UNSW Centre for Ideas

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.

Breakneck cultural change means growing up today is a completely different experience from growing up in the 1950s, or the 1980s, or even the 2000s. Psychologist and author of Generations and iGen Jean Twenge, researcher and geriatrician expert on ABC’s Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds and Teenagers Stephanie Ward, and co-founder of youth media platform The Daily Aus Sam Koslowski discuss what is driving these changes and where the widening generation gap could take us as a society? Presented as part of The Ethics Centre's Festival of Dangerous Ideas., supported by UNSW Sydney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has been a close ally of the United States since 1940, but what does this mean for contemporary politics when democracy is more fragile than ever?Chaired by Festival favourite Barrie Cassidy, one of Australia’s most experienced political correspondents and analysts, this expert panel features former BBC foreign correspondent Nick Bryant (The Forever War: America’s Unending Conflict With Itself), UNSW Sydney Professor of Law and constitutional democracy specialist Rosalind Dixon and Senior Fellow of the University of Sydney’s United States Studies Centre Bruce Wolpe (Trump’s Australia: How Trumpism changed Australia and the shocking consequences for us of a second term).Unpack the far-reaching ramifications of this relationship across trade, security, foreign policy and beyond.This event is presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What can we expect from a world of deepfakes where anything you see or hear might be synthetic and the output of AI? Scientia Professor of Artificial Intelligence at UNSW, Toby Walsh unpacks untruths and warns of a future inundated with machine-generated content, predicting that soon, 99% of what we read, see, and hear will be created by AI. Listen as Toby discusses the urgent need for digital watermarks to authenticate online content, proposing that this technology can help restore trust. However, he cautions that building this infrastructure will take time, leaving us in a precarious situation where truth is increasingly contested. Presented as part of The Ethics Centre's Festival of Dangerous Ideas, supported by UNSW Sydney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carbon markets have been hailed as key pillars in our climate response but in actuality, have turned out to be largely greenwash. Megan Evans, Senior Lecturer at UNSW’s School of Business highlights the flaws in carbon offsetting and questions the effectiveness of emission offsets, revealing that many projects fail to sequester the promised carbon. She emphasises the importance of transparency and accountability in carbon markets, arguing that without criticism and scrutiny, these systems merely perpetuate greenwashing. Listen to the full discussion as Megan urges us to question the status quo and advocate for genuine environmental progress, rather than settling for ineffective measures. Presented as part of The Ethics Centre's Festival of Dangerous Ideas, supported by UNSW Sydney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Associate Professor of Media at UNSW, Michael Richardson examines how technology, culture, and power shape knowledge in war, security and surveillance. He warns that AI’s rapid deployment can lead to catastrophic outcomes in warfare, where algorithms determine lethal targets based on biased data and predictive analytics. Listen as Michael calls for a global resistance against militarised AI, and the need for an ethical standard in technology, as the consequences of these advancements could redefine the very nature of warfare and humanity itself. Presented as part of The Ethics Centre's Festival of Dangerous Ideas, supported by UNSW Sydney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a witty and provocative talk, Professor of Psychology at UNSW, Brownyn Graham addresses the longstanding neglect of the female anatomy in medical research, exemplified by the late mapping of the clitoris. She highlights how centuries of male-centric studies have led to a healthcare system that inadequately services women and overlooks the critical role sex hormones play in our everyday lives. Listen as Bronwyn urges for a more inclusive, evidence-based approach to medical research. Presented as part of the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, and supported by UNSW Sydney.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Biographer Brigitta Olubas and journalist Susan Wyndham have edited a collection of the letters of eminent novelists Shirley Hazzard and Elizabeth Harrower.Reflecting on the correspondence of two important writers, they’ll share what they have learned about the art of writing letters and the relationships that they can sustain, and destroy. Presented by Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Centre for Ideas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered what makes us tick as individuals, or why societies thrive or fall apart? Michael Muthukrishna, the mind behind the groundbreaking A Theory of Everyone has the answers. By blending psychology, anthropology, and economics into a revolutionary framework Muthukrishna dives into how cultural evolution and social learning shape everything from our daily decisions to the fate of entire civilisations.  Whether you’re curious about the roots of human behaviour or looking for fresh insights into global challenges like inequality and cooperation, this talk with UNSW Scientia Professor Rob Brooks provides a blueprint for a better future.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite rapid technological advancements, increasing affluence and population growth continue to strain our planet. Currently not a single country in the world is operating at sustainable level of resource use – and yet that is what we need to aspire to if we’re going to slow climate change, reduce inequality and increase our quality of life. So, how do we get there?   Listen to UNSW’s sustainability scientist Tommy Wiedmann and Professor of Law Bronwen Morgan, CSIRO researcher Sabrina Chakori, and former Deputy Lord Mayor and author of Glimpses of Utopia Jess Scully as host, discuss sustainability and the urgent challenge we face to create a world which ensures human needs are met without sacrificing a sustainable, inclusive future.  Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do we know so little about women’s bodies? Over half the world’s population have had a period or could be having a period right now – so why do menstruation and menopause remain such medical mysteries? And why are doctors still scratching their collective heads when asked to explain how female anatomy works? Well, New York Times bestseller Jennifer Gunter is hoping to change that.   