Few modern day politicians are as divisive as Donal Trump - but what does his forthcoming presidency mean for the tech sector, both in the US and around the world? Will import tariffs kill trade and result in hyper inflation? Or will they stimulate the tech manufacturing sector within the USA? Will removing red tape help innovation, particularly in areas such as AI, where a tech race is on with China? And will the climate change process take a hit if Trump pulls America out of the Paris Agreement.

Regulars Tim Fryer and Tanya Weaver form the E+T editorial team discussed all this with Paul Dempsey, long-time American correspondent and geopolitical expert on the technology and engineering sector.

This episode of E+T: Off the Page looks into the divisive world of space tourism. Regular contributors Tim Fryer, Jack Loughran and Tanya Weaver are joined by Dr Simon Foster from Imperial College London to discuss whether space tourism has a sustainable, meaningful future, or if it’s just an extravagant venture for the wealthy. The engages in thoughtful debate on whether space tourism can inspire a new generation toward STEM or if its environmental impact and exclusivity overshadow any potential benefits.

The conversation also weaves through the evolution of rocket technology, from Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic flights to Elon Musk's reusable rockets at SpaceX and explores the current ticket prices, environmental consequences, and regulatory complexities surrounding private space flights.

Are you curious about the future of biotechnology? Regular contributors Tim Fryer, Jack Loughran and Tanya Weaver are joined by expert guest Professor Karen Polizzi from Imperial College London, as they explore the strides and setbacks in biotechnology – an industry often touted as transformative but still misunderstood. From bioengineering breakthroughs to the ethical puzzles posed by genetically modified crops and lab-grown meat, this episode offers a down-to-earth view on whether biotechnology is living up to the hype. Professor Polizzi shares first-hand knowledge of industry shifts in health, agriculture, and even energy, shedding light on what's driving these changes and what hurdles remain.

Why aren't we all eating lab-grown burgers yet? Will biotechnology one day replace petrochemicals or conventional farming? With a blend of humour, film references, and deep scientific insights, this episode tackles the fascinating potential of biotechnology, balancing promise with reality.

Three years ago E+T looked at the challenges facing humanity and set seven Critical Targets that the engineering and technology sector needs to achieve if we want to look optimistically to the future. To evaluate progress on these Critical Targets and talk more broadly on these fundamental challenges, we talked to seven experts in a series of podcasts.

Inspiration

Will all companies invest in outreach programmes to inspire the young?

Special Guest: Fran Scott

Three years ago E+T looked at the challenges facing humanity and set seven Critical Targets that the engineering and technology sector needs to achieve if we want to look optimistically to the future. To evaluate progress on these Critical Targets and talk more broadly on these fundamental challenges, we talked to seven experts in a series of podcasts.

Future Mobility

Will we be able to cross the Atlantic in an electric airliner?

Special Guest: Prof Sven Schimpf

Three years ago E+T looked at the challenges facing humanity and set seven Critical Targets that the engineering and technology sector needs to achieve if we want to look optimistically to the future. To evaluate progress on these Critical Targets and talk more broadly on these fundamental challenges, we talked to seven experts in a series of podcasts.

Trust and Truth

Can we bring more decency and responsibility into the online world?

Special Guest: Coral James O’Connor

Three years ago E+T looked at the challenges facing humanity and set seven Critical Targets that the engineering and technology sector needs to achieve if we want to look optimistically to the future. To evaluate progress on these Critical Targets and talk more broadly on these fundamental challenges, we talked to seven experts in a series of podcasts.

Global Family

Could water poverty become a thing of the past?

Special Guest - Dr Claire Malone

Three years ago E+T looked at the challenges facing humanity and set seven Critical Targets that the engineering and technology sector needs to achieve if we want to look optimistically to the future. To evaluate progress on these Critical Targets and talk more broadly on these fundamental challenges, we talked to seven experts in a series of podcasts.

Alternative Energy

Fossil fuels - is it really possible to confine them to history?

Special Guest: James Bamborough