UNSW Centre for Ideas

Women on Top

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 05:04:01 +0000

Statistics can sometimes paint a rosy picture. Women now make up half of federal parliamentarians in Australia, more women graduate from university than men, and over 60% of Australia’s Winter Olympic team in 2026 were women.

But the reality of gender equality and progress is disappointingly stagnant if not downright regressive and concerning. From the alarmingly high prevalence of gendered violence online and in relationships, to the burden of the mental load in household chores, to the uneven playing field in which women are promoted and paid. When even the most accomplished women are exposed to everyday misogyny and double standards, the question must be asked: is this the kind of progress the feminist foremothers had in mind?

Join authors and leading women’s advocates, Hannah Ferguson and Jane Caro alongside journalist Farhana Dawood as they explore the reality of gender equality. Women on Top will be a candid conversation about feminism in the age of the manosphere, the real and perceived gains and losses in Australia and globally, and how we can confront the truth.

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Whistleblowers: In defence of truth

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 06:49:09 +0000

Most whistleblowers are unknown and ordinary people shedding light on corruption and misconduct. They rarely make the front page; many pay a devastating personal price. Australia’s whistleblowing protections are failing them.

Hear two of the foremost experts in Australia on protecting and defending the rights of whistleblowers, Kieran Pender and Gabriel Shipton alongside leading commentator and former editor of Guardian Australia, Lenore Taylor. The event also includes an account from a whistleblower on a harrowing case of wrongdoing they exposed in the prison system.

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Sue-Anne Hunter: Our kids deserve better

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 21:07:59 +0000

Following the historic appointment of Sue-Anne Hunter as the inaugural National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, Australia finds itself on a new journey but an old and critical road to mend.

From the over-representation of Indigenous kids in child protection and youth detention systems to the inordinately high rates of incarceration, family separation and suicide, there has been an ongoing failure to address their health and wellbeing, justice and education. Commissioner Hunter has been clear - First Peoples’ children and young people deserve better.

In an evening of reflection and hope, Sue-Anne Hunter shares her vision for uplifting the lives and voices of Indigenous Youth in Australia. She discusses how this new agency, now given statutory powers to do its important work, will help to realise international and domestic commitments to human rights, address systemic failures in federal and state institutions, and enhance the safety, wellbeing and life chances of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. Sue-Anne Hunter was joined in conversation by Isabella Higgins, host of ABC News' AM radio program.

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Nalini Prasad on global oil and the Aussie wallet

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 23:01:44 +0000

The ongoing conflict between Iran, the US and Israel has not only led to the deaths of many thousands of people, it has destabilised the global world order. As a middle power, Australia is being drawn into the conflict amid global pressures and strategic resource dependencies. Closer to home, the conflict is having a destabilising impact on Australia’s economy and enhancing other ongoing issues, such as rising inflation and concerns of higher unemployment.

UNSW’s Nalini Prasad explains how global and domestic trends in the economy are impacting the Aussie wallet, and your standard of living. She will explain how these trends are threatening an economic situation called ‘stagflation’, unseen since the 1970s and difficult to solve through traditional policy levers.

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Nila Ibrahimi: Song of Rebellion (Re-release)

Thu, 28 May 2026 00:09:07 +0000

When Nila Ibrahimi posted a video of herself online, singing proudly in protest of the ban on girls over 12 singing in public, she hoped the music would inspire young girls to continue their education. It was 2021 and the Taliban’s return to Afghanistan had come down swiftly on women's freedom. The video went viral and the ban was reversed, sending a powerful message across social media – women of Afghanistan would not be erased from public life. The Taliban would, however, go on to prohibit female education and Nila and her family would have to flee her homeland. Undeterred, Nila continues to advocate for Afghan girls from Canada.

Listen in to winner of the 2024 International Children’s Peace Prize Nila Ibrahimi in her first ever visit to Australia. In conversation with UNSW’s Verity Firth, they’ll unpack how peaceful grassroots activism can empower people of all ages to challenge authority and the importance of a right to education.

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Guardians of the future: Māori knowledge in the age of AI

Thu, 07 May 2026 00:42:30 +0000

Dr Karaitiana Taiuru is a leading global voice at the forefront of Māori data sovereignty and AI ethics. His practice draws on tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori to facilitate conversations about the ways emerging technologies must uplift, protect and empower Indigenous knowledge, culture and communities.

Hear him in conversation with Dr Sue Keay, where he explores why protecting Māori knowledge as a living treasure is one of the most exciting and urgent challenges of our tech future.

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Meditation on Country: Professor Angie Abdilla

Wed, 06 May 2026 01:13:03 +0000

Angie Abdilla creates video installations interrogating Indigenous deeptime knowledges, automation and AI, focusing on technology as cultural practice. Her research, artworks and films have been exhibited at premier cultural institutions, including the current Data Dreams: Art and AI exhibition at the MCA, and previously, the United Nations; Ars Electronica, Linz, Austria; the International Documentary Festival Amsterdam; the Museum of Old and New Art, nipaluna/Hobart; and the Goethe-Institut, Sydney.

Her pioneering research on cultural governance for AI has influenced governments globally. She is the founder and director of Old Ways, New; co-founder of the Indigenous Protocols for AI working group; has won the inaugural Women in AI Award for Creative Industries; and is a Professor at the School of Cybernetics at the Australian National University.

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Look Again: Why AI images don’t tell the whole picture

Wed, 06 May 2026 01:04:34 +0000

Every day, generative AI is pumping millions of new pictures into existence. Researcher and UNSW lecturer Dr Charu Maithani is redefining how we think about the images flooding our world, exposing how they capture only the narrowest sliver of human experience. Her work reveals how reimagining the way AI is trained – what it sees, learns, and absorbs from culture – defines our visual vocabulary and reshapes our collective imagination. Sometimes, what we don’t see is just as important as what we do.

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The Housing Crisis with Alan Kohler (Re-release)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:29:41 +0000

Richard Holden | Alan Kohler

Australia, a land of sweeping plains, has one of the lowest population densities on the planet. So, how did we end up with a housing shortage?

In conversation with economist and author Richard Holden, veteran finance journalist Alan Kohler’s new Quarterly Essay, The Great Divide: Australia’s Housing Crisis and How to Fix It, investigates where things went wrong at the start of the 21st century with escalating property prices leading to a rental crisis, a dearth of public housing and a mortgage crunch.

This event is presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney.

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Laurie Woolever: The gluttony of life

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 23:02:20 +0000

Since its 2025 publication, Laurie Woolever’s Care and Feeding was an immediate New York Times bestseller, tracing her path from small-town childhood to working with two of the most powerful men in the food business, chefs Mario Batali and Anthony Bourdain. The book’s success is no surprise. Laurie doesn't sugarcoat the consequences of a life where desire has been met with opportunity in equal measure. She weaves her story deftly, capturing the essence of New York city during the golden era of the 1990s and 2000s food celebrity without downplaying the darker side of indulgence and the treatment of women in the male-dominated food industry.

Hear Laurie alongside Good Weekend senior writer and former editor Katrina Strickland as they discuss the love language of food, living life without guardrails and learning to curb her appetites.

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6 things you need to know about AI with Toby Walsh (Re-release)

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:30:56 +0000

As one of the world’s leading researchers in artificial intelligence, Toby Walsh has been awarded the Humbolt Research Award and elected as a fellow of the Association for the Advancement of AI. In The Shortest History of AI, Toby outlines the six key ideas for understanding artificial intelligence today.

Hear Toby trace the origins of artificial intelligence in science and culture and predict where the technology is heading in the future.

This event was presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney.

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Karen Hao: Empire of AI (Re-release)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:35 +0000

Programs like ChatGPT have become ubiquitous with AI, promising to kick start the next industrial evolution. But the scale of resources needed to support AI are staggering, with the cost largely being levied on the marginalised. From energy demands eclipsing whole cities, to labour exploitation in the global south, this behaviour bodes poorly for an equitable future.

