New OU/BBC’s Inside Science begins on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Posted on 10 September 2026 • TV and radio

The new OU/BBC series of BBC Inside Science starts on Thursday 10 September on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds at 4.30pm.

Returning for a new 26-part run, the weekly programme illuminates mysteries and challenges the controversies behind the science that’s changing our world. Covering everything from health and engineering to environmental science, mathematics and biology, the series explores the latest discoveries, ideas and debates shaping our understanding of the world around us.

The opening weeks of the series will feature conversations with authors shortlisted for the Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize 2026, celebrating some of the year’s most compelling science writing and the stories behind the books. Later episodes will continue to examine major scientific issues and emerging research, including topics connected to our changing climate and the challenges and opportunities it presents.

Supported by academic expertise from across The Open University’s Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the series draws on the knowledge of Dr Marcus Badger, Senior Lecturer in Earth Science; Dr Sheona Urquhart, Staff Tutor in Physical Sciences; Dr Daniel Johnson, Lecturer in Health Sciences; and Dr Alex Forsey, Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering.

Supporting online content

Visit the Inside Science page on OU Connect to discover more about the series and test your knowledge with the Technology in Health and Space quizzes.

This series was commissioned by Broadcast & Partnerships and is supported by the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), with particular relevance to Q64 BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences, Q52 BSc (Hons) Environmental Science, Q77 BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Physics, Q71 BSc (Hons) Health Science, Q65 BSc (Hons) Engineering and R58 BSc (Honours) Biology.

• Commissioned by Dr Caroline Ogilvie, Director, Broadcast & Partnerships
• Academic Consultants: Dr Marcus Badger, Dr Sheona Urquhart, Dr Daniel Johnson and Dr Alex Forsey
• Media Fellows: Dr Zhraa Alhaboby and Dr Andrew Potter
• Broadcast Project Manager: Laura Connor
• OU Connect Content Producer: Matthew Ray

Image: BBC Inside Science title graphic with illustrated laboratory equipment, Copyright – BBC