The IDEMS Podcast

IDEMS Directors David Stern and Kate discuss the concept of “moral ambition”, prompted by the recent book by Rutger Bregman of the same name. David and Kate reflect on their own career paths, the societal expectations of younger generations, and the challenges they faced while carving out meaningful careers. They explore the interconnectedness of education, entrepreneurial spirit, and moral ambition while critiquing the simplistic hero narrative prevalent in startup culture.

It feels like we’re surrounded by dystopian visions of the future. But what might a future look like where humanity, technology and nature harmoniously coexist? In this episode, Johnny McQuade and David Stern explore the concept of “Solarpunk”, a science fiction aesthetic that tries to envision exactly this. The conversation touches upon agroecology, renewable energy, and sustainable technology, as well as the role of global supply chains, the differences in technology innovation emerging from Africa vs elsewhere, and the challenges of balancing urban and rural food systems.

In this episode, Lily Clements talks to David Stern about how IDEMS aims to bring about systemic change. Key examples include work with National Met Offices in Zambia and Malawi to make climate data accessible and impactful, and digital interventions in parenting programs to reduce violence against children in Tanzania.

Lucie and Kate discuss their experiences at a workshop for PhD and postdoctoral mathematicians at the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences in Edinburgh. They reflect on the challenges mathematicians experience to enter into socially impactful careers, the sense of community the workshop fostered, and the importance of transdisciplinary collaboration.

Lily Clements and David Stern explore the future of statistics education through the lens of George Cobb's influential 2015 paper, “Mere Renovation is Too Little Too Late: We Need to Rethink Our Undergraduate Curriculum from the Ground Up”. They discuss key imperatives from Cobb's work, such as flattening prerequisites, seeking depth, embracing computation, exploiting context, and teaching through research.

In this episode, Lucie discussed with Moustapha Moussa and Gabriela Bucini The Origins of the Food Innovation Centres in West Africa. Moustapha tells the story of how these were started, sharing the challenges faced, exposing the courage needed for this innovation, and the successes, focusing on the beautiful social development of farmer communities.

George Simmons and David Stern discuss the development of educational courses with a focus on tool agnosticism, particularly in their collaboration with the Open University of Kenya for their Msc in Mathematical Innovation course. They explore the challenges and benefits of assessing student work without being tied to specific tools, and highlight the importance of good question design in ensuring conceptual understanding. They consider the evolving nature of technology in education and the increasing role of AI, emphasising the need for students to adapt to multiple tools rather than mastering just one.

In this episode, George interviews David, discussing the development of an 'Introduction to Systems Modelling' course in collaboration with the Open University of Kenya. They explore balancing theoretical and practical approaches to enhance postgraduate students' modelling skills and emphasise the value of collaboration and iteration in course development.

David Stern is joined by Lily Clements and James Musyoka to discuss the Kenyan MSc program in Maths Innovation. By focusing on data rather than just methods, the program aims to foster a culture of informed decision-making and data literacy in Kenya. They emphasise the importance of contextualising AI and data science education to cater to local needs and challenges.

David and Mike Obiero continue their discussion on the Mathematics Innovations MSc program focusing on the textbook project and how it relates to it. Mike presents his vision on how a community of teachers and educators can be built to create open educational resources of mathematics, and in particular to an interactive, contextualisable open electronic textbook with potential for positive impact in secondary education and beyond.

David Stern and Mike Obiero continue their discussion of the MSc in Math Innovation program. The program's three major pathways – educational innovation, mathematics, and data and AI – are designed to fill specific gaps and cater to diverse interests. They highlight the flexibility of the program and its suitability for both local and international contexts, emphasising its potential for broad impact and collaboration.

David welcomes Mike Obiero back to the podcast, president of the Kenyan Maths Society and lecturer at Maseno University. They discuss a new, flexible MSc programme targeted at mathematics teachers in Kenya. The aim is to empower teachers, provide practical skills, and leverage the rich history of mathematics education in Kenya to produce the next generation of math educators and innovators.

