fellowship, where she visited various countries to learn about intelligence methodologies and state-of-the-art technology. Helen highlights the need for greater collaboration and intelligence sharing between agencies, as well as the potential benefits of lifetime monitoring for serious organised crime offenders.

The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by:

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Dr Scott Sleap is helping Australia reach for the stars through his involvement in the space industry and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) education. In this episode, host Adam Spencer speaks with this passionate educator and explores his fascinating journey. Dr Sleap discusses his experiences as a Churchill Fellow, travelling to learn about space science and STEM education worldwide. From behind-the-scenes access at NASA to exploring the educational potential of Disney theme parks, his journey is an example of how Australians can gain valuable knowledge abroad and bring it back to inspire locally.

The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by:

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One person’s passion can change the world for everyone else. In this episode, host Adam Spencer talks to Ian Jarratt, the man responsible for bringing unit pricing — something we all use — to Australia. An executive member of the Consumers Federation of Australia, Ian is passionate about unit pricing, which provides standardized pricing for products, making it easier for consumers to compare prices. He discusses how his Churchill Fellowship allowed him to scour the world for the best system, and he reflects on its huge impact and the need for ongoing improvement.

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What constitutes a good death, and to what extent should family and friends be involved in the process? In this thought-provoking episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer talks with Rebecca Lyons, who is an advocate for reimagining the funeral industry. Rebecca's unconventional journey from real estate to the funeral sector led her to question traditional practices. Through a Churchill Fellowship, she explored global approaches to death, finding inspiration, particularly, in Mexico's communal mourning rituals. Rebecca champions home funerals and natural burials, aiming to empower families in their grieving process. Her work extends to the Australian Home Funeral Alliance, an initiative focused on education and support.

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How can we take the fear away from of the court process, so that witnesses don’t become traumatised? In this episode, host Adam Spencer explores the inspirational work of Julie Morrison, the Founder of Justice Dogs Australia and Victims Engagement Coordinator at the Office of Public Prosecutions in Victoria. Julie shares her journey from a science and education background to working in the criminal justice system and how her love for dogs led her to the idea of using therapy dogs to support victims in court.

The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by:

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Chris Boyle is a Queensland social worker who has found a new way to help families and friends to support loved ones in danger of violence or other abuse. In this episode, we follow Chris on his inspiring journey, embarking on a Churchill Fellowship to seek innovative solutions to the complex issues of abuse, domestic violence, and isolation. Churchill Collective host Adam Spencer delves into how Chris spotted gaps in the system and actively sought solutions overseas. Driven by a deep desire to save vulnerable children and families from being torn apart by safety assessments that often lead to out-of-home care, prisons, hospitals, or worse, Chris has come up with a technical solution that provides instant family support. Through his fellowship, he discovered the power of family preservation, a philosophy that focuses on keeping families together and involving them in the decision-making process in times of crisis.

The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by:

SoundCartel 
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.