In October 2025, Raising the Bar and The University of Western Australia hosted 10 free talks across 5 lively Perth venues, creating another unforgettable evening of ideas, insights, and conversation. Missed it or want to listen again? The recordings are now available for everyone to enjoy.
Branching out: how we might defeat shot hole borer - By Associate Professor Theo Evans
Associate Professor Theo Evans discusses the devastating impact of the polyphagous shot hole borer and its fungal partner, Fusarium, on Perth’s trees in Kings Park, Hyde Park and across the city. He explains how this tiny pest is destroying the urban canopy, reducing shade and habitat across the environment. Although the situation seems dire, he explores how innovative thinking and new approaches could help defeat this insidious invader.
5 Nov 2025
One fish, two fish: why counting ocean wildlife matters - By Professor Jessica Meeuwig
Professor Jessica Meeuwig discusses how limited knowledge of fish populations threatens ocean health, the blue economy and food security. She shares insights from video-based research on open-ocean species such as tuna, sharks and marlin, and highlights the importance of meeting Australia’s goal to protect 30 per cent of its ocean territory by 2030.
5 Nov 2025
Clinical and cultural: approaches to healing and empowerment - By Dr Rama Agung-Igusti
Dr Rama Agung-Igusti shares insights from a pilot program led by the Aboriginal Health Council of WA that brings together clinical and cultural knowledge to support the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations people. He discusses how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander understandings of health and wellbeing extend beyond body and mind to include connections with culture, family, community, Country and spirit, and how a culturally centred, holistic and flexible approach can lead to more effective and meaningful care.
5 Nov 2025
In the deep end: reducing blockage in sub-sea infrastructure - By Professor Zachary Aman
Professor Zachary Aman discusses how the long-term flow of fluids in subsea hydrocarbon pipelines can lead to the build-up of solids, creating blockages that pose major safety, environmental and economic challenges. He explores how innovative surface chemistry and advanced simulation tools can help prevent these “stroke-like” events, offering new, more sustainable approaches to maintaining safe and efficient offshore pipeline operations.
5 Nov 2025
Cultural landscapes: better ways to conserve WA’s extraordinary heritage - By Professor Jo McDonald
Professor Jo McDonald, a rock art archaeologist, explores Western Australia’s remarkable natural and cultural heritage, often overlooked beside its reputation as the mining state. She discusses the recognition of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape on the UNESCO World Heritage List, only the second Australian site listed solely for its cultural values, and what this means for understanding, protecting and celebrating Country with First Nations peoples.
5 Nov 2025
From the cause of all evil to marketing for change - By Dr Liudmila Tarabashkina
Dr Liudmila Tarabashkina discusses the evolution of marketing from being seen as “the cause of all evil” to a force for positive change. Drawing on experimental research in sustainable consumption, she explores the contrast between the dark and bright sides of marketing and highlights creative, low-cost social marketing interventions that inspire product reuse and upcycling. She challenges traditional views of marketing as purely sales-driven, showing how it can instead be a powerful tool to drive positive social and envir
5 Nov 2025
Cosmic crops: engineering plants to feed our journey to Mars - By Dr James Lloyd
Dr James Lloyd, Molecular Plant Genetics, PhD, discusses how the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space is developing plants that can support human life as we venture to Mars. He explores how astronauts, unable to rely on resupply from Earth, will need plants to produce food, medicines, and construction materials for deep space exploration. He also considers how this research could transform agriculture in harsh environments here on Earth, including Western Australia.
5 Nov 2025
Men and menstruation: from bystanders to allies - By Dr Dani Barrington
Dr Dani Barrington discusses why menstruation is not just a women’s issue but a global one that affects everyone. She explores the realities of menstrual experiences and how they can shape lives both positively and negatively. From access to toilets and period products to creating supportive environments free from stigma and discrimination, she highlights how we can all play a role in ensuring people with periods can participate fully in every aspect of life. All genders welcome.
5 Nov 2025
Plastic people: chemical exposure and our health - By Professor Michaela Lucas
Clinical Professor Michaela Lucas discusses the PERTH Trial, a groundbreaking study exploring how plastic chemicals such as BPA and phthalates may affect adult health. Over seven weeks, participants provided blood, urine and stool samples, along with dietary recalls, to help uncover common sources of exposure, how these chemicals are processed by the body, and their possible links to inflammation and chronic disease.
5 Nov 2025
Believe your eyes? Think again! Why you can't afford to ignore deepfakes - By Dr Tristan Reed
Dr Tristan Reed explores the world of deepfakes, where artificial intelligence can create realistic videos of anyone saying or doing anything. He explains how this technology is reshaping business, politics and daily life, from fake corporate announcements to manipulated political messages. Discover how deepfakes are made, see examples that challenge what you believe online, and learn practical ways to protect yourself and your organisation in an era where seeing is no longer believing.
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