Emerging Issues in Science and Society

To meet the great challenges of this century we need the best science, but also the best social and humanities research. The answers that science provides are often not enough to make the changes we need to see in the world. Only when researchers work together across disciplinary divides can we be sure we are asking the right questions.

The Emerging Issues in Science and Society (EISS) symposium, supported by the National Committee for History and Philosophy of Science at the Australian Academy of Science, will bring together emerging social science and humanities scholars with those in the physical and life sciences to address issues such as genetic testing, creating clean water in remote communities, the future of food sustainability, and AI and bias.

Over one afternoon, scientists will be in conversation with humanities and social scientists to generate new answers and new questions to address some of the biggest challenges of our time.

The event will be MC’d by Dr Jenny Martin, celebrated science communicator at the University of Melbourne and co-host of 3RRR’s Einstein-a-go-go.

Session 1

The use and misuse of genetic testing

Emma Kowal, medical anthropologist and Future Fellow at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation

Jeff Craig, epidemiologist and Associate Professor of Medical Sciences at Deakin University

Chair: Dr Jacqueline Savard

Session 2

Clean Water and remote communities

Ellen Moon, geochemist and Lecturer in Environmental Engineering at Deakin University

Debra Dank, Indigenous literacy expert and Gudanji woman

Chair: Dr Timothy Neale

Session 3

The future and challenges of food sustainability

Michalis Hadjikakou, environment and sustainability scientist and Research Fellow at Deakin University

Chris Mayes, sociologist of health and food and Research Fellow at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation

Chair: Associate Professor Euan Ritchie

Session 4

AI and bias

Leonard Hoon, data scientist and Senior Research Fellow at the Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute

Thao Phan, gender and AI researcher and Research Fellow at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation

Chair: Dr Diarmaid Harkin

This event is organised by the Deakin Science and Society Network and supported by the National Committee for History and Philosophy of Science at the Australian Academy of Science and Deakin University’s Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute.

 

© 2024 Australian Academy of Science

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