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.
Our talks resume in 2025 - check back here in February for details.
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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.
The Power and Possibility of Black Knowing
Professor Watego highlights how recognising the expertise of Indigenous knowledges can lead to greater freedom and recognition for Indigenous peoples. Learn about the power and potential of Indigenous scholarship, showing how it can support Indigenous sovereignty and humanity.
Broadcast 14 November 2024.
Planning in a Time of Polycrisis: Possibilities for hope?
We live in a time of polycrisis, where challenges like housing shortage and climate change overlap and intertwine. Once a solution, urban planning is now criticised for stalling progress. Professor Nicole Gurran explores how planners can rebuild trust and use planning to create resilient, inclusive communities ready to thrive in these challenging times.
Broadcast 7 November 2024.
The Value of Independence
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and President of Timor-Leste, His Excellency José Ramos-Horta talks about the importance of independence and the power of building international solidarity. Discover how, despite adversity, these values helped him foster peace, freedom, and democracy so that Timor-Leste and surrounding nations might flourish.
Broadcast 10 October 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.
Hope and Leadership with Rosie Batty
Rosie Batty joins Dr Carmel Hobbs to talk about her journey from tragedy to advocacy, offering lessons on resilience, community action, and finding hope.
Broadcast 20 September 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.
In Hobart, the removal of a statue of a former Tasmanian Premier and surgeon sparked community debate. This talk will consider questions arising from the debate, including why removal was necessary, what it means for Tasmania, and how we might respectfully and inclusively represent our history in public places.
Broadcast 4 September 2024.
Australia and the Antarctic Treaty
Australia has been pivotal in supporting the Antarctic Treaty System, balancing national interests with global cooperation. In today’s world of geopolitical tension, can Australia and the Treaty adapt? Hear more from Emeritus Professor Marcus Haward at the 2024 Phillip Law Lecture.
Broadcast 22 August 2024.
Antarctic Wildlife: Skating on thin ice
Antarctic sea ice is changing, impacting the animals that depend on it. Join our panel of experts to discuss the recent changes and discover how they affect Antarctic wildlife.
Broadcast 13 August 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.
The Chief Justice in Conversation
In 25 years as a judge of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Alan Blow AO has all manner of stories to tell. Join him in conversation with barrister Regina Weiss as they consider some of the leading cases of his career, and the impacts they’ve had both within and beyond the courtroom.
Broadcast 13 June 2024.
Dollars and Sense: Exposing unfair pricing
From grocery store shelves to the petrol pump, price gouging casts a shadow over many of our lives. But who is responsible and what can be done about it? Dig into the heart of the matter with expert economist, Professor David Byrne as he delivers the 2024 Giblin lecture.
Broadcast 4 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.
Uprooted and Unprotected: 110 million displaced lives
The 2024 Red Cross Oration explores the challenges faced by the 110 million forcibly displaced people worldwide and advocates for collective action and solutions.
Broadcast 8 May 2024.
Melodies as Medicine: The power of music
Discover the transformative power of music and singing from our experts. Consider how it impacts wellness and learn about the neuroscience behind music-making and its effects on the brain.
Broadcast 10 April 2024.
Antibiotic Armageddon: Do we have hope?
In the microscopic world, a silent but significant war is raging against superbugs, or Antimicrobial-Resistant (AMR) bacteria. These tiny troublemakers adapt to resist drugs designed to kill them, making infections harder to treat. Join Professor Tim Walsh to learn about AMR and discover how we might turn the tide and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.
Broadcast 21 March.
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.