Debate@Go8

Episode 48 – Professor Stephen J Simpson, Inaugural Academic Director, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney

Professor Stephen J Simpson’s world-leading research on nutrition – which all began 37 years ago by looking into the eating habits of locusts - is changing the way we look at human diets today. He has just stepped down as the Inaugural Academic Director at the Charles Perkins Centre, a multidisciplinary research centre committed to improving global health. Recorded April 2024.

Episode 47 - Professor Greg Neely, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney

Professor Neely on his ground-breaking work using gene-editing technology to help develop new anti-venoms for snake bites and Box Jellyfish stings. He also discusses how an interest in pain led him to the work he is doing now with venoms and how this work, in turn, may lead to breakthroughs around pain in the future.

Episode 46 - The human face of the international student debate

The legislation that would have allowed for the capping of international student numbers looks doomed to fail - with the Coalition and the Greens opposing it. However, the debate around international students continues to rage - wrapped up as it is - erroneously - in arguments about cost of living, housing and immigration. We wanted to put a human face to our international students, so we invited three of them - Ayesha Shaikh from the University of Sydney, Bolong Du from The University of Queensland and Cyrus Cheng from UNSW - into the pod booth to tell us about their motivations, hopes and experiences as international students in Australia. Recorded November 2024.

Episode 45 - Professor James Laurenceson, Director, Australia-China Relations Institute

Professor James Laurenceson discusses the role of the Australia-China Relations Institute, Australia's relationship with China, research collaboration, international students, foreign interference and navigating AUKUS with China. Recorded April 2024.

Episode 44 - Dr Michael Buckland, founder and director of the Australian Brain Bank

Dr Michael Buckland on the risk of developing CTE from head knocks and the need for better regulation in contact sport.

Episode 43 – CSIRO Chief Executive, Dr Doug Hilton AO

CSIRO Chief Dr Doug Hilton discusses the CSIRO’s role and importance to Australia, his life before the CSIRO and the importance of increasing the nation’s spend on research & development. Recorded May 2024.

Episode 42 - Allegra Spender MP, Federal Member for Wentworth

Federal Member for Wentworth, Allegra Spender MP, discusses the current debate around universities and migration, the housing crisis, tax reform, the energy transition and even the unexpected joy of politics. Recorded May 2024.

Episode 41 – Professor George Williams - UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning & Assurance)

Constitutional and human rights law expert from The University of New South Wales, Professor George Williams, discusses some of the extraordinarily challenging issues confronting universities right now. Recorded May 2024.

Episode 40 - EU Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Gabriele Visentin

EU Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency, Gabriele Visentin, discusses the EU’s Indo-Pacific push, the war in Ukraine, the EU-Australia free trade agreement and research collaboration opportunities between the EU and Australia.

Episode 39 - Senator James Paterson on global research & Australia's national security

Senator James Paterson canvasses a range of issues impacting our university sector and our society – from global research cooperation and foreign interference to cyber threats, national security and the rise of extremism in Australia. Recorded February 2024.