Island life changes, but ideas don't stop flowing.
Island of Ideas is a series of free public talks designed to ignite conversation and curiosity in our community. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the program explores a wide range of topics.
Dedicated to living in an Island of Ideas, the University of Tasmania proudly shares these talks with our community, in collaboration with experts and partners, always free of charge, both in-person and online.
Subscribe to our mailing list to stay informed about upcoming events, or scroll to watch the latest broadcast and register for the next free event.
Upcoming talks
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Two Ways to See Indigenous Rock Art
Learn about Tasmanian Indigenous rock art and how ancient rock art on Balanggarra Country in the Kimberley, Western Australia, is being brought to life through a unique collaboration between traditional owners and scientists.
Broadcast 26 March 2025.
The Age Illusion and Myth
We’re all getting older - so why does society treat ageing like a problem to be solved? Join Associate Professor Peta Cook as she challenges you to think about growing older as something to embrace, rather than erase.
Broadcast 19 March 2025.
Tasmania’s Debt Dilemma with Saul Eslake
Is Tasmania’s financial future at risk? Economist Saul Eslake unpacks the Government’s response to his independent review and what it means for us all.
Broadcast 12 March 2025.
Arrest Warrants for Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu
Join our experts to explore the legal foundations behind these arrest warrants, the challenges of bringing sitting world leaders to justice, and the wider impact on global diplomacy and the power struggles at play on the global stage.
Broadcast 11 February 2025.
Fact or Fake? The Psychology of Misinformation
What makes us vulnerable to misleading information, even when we suspect it’s false? How deeply can misinformation affect our actions? Cognitive psychology expert, Professor Ullrich Ecker tackles these crucial questions, exploring why certain narratives take root, how they influence our thinking and behaviour, and what strategies can help us navigate today’s complex media landscape.
Broadcast 4 December 2024.
Tasmanian Money Matters with Saul Eslake
Saul's recent review of the State's finances highlight alarming trends, projecting that Tasmania could face a fiscal crisis unless significant changes are made. Find out more about Saul's projections, what the recently released budget means for the future of our state, and what should we be asking of our leaders.
Broadcast 3 October 2024.
Unaccompanied: Children homeless alone
Associate Professor Catherine Robinson delivers the Sandy Duncanson Social Justice Lecture, which explores how we might eradicate homelessness for unaccompanied children in Tasmania and beyond.
Broadcast 18 September 2024.
The Cat Catastrophe: Pet or pest?
Our Island is full of cat lovers, with one in four Tasmanians owned by a feline friend. But either as cherished companions, or cunning predators, cats play a complex role in our environment. Hear from our speakers to find out about the impacts on Tasmania’s unique ecosystem and consider whether cats are pets, or pests.
Broadcast 24 July 2024.
Democracy Done Differently
Join Lara Giddings AO, Saul Eslake, Erin Cooper-Douglas, Charlie Burton and Rob Hortle to discuss the future of democracy in our state. Explore fresh ideas for building faith in our government and think critically about how we might innovate and improve democratic processes, ensuring they reflect Tasmanian values and needs.
Broadcast 2 July 2024.
Can We Survive on a Hotter Planet?
Author and provocateur, Clive Hamilton, says Australia cannot influence the climate we will be living with through this century. He says harsh times are coming, and we should channel our resources into preparing for life on a hotter planet. Is he right? Hear from Clive and an all-star panel of University of Tasmania climate experts as they discuss how we might can survive on a hotter planet.
Broadcast 27 June 2024.
Voyages in the Deep Sea
Join Dr Tony Rathburn as he explores the secrets of the deep sea, where extraordinary creatures defy logic, microscopic organisms hold the keys to our planet's past and present, and urgent questions about the future of marine habitats loom large.
Broadcast 22 May 2024.
Managing Workplace Mojo
Ever felt like a fraud in the workplace, despite your accomplishments? Or thought that burnout and stress could be impacting you or your team’s performance? You are not alone. Learn about imposter syndrome, emotional wellbeing and contagious leadership in the workplace from our panel of experts.
Broadcast 13 March.
Forging a Fire-Ready Future
Amid the increasing threat of unavoidable bushfires, our community confronts a pressing challenge: how do we prepare for the inevitable? As fires become more frequent and intense, the need for proactive measures grows urgent, but is Tasmania ready? Join six experts for a conversation about how we might forge a fire-ready future.
Broadcast 6 March 2024.
Island of Ideas is a series of free public talks guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, designed to ignite conversation and curiosity in our students, alumni and local communities, including displaced people and refugees.