UNSW Centre for Ideas

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.