Inclusive Science Series Webinars

Hosted by UNSW Dean of Science Professor Emma Johnston AO, this webinar tells the story of the science of our genetic material (genomes) and how UNSW scientists are working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to improve health outcomes for First Nation Australians. The panel will also discuss best practice approaches for working with First Nations communities in a respectful and culturally sensitive way. On the panel are Mrs Azure Hermes from the National Centre for Indigenous Genomics at The John Curtin School of Medical Research and Professor Marcel Dinger, Head of the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at UNSW. 

Hosted by UNSW Science Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), Dr Carlo Caponecchia. This webinar explores neurodiversity, discussing its history, the medical model and the lifespan, and current research. On the panel are Dr Julian Trollor, Head of the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry; Dr Jane Hwang from the Kirby Institute; and Ms Lehan Zhang, student member of UNSW’s Science EDI Working Group.

Hosted by UNSW Science Associate Dean EDI Professor Sarah Brough, this webinar tells the story of data science and artificial intelligence. The panel discusses how underlying biases can result in unintended consequences when not accounted for. On the panel are Associate Professor Yanan Fan and Ms Fiona Kim from the School of Maths and Statistics and Scientia Professor Toby Walsh from the School of Computer Science and Engineering.

Hosted by Professor Sarah Brough, this webinar discusses The Leadership, opens in a new window documentary, highlighting the experiences of women who participated in the inaugural Homeward Bound Project and the systemic inequities they face as women in STEMM. The panel also unpacks the major themes of the film and discusses the challenges and rewards of implementing practices of inclusive science. On the panel are Isabelle Kingsley from the Office of Women in STEMM Ambassador, Dr Fatemeh Vafaee, Dr Steph Gardner and Professor Dane McCamey from UNSW Science.

Hosted by Professor Sarah Brough, this webinar discusses empirically based strategies for increasing the number of women in senior roles across education and STEM focused industries. The panel also highlights various research and industry examples that show how to effectively increase female leadership positions in the workplace. On the panel are Council Laureate Fellow and ANU Professor Lisa Kewley, UNSW Athena Swan Academic Lead Professor Fiona Stapleton and the Co-Associate Dean of EDI in UNSW Science Associate Professor Lisa Williams.

Hosted by BABSOC, this student-run webinar was designed to increase awareness and understanding of neurodiversity and highlight the need for better representation and visibility of neurodiversity in science. The panel also highlights how recognising the distinct value of neurodiversity and initiating important conversations on how to better support students and staff with neurodiversity, we can work towards fostering an inclusive and accepting science community that is safe, accessible and encouraging of participation to all.

Hosted by the Co-Associate Dean of EDI, Carlo Caponecchia, the Science History Trail highlights the stories of diverse scientists often not included in traditional science history. The online showcase features current UNSW Science Students as they tell the stories of their science role models and reflect on the importance of inclusive representation in science history. This event was supported by the UNSW Division of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion, as part of Diversity Fest 2021.

Hosted by Associate Professor Brendan Burns, this webinar explores a new collaboration between First Nation Gamay Rangers and UNSW ecologists to restore endangered Posidonia seagrass beds in Gamay Botany Bay. This research project was designed to foster collaboration and combine Indigenous knowledge and science to better understand our marine environment and develop meaningful and sustainable environmental solutions. The panel also highlights the importance of these collaborative efforts in the field of sustainable science. On the panel are Professor Adriana Verges, and First Nation Gamay Ranger Robert Cooley.