We uncover the secrets behind the miraculous technologies of the modern world in a new programme, The Secret Genius of Modern Life, beginning this Thursday (10 November) at 8.00pm on BBC Two and iPlayer.
The 6-part series, co-produced by The Open University (OU) and BBC, is hosted by Hannah Fry, Professor of Mathematics, author and television and radio presenter, who brings us on a journey of innovation and discovery.
We don’t often stop to think about it, but our homes and our pockets are full of technology that 20 years ago would have been the stuff of science fiction. We join Hannah as she uncovers the secrets of these modern miracles and reveals the mind-blowing stories behind their invention.
Dr Derek Jones and Professor David Sharp of the OU are academic consultants for The Secret Genius of Modern Life. Professor Sharp commented on the university’s role in the programme:
“Being academic consultants on The Secret Genius of Modern Life has been an interesting and rewarding experience. The series covers such a wide range of different modern-day objects, we have had to draw upon all of our research knowledge and teaching experience to help the production team fully explain the fascinating stories and inspirational science and engineering behind their development, as well as the ethical issues that arise as a result of the new technologies.”
In the first episode of the series, we explore the bank card. We take this humble piece of plastic for granted but it’s the digital key to our cash that is packed full of extraordinary technological innovations with surprising and sinister origins.
Hannah is granted the first ever TV access to VISA’s European bank card data centre, discovers why we have Russian spies to thank for contactless payments, and finds out how the CIA and a 1950s housewife ironing helped kick start the bank card revolution.
Dr Jones added:
“Working on the series highlighted to us both just how easy it is to take for granted some of the incredible innovations we all rely on in modern life. The example of the bank card demonstrates that something that appears so simple is actually a complex and advanced set of technologies, spanning decades of developing and encompassing global infrastructures.”
More information
This series was commissioned by Broadcast and Partnerships and is supported by the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, with particular relevance to BA/BSc (Honours) Design and Innovation, Bachelor of Engineering, Innovation: Designing for change and Engineering: Frameworks, Analysis and Production.
- Commissioned by Dr Caroline Ogilvie, Head of Broadcast & Partnerships
- Academic Consultants: Dr Derek Jones and Prof. David Sharp
- Media Fellow: Dr Claire Kotecki
- Broadcast Project Manager: Jo Weeks
- Supporting online content: Chris Belson
Supporting Online content:
Visit our Broadcast & Partnerships site OU Connect where you can find extensive resources and information on topics related to this series. Give your view on some interesting technology dilemmas and see how they compare to other viewers as well as mathematician Hannah Fry!
