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    148 – Transforming Research through Community Collaboration

    April 11, 2025

    In this episode, David talks with Dr Moustapha Moussa from Niger about empowering local farmers through agroecological practices. The discussion focuses on integrating local knowledge with scientific research, emphasizing patience and shifting power to local communities. This approach has led…

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    147 – Cultivating Change: Local Solutions for Nutrition

    April 8, 2025

    In this episode, David speaks with Dr Moustapha Moussa from Niger about his award-winning work in integrating cultural heritage and agroecology to fight malnutrition. Highlights include reviving over 40 traditional nutrient-rich dishes, community engagement, and the positive impact on local…

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    146 – Reflections on the CRFS Leadership Meeting 2025

    April 4, 2025

    Lucie interviews David about his recent CRFS leadership meeting participation. They discuss the strategies and regional focuses of the Global CRFS, the significance of bringing together varied projects, and the importance of synergy between local and global agroecology efforts.

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    144 – Who can be activated for impact?

    March 28, 2025

    In this episode, George and David explore the concept of impact activation for mathematical scientists. They discuss how PhD holders in math-related fields can transition into diverse areas, adding unique value to social impact projects. The conversation highlights key traits…

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    143 – The Impact Activation Book

    March 25, 2025

    In this episode, George and David discuss 'impact activation', a concept aimed at leveraging mathematical expertise for social good. Following a workshop at the International Center for Mathematical Sciences in Edinburgh, they envision turning their insights into a comprehensive book….

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    140 – Electronic Maths Textbooks in Kenya

    March 14, 2025

    In this episode, David speaks with Zachary Mbasu, the director of INODEMS in Kenya, about their collaborative efforts in developing new maths textbooks tailored for the competency-based curriculum currently being implemented in Kenya. The discussion highlights the challenges of the…

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    Impact Area
    IDEMS Domain
    Sociotechnical Innovation

    115 – Research Methods Support Teams

    Following a rare chance for in person meetings with most of the Research Methods Support team in West Africa, David and Lucie reflect on the team’s development and evolving role supporting researchers. We seem to be making concrete progress on our goal to nurture talent in West Africa.

    114 – International Impact Award 2024

    In this episode, Lily and David celebrate and reflect on IDEMS International’s recent International Impact Award 2024 win at the Social Enterprise UK Awards. They highlight the organisation’s significant achievements, including the digitalisation of a parenting program trialled in Tanzania, demonstrating the potential for high impact at scale. The conversation underscores IDEMS’ innovative approach to building technology for social impact, their collaborative work with local partners, and plans for future developments in regions like West Africa.

    113 – Research Methods Workshops and Trainings

    Lucie and David discuss their upcoming research methods workshops in West Africa under McKnight Foundation’s Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems. Covering a decade of workshops, they consider the history and evolution of these training sessions, including the birth of R-Instat. They consider challenges during COVID-19, and emphasise the value of community building.

    112 – Why don’t we just give money?

    In this episode, Lily and David discuss the pros and cons of giving money directly to individuals versus using systemic approaches to address poverty. They highlight real-life examples where well-intentioned cash donations led to unintended negative consequences and explore the potential benefits and challenges of universal basic income. The conversation underscores the importance of context and thoughtful consideration in mitigating inequality.

    111 – Sustainability, Scalability, and Systemic Change: IDEMS’ Approach to Impacting Grand Challenges

    In this episode, co-founding directors David Stern and Danny Parsons discuss the organization’s approach to tackling grand challenges. They consider three core principles guiding their decision-making: sustainability through capacity building, scalability via community development, and systemic change by collaborating with institutions. Would it be a failure if IDEMS was no longer valuable?

    110 – Further reflections on the FRN Convening

    Lucie and David continue their reflections on the recent Farmer Research Network convening held by the McKnight Foundation. They focus on the sharing of experiences between farmer research network representatives in West and East Africa, and their role as Research Methods Support to support those interactions and learnings.

    109 – Mathematical Scientists as Impact Activators

    IDEMS founding directors David Stern and Danny Parsons discuss the concept of impact activation and the potential for mathematicians to contribute to social impact projects. They consider specific ways in which the skills of mathematical scientists can be useful in these contexts, advocating for a pipeline to create more opportunities for those interested in this path.

    108 – James’ Journey of Innovative Statistics Education

    In this episode of the IDEMS podcast, David talks with James Musyoka about their journey to revolutionise statistics education at Maseno University and beyond. They highlight the use of technology, overcoming access issues, and the importance of practical data work. They emphasise gradual change led by new educators and the critical need for interpretation skills in teaching statistics.

    107 – Where Do We Draw the Line on Transparency?

    In this episode, Lily and David Stern consider IDEMS’ relationship to transparency. They discuss the challenges and ethical considerations in sharing data, and the importance of balancing transparency with the need for privacy and protection against potential harm.

    106 – Reflections on the FRN Convening

    David and Lucie reflect on outcomes of the recent Farmer Research Network (FRN) convening led by the McKnight Foundation’s Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems programme. Bringing together researchers, farmers, NGOs and other stakeholders in agroecology from four continents, the four day convening was rich in learnings.

    105 – Wicked Problems

    Lily and David consider the concept of “wicked problems” (sometimes referred to as “grand challenges”): those problems that are inherently unsolvable and require continuous incremental improvements. In a wide-ranging conversation, they touch on the importance of imagination in envisioning positive futures and the role of different contexts in shaping educational outcomes.

    104 – Misusing Data

    In this episode, Lily and David discuss the unintended consequences of data misuse, highlighting how outdated survey responses can adversely affect individuals. They explore the balance between human judgement and automated systems, emphasising the need for improved data practices and hybrid approaches.
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