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The biggest challenges we face — from disease to education to climate change — aren’t just scientific problems. They’re human ones.
This event explores how science can help us make better decisions about prevention, access, and long‑term planning. From using population DNA screening to reduce the risk of chronic disease, to re‑thinking how knowledge is shared through open textbooks and podcasting, to planning for climate change in river systems where people’s values shift as resources become scarce, these talks reveal how evidence, behaviour, and policy intersect. Join us at Molly Rose Brewer…
This event explores how science can help us make better decisions about prevention, access, and long‑term planning. From using population DNA screening to reduce the risk of chronic disease, to re‑thinking how knowledge is shared through open textbooks and podcasting, to planning for climate change in river systems where people’s values shift as resources become scarce, these talks reveal how evidence, behaviour, and policy intersect. Join us at Molly Rose Brewer…
Population DNA screening for disease prevention in adults
Jane Tiller
(Dr Tiller is a lawyer, genetic counsellor & health researcher. She led a project (2020-23) about genetic discrimination in life insurance & achieved a national legislative ban. She co-leads DNA Screen for preventive DNA screening of Australian adults)
Genetic testing for risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease can save lives. How do we move into an era of using genomics to prevent these diseases?
Podcasting as open science: Exploring the impact of open textbooks on teaching and learning
Lauren Halcomb-Smith
(Lauren Halcomb-Smith is a third space academic, a co-founder of a disruptive grassroots open-access journal, and a big fan of unconventional research methodologies. She is a Lecturer of Open Education in the Deakin University Library and is currently researching the impact of open textbooks through podcasting. Lauren believes that education is a public good and libraries are awesome.)
What do textbooks, podcasts, and open data all have in common? They are all key components of Lauren Halcomb-Smith's current research project, where she is exploring the impact of open textbooks on learning and teaching… through podcasting. In this presentation, Lauren will share how this research-by-podcast project came to be, the why and how of podcasting as a research method, early findings, and reflections on how podcasting supports open data, participant reciprocity, and translating research into real-world formats.
People and Rivers: How to plan for climate change
Madeline Grupper
(Maddy is a former US wildlife biologist. After years of crawling in dirt, looking for frogs, she realised people are a vital part of the ecosystems she loves. She’s now finishing her PhD studying connections between humans and freshwater systems.)
Australia’s largest river is governed with biased community input. It’s based on current values. But those can change. So, how do we include people in climate change plans?
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