Big Ideas

Science fiction has a habit of becoming science fact. Many of the gadgets we now use and the social challenges of technology were first imagined by science fiction writers . So what does science fiction have to say about the future of work?

What science fiction says about the future of work and why science fiction should be compulsory reading for leaders and policy makers

Meteorites have a story to tell about the origins of the solar system. Fifty years ago a meteorite fell near the small town of Murchison in Victoria. Scientists who study the Murchison meteorite say this chunk of rock lets us look back to where it all began 4.6 billion years ago.

Co-founder of Lonely Planet, Tony Wheeler, has inspired generations of travellers to explore the four corners of the planet. But in an age where travel is more accessible than ever, what does it really mean to have been ‘everywhere’?

Gold has always been significant to our lives. How did such an unreactive element become essential to economies around the world? And what makes gold so useful to chemists?

Gold is the foundation of most economies around the world because it keeps its value. This consistency can in fact be traced back to Roman times. And Tony Wheeler, co-founder of Lonely Planet, takes you to some of the world’s most interesting tourism destinations.

Toxic masculinity, and a 'boys will be boys' culture, is harmful to women and men. It can lead to violence against women, and mental illness in men. How do we change cultural attitudes?

Throughout Australian history there have been countless infamous crimes, and criminals. Books, television programs, movies, and podcasts that we consume, reveal a public penchant for true crime stories. Why are we we so fascinated with crime?

A feature of the current wave of populist leaders is the pushback against women's rights and freedoms. Tough-guy politicians, from Russia to South America, use sexual language to put down their female opponents and champion a return to traditional gender roles. The governments they lead chip away at gender equality measures.

Turkish political journalist Ece Temelkuran talks about the need to pushback against right-wing populism and nationalism. She argues that disillusioned communities look to authoritarian leaders to restore their place in society and that every country is vulnerable to the attack on democracy and human rights.