What if peace were not just a human affair? Can we still believe in pacifism? Explore these questions and rethink the very meaning of peace in the latest episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast with Maximiliam Lakitsch (University of Graz).
In the 43rd episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills, Maximiliam Lakitsch, a senior scientist at the Department of the Foundations of Law (Global Governance Section) at the University of Graz, explores how environmental realities are inseparable from political and social dynamics and how truly sustainable peace must include the non-human world as an active participant.
This episode discusses the understanding of peace that evolves across cultures and time, why it should be seen as an ongoing process rather than a final state, what role Europe plays in peacekeeping today, and Maximilian Lakitsch's idea of strategic optimism, a realistic outlook that acknowledges today’s challenges as opportunities to find more effective and inclusive paths towards peace, rather than reasons for despair.
Maximilian Lakitsch is a senior scientist in the Department of the Foundations of Law (Global Governance Section) at the University of Graz, where he coordinates the Austrian Conflict, Peace and Democracy Cluster.
His research and teaching centres on peace studies and international relations, with a particular interest in critical perspectives on international peace interventions and the integration of environmental and climate aspects into peace practice. He focuses on the Middle East and North Africa, particularly Syria, Lebanon, and Israel-Palestine.
Maximilian Lakitsch also worked for various NGOs in Austria, Lebanon and has experience in development cooperation and peacebuilding.
Is learner autonomy just about studying alone or is it something much deeper, more collaborative and more critical? In today’s digital world, how do we support students in becoming truly autonomous learners?
These questions are at the heart of the latest episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast featuring Professor Marco Cappellini, specialist in Language Sciences at the University of Lyon 1 and co-editor of Learner Autonomy and Web 2.0.
Drawing on years of research in language education, virtual exchanges and teacher training, Professor Cappellini explores how our understanding of autonomy has evolved from individual self-regulation to a more social and reflective process supported by peer interaction and digital tools. He introduces the idea of social autonomy, where learning is shaped not in isolation, but through meaningful collaboration and dialogue, especially in online environments.
The conversation also touches on the role of teachers in fostering learner autonomy: not as distant facilitators, but as active mediators who scaffold learning, guide reflection, and help students navigate complex digital learning spaces.
How can we support all learners, including those with less access to resources or digital confidence, in becoming autonomous? What kinds of environments and policies are needed to make autonomy a real and equitable goal?
Learn more about Marco Cappellini:
Marco Cappellini is a Full Professor in Language Didactics at Claude Bernard University Lyon 1. He conducts research at the ICAR laboratory, focusing on telecollaboration and computer-assisted language learning. His work explores learner autonomy, teacher training, and metacognition in digital education contexts. He plays key roles in organisations such as Ranacles and UNICollaboration.
He has published extensively on technology-enhanced language learning and supervises research in the field.
What causes the Earth to suddenly collapse beneath our feet? Can geophysics help us predict—and perhaps even prevent—natural disasters? These are just some of the fascinating questions explored in the latest episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast with special guest Professor Djamil Al-Halbouni, expert in Applied Geophysics and Remote Sensing at Leipzig University.
In this episode, Professor Al-Halbouni guides us through the invisible forces shaping our landscapes—from sinkholes in the Dead Sea region to erosion in Bronze Age archaeological sites. Drawing on his international research experience and innovative use of numerical simulation, remote sensing, and fieldwork, he explains how water-related processes such as subsidence and collapse can reveal urgent insights into both our past and future environments.
The conversation also highlights his recent Arqus course in the Granada Geopark, where students explored how geophysical methods connect natural history with cultural heritage. Geoparks offer unique learning opportunities that bridge science, sustainability, and storytelling.
Professor Al-Halbouni also discusses the social impact of natural hazards on vulnerable communities, especially those living along the receding shores of the Dead Sea. He reflects on the potential of new technologies, including AI and satellite data, to support early-warning systems and more resilient planning strategies.
