Evolving the Future

The proposition that life emerged through natural processes rather than supernatural design has collided with both old religious doctrines and more recently the neo-religious belief systems built on rejecting mainstream science. From literalism of religious text to flat Earth cosmology we are presented with alternative claims about humanity and knowledge, this talk aims to examine why some movements treat evolution not just as a scientific idea, but as an existential enemy. It also asks a sharper question: what is the fallout when evidence and belief collide

An introduction to Intelligent Growth Solutions - a vertical farming company based in Invergowrie. How can we use vertical farming, and what are the challenges and opportunities? What is interesting about amaranth, a nutrient-rich seed, and how can we use it in vertical farming?

Urban acupuncture as a means for lasting community-level regeneration through urban design. As ecological and social crises intensify, sustainability alone is proving insufficient; regeneration requires activating living social–ecological systems capable of renewal. This PechaKucha-style presentation applies an Urban Acupuncture lens to Dundee through a creative process of “city diagnosis.”

By mapping urban layers, the presentation identifies latent pressure points where small, incremental interventions could catalyse wider ripple effects across the city. Positioning imagination and place-based inquiry as forms of regenerative infrastructure, the talk explores how reconnecting fragmented spaces, activating vacant sites, and strengthening community networks can unlock latent potential.

It also highlights the role of middle-out actors—such as third-sector organisations, civic institutions, and community partnerships—in bridging bottom-up local knowledge with top-down governance structures.

By foregrounding diagnosis and collaboration, the presentation proposes Urban Acupuncture as a framework for amplifying place-based potential and supporting the transition toward more inclusive and regenerative urban futures.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small molecular packages produced by all walks of life. However, some species use them for nefarious purposes. Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of potato late blight, uses EVs to infect potato and tomato plants with devastating effects.

Although P. Infestans' EVs are devastating could we take advantage of their effects on plants, and re-engineer EVs to protect, rather than destroy, our natural world? I have been working on classifying several molecules involved in EVs and will discuss them and the capabilities for bioengineering that they may unlock.