8-14 September 2025

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Addressing sensitive issues in the classroom

Recorded session

Queensland University of Technology  Recorded session – available anytime  Teachers cannot ignore sensitive issues. They may be circulating in the community or be part of the curriculum. For example, issues related to consent education, the Voice referendum, wars in foreign lands, climate change, nuclear power, religious discrimination and exemptions for schools, marriage equality, migration, refugees and social media influencer content can all make their ways into the classroom.  How should teachers respond: Is it best to ignore issues raised if they are not part of the curriculum? Should teachers say where they stand on particular topics? Can shutting down some debates protect vulnerable students? Does the raising of issues provide important teachable moments about engaging in civil discourse? Are there some topics which should never be discussed in the classroom? How do we determine age-appropriateness for some topics?  These and other questions were discussed at a recent Q&A panel consisting of academics from QUT’s School of Teacher Education and Leadership and experienced educators working in and with schools.   In this recorded session our panel explores ways to respond to and engage students when sensitive issues are raised in the classroom.  

Stop a Scam, Share a Story

Recorded session

Fraud affects millions of victims worldwide. However, there are many myths and misconceptions about fraud victimisation as well as negative stereotypes about who is involved. In a bid to challenge this, there are many victims who bravely share their own personal stories of financial and emotional betrayal.  In this recorded session we discuss media representations of victims, with a focus on romance fraud. Panellists, Stephanie and Tracy, share their own experiences of deception, while Cassandra, Laura and Phoebe share insights from their research into this area. The discussion provides insights into how offenders operate and manipulate their victims and showcases the reality and extent of their deception. Importantly, the discussion focusses on how media narratives of victimisation can help or hinder support of those involved. It also covers what to look out for to prevent it from happening to ourselves and our loved ones, and what can be done to better respond to this growing type of victimisation. 

Ongoing

Making a Difference: How Does Social Change Happen?

Recorded session

Recorded session - available on demand Policymakers confront growing challenges in areas as diverse—and often interrelated—as climate change, social inequality, artificial intelligence, work, migration, declining biodiversity, and new threats to public health. Responses require changes or modifications to deeply entrenched social and economic structures. Consequently, reform attempts often generate conflict and resistance from those with a real or perceived interest in those structures. How can such conflict be managed to deliver urgently needed reforms? This question is central to social scientists, whose work is vital to both the implementation of effective policy, and to understanding the societal implications of policy choices. A panel of six leading social scientists analysed foundations and strategies of policy change in their areas of expertise—including some of the biggest, most difficult and pressing global and national challenges. This panel highlighted the breadth, diversity, and interrelationships within and between, social scientific and other disciplines, and their central importance to addressing these challenges. Each panellist addressed three thematic questions: What is the central conflict or problem inherent to their research topic? How can this be managed or overcome? What skills or insights enable social science to make a difference to public policy—and debate thereof—in their research field? […]

National CGE Modelling Workshop

JG Crawford Building, 132 Lennox Crossing, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia JG Crawford Building, 132 Lennox Crossing, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia

The Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU, and the VU Centre of Policy Studies are hosting the National Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) Modelling Workshop at the Weston Theatre in the Crawford School of Public Policy. The National CGE Workshop is an annual event that provides a forum for CGE modellers to exhibit and discuss their work. Register to be part of the audience and/or give a presentation. Students are encouraged to participate. The program will include a longer presentation from the key note speaker, and short presentations from participants of about 15—20 minutes, followed by questions The workshop will interest those new to CGE modelling, expert modellers and policy advisors who rely on modelling to analyse events with economic impacts. Link to the program: https://www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/news-events/events/national-cge-modelling-workshop Program & venue The program will be over 2 days. A draft program is now available. Draft program - National CGE Modelling Workshop The workshop venue is the Weston Theatre, JG Crawford Building, 132 Lennox Crossing, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia.

