UNSW Centre for Ideas

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.

Is it possible to come from privilege whilst striving for a fierce socialist agenda? Polly Toynbee believes so. The prolific British Guardian journalist, commentator and broadcaster unpacks what it means to be privileged in Britain and Australia, and whether the deepening class divide can ever be transcended.   In an evening of conversation with journalist Nick Bryant, Polly opens up about her latest book, An Uneasy Inheritance, detailing how she still grapples with her charmed family history, and how she endeavours to dismantle the rigid class systems of Britain with her prolific writing.Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and supported by Adelaide Writers’ Week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a world where female sexuality has been hijacked by forces such as porn, patriarchy, and male entitlement – how can we make sexual consent a priority for everyone?  Whether it’s on campus, at the workplace or in their homes, Australians are shocked week after week at the violence visited upon women who are simply living their lives.   In 2023, the Universities Accord review found that sexual assault and harassment on university campuses doesn’t just affect the wellbeing of students and staff, it can hold survivors back from success. As a result, campus safety has been deemed a top priority for universities, so what steps are those in positions of power taking to ensure the safety of women within university spaces and beyond?   Hear author and activist Chanel Contos, UNSW student activist and gendered violence researcher Angela Griffin, First Nations lead of the First National LGBT+ Sistergirls and Brotherboys experiences with sexual violence survey Vanessa Lee-Ah Mat, and Chair of national violence prevention foundation Our Watch, Moo Baulch, as they explore how we can utilise holistic approaches to community care when it comes to gendered violence.  UNSW is committed to creating a safe environment for all. To learn more head here.  Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and supported by Adelaide Writers’ Week, The Wheeler Centre and the Sydney Opera House. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fear of a nuclear apocalypse, despot leaders and a world at war – how did the sharpest minds of the Cold War leave such a legacy of fear? Samuel Moyn’s Liberalism Against Itself: Cold War Intellectuals and the Making of Our Times takes aim at liberalism, portraying it as a failed creed marred by a paranoia of communism.   Known for his challenging perspectives and boasting a cult following on the left, the Yale Professor explores the transformation of Cold War liberals who, in his view, traded the Enlightenment's moral core for a fixation on individual liberty. Hear this compelling conversation as UNSW political philosopher Jessica Whyte and Samuel Moyn dissect why today’s liberals provide only pessimism, instead of vision. Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and Australian Human Rights Institute, and supported by Adelaide Writers’ Week.  Secure your seat at Refuge, 23rd May 2024:  https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/refuge-viet-thanh-nguyen-shankari-chandran-registration-836801865907?aff=podcastadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.