UNSW Centre for Ideas

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nadia Wheatley, author of "The Life and Myth of Charmian Clift," shares insights on Clift's unique perspective as an expat whose letters were mostly lost. Literary scholar Brigitta Olubas and journalist Susan Wyndham delve into the deep yet complex friendship between Shirley Hazzard and Elizabeth Harrower, showcasing how their correspondence shaped their literary careers. They highlight the impact of childhood experiences on creativity and the importance of preserving personal writings as a vital part of literary history.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Creative Conversation, the second of the series, Vince Frost of Frost*collective discusses Scaling a Creative Business with Shelley Simpson, Founder and Creative Director of Mud Australia, known for their timeless handmade ceramic homewares, renowned contemporary artist Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran and Professor Frederik Anseel Dean, UNSW Business School. The panel explore the journey from honing their craft to scaling a creative business and sharing their lessons and learnings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s scientific landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising research methodologies and scientific writing, reshaping how we conduct and disseminate research. As AI’s presence grows, so do questions surrounding ethics, authenticity and the integrity of scientific publications. While AI brings benefits like efficiency and new ideas, it also brings challenges like bias and fake information.Now, we wonder: what should, and shouldn’t we publish? Hear Dr Eric Rubin, Editor-in-Chief of the New England Journal of Medicine, and Professor Nick Fisk, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research & Enterprise at UNSW Sydney, as they offer invaluable insights into ethical considerations in AI-integrated research, explain what should not be published considering technological advancements, and pinpoint red flags to steer clear of in scientific literature. Presented by UNSW Medicine & HealthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently listed among the Top 100 Global Thought Leaders in AI, Marek Kowalkieviczas introduces his latest book, The Economy of Algorithms: AI and the Rise of the Digital Minions. Hear a thought-provoking conversation between Marek and UNSW AI Institute’s Chief Scientist, Scientia Professor Toby Walsh, as they discuss the book's insights, current AI trends, challenges, and future prospects. Presented by UNSW AI Institute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.