Free

An introduction to Computational Social Science

Virtual

Computational social science (CSS) frequently uses Agent-based models (ABMs) to model social phenomena. ABMs are ‘bottom-up’ representations of individuals (computational agents) who exist within a society of other agents and who interact on a local scale based on sets of rules that govern their behaviour. When used like this, ABMs are attempts to create ‘Artificial Societies’ that we can study. The advantage of creating artificial societies is that imagined policies or interventions can then be made within these representations and the outcomes of those policies can be observed prior to implementation in the real world. The models can be anywhere between instructive or predictive, with the sophistication and detail of models often geared toward their purpose in this regard. In general, the most interesting models are those that try to replicate the generation of a large-scale social phenomenon when the mechanisms that create that phenomenon are currently unknown or contested (e.g., crowd behaviour, social behaviour, health behaviour, political behaviour, etc.). This session will introduce the audience to example agent-based models used in Computational Social Science and show how they can be used to augment existing research agendas, test theory, and trial simulated policies. We'll provide some very brief introductory 'how […]

Free

Wilderness Therapy and the Dissociative Mechanism of Change: Protecting Youth from Systemic Harm

Virtual

This presentation explores the use of cognitive or adaptive dissonance and involuntary treatment foin Wilderness and adventure therapy (WT, AT) for youth. Past WT participants have protested that involuntary, inescapable and harsh conditions harmed them through PTSD and dissociation. In this presentation, we compare dissonance and dissociation using a critical realist and argumentative research process using publicly available data. We argue that dissociation is a response, recorded both in the design of some WT practices and in participant statements and is often mistaken for dissonance. Deliberate use of forced cognitive dissonance during involuntary treatments align with the conditions that may cause dissociation. Therefore, planning to enforce cognitive dissonance during coercive WT or AT is likely to be harmful and, knowing of this potential, may be regarded as malpractice.

Free
Featured Featured

Gender equality and women’s empowerment

Virtual

This event brings together academics from across a range of disciplines to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborative efforts towards a more just and secure society for women. Join RMIT academic experts as they share knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions to help promote and protect the rights and wellbeing of women: Dr Leila Afshari (Management) Associate Professor Brianna Chesser (Criminology and Justice) Dr Bronwyn Coate (Economics) Dr Rojan Afrouz (Social Work) Moderated by Professor Lisa French. Tuesday 10 September Time: 10.30-11.30am Online via Teams

Masterclass: Costume Design in Film with Oscar Winner Tim Chappel

Kaleide Theatre Kaleide Theatre, 360 Swanston St, Melbourne

Masterclass: Costume Design in Film with Oscar Winner Tim Chappel This year marks the 30th anniversary of Stephan Elliott’s 1994 masterpiece ‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’. Join Beloved Australian costume designer Tim Chappel for an insight into his career and the role of costume design in storytelling. Chappel won an Academy Award, a BAFTA and an AFI Award for his costume design for the feature film The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. He later revisited this work in the stage show, Priscilla and won the 2011 Tony Award for Best Costume Design in a Musical. At this workshop Tim will offer insights into his incredible career including the narrative power of great costumes, the different approaches to creating memorable characters and the visual poetry that costume can provide. We will also explore the essential joys of effective collaboration, communication and the dynamics of the film family and the importance of developing your own creative voice that loudly whispers, “Hire me, I’m amazing”. Presented in partnership with RMIT’s Social Change Enabling Impact Platform and RMIT Culture, as part of the Academy of the Social Sciences of Australia’s Social Sciences Week. Free, booking essential. Image: Still, ‘The Adventures […]

The role and purpose of Lived Experience Advisory Panels.

Virtual

This session will introduce participants to the important contribution Lived Experience Advisory Panels can make to research and how the decision to include a panel is grounded in a commitment to co-design and the increased expectation that experts by experience are involved in care economy research. We will discuss emerging practices including how to engage and work with a diversity of perspectives and address issues power sharing in research.