Learn more about Djamil Al-Halbouni:
Djamil Al-Halbouni is a Junior Professor of Applied Near-Surface Geophysics and Remote Sensing at Leipzig University. His research focuses on geophysical modelling and monitoring of near-surface hazards, with particular expertise in sinkhole formation and subsidence processes. He played a leading role in the international project DESERVE, investigating sinkholes and landslides around the Dead Sea, one of the world’s most dynamic and vulnerable regions to such geohazards.
Al-Halbouni holds a diploma in Geophysics from the University of Göttingen and completed his PhD at the University of Potsdam and the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), including a research stay at the University of Adelaide and CSIRO in Australia. His work also spans groundwater dynamics in karst aquifers, hydromechanical modelling of canyon systems, and the stability of salt caverns in Brazil and Germany. Before joining Leipzig, he held postdoctoral positions at GFZ, GEOMAR, and the University of Malta.
Are We Ready for AI Twins? Legal and Ethical Challenges Ahead: Innovation, Privacy, and the Future of Digital Identity — Explore everything behind the topic in the latest Arqus podcast episode!
What are AI twin assistants and how could they change the way we work, create, and interact? What legal and ethical questions do they raise around data privacy, ownership, and identity? These are the core questions addressed in this episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast.
In this brand-new episode, we welcome a very special guest: Dr Paulius Jurčys, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Law of Vilnius University and expert in data privacy, copyright, and emerging technologies.
Together, we explore the fascinating world of AI twin assistants: digital versions of ourselves that can write, speak, and act on our behalf. How do they work? Who owns the content they generate? And what are the legal and ethical risks when our voices and identities can be cloned?
From data ownership to AI-generated creativity, and from deepfakes to digital fairness, this episode dives into the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence, law, and innovation.
Tune in to discover how AI twins could reshape our understanding of creativity, fairness, and personal data in the digital future and why now is the time to think critically about the rules that will shape it.
Learn more about Paulius Jurčys:
Paulius Jurčys is a senior lecturer at Vilnius University Law Faculty where teaches data privacy and copyright law courses at Vilnius University Law Faculty and serves as an affiliate fellow with Harvard’s CopyrightX program. A technology lawyer and admitted to practice law in California. He is also a co-founder of Prifina, a San Francisco company that builds personal-data technologies for individuals. Paulius Jurčys holds an LL.M. from Harvard and a Ph.D. from Kyushu University, and in 2025 became a visiting scholar at UC Berkeley School of Law. In 2025, he won the MyData Global “Thought Leadership” award. He served as an expert member of the International Law Association committee on Intellectual Property, which drafted the 2021 Guidelines on Intellectual Property and Private International Law.
What can Marriage Bars teach us about gender discrimination in the workplace? Explore this forgotten policy and its surprising legacy in the latest episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast!
In the 20th century, many countries enforced so-called "Marriage Bars" – rules that required women to leave their jobs once they got married. While most countries abolished these policies by the 1950s, Ireland maintained its Marriage Bar until the 1970s. What impact did this have on the lives of Irish women, and what can we learn from it today?
In the 39th episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast, Dr Irene Mosca, lecturer in Economics at Maynooth University, takes us on a journey through her research on Marriage Bars in Ireland and beyond. Drawing on data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), she reveals the lasting economic and social consequences of this institutionalised form of gender discrimination.
Dr Mosca explains how women affected by the Irish Marriage Bar tended to have shorter working lives and lower personal incomes, yet also more children, more educated children, and – paradoxically – greater household wealth. She also sheds light on the political and social arguments that kept such policies in place and reflects on how the legacy of the Marriage Bar still echoes in today’s debates on gender equality.
Learn more about Irene Mosca:
Dr Irene Mosca is a lecturer in Economics at Maynooth University and has a strong track record in applied health, population, and labour economics. She is also a research fellow at the IZA Institute of Labor Economics and the Global Labor Organisation, and an Executive Committee Member of the Irish Society for Women in Economics.
What impact do intergenerational relations have on our society? What initiatives are needed between generations to ensure the effective transfer of knowledge, education, and resources? How can we fight ageism and discrimination to create a more inclusive world? These are the key questions explored in this episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast.