In Empire of AI, award-winning investigative journalist Karen Hao unpacks the rise of OpenAI and their race for global dominance – prompting the question, what will it take to reign in this laissez-faire approach to growth? Answers are needed and UNSW legal expert Mimi Zou is exploring the possibilities surrounding the regulation of AI, along with UNSW neuroscientist Joel Pearson who is scrutinising the human impact of AI at an individual and societal level.

Hear Chief Scientist of UNSW AI Toby Walsh in conversation with Karen Hao and then Mimi Zou and Joel Pearson on what it will take to usher in a sustainable, equitable AI revolution.

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Yael Stone: Giving to gain

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:00:00 +0000

Many people would recognise Australian actress Yael Stone from her breakout role as the red-lipped Lorna Morello in TV series Orange is the New Black. But, in 2020 she gave up her green card, and her acting career in the United States, unable to reconcile the carbon emissions of the jet-setting lifestyle with her own climate conscience. Since then, Yael has channelled her focus into a new career path in climate advocacy, going back to university and co-founding the not-for-profit renewables and clean energy organisation, Hi Neighbour.

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, hear actress, entrepreneur and climate advocate Yael Stone alongside writer and broadcaster Benjamin Law as they explore what we have to give up to gain a life living in alignment with our personal values.

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Who's the Man? (Re-release)

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 03:16:21 +0000

Within today's social media landscape, a finely tuned content algorithm is serving up often unhealthy and sometimes extreme views on masculinity. For boys, in particular, the injection of vitriol into playgrounds, classrooms, backyards and wider society has turned the question of what it means to be a man on its head. This is also having far-reaching consequences for young girls and women.

So what do we do when influencers co-opt masculinity for clout? Hear ABC presenter Siobhan Marin as she explores this topic with award-winning author, human rights advocate and Indigenous leader Thomas Mayo, former Aussie Rules player and Chief Operating Officer for the AFL, Tom Harley.

Originally recorded on 18 November 2025.

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Gough Whitlam: The Vista of the New

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 22:46:07 +0000

Hear acclaimed political biographer Troy Bramston in conversation with UNSW’s Verity Firth and delve into his latest book Gough Whitlam: The Vista of the New. From Whitlam’s rise through the Labor party to Prime Minister, to his family, upbringing and life after politics, Troy lifts the lid on new revelations behind the man and his polices.

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Lesbians are Lovely!

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 22:44:58 +0000

We’ve come a long way since references to lesbians could potentially land you jail-time and lesbian culture was less visible in literature and the arts, social commentary and public life. From anthemic pop icons Chappell Roan and Billie Eilish to commercially successful flicks like Bottoms and Love Lies Bleeding, lesbian culture is having a moment.

In the fifty years since the rallying cry “Lesbians are Lovely!” was sprawled across walls, bodies and picket boards in the fight for recognition and liberation, there have been many developments in queer identity and culture. But are we making space for all lesbians and how can we celebrate every part of our community?

Hosted by Walkley Award-winning journalist, presenter and producer Mon Schafter and featuring a trailblazing lineup of panellist, including Kate Rowe, an activist and advocate ‘78er who marched in the original Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras; Kath Ebbs queer actor, presenter and content creator; and Jackie Turner, trans woman, social justice and climate organiser, and Director of Trans Justice Project.

This event is co-presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas (in collaboration with Dr Yves Rees) and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

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David Cooper Lecture | Ending AIDS: A Global Responsibility

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:53:37 +0000

With Australia on track to be among the first countries in the world to eliminate the transmission of HIV, there is a lot to be optimistic about. Yet globally the rates of transmission and AIDS-related deaths are predicted to rise, disproportionately impacting marginalised communities and people living in low and middle income countries.  

Weakening US political commitment and recent funding cuts are threatening the delicate global healthcare architecture designed to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. High-income countries, like Australia, have a crucial role to play in enabling accessible research, testing, treatment, healthcare and public education with international communities. 

Hear renowned leading infectious disease researcher and President of the International AIDS Society, Dr Beatriz Grinsztejn, in conversation with Australia’s Dr Norman Swan. From diversifying funding sources to strengthening universal public health systems and promoting community involvement, Dr Grinsztejn and Dr Swan will discuss how to overcome the setbacks deepening the inequities between who gets care and who goes without.

Co-presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas, Kirby Institute and UNSW Medicine & Health.

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Kind by Design with Dr Gabi Nudelman | One Big Idea

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 02:02:41 +0000

In an era of increasing productivity, efficiency and automation it’s important not to lose sight that education – the learning and teaching that we all pursue – is about human connection and transformation.

Tune in to learn from Dr Gabi Nudelman, a Senior Lecturer in business sustainability and ethics, on how kindness could be our secret weapons against disconnection in our work and school environments.

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Unpicking the Lock to the Blood-Brain Barrier with Dr Alexis Minchaca Acosta | One Big Idea

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 01:58:57 +0000

The blood-brain barrier prevents 98% of medicines from reaching the brain. This prevents the effective treatment of neurological disorders, from cancer to Alzheimer’s. If we knew how to create drugs that could pass through this barrier, then we’d be able to create targeted, effective treatments. But doing so requires a lot of trial and error, and there aren’t a lot of effective, ethical, targeted treatments. Until now.

Tune in to learn from Dr Alexis Minchaca Acosta, a Research Officer at the Children’s Cancer Institute, on how her work in lab-made blood brain barriers could change the game for neurological disorders.

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Reframing Rescue with Communities at the Heart with Dr Regina Jefferies | One Big Idea

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 01:41:59 +0000

As natural disasters increase in frequency and severity, we are all at risk of one day having our homes and our lives being in danger from fire or flood. Right now, we are seeing an unprecedented level of people needing rescue in the midst of disaster. But rescue shouldn’t just be after the point of no return, when people must evacuate their homes because hazardous conditions overwhelm communities.

Listen to Dr Regina Jefferies, a human rights and refugee lawyer, on how recognising the broad scope of who tends to be a first responder in a disaster, and what it means to truly save people, could offer a fairer, kinder chance of rescue.

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Grand Designs for our Oceans' Habitats with Ann Flemming Nielsen | One Big Idea

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 01:23:32 +0000

Our coastal marine habitats are suffering from the man-made degradation of climate change. From coral reefs to seagrass meadows, oyster reefs and kelp forests, these ecosystems are vital nurseries for marine life and natural coastal buffers against storms and we’re losing them at a rapid pace. But all is not lost. We have the tools and the know-how to restore these environments.

Tune in to learn from Ann Flemming Nielsen, a PhD student at the Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, on how we can use human engineering to build back the coastal environments in severe decline and give nature a chance to recover.

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Who's the Man?

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 23:00:33 +0000

So what do we do when influencers co-opt masculinity for clout? As the dawn of the social media ban for young people rapidly approaches, is this a chance to reframe what it means to be a man?

ABC presenter Siobhan Marin as she explores this topic with award-winning author, human rights advocate and Indigenous leader Thomas Mayo, former Aussie Rules player and Sydney Swans Chief Executive Officer and newly appointed Chief Operating Officer for the AFL, Tom Harley.

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The Power of Light with Dr Alison Goldingay | One Big Idea

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:53:22 +0000

Light has unlocked many technologies over the course of human history. The more we learn about what light is and what it can do, the more applications we find to advance our lives. When we study light at the smallest scale possible, at the atomic level, we can unlock some pretty amazing, pretty weird capabilities.

Find out from Dr Alison Goldingay, an award-winning Postdoctoral Fellow at UNSW in the School of Physics, about how the study of light is making quantum computing a reality.

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Rewiring AI with Dr Charu Maithani | One Big Idea

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 23:00:12 +0000

Ask any AI image generator to create an image of a garden and you’re likely to receive a very specific type; manicured English or French, colourful plants, geometric forms and a winding pathway made of stone or gravel. Why is this such a big deal? Millions of AI images are generated every week but they only represent a narrow view of real life because the technology is trained off western-centric perspectives.