Free

Enhancing Metadata for Inclusive Research on Entrenched Disadvantage

Virtual

Join us during Social Science Week for a webinar on some exciting new developments from the ARDC. Learn about the ARDC’s HASS and Indigenous Research Data Commons and the collaborative project: Enhancing Metadata for Inclusive Research on Entrenched Disadvantage, and improvements to metadata for an important dataset for social science researchers. Learn about developments in integrated administrative social science data (IASSD); of the Higher Education (HE) administrative data within the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Person Level Integrated Data Asset (PLIDA) (formerly known as Multi-Agency Data Integration Project (MADIP) data) with a view to increasing the ongoing utility of this data for researchers and analysts. The project was led by researchers at the Institute for Social Science Research (ISSR) at the University of Queensland, in collaboration with the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC), the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the Australian Department of Education, and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families Over the Life Course (Life Course Centre). Speakers * Professor Wojtek Tomaszewski, Deputy Director (Research) and a Research Group Leader at the Institute for Social Science Research, University of Queensland * Dr Matthew Curry, Research Fellow, Institute for Social Science Research, University of Queensland * Jenny Fewster, Director, HASS and Indigenous Research Data Commons, ARDC Who Should Attend? * social […]

Free

Launch of Australian Urban Observatory Liveability Map 2.0 and update on National Urban Policy

Virtual

The Australian Urban Observatory at RMIT University is delighted to invite you to the online launch of the new and improved AUO Map 2.0on Tuesday the 10th of September at 1pm. During Social Sciences Week, the Australian Urban Observatory team will be releasing an enhanced AUO digital map portal that supports faster, more efficient and insightful observation and understanding of city liveability across Australia. Our new and improved portal reflects the ongoing contribution of our research partners, without whom, our expanded work would not be possible. Emeritus Professor Barbara Norman is our esteemed guest speaker at the launch and Chair of the National Urban Policy Forum. Professor Norman is a global expert in sustainable cities and regions, smart infrastructure, coastal planning, climate change adaptation and urban governance. Professor Norman will present the Australian Government's Draft National Urban Policy that has recently been open for public consultation with goals and objectives that support urban areas to be liveable, equitable, productive, sustainable and resilient. Join us for an informative, interactive session and learn more about how the AUO Map 2.0 can serve you even better! Speakers:  Emeritus Professor Barbara Norman, University of Canberrra, Chair National Urban Policy Forum Brigid Papaix, Partnerships Manager & Knowledge Broker Australian Urban Observatory, RMIT University Professor Melanie Davern, Director Australian Urban Observatory, RMIT University Please register for […]

Free

Writing out from the Academy

Macquarie University 25 Wally's Walk, North Ryde

Presented by Macquarie University’s School of Social Sciences, in partnership with the Imagined Lives research collective, Sydney Review of Books, and the Centre for Applied History. Join us for a special event which brings together scholars, creative writers and publishers to discuss the practices, challenges and affordances of ‘writing out from the academy.’​ ​Program​ 1.30pm-2.30pm Session One​ ‘The ethics and aesthetics of social science research.’ ​ Panel discussion: Lisa Wynn, Kirsten Bell, Randa Abdel-Fattah, and Kate Rossmanith​ 2.30pm-3pm: Afternoon Tea​ 3pm-4pm: Session Two: ​ ‘The generalised essay’​ James Jiang (editor, Sydney Review of Books), with Christian Gelder and Kate Rossmanith Over the past several decades, more and more academic researchers are using different forms of writing as part of their scholarly practice. They are producing novels, short stories, nonfiction monographs, memoir, biography, literary journalism, essays and poetry. These writing innovations have been driven by the reflexive turn in the social sciences, the humanities’ interest in questions of subjectivity, artists and writers entering the academy and the acceptance of creative practice research, and, more recently, the expectation that scholars produce ‘approachable’ work that has ‘real world impact’​ Researchers working with such forms of writing are confronted by particular compositional and philosophical […]

Free

How organisations thrive in a fast-changing global society: Challenges and opportunities

Virtual

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, evolving market dynamics, and unprecedented global interconnectedness, organisations are constantly navigating a landscape of both challenges and opportunities. This event will delve into the strategies and insights that enable organisations to not only survive but thrive in such a fast-changing global society. Join the following innovative academic thinkers as they explore the key factors that contribute to organisational success amidst volatility and complexity. Professor David Fan (Human Resource Management) Dr My Nguyen (Finance) Dr Marian Makkar (Marketing) Dr. June Tran (Management) Through an expert-led panel discussion, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of embracing cultural diversity, sustainability and corporate responsibility and global market trends and opportunities. This event is a must-attend for executives, managers, and professionals who are keen on equipping their organisations with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and practical strategies to drive their organisations forward, ensuring they remain competitive and resilient in the face of ongoing global challenges. Join us as we explore the multifaceted ways in which organisations can achieve lasting success in a fast-changing global society. Tuesday 10 September 2024 Time: 2-3pm Online via Teams