In this episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast, we explore these critical questions with Carolina Campos, a researcher at the Macrosad Chair in Intergenerational Studies at the University of Granada. Dedicated to bridging the gap between generations, the Macrosad Chair plays a vital role in shaping policies and programs that ensure knowledge is shared, education is strengthened, and wealth is distributed sustainably across time—between those who have been, those who are, and those who will be.
Carolina shares insights on the significance of intergenerational research, the challenges of fostering meaningful connections, and how knowledge transfer can drive real-world impact. She also highlights a key issue: despite the clear benefits and urgent need for these connections, institutional and legal frameworks often create barriers that separate age groups rather than bringing them together—whether in education, housing, or care systems.
As the world rapidly changes, ensuring sustainability over time requires meaningful connections between people of all ages. Tune in to this insightful conversation and discover how we can build a more connected and inclusive future—together.
Learn more about Carolina Campos Rueda:
Carolina Campos Rueda is member of the Macrosad Chair in Intergenerational Studies at the University of Granada, where she has been a research staff member since 2019. Graduated in Occupational Therapy and specialised in Intergenerational Projects, she has specific training in intergenerationality, such as the certificate “Together Old and Young: An Intergenerational Approach”, or the “International Certificate in Intergenerational Learning”, as well as training in qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
At the Chair, she carries out research, training and dissemination work, as well as all those activities that derive from the lines of action of the Chair. Her work is also closely connected to CINTER (Macrosad's Intergenerational Reference Centre in Albolote, Granada); to the research projects led by the Chair (currently focused on the validation of Intergenerational Contact Zones in Andalusia and Extremadura, or on the development of quality indicators in intergenerational practices and spaces); and to practical actions such as the intergenerational project “Harmonía” or the national coordination of the worldwide movement “Global Intergenerational Week”.
Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest challenges of modern medicine, threatening the effectiveness of treatments and putting millions at risk. But what if the key to overcoming this crisis lies in nature itself? This month’s episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast features Dr Agata Dorotkiewicz-Jach, a microbiologist at the University of Wrocław, who explores groundbreaking and sustainable antibacterial therapies.
Dr Dorotkiewicz-Jach discusses alternative treatments such as bacteriophages, plant-based compounds, and anti-virulent therapies, highlighting their potential in fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria. She also shares insights on the impact of climate change on antimicrobial resistance and the need for global cooperation.
For the 37th episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills, Agata explores how research and interdisciplinary approaches can help shape the future of medicine.
Learn more about Dr Agata Dorotkiewicz-Jach:
Dr Dorotkiewicz-Jach specializes in alternative antibacterial therapies at the University of Wrocław. She has led research on innovative treatment strategies and plays an active role in the Arqus Alliance, coordinating climate change and sustainability initiatives.
What misconceptions lie beneath this widely used technology? What ethical and societal debates about its use are emerging? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Helena Machado discusses her work in this episode of Knowledge Pills.
Facial recognition technologies, while promising convenience and security, raise critical issues like invasion of privacy, surveillance normalization, discrimination, and inaccuracies. This episode delves into these technologies' societal impacts, examining how they shape citizenship and public engagement.
In this episode, Professor Helena Machado discusses the project fAIces, which integrates diverse perspectives to reshape technology’s societal role, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire creative, activist-driven approaches to ethics and engagement.
For the 36th episode of Arqus Knowledge Pills, “Facial recognition and ethics,” she highlights her efforts to develop innovative ethical frameworks, such as “etho-assemblages,” and explore alternative futures for facial recognition technologies that prioritize inclusivity, creativity, and public empowerment.
Learn more about Helena Machado
Helena Machado is a leading researcher in the sociology of science and technology. Full Professor of Sociology at the Institute for Social Sciences, University of Minho (Braga, Portugal), she is the Director of the PhD Programme in Sociology; and founding member and coordinator of the AIDA Social Sciences Network, a social sciences’ research initiative focusing on artificial intelligence, data, and algorithms.