Lucie Hazelgrove Planel and David Stern discuss an intriguing study on the ecological benefits of solar panels in desert regions. They discuss how solar panels can increase biodiversity by providing shade, reduce desertification, and potentially convert unproductive desert land into valuable solar farms that generate electricity and support agricultural activities, helping to create sustainable oases in deserts worldwide.

David Stern interviews Ali Maman Aminou from Niger about his work with Fuma Gaskiya, a farmer federation. They discuss the federation's origins, its growth from around 5,000 to over 21,000 members, including 55% women, and its significant achievements. Aminou shares how Fuma Gaskiya managed a research grant, tackled data collection challenges, and demonstrated the efficacy of using human urine (referred to as “oga”) as fertilizer. They reflect on shifting power dynamics in research, the development of a farmer-owned data collection app, and how these efforts have elevated the federation's standing as respected research partners.

In this episode, David chats with Laouali from the Sahel IPM team about his inspiring journey in biological pest control. Laouali shares his experiences from starting with the GIMEM project, mentoring students, expanding pest management techniques, and his aspirations for safer, organic agriculture in Niger.

In this episode, Lily and David explore different types of graphs and their uses in data visualisation. They discuss how to categorise visualisations for quick data checks, detailed interpretation, and effective presentations, emphasising the importance of tailoring graphs to the audience.

Data scientists Lily Clements and David Stern discuss the concept of variability in data analysis. They explore different types of variability, particularly in the context of using ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) to analyse data variability. Considering practical examples from agriculture, they consider the complexity of distinguishing between natural and unaccounted-for variability.

In this episode, David interviews Professor Baoua on the journey of creating a robust research team in West Africa, making the most of limited resources and supported by the McKnight Foundation. Through a student-centered pyramid structure, he achieved significant innovations taking advantage of local resources, considering multidisciplinary collaboration and sustainability.

In this episode, David interviews Prof. Baoua about his remarkable 20-year effort to combat the millet head miner in the Sahel. He recounts how he developed a biological control method using a natural enemy, habrobracon hebetor, and empowered local farmers to deploy it. Supported by the McKnight Foundation, their project scaled to protect over 1.5 million hectares, transforming regional agriculture and turning a pest crisis into a sustainable solution.

In this episode, David talks with Dr Moustapha Moussa from Niger about empowering local farmers through agroecological practices. The discussion focuses on integrating local knowledge with scientific research, emphasizing patience and shifting power to local communities. This approach has led to effective scalability and impactful research results.

In this episode, David speaks with Dr Moustapha Moussa from Niger about his award-winning work in integrating cultural heritage and agroecology to fight malnutrition. Highlights include reviving over 40 traditional nutrient-rich dishes, community engagement, and the positive impact on local health and nutrition despite recent political challenges.

Lucie interviews David about his recent CRFS leadership meeting participation. They discuss the strategies and regional focuses of the Global CRFS, the significance of bringing together varied projects, and the importance of synergy between local and global agroecology efforts.

Following a comment by Lucie that she wanted to ‘help communities do what they want to do’, Kate and Lucie dig into the complexities of the reality of this.

In this episode, George and David explore the concept of impact activation for mathematical scientists. They discuss how PhD holders in math-related fields can transition into diverse areas, adding unique value to social impact projects. The conversation highlights key traits like deep focus, resilience, pattern recognition, and abstraction skills that make mathematical scientists ideal for such roles. Emphasis is placed on the importance of collaboration.

In this episode, George and David discuss 'impact activation', a concept aimed at leveraging mathematical expertise for social good. Following a workshop at the International Center for Mathematical Sciences in Edinburgh, they envision turning their insights into a comprehensive book. This book will detail personal stories, impactful case studies, and the theoretical underpinnings of impact activation.

In this episode, David, George, and Lily recap their recent ICMS workshop, focusing on 'impact activation'. They discuss three career pathways: pursuing social impact as a hobby, integrating it into academic roles, or taking a significant leap into social-focused careers. They share insights from participants, noting the importance of personal definitions and the value of fostering supportive networks to facilitate impactful work.