UTS Health Communication Research Group Seminar

UTS UTS City Campus, Building 10 Level 03, Room 470, 235-253 Jones St., Ultimo

The seminar will showcase five distinguished speakers who will present their groundbreaking research in health communication, health promotion, and innovative health care strategies. Their findings have major implications for advancing academic scholarship and transforming health care practices and service delivery. Speakers and their topics are: Professor David Sibbritt – ‘Post-stroke Self Care and support living at home – The Allen Study’ Dr Catriona Bonfiglioli – ‘Attention cycles in COVID news coverage: What to do when the novelty wears off’ Dr Joshua Pate – ‘Pain can be good?! Pain as messages that support health’ Dr Gail Kenning – ‘“I never felt so heard”: A psychosocial research engagement to communicate the lived experience of dementia’ Emeritus Professor Andrew Jakubowicz – ‘How and why the Australian health communication system failed its multicultural communities during the COVID pandemic, and why the problem is still a problem’

Free

Fostering Social Cohesion: Intercultural Strategies for Strengthening Australian Multiculturalism

Virtual

Co-hosted with Swinburne University and iGen Foundation, this webinar will explore the role of intercultural strategies in fostering social cohesion and inclusion in Australia. Australia was one of the first countries, along with Canada, to adopt multiculturalism. Over four decades later, as threats to our social cohesion grow, local, state, and federal governments are exploring how intercultural strategies can strengthen our multicultural policy framework. Please join us to hear from our distinguished panel of speakers about their work in this field. Panel Mr. Hass Dellal, Panel Chair for the Commonwealth’s Multicultural Framework Review, will discuss the role of intercultural strategies in the recently released Multicultural Framework Review. Ms. Vesna Haracic Manager, Community Diversity & Inclusion, City of Salisbury, South Australia, will discuss the groundbreaking application of intercultural strategies in the City of Salisbury, Adelaide. The panel will be chaired by Dr. Glenda Ballantyne, Senior Lecturer, Swinburne, and Co-convenor, Intercultural Cities Australian National Network. Bios Dr Bulent (Hass) Dellal AO is the Executive Director of the Australian Multicultural Foundation, Chair of the Australian Multicultural Council, the former Chair of SBS (Special Broadcasting Service) and appointed Panel Chair for the Commonwealth’s Multicultural Framework Review, May 2023. He has over 30 years of experience […]

Using social science to inform hepatitis C elimination efforts in prisons

Kirby Institute Berg Seminar Room, Wallace Wurth Bld, UNSW Kensington Cnr High St & Botany St, UNSW, Kensington

Using social science to inform hepatitis C elimination efforts in prisons Please join us for the 2024 Paul Bourke Award Lecture given by Dr Lise Lafferty. In this address Dr Lafferty will reflect on a decade of social science research to understand key enablers and barriers to hepatitis C risk, prevention, testing and treatment in the prison setting. People who use drugs are overrepresented in prison settings globally. Once incarcerated, people who inject drugs frequently continue to do so. However, the risk factors for exposure to bloodborne viruses, such as hepatitis C, and other injecting-related infections significantly increase in prison settings. In this talk, Dr Lafferty will explore patient, healthcare provider, and correctional officer perspectives of different healthcare interventions which have been trialed and implemented with an aim to reduce hepatitis C transmission in the prison setting. She will also unpack the social, cultural and behavioural influences of hepatitis C risk navigation among people who inject drugs in prison. Dr Lise Lafferty is a recipient of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia’s prestigious Paul Bourke Award for Early Career Research. The Paul Bourke Lectures are named in honour of the late Paul Francis Bourke (1938–1999), President of the Academy […]

Featured Featured

The Teaching-Research Nexus in the Social Sciences: A Panel from The University of Sydney

Room 650, Social Sciences Building, University of Sydney Science Road, Camperdown

