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	Podcast:		The Life Scientific
	Episode:		Gareth Collett on a career in bomb disposal
	Category:		Science & Medicine
	Duration:		00:28:29
	Publish Date:		2025-10-21 08:30:00
	Description:		Movies might have us believe that bomb disposal comes down to cutting the right wire. In fact, explosive devices are complex and varied - and learning how to dispose of them safely involves intense training, as well as the ability to stay calm under pressure. This was the world of Dr Gareth Collett, a retired British Army Brigadier General and engineer, specialising in bomb disposal; whose 32-year military career took him around the world, including heading up major ordnance clearance projects in Iraq and Afghanistan. After retiring from the army, Gareth became a university lecturer – but following his diagnosis with bladder cancer, started researching a possible link between bomb disposal veterans and higher rates of urological cancers. In conversation with Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Gareth discusses this ongoing research, dealing with PTSD - and why he just can't watch Oscar-winning movie The Hurt Locker... Presented by Jim Al-Khalili Produced by Lucy Taylor for BBC Studios
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