David, Lily and George reflect on their recent workshop at the International Center for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS) in Edinburgh, which focused on impact activation. They discuss the organisation and effectiveness of the workshop's model, which involved rapid preparation, flexible session plans, and ample reflection. They also share insights from their interactions with a diverse group of participants and the transferable skills within mathematical sciences.

In this episode, David speaks with Zachary Mbasu, the director of INODEMS in Kenya, about their collaborative efforts in developing new maths textbooks tailored for the competency-based curriculum currently being implemented in Kenya. The discussion highlights the challenges of the new curriculum and the use of technologies such as PreText and STACK to offer interactive and personalised learning experiences for students. They consider the significance of contextualised learning tools and the ongoing work for creating open textbooks that address the specific needs of different student populations.

In this episode David and Zach discuss the exciting work with scaling the math camps in Kenya. These camps, designed to engage all students, not just the math enthusiasts, are changing how young people view mathematics. They share inspiring stories of students who discovered a passion for math through these unconventional and interactive camps. They suggest how the Virtual Maths Camp innovation enabled large-scale participation and empowered teachers to keep the momentum going after camps.

Lily Clements and David Stern continue their discussion on the role of AI in international development, focusing on the evolution of AI in education, particularly in low-resource environments. From providing automated feedback on assessments to supporting personal tutors, they stress the importance of collaboration in building effective feedback systems and consider how AI can enhance rather than replace human interactions in education.

Lily Clements and David Stern discuss the intersection of AI and international development, particularly in low-resource environments. David reflects on the critical, yet often overlooked, role AI could play in aiding smallholder farmers in regions like West Africa. They consider the potential of open-source AI, the ethical issues around commercially driven AI apps, and the significant yet underutilised impact of established AI technologies on international development.

In this episode, Santiago Borio and David Stern explore how technology can better support teachers and improve student interactions. They share personal stories, discuss the challenges of providing personalized feedback, and highlight innovative tools and techniques. The episode offers insights into making classrooms more engaging and effective through technology, with perspectives from educational contexts in Argentina and Tanzania.

In this episode, co-founding director David Stern is joined by Johnny McQuade, a software developer at IDEMS, for his first discussion on the show. Prompted by recent advancements in AI technology from Chinese company DeepSeek, they consider the impact of resource limitations on technological development, within the field of AI and more generally. They consider how IDEMS’ approach of building technology for low-resource environments has the potential for global benefits in terms of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in technology, linking this to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

David Stern talks to Dr. Michael Obiero from Maseno University about their inspiring joint initiatives in educational reform. They delve into the challenges and achievements in developing digital, competency-based mathematics textbooks aimed at the Kenyan education system. Michael shares insights on the innovative methods deployed by the interns working on this project, the integration of various educational tools, and how this effort is expected to transform mathematics education in Kenya and potentially other countries too.

Santiago Borio, currently working as a maths teacher in Argentina, talks to David Stern about the differences between traditional schooling and other forms of education. They explore the potential downsides of compulsory schooling on rural and traditional communities, the distinction between education and schooling, and the societal impact of standardised education.

In this episode, data scientist Lily Clements and co-founding director David Stern discuss the AI Summit held in France in February 2025. The newly released declaration, signed by over 60 nations, promotes inclusive, sustainable, and responsible AI practices. They consider how, despite the notable absence of the UK and US, the declaration signals a potential shift towards societal benefit over commercial interest in AI development.

Following up on the discussion in Episode 129, Santiago Borio questions David Stern further on the implications of Donald Trump's executive order terminating USAID funding. They analyse the immediate and future consequences of this decision, and compare the situation with the UK's DFID closure, noting differences in impact and response.

Is it right to treat people differently? In this episode, Lily questions David around the idea of the IDEMS principle “options by context”, and how it applies to making concessions for different students in an educational setting. What is the difference between equality and equity, and which should we aim for?

In this episode of the IDEMS podcast, co-directors David Stern and Kate Fleming discuss the breaking news of the proposed shutdown of USAID. Highlighting the immediate and long-term implications, they consider the historical context of similar actions, notably the disbandment of DFID in the UK. They examine the wide-reaching effects on international development, local economies, and human lives, while recognising the potential for future innovation and systemic change.