Social Sciences Week is a celebration of research, but researchers were once students. Social Scientists do not often reflect on their days as ‘trainees’ in educational settings. In the rush to know more about the state of our societies, political systems and economies, researchers can downplay the importance of teaching the next generation of professionals, scholars and other experts. This event features several academics from the University of Sydney’s School of Social and Political Sciences, all of whom are active researchers and passionately committed teachers who will reflect on the ‘teaching-research nexus’. How does their research influence their teaching, and how does their teaching influence their research? What do they love about each of the two spheres, and how do they achieve a symbiotic relationship between them? Are there ever points of friction between research and teaching, and if so, what strategies do these academics employ to manage the inconsistencies for the benefit of students? Chair: Professor Gaby Ramia (Chair), Deputy Head of School (Research) Panel Members: Associate Professor Susan Banki, Sociology and Criminology Dr Minglu Chen, Government and International Relations Professor Alex Lefebvre, Philosophy and Government and International Relations Dr Eyal Mayroz, Sociology and Criminology Professor Brendon O’Connor, US Studies and Government and International Relations […]

Free
Featured Featured

The Great Debate: Does social media unite or divide us?

National Library of Australia Parkes Pl W, Canberra

A Social Sciences Week special event Tuesday 10 September | 5pm arrival for 6pm start National Library of Australia In an era where social media shapes our interactions and perceptions, the lines between connection and division have never been more blurred. With rising concerns about misinformation, online bans and the impact of digital echo chambers, we must ask: is social media bringing us together or tearing us apart? Join us at the National Library of Australia for an evening of compelling debate as academics and authors Professor Lisa Given and Distinguished Professor Anthony Elliott AM tackle this pressing question. Guided by former Seriously Social podcast host and journalist Ginger Gorman, our speakers will delve into the complexities of our digital age, exploring whether social media is a force for unity or division. Don't miss this thought-provoking event, packed with engaging discussions and opportunities for audience participation. Proudly presented by the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and the National Library of Australia, the Great Debate promises an evening that will challenge your perspectives and ignite your curiosity. Ticket includes canapes on arrival (from 5pm). The debate will begin at 6pm, followed by Q&A.

$15

Engaging Young Children in Nature-Play

Virtual

This presentation provides a synthesises of the research evidence relating to young children's engagement in nature play. The presentation will cover what nature play is factors, impacting the likelihood of young children engaging in nature play, and ways to support parents to involve young children in nature play.

Free

Critical Issues Series: What About Men?

Virtual

In 2024, violence against women has been declared a ‘national crisis’, with at least 27 women murdered at the hands of men. Over the last decade, we have also seen increased investment and progress in addressing, responding and preventing violence against women. However, men’s use of violence continues to be identified as a critical but underdeveloped area for action. This Critical Issues panel from the School of Social and Political Sciences will discuss the current discourses and interventions around work with men to prevent violence. A panel of men’s violence experts will critically explore the intersecting challenges of race, migration and discrimination that is core to Australia’s commitment and responsibility to end violence against women. This panel discussion is part of the ‘Critical Issues’ Series, the annual program of free public events presented by the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne. Its purpose is to showcase how each discipline under the School is addressing today’s most important challenges in a changing world.

Free

The Right to Housing in Australia

Green Brain The Green Brain (Level 7), Building 16, RMIT University, 336/348 Swanston St, Melbourne

With so many Australian cities facing problems of housing affordability, how can we guarantee that all Australians have access to safe, secure housing? As property prices rise, dragging rents with them, we are rapidly losing the qualities that long made Australian cities some of the most liveable in the world.  Leaders and policy makers routinely propose solutions to Australia’s housing crisis, though few have led to significant change. Australian housing debates seems to be caught in stalemate at present. This session seeks new ideas by drawing together some of Australia’s leading authorities on housing policy to discuss options for the future of housing in Australian cities. Moderated by Professor Libby Porter (Director of RMIT University's Centre of Urban Research), the event will include: The Hon. Kevin Bell AO KC, Former Supreme Court Judge & Monash Adjunct Emma Dawson, Executive Director, Per Capita Jorden van den Berg, ShitRentals.com Emma Power, Western Sydney University Cameron Duff, RMIT University Learn more about the speakers.  How can we restore the principles of access, affordability and fairness to our housing markets? Can we have a right to housing in Australia? How can we develop more just, inclusive and affordable housing solutions for all Australians? Please note […]

Free