In an era of AI slop and Shrimp Jesus’, hear from Dr Charu Maithani, a Lecturer in Media, Journalism and Communication, about how changing the approach to machine learning could have far reaching effects on our visual vocabulary.

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Tailor-Made Childhood Cancer Treatments with Professor Maria Kavallaris AM | One Big Idea

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 02:35:18 +0000

More than 400,000 children and adolescents will be diagnosed with cancer worldwide this year. Many treatments that are meant to save a child can leave them with lifelong side-effects, including heart damage, infertility and cognitive issues. But for the first time, precision medicine is using the tiniest tools – nanoparticles – to design tailor-made treatments to beat childhood cancer.

Tune in to learn how precision medicine is changing the odds in the fight against childhood cancer with Professor Maria Kavallaris AM, a researcher whose own cancer diagnosis occurred at the same time as a career-changing opportunity to join the Children's Cancer Institute.

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SWF Great Debate: True Friends Stab You in the Front

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 21:55:24 +0000

The scintillating chronicler of human weakness, Oscar Wilde, once said, “True friends stab you in the front”. 

In this popular event, writer and presenter Annabel Crabb and writer David Marr lead opposing teams in a rollicking debate on the legitimacy of this aphorism about friends who betray each other.  

Featuring debaters Matilda Boseley, Rhys Nicholson, Justine Rogers and Jennifer Wong, and adjudicated by Yumi Stynes, this debate is sure to get provocative, pithy and personal.

This event was presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney.

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Ivan Coyote: Playlist

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 22:05:33 +0000

Ivan Coyote doesn’t fit neatly into one of two gender boxes, they never have. From an early age in the Canadian Yukon, they can remember discovering a coded but very possible queer future hidden in the music coming out of the AM radio in the kitchen, lurking in their parent’s record collection, and leaking out of the lyrics in their elementary school musical.

In conversation with Yves Rees, the award-winning author, performer, and musician explores the deeply personal terrain of gender identity, family, class, and queer liberation, approaching every story with warmth and sharp wit.

This event was presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas as a part of Diversity Festival.

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Nila Ibrahimi: Song of Rebellion

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 22:55:22 +0000

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The Business of Beauty

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 22:43:16 +0000

Women’s bodies are a battleground for beauty capitalism with a constant pressure to reach unachievable beauty standards.

Writer, presenter and entertainer Lucinda Price (aka Froomes) spent 30 years striving to fulfil those standards, which she unpacks in her debut memoir, All I Ever Wanted Was To Be Hot: Self image, beauty ideals and desirability. Nutritionist and lecturer Rebecca Reynolds teamed up with mental health author Bev Aisbett to write Beyond the Body Bully: How to love the body you’re in to improve the way we think about our bodies. And writer and researcher Chloe Elisabeth Wilson satirises the cult-like world of beauty by turning it into a real cult in her debut novel Rytual.

Lucinda, Rebecca and Chloe discuss how they are helping to rewrite women’s relationships with beauty and their bodies, in conversation with Yumi Stynes. 

This event was presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney.

Please be aware this podcast discusses eating disorders and body image issues which may be distressing for some people. Resources and support can be found here.

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Philippe Sands: 38 Londres Street

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 21:17:17 +0000

In 1998, at the beginning of his esteemed career as an international human rights lawyer, Philippe Sands was invited to advise Augusto Pinochet as the Chilean dictator faced arrest in London.

Instead, Philippe chose to act as a barrister for Human Rights Watch, where he uncovered the well-hidden connection between Pinochet and former SS commander Walther Rauff. In his latest book, part memoir and part detective story, Philippe draws on interviews and archives to link two of the most brutal regimes of the 20th century at the infamous 38 Londres Street in Santiago.

This event was presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney.

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STEMMinist Book Club

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 22:02:19 +0000

The STEMMinist Book Club was founded in 2018 and is dedicated to reading and discussing books related to feminism and STEMM (science, technology, engineering, medicine and maths).

The book club has over 5,000 members from 25 countries. As well as discussing great books, the book club provides a virtual discussion forum and support network for women and non-binary people working in these sectors.

Come along to this special Festival edition of the STEMMinist Book Club to discuss the phenomenon of GPs who write. Hosted by Caroline Ford with guests Jumaana Abdu (Translations), Melanie Cheng (The Burrow) and Sarah Sasson (Tidelines), all of whom are doctors with brilliant new books.

This event was presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney.

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Karen Hao: Empire of AI

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 22:41:47 +0000

Hear Chief Scientist of UNSW AI Toby Walsh in conversation with Karen Hao and then Mimi Zou and Joel Pearson on what it will take to usher in a sustainable, equitable AI revolution.

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Sherine Al Shallah and Lucas Lixinski on Cultural Objects

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 21:37:21 +0000

The Parthenon Marbles. The Benin Bronzes. Grandma's jewellery that she smuggled in her clothes, never to return. What if taking an object is the best way to keep a community's culture alive?

Legal experts Sherine Al Shallah and Lucas Lixinski engage with old and new arguments about cultural objects. Bringing together perspectives from decolonisation and refugee practices, Sherine and Lucas dare us to think beyond our preconceived notions, showing that ‘whether’ to return can be an even more complicated question than we thought.

If we think about cultural objects not as objects, but as conduits for human connection and identity, they argue, then we may have a chance of solving these complex ethical problems.

This event was presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney.

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Kaliane Bradley: The Ministry of Time

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 23:25:22 +0000

The Ministry of Time landed on multiple bestseller lists thanks to its highly original, genre-defying story, which combines elements of time travel, romance and spy thriller.

Described by Booker Prize winner Eleanor Catton as “outrageously brilliant”, Kaliane Bradley’s debut challenges the boundaries of literary and genre fiction as the past meets the future when a disaffected civil servant accepts a job at a mysterious new government ministry specialising in ‘historical expats’.

Join Kaliane and host, Spectrum editor Melanie Kembrey, to unpack the triumph of Kaliane’s debut novel and what it means to change the world by defying history. With an introduction from Fiona Morrison.

This event was co-presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and UNSW Sydney.

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Psychedelia

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 22:33:13 +0000

Since early 2023, MDMA has been authorised for use in Australia to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.

Still, it remains a controversial treatment publicly and among experts. Adam Bayes from the Black Dog Institute and researcher Rebecca Huntley, whose book Sassafras: A memoir of love, loss and MDMA Therapy recounts her experience of using MDMA to treat trauma, discuss the personal and medical cases for (and against) psychedelics.

Learn more about this contentious treatment and hear Adam and Rebecca’s perspectives, in conversation with Norman Swan.

This event was presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney.

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John Valliant: Fire Weather

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 23:22:32 +0000

Black Saturday razed towns, Canada’s Fort McMurray wildfire forced 88,000 people to flee, the LA fires obliterated over 12,000 buildings and Australia’s Black Summer fires scorched 24 million hectares – an area the size of the United Kingdom. Bushfires are no longer seasonal, they’re unrelenting; reshaping landscapes and lives in our rapidly warming world.

In Fire Weather, award-winning Canadian author John Vaillant tells the gripping story of a city consumed by flame – a harbinger of what’s to come in a hotter, drier, more combustible world.

Joined by UNSW bushfire behaviour expert Jason Sharples, listen in on a conversation on the science of fire, the galvanising power of storytelling and how we can survive in a world where the line between our natural and built environment is increasingly blurred – and increasingly flammable.

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Luke McNamara on Hate Speech and the Law

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:19:09 +0000

As state and federal governments move to criminalise forms of hate speech, it's time to look at what evidence shows about the effect that laws can have on hate speech and its victims, with legal expert Luke McNamara.

This event was presented by the S ydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney.

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Kerrie Davies on Miles Franklin’s Little Known Years

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 23:48:58 +0000

Not two years after making Australian literary history with My Brilliant Career, Miles Franklin fell into obscurity – and when publishers rejected her subsequent novels, she left Australia for Chicago.

