For many of us, thankfully, the only experience we ever have of explosions is at a fireworks display. 

We don’t give it a second thought. They make a noise, they look nice. It’s simple. 

Except that it’s anything but simple when you look that bit closer.

Explosives is a complicated field in more ways than one and the research that comes from the scientists involved could have impacts on everything from geopolitics, to space exploration, to Antarctic research.

Jacqueline Akhavan is a Professor of Explosive Chemistry and Head of the Centre for Defence Chemistry at Cranfield Defence and Security, she joined Jonathan to discuss.

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