

Sydney Ideas
Sydney Ideas
Sydney Ideas is the University of Sydney's premier public lecture series program, bringing the world's leading thinkers and the latest research to the wider Sydney community.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 30, 2024 • 40min
Medical moonshots
Can we fast-track cures for diseases? Hear about exciting discoveries in novel therapeutics, nanomedicines, AI and neuroimaging with leading researchers Michael Bowen, Victoria Cogger and Chenyu Tim Wang. Hosted by Tegan Taylor, ABC health and science journalist.
This podcast is a recording of a live public event held on 22 August 2024. For more links and resources, including the transcript, visit Sydney Ideas website: bit.ly/3XyTUuJ

Jun 26, 2024 • 29min
Music on your mind
Psychologist Lee-Fay Low, and music scholars Neal Peres Da Costa and Helen Mitchell and host Angharad Yeo unravel the fascinating links between music and the brain. Can music activity help slow down cognitive decline?
This event was held live at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music on 20 June 2024. For more details and resources, visit the Sydney Ideas page:https://www.sydney.edu.au/engage/events-sponsorships/sydney-ideas/2024/music-and-dementia.html

Apr 10, 2024 • 45min
Oceanic narratives: Interweaving past, present and future
Delve into the history, science, and beauty of the natural world with Australian author James Bradley, Professor of Marine Biology Maria Byrne, ocean and climate advocate Tishiko King and host Helen Sullivan (Guardian Australia).
This event was held live at the University of Sydney on 8 March 2024. For more details and resources, visit the Sydney Ideas page: https://bit.ly/49wNNtl

Mar 25, 2024 • 44min
Art of good health and wellbeing
Explore how the arts are transforming health and education to improve care and wellbeing with acclaimed playwright Wesley Enoch, poet Selina Tusitala Marsh, nursing professor Brendan McCormack and host Claire Hooker (CREATE Centre).
This podcast is a recording of a live public event held on 21 March 2024. For more links and resources, including the transcript, visit Sydney Ideas website: https://bit.ly/4a5GeLf

Mar 5, 2024 • 50min
Alastair Campbell: Setting The Mental Health Agenda
How do we move the needle on mental health outcomes? Alastair Campbell and leading experts discuss what can be done to influence the appropriate social and political responses.
Known for his role as communications director for former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Tony Blair, Alastair Campbell has emerged as a prominent advocate for mental health action around the world.
In this Sydney Ideas public talk, Alastair shares brief reflections and then joined on stage by NSW Minister for Mental Health and Youth, The Hon. Minister Rose Jackson MLC; business leader Sam Mostyn AO (Chair of Beyond Blue); and youth mental health leaders Tanya Dearle and Zsofi de Haan.
Our esteemed panel explore ways of moving forward and creating action to enhance mental health services and outcomes for all.
Professor Ian Hickie AO, Co-director of Health and Policy at Brain and Mind Centre, hosts this event.
This event was held on Monday 4 March 2024 at the University of Sydney and was presented with Brain and Mind Centre and Matilda Centre.

Nov 24, 2023 • 38min
Activating allies for gender equality
A public conversation about intergenerational perspectives on allyship for gender equality – its importance, how to activate allies, and what effective and accountable allyship looks like.
Featuring gender equality champion Elizabeth Broderick AO; internationally recognised diversity and inclusion scholar Mustafa Ozbilgin; Tom Snow, Chair of Snow Medical and Chair of Equality Australia; and host Antoinette Lattouf, author, journalist and broadcaster.
This event was held live at the University of Sydney Business School on 21 November 2023 and presented with the University's Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Program.
For more info and resources, including a transcript, visit the Sydney Ideas website: https://bit.ly/3ul3S6u

Nov 13, 2023 • 1h 5min
What art ought to be
Yorta Yorta woman, composer and soprano Deborah Cheetham Fraillon was joined by some of the country’s most creative minds for an expansive conversation that reflects on the role of the arts in a post-referendum Australia.
Australia, at this time following the Voice to Parliament referendum and with a new national arts and cultural policy, is going to be profoundly changed. The arts has, and will have, a role in reflecting our aspirations – so what do we want? How does the arts articulate and advance this? Hear from:
Professor Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO, Elizabeth Todd Chair of Vocal Studies at Sydney Conservatorium of Music;
Michael Dagostino, Director of Museums and Cultural Engagement at the University of Sydney;
Guzheng performing artist Mindy Meng Wang; and
Host Jess Scully, author and curator.
The recording of this podcast was from a live event held on Wednesday 1 November 2023 at the University of Sydney. Aunty Ann Weldon gave a Welcome to Country (which was referenced by Deborah in the podcast). For more info and resources, including a transcript, visit the Sydney Ideas website: https://bit.ly/40AegDs

Oct 20, 2023 • 37min
Introducing The Solutionists, with Mark Scott
In today’s show we wanted to introduce to you a new podcast we think you might enjoy. It’s called 'The Solutionists', with Mark Scott.
Big challenges need big solutions. Meet the minds making it happen.
Join Mark Scott, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sydney, and get ready to view the world from a different perspective.
From our own wellbeing to the preservation of the planet, The Solutionists dives into the most pressing issues of our time and introduces you to the people unearthing the seeds of remarkable solutions.
You'll discover a world of progress and possibility.
Take a listen to episode one of The Solutionists, with Mark Scott, which is about how to cool your body and survive in extreme heat. For more info, notes and the transcript, visit The Solutionists website: https://bit.ly/3QbJGvo
Next time at Sydney Ideas, explore 'What art ought to be' and 'Activating allies for gender equality.' Join us live at the University of Sydney campus in November or stay tuned for the podcast. Get the details: https://bit.ly/491QvYP

Oct 5, 2023 • 37min
Zara Seidler in conversation with Phoebe Saintilan
Hear from two pioneering University of Sydney alumni changing the game in news and media: Zara Seidler, co-founder of Australia's fastest growing social-first news service, The Daily Aus; and Phoebe Saintilan, founder of new media technology company Missing Perspectives.
Zara and Phoebe swap stories about their multifaceted careers from politics to journalism, to finding their footing in a profoundly disrupted landscape.
The recording for this podcast was from a live event held at the University of Sydney on 21 September 2023. Visit the Sydney Ideas website for more info, links and resources: https://bit.ly/3S42oYr

Sep 18, 2023 • 36min
Breaking down disinformation
In this conversation, hear academic experts discuss disinformation – what makes it so influential and problematic, roles and responsibilities of our institutions and platforms, and how to counteract it for better decision-making.
Featuring: philosopher Lee McIntyre, digital platforms researcher Joanne Gray and cognitive scientist Micah Goldwater. Farz Edraki, writer, editor and broadcaster at ABC, hosts this discussion.
The recording is from live event held at the University of Sydney on 12 September 2023. For more details and resources, visit the Sydney Ideas page: https://bit.ly/3EKygcI