Uncover the mysteries of the legend’s life with Kerrie Davies, whose Miles Franklin Undercover focuses on those lost years. It’s a real-life sequel to the classic Australian novel, using never-before-published material – including intimate correspondence with poet Banjo Paterson – from Miles’s years working as a servant.

This event was presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney.

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Toby Walsh on the Six Ideas You Need to Understand AI

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 22:57:15 +0000

Hear Toby trace the origins of artificial intelligence in science and culture and predict where the technology is heading in the future.

This event was presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney.

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Donna Strickland: Laser Jock

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 22:39:36 +0000

In 2018 Donna Strickland became the first woman in over 50 years to win the Nobel Prize in Physics, and only the third woman in history.

Her award-winning work however began decades earlier. While undertaking her PhD Donna developed chirped pulse amplification – a unique way to amplify ultrashort laser pulses. This breakthrough paved not only the way for safer and more precise laser eye surgery but also improved mobile phone technology and is now helping to advance quantum science.

Listen to Donna in conversation with the ABC’s Tegan Taylor, as she shares the early curiosity that fuelled her love of physics, the joy of discovery and how she became a ‘laser jock’.

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Adam Bayes on Mind-Altering Mental Health

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 22:35:48 +0000

Adam Bayes is leader in the field of mental health, working as a clinical academic psychologist at UNSW Sydney and a senior research fellow at the Black Dog Institute specialising in mood disorders including depressive and bipolar disorders.

In this podcast Adam shares his cutting-edge research and clinical experience such as using ketamine to treat severe and treatment-resistant depression, a new development with promising results.

This event was presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney.

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Business Behaving Badly

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 22:53:19 +0000

Soaring and crashing stock prices, resigning CEOs and out of control labour practices: what is going on with Australian businesses? Award-winning labour relations lawyer and author of Working for the Brand: how corporations are destroying free speech, Josh Bornstein and award-winning senior business writer and investigative journalist Adele Ferguson join host Richard Holden to consider the state of business. Get your head around the latest scandals, analyse business-employee relations and discover the ethical challenges shaping the future of corporate Australia. 

This event was presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney. Presented in partnership with the State Library of NSW.

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Anne Summers: 50 Years of Damned Whores and God's Police

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 22:26:48 +0000

Anne Summers’s Damned Whores and God’s Police was first published 50 years ago – a time when sexual harassment, domestic violence and date rape were unnamed and often ignored experiences for women in Australia. It would be another nine years before the introduction of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984. Hear Anne as the bestselling and multi-award-winning writer and journalist – also an Officer of the Order of Australia and inductee to the Australian Media Hall of Fame – reflect on her groundbreaking book, what she has done since and what she is doing now with host Zora Simic.

This event was presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney.

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Andrew Leigh and Richard Holden on Inequality

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 22:07:04 +0000

Economics Professor at UNSW Sydney Richard Holden (Money in the Twenty First Century) and Parliamentarian Andrew Leigh (The Shortest History of Economics) unpack economics as a global force that impacts wars, technological innovation and social change.

In our contemporary world, what are the causes and consequences of economic inequality? And can economics be used as a tool for justice for the oppressed?

This event was presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney.

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Vanishing Histories

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 23:10:53 +0000

Miles Franklin is a literary legend now, but her story, and those of women like her, were nearly lost to the passage of time.

Kerrie Davies unwinds the mysteries of Miles Franklin’s lost years in Miles Franklin Undercover: The little-known years when she created her own brilliant career, constructing a real-life sequel to My Brilliant Career using never-before-published material. Yves Rees dives into the early days of Australia’s relationship with America through the forgotten lives of 10 Australian women, from an artist to an advisor to JFK, in Travelling to Tomorrow: The modern women who sparked Australia’s romance with America.

Hear Kerrie and Yves in conversation with journalist and co-editor of Hazzard and Harrower: The Letters, Susan Wyndham.

This event was presented by the Sydney's Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney. Presented in partnership with the State Library of New South Wales.

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Climate Warriors

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:44:53 +0000

The climate crisis is vast, complex and often feels both imminent and frustratingly out of our control. With global systems slow to change and the scale of the challenge immense, it’s easy to wonder if individual action could ever be enough.

On World Environment Day, Climate Warriors brought together four transformative voices; renewable energy expert and former Biden administration advisor Saul Griffith, Solar Citizen CEO Heidi Lee Douglas, climate activist Grace Vegesana along with host and journalist Craig Reucassel, to unpack the power and limitations of grassroots action, climate innovation and community-driven change.

From local initiatives to systemic shifts, they unpacked what’s working, what isn’t, and where real impact is being made. While no single effort can solve the climate crisis, collective action has the potential to tip the balance.

Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and UNSW Engineering, in association with the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit.

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The Art and Science of AI

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 23:04:24 +0000

Artificial intelligence’s collision with human creativity is one of the most important stories of our time.

With the accelerating impact of AI, so much of what we understand about being human is being re-written.

Acclaimed writer Jeanette Winterson (12 Bytes: How artificial intelligence will change the way we live and love) sees AI changing our lives in unprecedented ways. Academic and researcher Toby Walsh (The Shortest History of AI) predicts the place AI will have in our futures.

Hear Jeanette and Toby bring the perspectives of an artist and a scientist together in this important contemporary conversation. With an introduction from Verity Firth.

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Queer Life, Love & Identity

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 22:15:03 +0000

Acclaimed Indonesian author Norman Erikson Pasaribu and award-winning Australian writer Dylin Hardcastle explore the joy, tenderness and triumphs of queer storytelling.

Norman, best known for Happy Stories, Mostly, and their latest book My Dream Job, crafts tender yet sharp narratives about identity, faith and belonging, challenging the expectations of queer life in Indonesia. While Dylin, acclaimed for A Language of Limbs, offers an Australian perspective on intimacy, loss and transformation. Together their work embraces and reclaims; highlighting how storytelling becomes an act of survival and resistance for lives too often kept in the margins.

Hear Norman and Dylin, alongside UNSW’s Christy Newman, as they explore how literature creates space for voices long silenced – and how the most powerful stories are the ones that heal.

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Colum McCann: The Truth Disconnect

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 22:54:38 +0000

Beneath the ocean’s surface, fibre-optic cables pulse with the entirety of our human existence – memes and messages, stock trades and state secrets. But when these fragile threads break, so too can the connections that bind us.

Hear award-winning author Colum McCann join The Daily Aus’ Sam Koslowski to explore truth, misinformation and human connection in a world driven by technology, and his latest book Twist.

Together they unpack the power of fiction to reflect societal truths, rupture, repair and resilience in an age of hyper-communication, asking: how do we navigate a world where information is abundant, but authenticity is elusive? And in an era of digital disarray, can we still mend the severed connections of our society?

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The Housing Crisis with Alan Kohler

Thu, 22 May 2025 00:07:18 +0000

Richard Holden | Alan Kohler

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Dark Technologies

Thu, 15 May 2025 00:47:13 +0000

Machines lead the charge on today’s battlefields, but what does this mean for the people caught in the crossfire?

Learn from journalist Antony Loewenstein, whose Walkley Award-winning investigation, The Palestine Laboratory: How Israel Exports the Technology of Occupation Around the World, uncovered the widespread commercialisation and global deployment of Israeli weaponry tested in Palestinian territories. Antony is joined by AI expert Toby Walsh, whose new book, Faking It: Artificial Intelligence in a Human World, explores how AI impersonates human intelligence.

Listen to this vital conversation with host Michael Richardson about the intersection of technology, conflict, occupation and surveillance.

This event is presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney.

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History of Sex

Wed, 07 May 2025 23:30:44 +0000

How did sex begin? How did it evolve to become so varied and complex in humans? And what could sex look like for future generations?