In this episode, Lily and Santiago discuss their work with STACK for developing data skills. They share their experiences using STACK to create interactive and personalized questions for teaching statistical concepts. They reflect on different experiences using STACK questions on data with students, highlight the platform's ability to foster understanding through feedback and mastery learning, delve into the challenges of question design, and discuss student reception and performance improvements.

With Santiago returning to teaching this year, he and David discuss the contrasting dynamics between personalised teaching and scalable educational solutions. They explore the benefits and challenges of working directly with students, especially in an inclusive school environment, versus the impact of implementing large-scale academic solutions like STACK.

In this IDEMS podcast episode, Lily and David discuss the journey and challenges of Angela, the first African to win the Internet Math Off competition. David shares insights from his time teaching Angela at AIMS Ghana and highlights the barriers African female mathematicians face joining the international maths community. They talk about initiatives like the Schoenberg Foundation's support for female academics and the importance of role models. They also reflect on postgraduate courses in Africa and discuss the Maths Innovations Masters programme.

As a large language model, I can’t summarise this episode… Lily and David delve into the topic of AI summaries, considering issues of misinformation, the impact on organisational reputations, and the complexities of determining responsibility.

What is the importance of communities in international development? In this episode, Lucie Hazelgrove Planel and David Stern explore how communities function as a critical support structure, with established roles and leaders, and compare the ways that communities work in low-resource environments vs high-resource environments. The conversation considers the compromise that communities demand, and the shift towards digital communities, assessing their impact and the need for a balance between individual needs and collective well-being.

In this follow-up to Episode 112, Lucie Hazelgrove Planel and David Stern explore the complexities behind the question posed in that episode: “Why don't we just give money?” Through interrogating the assumptions of the question, they explore the nuances of direct monetary aid versus structured development activities, discussing personal experiences, the impact on local economies, and the importance of context-specific solutions.

Santiago Borio and David Stern discuss Santiago's return to teaching in Argentina, and his initiatives to integrate technology into education, focusing on the use of STACK for formative assessments. They consider the potential for scaling these technologies and discuss the exciting parallel projects in Kenya, the complexities of school database systems, and the responsible use of AI in education.

Social impact scientist Lucie Hazelgrove Planel and IDEMS co-founding director David Stern discuss their recent trip to Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. They reflect on the series of workshops they conducted for the Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems, focusing on innovative and conceptual research methods. They consider the challenges of integrating qualitative and quantitative research, the incorporation of artificial intelligence, and the importance of moving beyond disciplinary silos to address the complexities of agroecology.

In this New Year special of the IDEMS podcast, David and Santiago reflect on their journey with IDEMS, starting from Santiago's official employment in early 2020. They discuss their initial projects and the disruptions caused by COVID-19, which led to shifts in their work approach. They share insights on the growth of the IDEMS team, the challenges faced, and Santiago’s personal experiences transitioning between roles within the organisation and as a school teacher. The conversation highlights adaptability, and the ongoing mission to foster positive social impact through local innovation.

In this special New Year's edition of the IDEMS podcast, David, Lucie, Lily, and Santiago reflect on a year of episodes. They discuss the challenges and rewards of recording, their focus on complex and transparent discussions, and the podcast's role within IDEMS’ broader work. Looking ahead, they explore ideas for involving more team members and creating in-depth mini-series. The episode concludes with gratitude and appreciation for the collaboration and behind-the-scenes support, highlighting the podcast's multifaceted benefits.

In this episode, David and James discuss the intricacies of charitable giving within the Kenyan educational system. They share experiences about university scholarships, their impact, and challenges like 'tarmacking', graduates struggling to find their first employment opportunities. Emphasizing the need for strategic and collaborative funding, they explore how diverse initiatives, while beneficial, can create new issues. The conversation highlights the aspiration for a cohesive approach to educational support from early childhood to postgraduate levels to ensure sustainable impact.