This five-part mini-series from For Tech’s Sake, in collaboration with the CONNECT Centre for Future Networks and Communications, hosts Elaine Burke and Jenny Darmody are joined by CONNECT researchers to explore the intersection of science, technology, and society. Released weekly from 13th November 2024, the series highlights research and innovations shaping our collective future.
The episodes takes a closer look into transformative topics such as connected vehicles, digital product passports, quantum technologies, and cybersecurity advancements. CONNECT’s research approach, blending arts and engineering, offers new perspectives on how technology can better serve society.
This series provides a fascinating glimpse into the future of communication networks and more. Be sure to follow For Tech’s Sake so you never miss an episode.
Episode 1: The Road to Driverless Cars | Wednesday, 13th November
Dr Ashling O’Driscoll, a CONNECT researcher and senior lecturer at UCC, examines the future of connected and autonomous vehicles. She explains how vehicle-to-everything communication can improve safety and efficiency by enabling vehicles to interact with their surroundings.
Dr O’Driscoll remarks:
“Connectivity has this ability to widen up what you can see. If you can widen the range of what you can see, you have a much richer detailed view of the world; therefore, they’re safer.”
The discussion also highlights the advantages of multi-sensory systems over vision-only approaches like Tesla’s, emphasising the importance of 5G/6G networks in supporting these innovations. With the potential to reduce congestion and promote greener transport systems, connected mobility is set to transform how we travel.
Listen to the full episode here.
Episode 2: Passports to Slow Fashion | Wednesday, 20th November
Elaine and Jenny explore the concept of digital product passports (DPPs), an EU regulation designed to promote sustainability and transparency in consumer goods.
Dr Grace Walsh and Dr John Dooley, CONNECT researchers from Maynooth University, discuss how DPPs will empower consumers by linking products to dynamic data about their components, sustainability, and recyclability.
Dr Walsh explains:
“It’s all about transparency and traceability. That’s the core objective, and the consumer can make informed decisions and they’re far more empowered.”
This episode highlights the opportunities and challenges of this initiative, underscoring its potential to drive global change in sustainability and consumer behaviour.
Listen to the full episode here
Episode 3: Blowing off some Steam | Wednesday, 27th November
What happens when art and science collide? In this episode, Jenny and Elaine explore the unique intersection of creativity and research at the CONNECT Irish Research Centre for Future Networks and Communications.
CONNECT researcher Jessica Foley, and Dennis McNulty, an artist and engineer pursuing a PhD at CONNECT, share their experiences of embedding artistic perspectives into scientific discovery. Together, they discuss how CONNECT’s approach fosters genuine collaboration between disciplines, challenging conventional boundaries of research and creativity.
Jessica reflects on the hidden realities of research culture, saying:
“Relationships and time are where knowledgemaking happens. We need to question and explore—not just the work, but how we approach it.”
This episode explores into the tensions and synergies between art and technology, especially in the age of generative AI, and explores how creative minds can reshape our understanding of science, innovation, and societal values.
Listen to the full episode here
Episode 4: Quantumania | Wednesday, 4th December
What exactly is quantum computing, and why does it matter? In this episode, Jenny and Elaine delve into the fascinating world of quantum science, exploring its core concepts, challenges, and cultural impact.
CONNECT researchers Dr Harun Šiljak and Dr Tom O’Dea share insights into their work at the CONNECT Irish Research Centre for Future Networks and Communications. They also discuss their project Not a Space Race, which examines the societal implications of quantum technologies and policies, such as Ireland’s Quantum 2030 strategy.
Dr Šiljak reflects on the transformative potential of quantum science, noting:
“Quantum isn’t just more powerful—it’s different. Its possibilities challenge us to rethink how we innovate and who benefits.”
This episode unpacks the technical challenges of quantum computing, its portrayal in popular culture, and the ethical questions it raises. From decoding superposition and entanglement to exploring quantum’s role in global power dynamics, this is your guide to understanding the hype and reality of quantum mania. Listen out for the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reference.
Listen to the full episode here
Episode 5: The Secret to a Good Password | Wednesday, 11th December
How secure are your passwords, really? In this episode, Elaine Burke and Jenny Carmody tackle the essentials of password security, exploring the common mistakes people make, how hackers exploit them, and best practices for staying safe online.
CONNECT researcher Dr Hazel Murray joins the discussion to share her expertise on improving authentication systems and understanding the psychology of password use. Dr Murray is a cybersecurity researcher at the CONNECT Research Centre for Future Networks and Communications and a lecturer with the Cyber Skills team at Munster Technological University.
Dr Murray highlights the importance of password creativity, stating:
‘Passwords don’t need to be complicated; they need to be unique. A sentence or combination of unrelated words is much harder for hackers to crack.’
This episode explores the history of internet language, the flaws in outdated password policies, and the surprising research into Irish password habits. From explaining the origins of ‘Have I Been Pwned’ to debunking myths about frequent password changes, Elaine and Jenny uncover practical tips for managing your digital security.
Stay tuned for a light-hearted exploration of AI tools like ‘Daisy’, the virtual scammer-wasting granny, and a discussion on the future of password management. Also, find out which Irish cultural references (like Barry’s Tea and Roy Keane) are surprisingly common in breached passwords!
Listen to the full episode here
About For Tech’s Sake
Elaine Burke and Jenny Darmody have been writing about tech for a long time. Now they’re talking about it in For Tech’s Sake, a co-production from Silicon Republic and The Headstuff Podcast Network.
Silicon Republic is a leading source of technology news and views and editors Jenny and Elaine are always learning about fascinating and infuriating new developments. They take a side-eye view of tech, not evangelising or demonising it, but definitely throwing a bit of shade when it’s deserved.
Join them as they take a look under the hood of both emerging and everyday tech to examine the good parts, the bad parts, and everything in between. Each episode also features a tech expert to help answer their probing questions.
Listen in as they hash out what’s just tech for tech’s sake, and find them online @fortechssakepod to join the conversation.
For any sponsorship inquiries contact advertising@headstuff.org
For Tech’s Sake is proudly part of the HeadStuff Podcast Network.
CONNECT is the world leading Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Future Networks and Communications. CONNECT is funded under the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centres Programme and is co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund. We engage with over 35 companies including large multinationals, SMEs and start-ups. CONNECT brings together world-class expertise from ten Irish academic institutes to create a one-stop-shop for telecommunications research, development and innovation.
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