In conversation with Caroline Ford, Jennifer will unpack why she’s sick of women being sidelined by the medical profession, and outline the steps we need to take to put women’s bodies and healthcare in the spotlight. Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and UNSW Medicine & Health as a part of National Science Week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Haben Girma would prefer not to be called inspiring. But, as the first Deafblind woman to make Harvard history and living in defiance of great social and physical barriers, it is a term often used to describe her achievements. Girma developed a powerful path to success despite facing many social and physical barriers. Overcoming all with an insatiable appetite for social justice as well as a wicked sense of humour, she’s become a leading advocate for people living with disabilities. Girma has been named one of the Forbes 30 Under 30 and was awarded the White House Champion of Change, presented by former President of the United States, Barack Obama.    In an evening of conversation with ABC’s Nas Campanella, Girma shares how she overcame adversity, how we can all advocate for more inclusive design principles, the importance of patience and understanding, and her opinions on Vegemite, in an inspiring discussion.   Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas as a part of Diversity Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has climate chaos, the cost-of-living crisis and the threat of AI overlords got you feeling like the end is nigh? Don’t stress. As psychologist and evolutionary biologist Athena Aktipis points out, humankind is hardwired to survive big existential crises.  In this engaging talk, Athena—armed with her trusty ukulele—and UNSW’s Rob Brooks journey through history, psychology, and shared humanity to uncover the tools that will help us survive—and thrive—amidst the chaos. Tune in to the podcast and you can expect to learn about the psychology of stress, tips for prepping (hint: duct tape is essential!), and how embracing our communal nature can turn even the direst situations into opportunities for growth and connection.  Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and UNSW Science as a part of National Science Week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's fast paced digital age where misinformation spreads like wildfire, the importance of science communication has never been more critical. From bogus health claims to pseudoscientific theories, the online landscape is rife with inaccuracies that undermine public trust in science. But New York Times bestseller Jennifer Gunter is trying to change this. Dubbed the internet’s gynaecologist, Gunter became an overnight celebrity when she debunked Trump’s medical examination letter and she continues to educate the masses each day.   In conversation with NSW Deputy Chief Scientist Darren Saunders, hear Jen shed light on the challenges facing modern science communicators and offer invaluable insights on how to navigate this uncharted terrain. This event is presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas, UNSW Medicine & Health and UNSW Science as a part of National Science Week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the celestial ballet of exploding supernovae to the cosmic whispers of gravitational waves, acclaimed astrophysicist Tamara Davis’ journey through the cosmos promises to captivate and inspire. With over two decades dedicated to unravelling cosmic mysteries, Tamara Davis has played a pivotal role in monumental astronomical surveys, uncovering over half a billion galaxies and illuminating the enigmatic nature of dark energy. Listen as she shares her groundbreaking research with UNSW's Dean of Science, Sven Rogge, which has revealed that not only is the universe accelerating, but the very essence driving this expansion may be evolving over time.   Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas, Australian Institute of Physics and UNSW Science as a part of National Science Week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to climate change, answers can be difficult to nail down. Will the world reach net zero in time? What does a climate change future even look like? Will the changes come in my lifetime – or is it my kids or grandkids who will suffer? With every uncertainty, you can feel your head sink a little deeper into the sand... What is it about our lives, and the way we do, or don’t, think about climate change, that makes it so difficult to change our behaviors? And what’s being done to help motivate people in high-risk areas to prepare? This episode features:  Ray Langenfelds – Atmospheric Scientist, CSIROTommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW EngineeringBen Newell – Professor of Psychology, UNSW ScienceCandice Boyd – Associate Producer of Geography and Registered Clinical Psychologist, University of MelbourneJeremy Moss – Professor of Philosophy, UNSW Arts, Design and ArchitectureBrian Cook – Associate Professor of Geography, University of Melbourne Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We. Love. Heat. Bring on the summer! Right? But as each month sees another heat record broken, should we start thinking about heat differently? What’s happening on a local and global level to prepare us for extreme weather events – and for a much sweatier future? This episode features:  Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick – Professor of Climate Science, ANULan Ding – Associate Professor of Built Environment, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture  William Craft – Sustainable Design Researcher, UNSW Arts, Design & ArchitectureShayne Gary – Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, UNSW Business SchoolGiovanni Cunico – PhD Candidate, UNSW Business SchoolTommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW EngineeringTim Howlett – Team Leader Growth Planning Projects, Dubbo Regional Council Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we struggle to reduce carbon emissions, environmental markets are creating a world where money really does grow on trees. But does putting a price on nature, and forcing the economy to value the things it’s always taken for granted, really work? And can it help us prepare for climate change? This episode features:  Miri (Margaret) Raven – Senior Scientia Lecture, UNSW Arts, Design & ArchitectureMegan Evans – Senior Lecturer, UNSW CanberraWilliam Glamore – Professor of Environmental Engineering , UNSW Engineering  Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.