The Yarn

A decade before the global internet even existed, William Gibson coined the term "cyberspace". He was describing a realm of pure information in his 1983 novel Neuromancer. The story unfolds in a future where data flows form the arteries of an interconnected world. 

It’s one of many inventions that appeared in novels and films years before they materialised in reality, along with spaceships, Artificial Intelligence, and even credit cards.  

This week, we’re bringing you stories about the cutting-edge innovations of today that are straight out of the science fiction of yesteryear. 

It’s the fourth episode of Sci-Fi, a series envisioning alternative futures and imaginary realms. These stories were produced for the Science Gallery’s new exhibition — Sci-Fi: Mythologies Transformed, which is open now.

Featuring stories by Anna Lau, Zaid Dia, Aditi Borooah Thekedath, and Nicholas Quinlan.

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Back in the 13th Century, a catastrophic eruption in Indonesia ushered in a “volcanic winter”. Sulfur smothered the sky, causing crop failure and famine as far away as Europe.  

Almost 800 years later, geoengineers are considering replicating this effect on purpose. The theory goes that plumes of aerosols could shield us from the sun and combat climate change. Experts say it could work, but not without a slew of risks.  

This week, we’re bringing you stories about the environmental tradeoffs that come with attempts at progress 

It’s the third episode of Sci-Fi, a series envisioning alternative futures and imaginary realms. These stories were produced for the Science Gallery’s new exhibition — Sci-Fi: Mythologies Transformed, which is open now. 

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When we think of navigation, we imagine satellite imagery mapping our world with laser-point precision.  But not all maps are for navigating reality.  

"World building” describes the mapping of entire fictional realms. Think the vast continent of Middle Earth in Lord of the Rings, or the expansive galaxies of Star Trek. 

But it doesn’t end there. It can extend to complex political systems, ancient histories, and even functional languages.  

This week, we’re bringing you stories about how these worlds are fabricated—and what they can teach us about our own.  

It’s the second episode of Sci-Fi, a series envisioning alternative futures and imaginary realms. These stories were produced for the Science Gallery’s new exhibition — Sci-Fi: Mythologies Transformed, which is open now. 

Featuring stories by Finley Monaghan-McGrath, Matthew Yammouni Jagoda Ziolkowska, Madeline Barrett, and Disha Mehta.

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2030. That’s the date renowned futurist Ray Kurzweil says humans could merge with machines and achieve immortality. He's is a disciple of transhumanism — a movement aiming to cheat death through technological innovations.    

We might not get there by 2030, but this week, we’re bringing you stories about the breakthroughs paving the way. Stories about breaking free from human limits. 

It’s the first episode of Sci-Fi, a series envisioning alternative futures and imaginary realms. These stories were produced for the Science Gallery’s new exhibition — Sci-Fi: Mythologies Transformed, which opens this weekend. 

Featuring stories by Anna Siemering, Vivian Wei, Zi Xuan Kon, and Darcy Towe.

Image by kjpargeter on Freepik.

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For Australian whistleblowers, the truth often comes at price. 

The Human Rights Law Centre says federal whistleblowing laws have failed to protect a single person since their inception, and those who speak out risk exorbitant fines or even jail time. 

Today, you’ll hear from a panel of experts who say reforms are long overdue: Kieran Pender (an expert in legal frameworks for whistleblower protections), Karen Percy (a veteran journalist and leader in media advocacy), and Rick Morton (an investigative journalist who writes for the Saturday paper).  

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Today we're returning to our News Bites series which spotlights the work of staff and students at the Centre for Advancing Journalism. 

This week’s guest is podcaster, PhD candidate, and former journalism student Dylan Bird. You might recognise his voice from Triple R’s Future Perfect program, which Dylan hosts. He also works behind the scenes on the CAJ podcast Masterclass.  

On top of this, he’s currently completing a PhD about how podcasts can maintain democracy. 

He spoke to senior tutor Bernadette Nunn about producing audio stories, hosting live radio, and the political potential of podcasting.  

Shownotes:

Big Cats in the Bush

Democratic listening: News podcasts, trust and political participation in Australia

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24 hours after announcing a partial victory, the pro-Palestine encampment at the University of Melbourne is still intact and students are still occupying the Arts West building.  

It’s not what they were anticipating yesterday. During a press conference last night, a pro-Palestine spokesperson said the university had agreed to a deal that could end the encampment. 

The protesters were set to pack up and go home — but only if the university sent an email confirming the agreement to all staff and students.  

Today, that email didn’t arrive (although the university has updated its research transparency page). 

Even if the deal does go forward, the protesters stressed that their campaign is far from over and expressed concern that protesters could still be disciplined. 

In today's episode, you'll hear from journalist James Costa about his reporting on the student protesters risking suspension. 

Thanks to journalists Preeshita Shah, Kristian Oka Prasetyadi, and Ellen Cutler for additional reporting. 

Show notes:

James Costa's reporting for The Citizen

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On Wednesday, dozens of pro-Palestine protesters occupied the University of Melbourne’s Arts West building. They say this sit-in will last until they are either forcibly removed or their demands are met. They’re calling for the divestment of university funds from weapons manufacturers.  

The university has threatened those involved with severe consequences. Last night, police were given the green light to evict protesters. 

It’s an escalation of the ongoing Gaza solidarity camp on the university’s south lawn, where tents popped up over three weeks ago. 

The Yarn spoke to The Citizen’s James Costa about his reporting on the sit-in. 

Show notes:

James Costa's article about the sit-in

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Coming up to its third week, the Gaza solidarity camp at the University of Melbourne is growing — It’s almost quadrupled to at least ninety tents. 

But the encampment is coming under increasing pressure.  Last Thursday, pro-Israel demonstrators marched across campus, culminating in a face off with pro-Palestine students amid a heavy police presence.

And this week, Petter Dutton called for encampments across the country to be forcibly removed. He also proposed new laws to fine Universities who don’t comply.  

But protesters say they’re staying put until their demands are met. They’re calling for the university to cut ties with weapons manufacturers.

In today's episode, you'll hear interviews about life at the encampment over the last two weeks. 

Featuring reporting by Ellen Cutler, Preeshita Shah, and Ricky Sproule.

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On ANZAC Day last week, protesters set up camp at the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus. Since then, the “Gaza solidarity encampment” has been the epicentre of several peaceful demonstrations attracting hundreds of participants. 

On Monday, more than 300 protesters marched on campus demanding the university to cut ties with weapons manufacturers and take an “ethical stance” against Israel’s rising death toll in Gaza. 

In this special episode, you'll hear from The Citizen’s cadet James Costa and student journalist Fatemeh Mirjalili about their reporting on this issue. 

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