8-14 September 2025

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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

Sci-Fight Comedy Debate: Should we fear Ai?

University of Wollongong Science Space UOW Science Space, Innovation Campus, Puckey Avenue, Wollongong

Sci Fight Science Comedy Debate brings together comedians and scientists to debate serious issues in a ridiculous way. UOW Science Space Theatre Doors open: 6.30 pm Run time 7:00 pm till 8:30ish Tickets $20 Paid bar service available Proceedings are loosely held together by your definitely qualified host, Alanta Colley. Sci Fight has been described as a nerdy, silly, and only occasionally litigious romp into what it even means to be alive. This round, we debate: should we fear AI? Just this year, AI chatbots have given people instructions on how to build a bomb, told users that they loved them, and instructed one user to leave their spouse and a child to stick nails into a live power socket. Before now you had to go to 4chan for that quality of abuse. Has Silicon Valley simply built a better troll? Programmers are running behind ChatGPT and other AI trying to fix the problems as they arise and yet for every bit of fool proofing they achieve, humanity builds a better fool. Our one saving grace right now? It’s bad at Wordle. But this will surely not be the case for long. Or is AI over hyped? Is our distrust […]

$20.00
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The Great Debate: Does sport unite or divide us?

National Library of Australia Parkes Pl W, Canberra

A Social Sciences Week special event Tuesday 5 September, 6.00 – 9.00pm AEST National Library of Australia Join us for a lively evening of discussion and debate at the National Library of Australia (NLA) in Canberra as we explore the power of sport to bring us together, or push us apart, alongside a matched exhibition at the NLA. Our esteemed speakers are Academy Fellows and published authors, The Hon Andrew Leigh MP and Emeritus Professor David Rowe who will take the stage to explore this fascinating theme alongside Seriously Social podcast host and journalist Ginger Gorman who will moderate the debate. The Great Sports Debate promises to be a thought-provoking and entertaining event, with opportunities for audience participation and engagement. Ticket includes access to the National Library of Australia's exhibition Grit & Gold: Tales from a Sporting Nation, drinks and canapes followed by the debate at 7pm, followed by Q&A. Proudly brought to you by the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and the National Library of Australia, with support from Synergy Group. We are delighted to announce that a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales to the Great Debate will be donated to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation charity in support of Indigenous […]