What strategies can effectively promote constructive online interactions? How can we effectively moderate content on social media platforms? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jana Lasser discusses her work in this episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills.
From developing counter-speech strategies to tackle online hate to exploring how data management can improve social interactions, this episode explores how data can offer positive alternatives to moderation and counters to hate speech in online spheres.
In this episode, Professor Jana Lasser outlines the functionality and importance of such efforts from a data analysis perspective and provides a deeper understanding of the intersection between data science and social issues.
For the 35th episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills, Jana discusses the work she has done to develop countermeasures to hate speech in online spaces. Social media platforms are constantly changing, and she offers some insight into possible solutions.
Learn more about Jana Lasser:
Jana Lasser is a Professor of Data Analysis at the University of Graz where she leads the research group of Complex Social and Computational Systems at the interdisciplinary research centre IDea_Lab. She researches emergent phenomena in complex social systems, employing methods from machine learning, data science, natural language processing, and computational and statistical modelling to understand how humans behave in socio-technical environments. Her current research interests include the effectiveness of counter-speech strategies, the spread of misinformation on social media platforms, and the impact of social media content recommendation algorithms on societal outcomes.
What role does ecohydrology play in addressing the climate crisis and ensuring fair water distribution? How can research help us adapt to the changing environment? These are the key questions explored in Professor Andrea Rinaldo’s work, discussed in this podcast.
In the latest episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast, we dive deep into the world of eco-hydrology with a special guest, Professor Andrea Rinaldo, a leading expert in water resources and hydrology. Professor Rinaldo is a Professor of Hydrology and Water Resources at the University of Padua and the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). He was awarded the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize in 2023 for his outstanding contributions to the field of water research.
In this episode, we explore the critical importance of ecohydrology, a field that studies the interactions between water systems and ecosystems. Professor Rinaldo discusses the value of natural capital and how understanding the relationship between water, ecosystems, and human activities is vital to addressing the challenges of climate change, water distribution, and resource management. He also delves into the concept of “beauty” in the landscape, sharing how the cultural value of natural environments can be integrated into our development plans.
As we face increasingly urgent issues like droughts, floods, and pandemics, Professor Rinaldo reflects on how his research provides insights into adapting to these changes, ensuring the fair distribution of water resources, and preventing future health crises.
Additionally, the episode touches on his personal connection to Venice, his hometown, where his research into water governance and environmental protection is especially pertinent. Professor Rinaldo shares his thoughts on the future of this iconic city as it grapples with rising sea levels and other climate-related challenges.
Learn more about Andrea Rinaldo:
Andrea Rinaldo is an Italian hydrologist and engineer, widely recognized for his pioneering contributions to ecohydrology and water resource management. He is Professor of Hydraulic Engineering at the University of Padova and Director of the Laboratory of Ecohydrology (ECHO) at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), the world’s first laboratory dedicated to ecohydrology, which he founded in 2008.He has also collaborated with institutions like MIT and Princeton University. In 2023, he received the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize for his impactful research in hydrology, hydrogeomorphology, and epidemiology, advancing strategies to protect biodiversity and control waterborne diseases.
Rinaldo played for Italy’s national rugby team in the 1970s and remains active in the sport at the managerial level. He is a member of several prestigious academies, including the National Academy of Sciences and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. With over 320 peer-reviewed publications, he has also written works for a broader audience, including Del rugby. Verso una ecologia della palla ovale (2017) and Il governo dell’acqua (2023), exploring environmental and climate issues.
After the rise of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, what are the key challenges organisations face in balancing flexibility with maintaining team cohesion? And what role can scientific research play in improving the future of remote work? These are the questions at the heart of Jurgita Lazauskaitė-Zabielskė’s podcast episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills.
As the demand for telework continues to rise, organisations must address critical challenges such as ensuring productivity, balancing flexibility with structure, and supporting employees' mental health. The discussion explores practical strategies for overcoming these hurdles and emphasises the importance of research-based approaches to improving telework implementation.
