Science and imagination, nature and meaning. A conversation on bridging divides with Pauline Rudd

Professor Pauline Rudd is a leading glycobiologist, recognised most recently by being awarded the Torbern Bergman Medal 2025. So what is it like to work as a scientist? And why is she inspired by everything from beluga whales to the grail stories?

In this conversation with Mark Vernon, Pauline describes how understanding the habits of sugar molecules is akin to playing music: a moment is reached when, in some sense, the object of study becomes part of you.

She discusses how meaning in the natural world has been lost, though is also be re-found. She argues that we live in an age in which spiritual paths are being re-made - which is why she is gripped by the grail stories.

For more on Pauline's professional work see this interview with her following her recent award! https://kemisamfundet.se/torbern-bergman-medal-2025-to-pauline-rudd-university-college-dublin/