Hosted by evolutionary biologist Rob Brooks, this blush-worthy panel discussion features sex historian Esmé Louise James and historian David Baker. Esmé adapted her wildly popular TikTok series into a book, Kinky History: The Stories of Our Intimate Lives, Past and Present, and David’s Sex: Two Billion Years of Procreation and Recreation charts sex’s evolution from early life to sexbots.

Listen now to bone up on carnal knowledge across the centuries and find out what the future of fornication holds.

This event was presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney.

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The Fading Dream

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 23:27:52 +0000

Economist John N. Friedman has made a career researching the causes of inequality and its long-term consequences for children in the US. His findings are grim. Social mobility is in sharp decline. Where you live and go to school increasingly determines your success and future. Joining fellow economist, Richard Holden, Friedman will explore how policy can harness schools, neighbourhoods, universities, and social capital to reverse this trend, and revive a fading “American Dream” of progress and social mobility. Explore what this could mean in a country like Australia.

Presented as part of The Ethics Centre's Festival of Dangerous Ideas, supported by UNSW Sydney.

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Ending the 'Tyranny' of Pregnancy

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:05:39 +0000

Brigitte Gerstl | Luara Ferracioli | Mianna Lotz | Chaired by Kathryn MacKay

Is the emergence of artificial wombs and womb transplants a ‘boon’ or a ‘bane’ for women? Listen now to explore the transformative possibilities for reproductive autonomy that could redefine the very essence of motherhood.

This session is presented as part of the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, and supported by UNSW Sydney.

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Counterfeit People

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 23:35:29 +0000

The late philosopher and scientist, Daniel Dennett talked about ‘counterfeit people’ as one of the great dangers of AI – but are we now willing to court the same dangers through our adoption of multiple identities across the metaverse. Moving from the confinement of physical reality to the landscape of the metaverse, where looks, preferences, and genders are limitless, we can each acquire many digital selves.

Is a ‘virtual you’ a truer reflection of your deepest self – revealing desires and aspects that otherwise remain hidden? What is the human cost of leaving the physical world behind? Hear Lizzie O'Shea, Patrick Stokes, Emily van der Nagel and Rob Brooks discuss.

Presented as part of The Ethics Centre's Festival of Dangerous Ideas, supported by UNSW Sydney.

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Deborah Lawrie: The Fight to Fly

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 01:51:09 +0000

Over 40 years ago, Deborah Lawrie broke barriers to become Australia’s first female commercial airline pilot. Her path wasn’t easy — she battled a landmark High Court case to challenge gender discrimination in employment and prevailed, all while facing blatant prejudice and unapologetic misogyny.

Deborah’s determination didn’t just open cockpit doors; it helped pave the way for equal opportunity across male-dominated industries, opening economic doors for women Australia wide.

Hear Deborah Lawrie in conversation with journalist Sarah Malik, on her story and how we can accelerate action for gender equality through education, allyship, and the dismantling of systemic barriers.

Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and supported by UNSW Aviation.

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Pankaj Mishra: Global Conflicts, Competing Narratives

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 23:22:12 +0000

In a timely and thought-provoking discussion, essayist and author of the recently released The World After Gaza, Pankaj Mishra reflects on the ongoing war in Gaza, examining how competing narratives of colonialism, national identity and justice collide with tragic consequences for all.

In a conversation with philosopher and Executive Director of The Ethics Centre Simon Longstaff, Mishra delves into the historical, political and ethical forces shaping our world, the waning influence of the Global North and the role of journalism in actively constructing and distorting reality.

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Silenced Women

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 23:27:45 +0000

More than one in four women in Australia have experienced domestic or family violence, and one in five have experienced sexual violence. Yet, despite survivors increasingly speaking out, systemic barriers to addressing gender-based violence persist.

In a powerful and necessary conversation, internationally acclaimed lawyer Jennifer Robinson, NSW’s inaugural Women’s Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin and UNSW academic BJ Newton joined forces to examine how legal, institutional and cultural systems suppress the voices of women and the far-reaching impact this has on our society.

Chaired by journalist Nour Haydar, this discussion explored the growing use of legal threats and actions to silence survivors, outdated gendered views and systems, and the rise in online misogyny and abuse, and asked; how we can dismantle structures that protect perpetrators?

Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture.

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Arian Prabowo | AI and Urban Progress

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 23:20:02 +0000

In a world where urban congestion and traffic delays plague our daily lives, Arian Prabowo examines how artificial intelligence can transform urban progress. He delves into practical solutions like improving traffic flow through AI-powered traffic lights and real-time navigation systems that adapt to changing conditions.

Prabowo also tackles the critical issue of AI systems' vulnerability to errors in new and unexpected situations, emphasizing the need for more explainable algorithms. By exploring the potential of explainable AI, Prabowo envisions a future where transparent algorithms optimise city transport, making our commutes faster and more efficient while ensuring equity and fairness.

Progress? is a UNSW Centre for Ideas project, with illustrations designed by Lucy Klippan, video production by AVI and All things All Creatures, and podcast production by Matt Sladen and Kara Jensen-MacKinnon.

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Leah Lui-Chivizhe | Why Ancestors Can’t Stay in Museums

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 23:18:51 +0000

In a stirring exploration of history and justice, Leah Lui-Chivizhe delves into the profound impact of colonial practices on Indigenous communities. She unravels the poignant narrative of Ancestral Remains taken from their lands and stored in museums—far from their people.

Through her personal journey and research, Lui-Chivizhe illuminates the ongoing pain and historical injustices inflicted by these acts. She calls for a transformative approach that not only acknowledges past wrongs but actively seeks to return these Ancestors to their rightful homes. This powerful narrative underscores the urgent need for institutions to demonstrate true progress and respect for Indigenous peoples.

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Nevena Krups | The Hidden Power of Friendship

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 23:43:27 +0000

Despite the rush of technological breakthroughs, we find ourselves drifting into a crisis of connection—profound loneliness and division. Nevena Krups takes us on a heartfelt journey, revealing how the ancient and seemingly simple art of friendship can serve as a powerful source to bridge divides and heal a fragmented society.

Drawing from her poignant experiences in former Yugoslavia, Krups illuminates how true friendship, with its embrace of differences and commitment to understanding, can transform political landscapes and infuse our world with essential humanness.

Progress? is a UNSW Centre for Ideas project, with illustrations designed by Lucy Klippan, video production by AVI and All things All Creatures, and podcast production by Matt Sladen and Kara Jensen-MacKinnon.

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Matt O’Kane | Cyber Education: Progress or Peril?

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 23:58:13 +0000

Cyberattacks are fast becoming our biggest global threat - so why aren’t we better prepared? Matt O’Kane takes us on an inspiring journey from overcoming blindness to leading a cybersecurity business, shining a light on the evolving landscape of cyber threats. He critiques current cyber education methods, revealing how they often prepare students for calm seas rather than the turbulent waters of real-world challenges.

O’Kane advocates for a hands-on, competitive approach to cyber education, likening it to a digital playground where students can safely explore, tinker, and compete. By cultivating curiosity and resilience in young cyber defenders, he envisions educational environments that balance safety with the freedom to innovate. This narrative calls for a bold reimagining of how we prepare for the cyber threats of tomorrow.

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Kate Brady | Disasters are Awful: What Comes After Doesn't Have To Be

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 22:45:52 +0000

In a world increasingly besieged by disasters, Kate Brady addresses whether we are ready for what comes after. She paints a stark picture of the escalating frequency and intensity of calamities, from bushfires to cyclones. Brady challenges us to consider whether our current strategies are sufficient and calls for a radical shift in how we approach disaster recovery.

She emphasises the need for community-led approaches, proactive planning for the aftermath of disasters, and innovative solutions to withstand future crises. The increased frequency of disasters as a result of climate change is a wake-up call, Brady urges us all to rethink our disaster recovery mechanisms before it's too late.

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Kate Poole | How Can We Better Prepare Our Astronauts For Space Travel?