For the 33rd episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills “How will teleworking shape our work in the future?”, Professor Jurgita Lazauskaitė-Zabielskė shares her experience with remote work and offers a glimpse into how scientific research can guide the development of more sustainable, flexible work models.
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Jurgita Lazauskaitė-Zabielskė is a professor at Vilnius University and heads the Organizational Psychology Research Centre. Her research focuses on the impact of flexible work arrangements on employee well-being and performance, with particular attention to work engagement burnout, and work-life balance.
How have ideas about food, health and the body evolved throughout history? What impact do these concepts have on inclusion and exclusion, and on society in general? These are the questions at the heart of Nina Mackert’s research fields.
Nina Mackert is a historian working in the interdisciplinary LeipzigLab "Global Health" at Leipzig University. In this episode, she shares her perspectives on how food and health have influenced society through the years and explores the complex relationship between body image and societal norms.
As she is finalising her second book, which delves into the history of calories, she provides a thought-provoking discussion on how our understanding of food and health continues to impact modern life. With her extensive research and knowledge, Nina Mackert offers valuable insights that reshape how we think about food, health and the body.
How is the teaching profession dealing with the increasing shortage across the world? What are the common factors fueling this global crisis? What are the strategies to implement to support these challenges? These are the questions at the heart of Maria Assunção Flores’s research fields, which are discussed in this podcast.
For the 31st episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills “How critical is the shortage of teachers today?” We invited Maria Assunção Flores, an Associate Professor at the Institute of Education of the University of Minho, specialising in teacher education. In this episode, she provides her analysis and perspective on the current global education crisis, explores the impact of the integration of technology in education, and discusses potential actions to improve the educational landscape. With her extensive research background and leadership in the field, Assunção Flores offers invaluable insights into addressing this urgent issue.
Learn more about Maria Assunção Flores:
Maria Assunção Flores concluded her Degree in Teaching of Portuguese and French and her Master Degree in Education, both at the UMinho. She received her PhD in Education from the University of Nottingham, UK and was a visiting scholar at the Universities of Cambridge and Glasgow, UK. She was also the Chair of the International Study Association on Teachers and Teaching (ISATT) (2013-2015) as well as of the International Council on Education for Teaching (ICET) (2011-2015).
At the moment, Assunção Flores is the director of the Research Centre on Child Studies, a professor with habilitation at the Institute of Education of the University of Minho as well as Chair of the Council of the Institute of Education
How can physical activity impact people with chronic illnesses? What role do sports have in these patients’ lives and in the societal perception of health? These are the questions at the heart of Claire Perrins’s research fields, which are discussed in this podcast.
For the 30th episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills “How do sports impact chronic illness?” we invited Claire Perrin, a sociologist of sport and health and professor at the University of Lyon 1, specialised in Vulnerabilities and Innovation in Sport. In this episode, she discusses the transformative potential of sport for chronic patients, the role of sociology in shaping health practices, and the broader implications for social inequality. As the Paris Olympics kick off, don’t miss this insightful conversation on the evolving landscape of sport and health!
Learn more about Claire Perrin:
Claire Perrin is a sociologist of sport and health, professor at the University of Lyon 1, and member of the Laboratory on Vulnerabilities and Innovation in Sport. Her research focuses upon the sociologies of adapted physical activity, the body, chronic illness and health. She is President of the Institute for Collaborative Research on Physical Activity and Health Promotion (ReCAPPS).
What exactly are the altmetrics? How are altmetrics reshaping the way we measure research impact? What role do AI and big data play in this transformation? These are the questions at the heart of Wenceslao Arroyo Machado’s research fields, which are discussed in this podcast.
For the 29th episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills “How do altmetrics influence the research methods today?” We invited Wenceslao Arroyo Machado, who holds a Ph.D. in Information and Communication Technologies from the University of Granada (UGR), specialising in altmetrics and big data challenges. In this episode, he shares his journey into this field and dives into the challenges posed by big data, the impact of AI on his research, and his significant contributions to the academic world.
