Events
Melbourne Centre for the Study of Higher Education at the University of Melbourne
The University is committed to hosting events and activations on its campuses in a COVIDSafe way, in accord with government restrictions and guidelines. Some of our events are presented on campus, others online – be sure to check the details. Find out more about the University’s COVIDSafe plans
Featured events
2024 Downing Public Lecture: Where Does Wealth Come From?
Presented by Professor Sandra E. Black, Professor of Economics and International and Public Affairs, Columbia University
Recent decades have seen substantial increases in wealth inequality; this is particularly troubling given the high persistence of this inequality across generations. Yet we have surprisingly little understanding of how and why wealth is transmitted across generations. Is this persistence driven by innate biological differences across families, or is it driven by growing up in different environment with access to different opportunities?
Professor Sandra E. Black will discuss the recent research in economics that tries to answer this question, focusing on how one can disentangle the role of nature versus nurture. Professor Black will then take a step back and discuss what we actually mean when we think about differences in wealth.
Background: Downing Lecture Series
Distinguished visiting economists are invited to present at the Downing Lecture for the purpose of promoting analysis and discussion of economic and social research policy. The lectures series have been made possible by a generous fellowship that was established by friends and colleagues of the late Professor Richard Downing (BA (Hons) 1936), in memory of his life and work.
Richard Ivan Downing was Ritchie Professor of Research and Economics in the University from 1952 until his death in 1975. Not only did Professor Downing make significant contributions to economic research in this position, he also put much effort into guiding and fostering the research interests of students and staff. For twenty years he edited The Economic Record. He also played a prominent part in founding the now Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research.
The lecture will be delivered in-person. Join us for pre-lecture drinks from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. The lecture will commence at 6.30pm.
Nathan & Pamela Jacobson Public Lecture 2024
‘Searching for Our Shared Humanity: Reflections from the Field’
Presented by Dr Helen Durham AO, CEO of RedR Australia
In this lecture, Dr. Helen Durham will share insights gained from 30 years of working as an international humanitarian lawyer, an area of law dedicated to alleviating suffering during times of armed conflict. With faster visibility of the reality on the battlefield and more intense exposures to the brutal consequences of war, there is an amplification of a simple narrative involving ‘good’ and ‘bad’ without space for wider reflections.
Concurrently, we are witnessing stronger questioning of the relevance and impact of international law. Using her direct experiences in the field, from Mogadishu to Gaza, and her engagements with military and authorities globally, Dr. Durham will explore the importance of reminding ourselves of the need for a common humanity.
Please join us from 5:30 pm with welcome drinks provided in the ground foyer.
The lecture will start at 6:00 pm sharp in theatre G08, ground floor.
This event is co-hosted by the Melbourne Journal of International Law and the MLS Human Rights Program
Nathan and Pamela Jacobson Lecture series
Mr Nathan Jacobson OBE (LLB 1946) was a corporate lawyer and founding partner of Jacobson, Chamberlin & Casen. He was a prominent member of Australia’s Jewish community and a committed philanthropist. He received an OBE in 1972 for services to the community. The Nathan and Pamela Jacobson Lecture was established in 2008 thanks to the generous of support of the late Mr Nathan Jacobson OBE and Mrs Pamela Jacobson.