We are committed to maximising the impact of our research by sharing knowledge in academia, policy debates and public discourse. We organise and take part in public events so that our work can have maximum impact towards positive change.
Australia-Finland Innovation Forum
ISF and the Embassy of Finland co-hosted this event in which representatives from Australia and Finland came together to discuss ideas for improving living standards in cities through innovation. Mr Mika Lintilä, the Minister for Economic Affairs of Finland, was a special guest with a delegation of leading Finnish companies. The Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore gave the keynote address and panellists joined ISF’s Professor Stuart White and Professor Damien Giurco to discuss the opportunities for advancing connected cities in a circular economy. Held at EnergyLab, this was the 4th Annual Australia-Finland Innovation Forum.
The Gill Owen Memorial Lecture
The Gill Owen Essay Prize competition invites emerging voices to offer their perspective on the future of energy efficiency and social equity. The competition is in honour of Dr Owen, pictured, who was a tireless campaigner in these fields. Dev Tayal was announced as the overall winner of the inaugural competition at a memorial lecture at the State Library of Victoria in February. The competition is in its third year in 2019.
The End of Investment as Usual Debate
Responsible investment is transforming businesses aligned with a high growth green economy. Renowned US environmentalist Bill McKibben was joined by a panel of investment experts to discuss the readiness of Australian business to join this transition and benefit from this shifting investment landscape. The event was a collaboration between the UTS Centre for Business and Social Innovation, ISF and 350.org.
Groundbreaking Book Launched
The UTS Chancellery hosted the launch of: Transdisciplinary Theory, Practice and Education: The Art of Collaborative Research and Collective Learning, edited by Associate Professor Dena Fam. With contributions from nearly 50 of the world’s leading thinkers in transdisciplinary research, practice and education, the book calls for a shift from siloed disciplinary thinking to transdisciplinary methods and collaborative learning in order to more effectively deal with our planet’s most pressing issues.
Energy Transition After the NEG
The NEG (National Energy Guarantee) is dead—but it seems an energy transition is happening in Australia without, or despite, policy intervention from the Federal Government. This UTS public forum hosted by ISF and the Climate Justice Research Centre drew upon industry commentators’ opinions and the real-life experiences of communities undergoing transition.
UTS Big Thinking Forum: Consuming the world
Traditional Aboriginal cultures survived for over 65,000 years by appreciating the concepts of sustainability, reciprocity and respect. Today, we live in a society where it’s commonplace to engage in consumerism without considering the consequences. ISF research consultant Jenni Downes spoke on waste and consumerism alongside artists as part of Sydney Festival.