Learn more about Wenceslao Arroyo Machado:
Wenceslao Arroyo Machado holds a Ph.D. in Information and Communication Technologies from the University of Granada (UGR), specialising in altmetrics and big data challenges. His academic journey combines his studies in the Degree of Information and Documentation and the Official Master's Degree in Data Science and Computer Engineering, with a particular focus on Data Science, both also at UGR. With more than 20 publications in JCR (Journal Citation Reports), his prolific research output is noteworthy. Additionally, he has been an active participant in four research projects under the National Plan in Spain. In the realm of EC3metrics, a spin-off from the UGR, he holds the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). He plays an instrumental role in the research field, particularly in the past few years where he has significantly contributed to EC3metrics in preparing institutional reports and in teaching specialised courses. His unique combination of academic and professional experience has allowed him to integrate novel techniques in bibliometric reports and develop practical methodologies for research.
How do magnetic materials technologies affect our daily lives? Have you ever wondered what is behind the speakers we use to listen to music, or behind certain medical devices and treatments? These are the questions at the heart of Alina Bienkos' research areas, which are discussed in the latest Arqus Knowledge Pill podcast.
For this 28th episode "How are magnetic materials part of our daily lives?" we invited Alina Bieńko, Professor at the University of Wrocław, where she completed her PhD in the Molecular Magnetism and New Materials Group and is currently Head of the Magnetic Materials Group. In this episode, she provides insightful perspectives on the importance of magnetic materials in the life of an average person and the use of magnetic materials in the field of medicine.
For this 27th episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills “Should artificial intelligence decide over human intellect?”, we invited Matthias Wendland, professor at the Institute of Corporate and International Business Law at the University of Graz and holder of the Chair of Business Law, Artificial Intelligence Law and Data Protection Law. In this episode, he provides insightful perspectives on the role of artificial intelligence in decision-making processes, offering valuable insights into the intersection of law, ethics, and technological advancements.
How does motherhood impact mothers’ lives? What are the main challenges that migrant mothers face in their daily lives, and how can we get a better understanding of this complex experience? These are the questions at the heart of Eglė Kačkutė’s research on motherhood studies, which looks into the stereotypical but still relevant care chains, into who is caring for the very young and the elderly, under which circumstances and their sustainability in the future.
In this episode, we dive into the importance of bioplastics in mitigating the plastic pollution crisis.
Are bioplastics a more sustainable option than traditional plastics? Is there a way to manage them in an environmentally and economically viable manner? These are the questions at the heart of Dominique Rocher's research project, which was selected for COP28 in Dubai and has recently won the EDHE Awards 2023 in South Africa.
Learn more about Dominique Rocher:
Dominique Rocher is dedicated to addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. With a background in environmental science, biotechnology and entrepreneurship, she is currently pursuing a PhD at Stellenbosch University and the University of Padua, with one of the prestigious Arqus Talent Fund scholarships. Her journey is driven by a belief in the necessity of tackling the plastic pollution crisis on a worldwide scale. She is also the co-founder of the startup Urobo Biotech, together with Wessel Myburgh. This company is actively contributing to the broader goal of decarbonization and sustainability.
Are love duration and happiness predictable? Is there a mathematical model to predict the evolution of a relationship and plan a happy long-lasting one? Discover the quest for a mathematical relationship model in the latest Arqus podcast.
For this 24th episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills “Can love be explained through maths?”, we invited Professor Laurent Pujo-Menjouet, Associate Professor and Researcher at the Camille Jordan Institute from the University of Lyon 1, where we dive into the correlation between love and maths, and how love psychology can be explained through mathematical parameters and models.
Laurent Pujo-Menjouet is Associate Professor and Researcher at the Camille Jordan Institute of the University of Lyon 1. His research areas encompass a wide range of topics, from blood-related pathologies (such as leukemia and dialysis), neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Creutzfeldt-Jakob), to other themes including radiobiology, bone formation, epidemiology (HIV), endangered language dynamics, dietary patterns, and love dynamics. He is the author of the book “Le jeu de l’amour sans le hasard: Mathématiques du couple” (Éditions des Équateurs / Humensis, 2019).