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.   

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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, CSIRO
• Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering
• Ben Newell – Professor of Psychology, UNSW Science
• Candice Boyd – Associate Producer of Geography and Registered Clinical Psychologist, University of Melbourne
• Jeremy Moss – Professor of Philosophy, UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture
• Brian Cook – Associate Professor of Geography, University of Melbourne

Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas. 

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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 & Architecture
• Megan Evans – Senior Lecturer, UNSW Canberra
• William Glamore – Professor of Environmental Engineering , UNSW Engineering  
• Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering

Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas. 

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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, ANU
• Lan Ding – Associate Professor of Built Environment, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture  
• William Craft – Sustainable Design Researcher, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture
• Shayne Gary – Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, UNSW Business School
• Giovanni Cunico – PhD Candidate, UNSW Business School
• Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering
• Tim Howlett – Team Leader Growth Planning Projects, Dubbo Regional Council

Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas. 

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