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 23:37:44 +0000

Have you ever wondered why astronauts return from the space station weak and struggling to walk? Kate Poole dives into the physiological challenges faced by astronauts during and after their missions. She explores the effects of microgravity on the human body, including muscle atrophy and bone density loss. Poole highlights the cutting-edge research and innovative solutions being developed to mitigate these issues, so that astronauts can withstand long-duration spaceflights. She highlights the need for long term planning to achieve these goals and draws parallels between space medicine and fundamental research into how our bodies function.

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Sebastian Sequoiah-Grayson | Australia and Asia: Working Together for a Prosperous Future

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 15:00:28 +0000

In a reflection that spans centuries, Sebastian Sequoiah-Grayson recounts the tumultuous history and promising future of Australia. He draws us into the dramatic events of the Lambing Flat Riots and their lasting impact on anti-Chinese sentiment, weaving in personal anecdotes of his great-grandfather’s compassionate actions.

Sequoiah-Grayson challenges us to imagine a different path where early settlers embraced cooperation over resentment. As Australia navigates its role in the 21st-century Asian landscape, he advocates for strengthening ties with Asia, fostering mutual understanding, and working together for a prosperous future. This narrative is both a tribute to the past and a call to action for the future.

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Jennifer Doudna: The Gene Editing Revolution

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:03:23 +0000

Join a full house at the Sydney Opera House with Nobel winning scientist Jennifer Doudna and Big Ideas' host Natasha Mitchell to discuss the huge social, ethical, and scientific implications of the CRISPR gene editing revolution. From curative therapies to gene edited babies - will we use it to hack our own evolution?

Presented by Sydney Opera House, BQI, Sydney Writers' Festival, and UNSW Sydney.

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Democracy Reimagined: New Thinking for the 21st Century

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 23:09:36 +0000

Cooperation is our superpower, and democracy is a foundation of human progress. But we take them for granted at our peril. In some of the strongest democracies, democratic principles are being undermined while many voices are ignored. In this conversation Nobel Prize laureate Tawakkol Karman tells her story of her determination to bring peace and democracy in the Middle East. Tawakkol is joined by Megan Davis, a constitutional lawyer who is committed to greater indigenous representation in Australian democracy and Nobel Prize Outreach Chief Impact Officer Owen Gaffney.

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Facts, Fictions and Critical Thinking

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 23:39:02 +0000

Facts matter. The scientific process matters. The ability to think critically is essential to navigate our world, to make good decisions and to solve some of the world’s most intractable problems. Nobel Prize laureate Saul Perlmutter believes everyone can learn the skills scientists use to think critically so that they don’t fool themselves. Saul is joined by Tim Minchin, a writer, composer and fierce defender of facts and UNSW's Verity Firth to discuss the importance of collaboration, humility and critical thinking in decision-making.

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The Generation Gulf

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 23:03:46 +0000

Breakneck cultural change means growing up today is a completely different experience from growing up in the 1950s, or the 1980s, or even the 2000s. Psychologist and author of Generations and iGen Jean Twenge, researcher and geriatrician expert on ABC’s Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds and Teenagers Stephanie Ward, and co-founder of youth media platform The Daily Aus Sam Koslowski discuss what is driving these changes and where the widening generation gap could take us as a society?

Presented as part of The Ethics Centre's Festival of Dangerous Ideas., supported by UNSW Sydney.

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Fragile Democracy

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 23:30:19 +0000

Australia has been a close ally of the United States since 1940, but what does this mean for contemporary politics when democracy is more fragile than ever?

Chaired by Festival favourite Barrie Cassidy, one of Australia’s most experienced political correspondents and analysts, this expert panel features former BBC foreign correspondent Nick Bryant (The Forever War: America’s Unending Conflict With Itself), UNSW Sydney Professor of Law and constitutional democracy specialist Rosalind Dixon and Senior Fellow of the University of Sydney’s United States Studies Centre Bruce Wolpe (Trump’s Australia: How Trumpism changed Australia and the shocking consequences for us of a second term).

Unpack the far-reaching ramifications of this relationship across trade, security, foreign policy and beyond.

This event is presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney.

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Michelle Chase | Making Space Law in the Twenty-First Century

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 03:18:21 +0000

International space law has a rich history that offers valuable lessons for today's challenges in protecting humanity’s use of outer space. So, what prospect is there that the space powers can agree new laws to ensure a smooth path into the next frontier of space use and exploration?

Michelle Chase explores key moments such as the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and the 1972 ABM Treaty, revealing that self-interest often drives these international agreements. Chase calls for renewed international cooperation, drawing from Cold War-era lessons to manage state competition and protect space from modern threats like warfighting and space debris.

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Michael Kidd | UNSW and the Future of Australian Health Care

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 03:07:51 +0000

What would a future with better more equitable healthcare look like? Professor Michael Kidd explores the pivotal role of UNSW in shaping the future of Australian health care. Professor Kidd will explore the university's innovative research, cutting-edge technologies, and commitment to addressing the nation's most pressing health challenges.

By emphasising the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, highlighting how UNSW's integration of medicine, engineering, and data science can lead to groundbreaking advancements in patient care. Through real-world examples and forward-thinking strategies, Professor Kidd paints a vision of a future where Australian health care is more accessible, efficient, and equitable, driven by the pioneering efforts of institutions like UNSW.

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Genevra Hart | Dopamine Habits

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 02:23:09 +0000

Embark on a journey into the labyrinth of the human brain with Genevra Hart, as she reveals the staggering complexity of our neural networks. Within the billions of dense microscopic neural connections that make up the brain, Hart isolates the importance of dopamine in controlling our thoughts and actions. Drawing from her research on decision-making, she illuminates the pivotal role of dopamine in refining our choices, and creating habits. With a focus on potential treatments for addictions, Hart advocates for advanced techniques such as deep brain stimulation. This exploration underscores the endless possibilities of neuroscience and its impact on our lives.

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Toby Walsh | Ministry of AI

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 22:36:49 +0000

What can we expect from a world of deepfakes where anything you see or hear might be synthetic and the output of AI? Scientia Professor of Artificial Intelligence at UNSW, Toby Walsh unpacks untruths and warns of a future inundated with machine-generated content, predicting that soon, 99% of what we read, see, and hear will be created by AI. Listen as Toby discusses the urgent need for digital watermarks to authenticate online content, proposing that this technology can help restore trust. However, he cautions that building this infrastructure will take time, leaving us in a precarious situation where truth is increasingly contested.

Presented as part of The Ethics Centre's Festival of Dangerous Ideas, supported by UNSW Sydney.

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Megan Evans | (Don’t) Question the Fake Carbon Forests

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:00:48 +0000

Carbon markets have been hailed as key pillars in our climate response but in actuality, have turned out to be largely greenwash. Megan Evans, Senior Lecturer at UNSW’s School of Business highlights the flaws in carbon offsetting and questions the effectiveness of emission offsets, revealing that many projects fail to sequester the promised carbon. She emphasises the importance of transparency and accountability in carbon markets, arguing that without criticism and scrutiny, these systems merely perpetuate greenwashing. Listen to the full discussion as Megan urges us to question the status quo and advocate for genuine environmental progress, rather than settling for ineffective measures.

Presented as part of The Ethics Centre's Festival of Dangerous Ideas, supported by UNSW Sydney.

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Michael Richardson | Military AI is Even Worse Than You Think

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 23:16:15 +0000

Associate Professor of Media at UNSW, Michael Richardson examines how technology, culture, and power shape knowledge in war, security and surveillance. He warns that AI’s rapid deployment can lead to catastrophic outcomes in warfare, where algorithms determine lethal targets based on biased data and predictive analytics. Listen as Michael calls for a global resistance against militarised AI, and the need for an ethical standard in technology, as the consequences of these advancements could redefine the very nature of warfare and humanity itself.

Presented as part of The Ethics Centre's Festival of Dangerous Ideas, supported by UNSW Sydney.

