In September 2026, Raising the Bar and the University of Canterbury hosted 20 talks in 10 Christchurch venues, filling the city with ideas and conversation for one unforgettable night. The recordings are now available for everyone to enjoy.
Can video games save our humanity? by Dr Kong Meng Liew
Kong Meng Liew, a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Canterbury, explores what video games can tell us about being human. Drawing on research into online communities and mental health, he looks at how virtual worlds can offer belonging, wonder and connection.
28 Sept 2026
Decoding the winning mindset by Dr Dwain Allan
Dwain Allan, a psychological scientist at the University of Canterbury, asks what people really mean by a “winning mindset.” Drawing on new research, he explores how our beliefs about winning can shape what we notice, what we expect and the goals we choose to pursue.
28 Sept 2026
How (not) to play life's games by Dr Elizabeth Stewart
Elizabeth Stewart, a Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Canterbury, examines the points, streaks and rewards that shape everyday choices. She explores how these game-like features can change behaviour, the risks that come with them, and how we can use them without losing sight of what matters to us.
28 Sept 2026
Feeding everyone no matter what by Dr David Denkenberger
David Denkenberger, an Associate Professor at the University of Canterbury, explores how people could meet their basic needs after a global catastrophe. He examines ideas for producing food from seaweed, leaves and wood, alongside practical ways to provide power and clean water when usual systems fail.
28 Sept 2026
The high-wire act of live events by Dr Chris Chen
Chris Chen, Associate Professor in Marketing at the University of Canterbury, takes us behind the scenes of live events. He explores how organisers balance memorable experiences with potential risks, and how psychology and marketing influence event design and crowd behaviour.
28 Sept 2026
What really made Rome great? by Dr Alison Griffith
Alison Griffith, Associate Professor in Classics at the University of Canterbury, looks beyond Rome’s armies and emperors to ask what helped the empire endure. She explores how aqueducts and access to clean water transformed Roman cities, improving health, food supplies and everyday life.
28 Sept 2026
Can animals predict natural disasters? by Dr Stuart Parsons
Stuart Parsons, Professor of Biological Sciences and Executive Dean of Science at the University of Canterbury, investigates reports of animals behaving strangely before earthquakes, tsunamis and storms. He explores what they might be sensing, how scientists test these claims, and what the story of Sri Lankan elephants during the 2004 tsunami can tell us.
28 Sept 2026
A tail of two cities: Wildlife in the urban jungle by Dr Sara Kross
Sara Kross, a Senior Lecturer in Terrestrial Ecology at the University of Canterbury, looks at wildlife in New York City and Ōtautahi Christchurch. Through examples from both cities, she explores how urban design and community conservation can make cities better places for animals and people.
28 Sept 2026
Navigating between knowledge systems: Who gets to define knowledge? by Dr John Vea
John Vea, a lecturer in Fine Arts and Pacific Studies at the University of Canterbury, asks whose knowledge is recognised and valued. Drawing on Pacific approaches to art, education and research, he explores how learning through culture, community and shared experience can challenge and enrich traditional academic ideas.
28 Sept 2026
Can maths help us respond to a pandemic? by Dr Michael Plank
Michael Plank, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Canterbury, explores how mathematical models help people make decisions during pandemics. He explains what models can and cannot tell us, and how they can help make sense of data when the risks and outcomes are uncertain.
28 Sept 2026
Jumping spiders: Tiny brains, complex minds by Dr Ximena Nelson
Ximena Nelson, Professor of Behavioural Ecology at the University of Canterbury, explores the surprising abilities of jumping spiders. She looks at how they use vision to find food and mates, whether they can plan ahead, and what their tiny brains may reveal about animal intelligence.
28 Sept 2026
Ageing strong: Why muscle matters by Dr Sibi Walter
Sibi Walter, a Senior Lecturer in Health Sciences at the University of Canterbury, explains why losing muscle can make everyday activities harder as we age. Drawing on sports science, he explores how strength training can help people stay active, healthy and independent for longer.
28 Sept 2026
Will carbon change the price of everything? by Dr Onur Koska
Onur Koska, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Canterbury, explains how carbon rules could change global trade and the prices of everyday products. He explores what carbon border taxes may mean for New Zealand’s farms and exporters, and whether renewable electricity could give the country an advantage.
28 Sept 2026
My robot wrote a thing! Creativity in the age of Gen AI by Dr Benjamin Miller
Benjamin Miller, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Canterbury, explores how generative AI is changing the way people write, make art and tell stories. He considers what happens when machines become part of the creative process, who gets to create, and what this could mean for artistic expression.
28 Sept 2026
Avian flu: Hoping for the best, preparing for the worst by Dr Tammy Steeves
Tammy Steeves, Professor of Conservation Genomics at the University of Canterbury, examines the threat bird flu poses to New Zealand’s rarest birds. She discusses the plans already in place to protect them, why small populations remain vulnerable, and how conservation efforts can help species withstand future threats.
28 Sept 2026
Following penguins beneath the waves by Dr Rachel Hickcox
Rachel Hickcox, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Canterbury, uses miniature tracking devices to study how penguins travel and find food. Drawing on her work with little, emperor and yellow-eyed penguins, she explains what their movements reveal about life in a changing ocean and how that knowledge can support conservation.
28 Sept 2026
Microplastics: The global experiment no one consented to by Dr Jack Auty
Jack Auty, a Senior Lecturer in Health at the University of Canterbury, investigates how microplastics may affect people and wildlife. He explains what scientists have learned about these tiny particles so far, what remains uncertain, and why their presence throughout the environment matters.
28 Sept 2026
Why are we still stuck at red lights? by Dr Wai Wong
Wai Wong, a Senior Lecturer in Transportation Engineering at the University of Canterbury, explains why traffic lights sometimes keep us waiting when the road looks empty. He explores how smart sensors and connected vehicles could give traffic systems a clearer picture of the roads, helping cities reduce congestion and improve safety.
28 Sept 2026
Why does 2 + 2 = 4? (Hint: The answer may surprise you!) by Dr Randolph Grace
Randolph Grace, Professor of Psychology at the University of Canterbury, asks why we know that 2 + 2 = 4. He explores how our certainty about arithmetic can stop us from asking where numbers come from, drawing on psychology, philosophy and even insect navigation to examine how mathematical ideas take shape in the mind.
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