Events

Latest Past Events

Interstellar: What does Quantum Science Mean for Society?

The Capitol 113 Swanston Street, Melbourne

2025 is the International Year of Quantum, as it is 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics. But what does this mean for society? How can quantum technologies help reduce inequalities, support clean energy, and inform climate action? This year RMIT's Social Sciences Week program dives into these questions with an expert panel: Facilitator: Dr Justine Lacey, CSIRO Prof Wendy Steele, RMIT - Award winning researcher and activist Prof Nicolas Menicucci, RMIT Dr Evie Kendal, Swinburne - Bioethicist and scientist After the panel, join us beneath the crystal caverns of The Capitol theatre for a screening of Christopher Nolan's 2014 thought-provoking sci-fi epic 'Interstellar', starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway. Set in a dystopian future where Earth is ravaged by dust storms and famine, Nolan's film follows a group of astronauts as they travel through a wormhole to find a new home for humankind, and explores the intersection of science, ethics, and the future of humanity. Presented in partnership by 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. Image credit:  Still, 'Interstellar', 2014 courtesy of Roadshow Films.

$10.00

Energy Transitions and Climate Futures: Australia’s regions at the forefront

Hybrid

Australia’s energy industry has the opportunity to change more in the next 10 years than it has in the past 100. The transition from a coal-dominated industry to majority renewables is at the core of discussions on Australia’s climate futures. As 2035 looms, discussions are heating up as they intersect with the urgency of the climate crisis and the reality for impacted communities, creating new fault-lines and allegiances. In regional areas, industries and communities are already experiencing profound change and are positioning themselves to address a diverse range of impacts and opportunities. Consequently, transition efforts have been marked by questions and concerns on energy security, social license, economic feasibility and environmental impacts - with the future of Australia’s regions at the forefront. The Australian Sociological Association (TASA) in collaboration with The Cairns Institute (TCI) presents the Energy Transitions and Climate Futures: Australia’s regions at the forefront. This symposium brings together diverse voices – to discuss climate change, energy, economic, and social policy and advocacy and how the regions are playing a key role in change. Located where the Wet Tropics meets The Great Barrier Reef, The Cairns Institute provides the perfect setting for these discussions. Cairns hosts headquarters and offices […]

You’re Invited! 50 Years of independence – Reflections on Papua New Guinea

Ngumba-Bada Campus (The Cairns Institute). Bldg D3.063, 14-88 McGregor Road, Smithfield

Join us for a special evening to mark 50 years of PNG independence, featuring a film screening from the early election period, panel discussion led by PNG academics based in Gimuy, Cairns and the launch of a new exhibition showcasing PNG memorabilia with stories of nation-builders, challenges, opportunities, and unique cultural artefacts. This is an in-person event located at Ngumba-Bada Campus (The Cairns Institute) Building D3.063, 14-88 McGregor Road, Smithfield, Queensland, Australia The Cairns Institute at James Cook University