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Bronwyn Graham | Women, Your Healthcare is Based on a Man’s Body

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 22:45:00 +0000

In a witty and provocative talk, Professor of Psychology at UNSW, Brownyn Graham addresses the longstanding neglect of the female anatomy in medical research, exemplified by the late mapping of the clitoris. She highlights how centuries of male-centric studies have led to a healthcare system that inadequately services women and overlooks the critical role sex hormones play in our everyday lives. Listen as Bronwyn urges for a more inclusive, evidence-based approach to medical research.

Presented as part of the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, and supported by UNSW Sydney.

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Writing Letters with Brigitta Olubas and Susan Wyndham

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 22:17:22 +0000

Biographer Brigitta Olubas and journalist Susan Wyndham have edited a collection of the letters of eminent novelists Shirley Hazzard and Elizabeth Harrower.

Reflecting on the correspondence of two important writers, they’ll share what they have learned about the art of writing letters and the relationships that they can sustain, and destroy.

Presented by Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Centre for Ideas.

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Degrowth

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 22:26:00 +0000

Despite rapid technological advancements, increasing affluence and population growth continue to strain our planet. Currently not a single country in the world is operating at sustainable level of resource use – and yet that is what we need to aspire to if we’re going to slow climate change, reduce inequality and increase our quality of life. So, how do we get there?

Listen to UNSW’s sustainability scientist Tommy Wiedmann and Professor of Law Bronwen Morgan, CSIRO researcher Sabrina Chakori, and former Deputy Lord Mayor and author of Glimpses of Utopia Jess Scully as host, discuss sustainability and the urgent challenge we face to create a world which ensures human needs are met without sacrificing a sustainable, inclusive future.

Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas.

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Jennifer Gunter: Menstruation, Menopause & Medical Mythology

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 22:22:00 +0000

Why do we know so little about women’s bodies? Over half the world’s population have had a period or could be having a period right now – so why do menstruation and menopause remain such medical mysteries? And why are doctors still scratching their collective heads when asked to explain how female anatomy works? Well, New York Times bestseller Jennifer Gunter is hoping to change that.

In conversation with Caroline Ford, Jennifer will unpack why she’s sick of women being sidelined by the medical profession, and outline the steps we need to take to put women’s bodies and healthcare in the spotlight.

Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and UNSW Medicine & Health as a part of National Science Week.

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Haben Girma: The First Deafblind Harvard Graduate

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 22:33:00 +0000

Haben Girma would prefer not to be called inspiring. But, as the first Deafblind woman to make Harvard history and living in defiance of great social and physical barriers, it is a term often used to describe her achievements. Girma developed a powerful path to success despite facing many social and physical barriers. Overcoming all with an insatiable appetite for social justice as well as a wicked sense of humour, she’s become a leading advocate for people living with disabilities. Girma has been named one of the Forbes 30 Under 30 and was awarded the White House Champion of Change, presented by former President of the United States, Barack Obama.

In an evening of conversation with ABC’s Nas Campanella, Girma shares how she overcame adversity, how we can all advocate for more inclusive design principles, the importance of patience and understanding, and her opinions on Vegemite, in an inspiring discussion.

Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas as a part of Diversity Festival.

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Athena Aktipis: A Field Guide to the Apocalypse

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 23:34:00 +0000

Has climate chaos, the cost-of-living crisis and the threat of AI overlords got you feeling like the end is nigh? Don’t stress. As psychologist and evolutionary biologist Athena Aktipis points out, humankind is hardwired to survive big existential crises.

In this engaging talk, Athena—armed with her trusty ukulele—and UNSW’s Rob Brooks journey through history, psychology, and shared humanity to uncover the tools that will help us survive—and thrive—amidst the chaos. Tune in to the podcast and you can expect to learn about the psychology of stress, tips for prepping (hint: duct tape is essential!), and how embracing our communal nature can turn even the direst situations into opportunities for growth and connection.

Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and UNSW Science as a part of National Science Week.

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Science Communication in the Age of Misinformation

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 23:10:00 +0000

In today's fast paced digital age where misinformation spreads like wildfire, the importance of science communication has never been more critical. From bogus health claims to pseudoscientific theories, the online landscape is rife with inaccuracies that undermine public trust in science. But New York Times bestseller Jennifer Gunter is trying to change this. Dubbed the internet’s gynaecologist, Gunter became an overnight celebrity when she debunked Trump’s medical examination letter and she continues to educate the masses each day.

In conversation with NSW Deputy Chief Scientist Darren Saunders, hear Jen shed light on the challenges facing modern science communicators and offer invaluable insights on how to navigate this uncharted terrain.

This event is presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas, UNSW Medicine & Health and UNSW Science as a part of National Science Week.

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Tamara Davis: Dark Energy

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 23:04:00 +0000

From the celestial ballet of exploding supernovae to the cosmic whispers of gravitational waves, acclaimed astrophysicist Tamara Davis’ journey through the cosmos promises to captivate and inspire. With over two decades dedicated to unravelling cosmic mysteries, Tamara Davis has played a pivotal role in monumental astronomical surveys, uncovering over half a billion galaxies and illuminating the enigmatic nature of dark energy.

Listen as she shares her groundbreaking research with UNSW's Dean of Science, Sven Rogge, which has revealed that not only is the universe accelerating, but the very essence driving this expansion may be evolving over time.

Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas, Australian Institute of Physics and UNSW Science as a part of National Science Week.

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Preppers Episode 5: A Change of Heart

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 23:00:00 +0000

When it comes to climate change, answers can be difficult to nail down. Will the world reach net zero in time? What does a climate change future even look like? Will the changes come in my lifetime – or is it my kids or grandkids who will suffer? With every uncertainty, you can feel your head sink a little deeper into the sand...

What is it about our lives, and the way we do, or don’t, think about climate change, that makes it so difficult to change our behaviors? And what’s being done to help motivate people in high-risk areas to prepare?

This episode features:

Ray Langenfelds – Atmospheric Scientist, CSIRO
Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering
Ben Newell – Professor of Psychology, UNSW Science
Candice Boyd – Associate Producer of Geography and Registered Clinical Psychologist, University of Melbourne
Jeremy Moss – Professor of Philosophy, UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture
Brian Cook – Associate Professor of Geography, University of Melbourne

Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas.

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Preppers Episode 4: Meltdown

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 23:00:00 +0000

We. Love. Heat. Bring on the summer! Right? But as each month sees another heat record broken, should we start thinking about heat differently?

What’s happening on a local and global level to prepare us for extreme weather events – and for a much sweatier future?

This episode features:

Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick – Professor of Climate Science, ANU
Lan Ding – Associate Professor of Built Environment, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture
William Craft – Sustainable Design Researcher, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture
Shayne Gary – Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, UNSW Business School
Giovanni Cunico – PhD Candidate, UNSW Business School
Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering
Tim Howlett – Team Leader Growth Planning Projects, Dubbo Regional Council

Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas.

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Preppers Episode 3: What's It Worth?

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 23:00:00 +0000

As we struggle to reduce carbon emissions, environmental markets are creating a world where money really does grow on trees. But does putting a price on nature, and forcing the economy to value the things it’s always taken for granted, really work? And can it help us prepare for climate change?

This episode features:

Miri (Margaret) Raven – Senior Scientia Lecture, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture
Megan Evans – Senior Lecturer, UNSW Canberra
William Glamore – Professor of Environmental Engineering , UNSW Engineering
Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering

Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas.

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Preppers Episode 2: The End of the World As We Know It

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 23:00:00 +0000

The Earth is cracking under the weight of our expectations, with growth held up as the economic north star. Meanwhile, wildlife populations are collapsing, the ocean is acidifying, and carbon emissions are still increasing. Despite everything we know about what’s wrong and what to do about it, we cling to our current way of life.

Civilizations have collapsed before. Could it be happening again? And if it is, what can we be doing to prepare for it?

