Sydney Ideas

A keynote address by prominent anthropologist and geographer Professor Marcia Langton AO, on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. The Indigenous Voice to Parliament is one of the most important discussions taking place in Australia. In the lead up to the vote, we bring together a range of voices from across the University of Sydney and beyond, to offer critical insight to enrich and inform public understanding and dialogue. Professor Langton was joined on stage for a conversation hosted by Professor Lisa Jackson Pulver, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Strategy and Services at the University of Sydney. This event is the next in the 'Voices on the Voice' series. It was held live at the University of Sydney on 3 August 2023. For more details and resources, visit the Sydney Ideas page: https://bit.ly/44Vv754

Epidemiologist and population behavioural scientist Melody Ding gives a talk on the trends and predictors of loneliness and why it’s a public health issue. With Professor Stephen Simpson, Academic Director of Charles Perkins Centre, as host. The recording of this talk is from a live public event held on 27 July 2023 at the University of Sydney. More information, visit the Sydney Ideas website: https://bit.ly/3YoRGws

If there’s a 10% chance that human-level artificial intelligence (AI) would lead to existential risk or an “extremely negative outcome”, what would you do? In this public talks event we had the experts weigh in on the development of AI and untangle the deep, complex questions it raises. Hear from Rebecca Johnson, tech ethics researcher in the Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney; Dr Sandra Peter, Director of Sydney Executive Plus and expert on emerging trends and technology from University of Sydney Business School and Jose-Miguel Bello Villarino, Research Fellow at Sydney Law School and ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making & Society (ADM+S). This talk was hosted by technology reporter, Ariel Bogle. For more information about the researchers, resources and further reading, visit Sydney Ideas: https://bit.ly/3pH7TjU

Hear a keynote address by University of Sydney alumnus Noel Pearson (BA '87, LL B '93), a proud leader from the Guugu Yimidhirr community of Hopevale on the Eastern Cape York Peninsula, and hailed as one of the best orators in Australia. The Indigenous Voice to Parliament is one of the most important discussions taking place in Australia. In his public address, Noel gave perspective on the journey of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament and why it's a "decisive step" for Australia towards recognition and reconciliation. This Sydney Ideas event opens the conversation as the first event in the 'Voices on the Voice' series, a collaboration led by the University's Indigenous Strategy and Services and National Centre for Cultural Competence. More events and discussions are planned to take place over the coming months so stay tuned. For details on the 'Voices on the Voice' series and resources, visit the Sydney Ideas page: https://bit.ly/43oFYDs

Carbon removal, solar power and clean hydrogen – these are just some of the renewable technologies touted as solutions to fossil fuel. How can these different areas of science and technology work together to be part of a shared solution? Three researchers at the forefront of their fields discuss the latest developments and elements – such as advances in science, technology and public awareness – that hold the key for a necessary transition to cleaner forms of energy. They talk about timelines, what's down the pipeline, and the investment needed to get us to that next step. Hear from Anita Ho-Baillie, leader in perovskite solar cell research; hydrogen technology leader Kondo-Francois Aguey-Zinsou; and Deanna D'Alessandro, chemist and director of Net Zero Initiative at the University. Each of the researchers are strong advocates for the technologies they’ve spent their careers building and in this podcast they will share their vision for the technologies developed within their teams. Host for this event was Alice Motion, chemist, science communicator and Interim Director of the University of Sydney Nano Institute (Sydney Nano).

How do we meaningfully engage with Pacific peoples and issues across the region? We invite you to this Talanoa (shared conversation) with host Professor Jioji Ravulo and experts in geopolitics, climate and economic security. Much attention is on the Pacific region as leading world powers seek to have influence and possible control on the access and development of Pacific Islands Counties and its Territories (PICT). The way in which this is occurring is shaped competing priorities and outcomes, underpinned by economic and financial incentives. Despite good will and intention, a key question remains: what are we doing to genuinely and sustainably support Pacific people across the region? This should be the central idea that shapes the way in which regional development occurs across the Pacific region. Our host and panel will critically reflect on this overarching question, with examples drawn from the past, present and possible futures. The panel will also explore key questions including: Who benefits from having influence and control across the region and why? How are the key players held accountable for their varying impacts across the region? What is the role and influence of Pacific people in shaping this dialogue?

Hear from acclaimed writer and historian Dr Olesya Khromeychuk, a leading voice on Russia's war against Ukraine. International observers estimated that Ukraine would fall within days following Russia’s full-scale invasion. A year on, Ukrainian society continues to demonstrate extraordinary defiance and the Ukrainian Armed Forces show unprecedented resistance to the occupying troops. In this Sydney Ideas talk, Dr Olesya Khromeychuk explores the reasons why we might have underestimated Ukrainian resilience and overestimated Russia's might following the events of February 2022; and proposes the lessons that the democratic world has learned over the past 12 months. Dr Olga Boichak, prominent sociologist and frequent commentator on the Russian-Ukrainian war in the media, hosts this event. This event was held on Thursday 2 February 2023 at the University of Sydney. For more info, visit the Sydney Ideas website: http://bit.ly/3JPlsVY

What is the impact of extreme heat and hot weather on human health across the human lifespan? In this Sydney Ideas event, experts from the University's Heat and Health Research Incubator (HHRI) discuss the latest research and provide us with some pretty cool solutions. Did you know that extreme heat and hot weather have devastating consequences for human health and wellbeing? Or that heatwaves cause more deaths than all other natural disasters combined? With our planet heating up, we need to find solutions for how society can not only survive but thrive in extreme temperatures. Professor Ollie Jay (Director, Heat and Health Research Incubator)is joined in conversation with cardiovascular health expert Dr Georgia Chaseling, environmental physiology researcher Dr James Smallcombe, neonatologist Professor Adrienne Gordon and host Tony Capon (Director, Monash Sustainable Development Institute) to discuss the effects of extreme heat on our bodies and its impact on our health and wellbeing across the human lifespan. Hear how researchers at the HHRI are tackling the health impacts of extreme heat with sustainable, low-resource, evidence-based solutions and explore how together we can build a more resilient community to a warming world. This event took place on 13 December 2022 at the Susan Wakil Health Building and live online. To view the video of the event in full, please go to the Sydney Ideas website: https://www.sydney.edu.au/engage/events-sponsorships/sydney-ideas/2022/extreme-heat-and-human-health.html

What is really going on 'under the hood'? What can we do each day to improve our own - and our collective - mental health? In this Sydney Ideas event, a team of experts share cutting-edge research and explore practical ways to reach peak mind and brain health. This online event was held on 27 October to mark Mental Health Month, and co-presented with the Brain and Mind Centre.

In this talk, The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury shares why he believes that competition policy is fundamental to economic dynamism and rising living standards. Dr Leigh was introduced and joined in a conversation with Kirsten Andrew, Vice-President (External Relations) at the University of Sydney. This recording is from a live event held at the University's Chau Chak Wing Museum on Monday 17 October.