1. We are WSP
  2. Insights
  3. positive-impact-podcast-episode-02

03 October 2025

In this episode of our WSP’s Positive Impact podcast series, BBC1 reporter and presenter Lucy Siegle delves into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) with a focus on the water industry and supporting climate resilience through nature-based solutions. 

Lucy is joined by guests Dan Scott, Chief Data Scientist at WSP and Angela MacOscar, Head of Innovation at Northumbrian Water, to discuss how AI can be utilised to enhance water management, improve efficiency, and support sustainable practices. 

Emphasising the importance of using AI safely and responsibly, they explore its applications in monitoring water quality, predicting climate impacts, and optimising resource allocation and review AI's role in promoting climate resilience and enhancing human well-being through innovative, nature-based solutions.
 

This video is blocked due to your cookie settings.

To watch it, please ensure that all cookies are enabled.

Should I build a reservoir? I know it’s going to be more expensive than just fixing the pipes, but actually, does it protect me against more futures? That’s the art of the adaptive planning – I sometimes refer to it as spread-betting across the universe…

Subscribe to the show

Join us on this journey of exploration and discovery as we navigate the complexities and opportunities of our evolving world.

spotify icon

Spotify


Subscribe
apple podcast

Apple Podcasts


Subscribe
pocket casts

Pocket Casts


Subscribe
youtube logo

YouTube


Subscribe
deezer logo

Deezer


Subscribe
player fm 250by250

Player Fm


Subscribe
podcast addict

Podcast Addict


Subscribe

Meet our guests

Dan Scott, Chief Data Scientist, WSP

Dan is a recognised UK leader in data and decision science at WSP. He specialises in data analysis, AI in infrastructure, large-scale whole life cost analysis and data-led asset management. Dan is passionate about using data and technology to deliver transformational solutions in the built environment. Dan leads AI initiatives for WSP UK & Ireland.

Dr Angela MacOscar, Head of Innovation, Northumbrian Water

Dr. Angela MacOscar is a visionary leader and Head of Innovation at Northumbrian Water, driving purpose-driven innovation strategies that transform industries. With a PhD in physical chemistry and a boundless passion for innovation, she thrives on fostering innovation cultures and streamlining processes to unlock impactful change.

With extensive cross-sector experience, Angela has spearheaded transformative product and commercial innovations across multiple industries, including managing billion-dollar FMCG franchise pipelines. Renowned for her strategic mindset, out-of-the-box thinking, and ability to simplify complexity, she is a collaborative force in the innovation space.

A passionate advocate for women in STEM, Angela champions diversity, mentorship, and inclusivity in the innovation ecosystem, inspiring the next generation of leaders to push boundaries and drive meaningful change.

Key takeaways from the podcast

  1. Enthusiasm and Potential of AI: Our guests express immense excitement about the advancements in artificial intelligence, highlighting its transformative potential across various industries and its capacity to revolutionise our daily lives.

  2. Safety, Ethics, and Transparency: Emphasis is placed on the importance of implementing AI safely and responsibly, with robust safety protocols, ethical guidelines, and transparent data handling practices to prevent misuse and ensure fairness.

  3. Early Stages and Learning Curve: AI is acknowledged as a rapidly evolving field, still in its nascent stages, with much to learn about its full capabilities and implications. Our guests stress the ongoing need for research and understanding.

  4. Diverse Applications and Societal Impact: AI's potential uses span numerous sectors, including healthcare, education, finance, and entertainment, promising enhanced efficiency and new opportunities. The significant impact AI could have on society and the need to prepare for these changes are discussed.

  5. Collaboration and Future Prospects: The need for collaboration between academia, industry, and government to harness AI's potential and tackle challenges is crucial. There is optimism about AI's role in addressing global issues and improving overall human well-being.

Adaptive Planning: Spreadbetting against the universe


Read our latest insight from Dan Scott
The WSP’s Positive Impact podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for independent, tailored professional advice. No reliance may be placed on the content of this podcast and listeners will need to seek independent professional advice tailored to their specific needs. The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, nor WSP and its affiliates. 

Insofar as the content of this podcast was created by WSP, WSP retains all intellectual property rights and asserts all moral rights in relation to this podcast and its content (including enclosures and attachments). Unless WSP has provided express prior written consent, no part of this podcast may be used, published, reproduced, distributed, or communicated by or to any third party. WSP accepts no liability in respect of the content of this podcast nor as to its suitability for any specific use (including by any third party).