Thought Leaders

Disrupting terrorism and crime
Sanjay Mazumdar, CEO of the Data to Decisions CRC (D2D CRC), takes a look at what the national security sector can learn from Big Data disruption.

Keys to success in a disruptive environment
Victoria’s Lead Scientist, Dr Amanda Caples, observes how traditional government approaches to disruption could better help Australian businesses respond to change.

Driverless cars disrupting industries and lifestyle
Managing Director of Information Gateways, Simon Maxwell, paints a picture of what future living will look like in the era of autonomous vehicles.

AI psychologists are ready now
Director of the Psychology Network, Professor Joachim Diederich, explores the artificially intelligent psychology services available anytime, everywhere.

The cloud: understanding opportunities
Dr Eva Balan-Vnuk, Microsoft’s state director for South Australia, considers how the cloud can lead to the democratisation of technology.

Thinking long-term: is innovation all digital?
CEO and Managing Director of Blackmores, Christine Holgate, looks at innovation that goes beyond the digital realm.

Women in STEM: the revolution ahead
Australia’s thought leaders map the path to a stronger, more diverse and more competitive workforce through better outcomes for women in STEM.

From maths to Microsoft
If we want more women to enter careers in STEM, we need to start encouraging our girls, says Pip Marlow, Managing Director of Microsoft Australia.

Everywoman: the modern scientist
CEO of Science and Technology Australia, Kylie Walker, smashes all of the stereotypes in her campaign to celebrate Women in STEM.

Gender equality in research and physics
CEO of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Professor Aidan Byrne discusses women in physics and the ARC’s commitment to women in research careers.

Manifesting conscious connection
AECOM’s Australia and New Zealand CEO Lara Poloni shares her insights into how women can stay connected with the workplace during a career break.

Men of history, women of the future
President of the Australian Academy of Science, Professor Andrew Holmes AM, describes the evolution of culture and structures that underpin STEM and favour men.

Balancing career and family
Captain Mona Shindy describes her journey as a pioneer in the Royal Australian Navy.

Smashing the glass ceiling
Managing Director of the Dow Chemical Company, Tony Frencham, talks about the changing corporate culture for women in STEM.

Changing the way we fund research
Dr Saraid Billiards of the NHMRC sheds light on funding reforms that are vital to the retention and progression of women in STEM.

Industry engagement must start at school
Industry-school partnerships are key to a gender balanced STEM workplace, says Jacinta Duncan, Director of the Gene Technology Access Centre.

The power of non-linear role models
Macquarie University’s Professor Barbara Messerle highlights the need to celebrate cross-disciplinary role models who’ve paved non-linear careers from foundations in STEM.

What can STEM learn from sport?
Deloitte Partner Elissa Hilliard explains why raising Australia’s STEM IQ means teaching girls foundational skills in their formative school years.

Why do women leave STEM careers?
Chair of ATSE’s Gender Equity Working Group, Dr Mark Toner, compares the national need for women in STEM with the barriers faced by women on a personal level.

Bias, both conscious and unconscious
Gemaker’s Dr Julie Wheway explains why you’re biased but don’t know it (and how to fix it).

On the cusp of mass cultural change
Head of the School of Computer Science at the University of Adelaide, Katrina Falkner, reveals why Australia is on the verge of change for women in technology.

Not just a ‘pipeline’ problem
The University of Newcastle’s Dr Nikola Bowden addresses misconceptions about the biggest issues for women in STEM.

Graduate employment in a changing world
Australia’s thought leaders reveal what makes graduates invaluable to organisational success, and how to stand out in the race for future jobs.

The value of Google interns
Stephanie Borgman, the head of staffing programs at Google, explains how internships offer mutual opportunities for students and businesses.