Archives: Events

What has science learned from the COVID pandemic? What have governments learned? What did Australia get wrong, and what right? What are the chances of another pandemic? And what are our chances of surviving it? Special guest speakers Peter Doherty and Christine Keneally discuss.

On the 400th anniversary of the publication of the First Folio of Shakespeare’s plays in 1623, John O’Donnell presents incontrovertible evidence on the true author.

Is the world headed for a new cold war? Or a hot one? How close are we to the precipice? What are Australia’s options? Do we have any besides the US alliance and AUKUS? Special guests Jim Middleton and Nick Bisley discuss.

Sheila Drummond Memorial Session. Amidst rampant lies, conspiracy theories, fake news, deepening tribalism, and fashionable fascisms, how can we shore up democracy? How can we assure faith in democratic institutions, including the media, and enliven grassroots political life. How can we invigorate Australian democracy? With special guest speakers Sean Kelly, George Megalogenis and Sally Warhaft.

with special guest speakers Jock Serong, Andrew Rule, Tom Griffiths & Don Watson

As machines increasingly match the capabilities of humans, it’s never been more challenging to describe the nature of consciousness. Elizabeth Finkel will take a look at the progress with a panel whose members are all globally recognized leaders in this field.

There has never been a more important moment for the public to learn about the scientific method. In the 17th century, the scientific revolution gave us a solid foundation for how to build knowledge. Elizabeth Finkel’s book ‘Proof’ reveals the scientific method in action in the 21st century.

To be released in July, a new book from award-winning composer and broadcaster Andrew Ford, ‘The Shortest History of Music’ is a lively, authoritative tour through several thousand years of music. Packed with colourful characters and surprising details, it sets out to understand what exactly music is – and why humans are irresistibly drawn to making it.

Evolutionary geneticist and singer Professor Jenny Graves will be interviewed by ABC Science Show personality Robyn Williams on her career sorting out the genes and chromosomes that determine sex, and her recent conception, writing and performing of a new oratorio that tells the creation story from science.

City versus bush. It’s one of Australia’s oldest divides, reflecting two very different ideas of who we are as a people. How do we build a bridge between the two in the 21st century when our cosmopolitan capitals and parochial regional towns and country areas have never been further apart in terms of age, ethnic make-up, income and cultural outlook?