This episode features:

Richard Kingsford – Professor of Ecology and Director of the Centre for Ecosystem Science, UNSW Science
Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering
Mark Diesendorf – Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, UNSW Sydney
Jem Bendell – Emeritus Professor of Sustainability Leadership, University of Cumbria

Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas.

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Preppers Episode 1: Ready Or Not

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 00:55:00 +0000

In the popular imagination, preppers are busy hoarding tinned food in their bunkers while they wait for the end of the world. But is this what most prepping looks like? And is climate change as bad as all that?

The bin fire of the last few years has ramped the eco-anxiety up to an 11. But as we go about our lives, studying, feeding our families, paying off our debts and waiting for the next season of The Great British Bake Off, have we all put our heads a little too far into the sand? Sure, we’re all worried, but we can’t be thinking about it all the time, much less heading to the hills to shoot our dinner and drag it back to our underground bunkers. Besides, it won't come to that... will it?

Is there anything we can learn from the prepping mindset as the reality of climate change comes barrelling toward us?

This episode features:

John Scarinci – President, Australian Preppers Survival League
Kezia Barker – Senior Lecturer in Geography, Liverpool John Moores University
Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering

Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas.

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Trailer: Preppers

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 23:01:00 +0000

Get ready to confront the uncomfortable truths about climate change with investigative humorist and climate action enthusiast Dan Ilic in Preppers, a podcast by the UNSW Centre for Ideas that dives deep into the realities we often avoid.

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Joel Pearson on Intuition

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 00:23:00 +0000

Intuition isn’t just hippie-dippie or woo-woo – it saves lives, averts disasters and drives countless innovative business decisions. Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, for one, regularly relied on his gut instincts.

Leading Australian neuroscientist and psychologist Joel Pearson’s The Intuition Toolkit: The New Science of Knowing What, Without Knowing Why presents five scientifically solid strategies for developing intuition that anyone can learn to harness and trust.

Listen to unlock the mysteries of human consciousness as Joel teaches us when it’s safe to rely on intuition in decision-making.

Presented by Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Centre for Ideas.

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Great Debate: Artificial Intelligence is Better Than the Real Thing

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 23:14:00 +0000

Humankind stands at a crossroads: will artificial intelligence make us superhumanly productive, liberating us from life’s most mundane tasks? Or have we opened Pandora’s box, unleashing sentient technology that will eventually destroy us?

In a colossal contest of persuasion and wit, two teams of our best and brightest debate whether artificial intelligence is better than the real thing.

Listen and help us decide once and for all who wins in the battle of man vs. machine with team captains Annabel Crabb and David Marr, as they duke it out alongside teammates Matilda Boseley, Rhys Nicholson, Tracey Spicer and Toby Walsh.

Presented by Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Centre for Ideas.

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Abraham Verghese: The Covenant of Water

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 23:18:00 +0000

Physician and writer Abraham Verghese, author of Cutting for Stone, crafts a masterly narrative of three generations of a family in Kerala, through the eyes of a young girl, from her arranged marriage at the turn of the 20th century to her emergence as the matriarchal figure, Big Ammachi.

Solving the mystery of a family affliction – in every generation, at least one person dies by drowning – the book brings to life a vanished past and the impact of change on lives and communities.

Examine the marriage of medicine and literature with Abraham, joined by host Roanna Gonsalves.

Presented by Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Centre for Ideas.

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Australia's Place in the World

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 23:23:00 +0000

In the wake of a shift in the global power balance, how can Australia best protect itself?

Two of Australia’s most interesting foreign policy thinkers take a fresh look at Australia’s place in the world and come to some surprising conclusions. Clinton Fernandes (Sub-Imperial Power) and Sam Roggeveen (The Echidna Strategy: Australia’s Search for Power and Peace) tackle the big questions about the US alliance, the threat of China, and underneath it all, what kind of country Australia really is.

Listen as Sam and Clinton reshape Australia’s understanding of itself in the international arena, in conversation with Verity Firth AM, Vice-President Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement at the University of New South Wales.

Presented by Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Centre for Ideas.

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Richard Holden on Money in the 21st Century

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 22:34:00 +0000

Money in the 21st century is increasingly cheap, digital and mobile. Looking at the risks and opportunities of low interest rates, cryptocurrencies and the global mobility of money, economist Richard Holden looks at the impact of these forces on our wallets, on the block chain and on major economies.

Presented by Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Centre for Ideas.

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Literary Legends

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 22:03:00 +0000

Explore the literary histories of Charmian Clift, Shirley Hazzard and Elizabeth Harrower.

Following her biography The Life and Myth of Charmian Clift, Nadia Wheatley contributed the afterword to The End of the Morning, Clift’s final manuscript, which was recently published more than 50 years after her death. Literary scholar Brigitta Olubas (Shirley Hazzard: A Writing Life) joins forces with journalist Susan Wyndham to collate Shirley Hazzard and Elizabeth Harrower: The Letters, which reveals the deep and vexed friendship between two of Australia’s greatest writers.

Learn more about these fabled authors’ work and writing lives with the scribes who are salvaging their stories from the archives.

Presented by UNSW Centre for Ideas and Sydney Writer's Festival.

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Jennifer Doudna: My Life in Science

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 23:18:00 +0000

Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna made not just any scientific breakthrough, but uncovered a tool that promises unparalleled control over DNA - the core of existence teetering on the brink between amazing potential and great danger.

Hear the fascinating discussion between Jennifer Doudna and Merlin Crossley as they discuss the mentors who fuelled her scientific passion, the collaborations that led to her incredible discoveries, her experience as a leading woman in STEM, and how her Innovative Genomics Institute is enabling equitable access to CRISPR technology.

Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and UNSW Science.

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Refuge: Viet Thanh Nguyen & Shankari Chandran

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 02:24:58 +0000

The life stories of refugees have all the narrative tropes of myth, replete with world-shattering conflicts, perilous voyages, and courageous heroes who sometimes get to live happily ever after.

Go beyond media reports in this discussion with Pulitzer Prize for Fiction-winner Viet Thanh Nguyen (A Man of Two Faces), Miles Franklin-winner Shankari Chandran (Safe Haven) and refugee law expert and advocate Daniel Ghezelbash as they discuss the refugee experience.

Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and Sydney Writers' Festival. Viet Thanh Nguyen appeared thanks to the support of Fiona and Matthew Playfair.

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Elevating Health in the Climate Debate

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 22:17:00 +0000

As we grapple with the increasing consequences of climate change, experts are warning that it’s not just an environmental issue, declaring it the ‘biggest global health threat of the 21st century’.

In the face of these warnings, where does Australia stand in its preparedness to address these health challenges, both locally and globally?

In a discussion led by ABC’s climate and health reporter, Tegan Taylor, hear from experts on how disasters such as bushfires and droughts, which are heightened by climate change, are triggering a spectrum of health risks - from infectious diseases to respiratory issues, and mental health challenges - with the vulnerable minority and at-risk groups bearing a disproportionate burden.

Panelists included Dr Georgia Behrens MD MScPH, Assistant Director, National Health, Sustainability and Climate Unit; Scientia Professor Guy Marks AO, physician and epidemiologist, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and UNSW Medicine & Health; Professor Ben Newell, Director, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney; and Dr Chloe Watfern, research fellow, Black Dog Institute. Tegan Taylor, award-winning health and science reporter at the ABC, facilitated the discussion.

This event was a collaboration between UNSW Medicine & Health and UNSW Science.

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ENCORE: Stan Grant: The Queen is Dead

Wed, 29 May 2024 22:54:00 +0000

As we observe National Sorry Day and another great year of Sydney Writers' Festival comes to a close, we revisit one of the highlights of last year's program. Leading journalist Stan Grant shared insights from his new book, The Queen is Dead – building an impassioned argument on the necessity for an end to monarchy in Australia, the need for a republic, and what can be done to reckon with our past and negotiate a just settlement with First Nations people. Stan appeared in conversation with George Williams.

This event was presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney.

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