Events

Join a panel of esteemed scientific, policy and climate leaders for a discussion on the role of Australian universities and scientists in the interdisciplinary challenge of reaching the UN’s sustainable development goals.

Hosted by physicist and science communicator Associate Professor Suzie Sheehy, panellists include:

Professor Harry Quiney, Head of School of Physics, University of Melbourne

Dr. Amanda McKenzie, CEO of Climate Council Australia

Rita Adjei, Wattle Fellow and PhD candidate focused on sustainability education

Plus additional panellists to be announced!

This lecture forms part of the 2024 JULY LECTURES IN PHYSICS

A series of free public lectures exploring physics: from the most fundamental questions to its influence in society.

Physics and Sustainable Development

Scientists, politicians, and communities alike recognise the imperative to bridge scientific disciplines and forms of knowledge to address the complex challenges of our time. In this years’ lecture series, we ask what role physics has in meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development goals. Coinciding with the first year of the UN International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, these lectures will explore the intersection between physics and sustainable development: from climate action to affordable and clean energy, education to gender equality and beyond.

This event is co-hosted by the Kaiela Institute and the University of Melbourne.  Watch the free livestream of the 2024 Dungala Kaiela Oration delivered by Justin Mohamed on the topic ‘Build locally, Connect globally’.

Orator: Justin Mohamed

Join the free livestream of the 2024 Dungala Kaiela Oration. Once you’ve registered, you will receive an email closer to the oration time with a link to watch.

The Dungala Kaiela Oration is co-hosted annually by the Kaiela Institute and the University of Melbourne. This major event challenges and inspires the creation of a shared cultural identity and the building of an inclusive vision of nationhood and prosperity of the Yorta Yorta and other First Nations peoples.

In this 16th year of the Dungala Kaiela Oration, we are delighted to welcome Justin Mohamed, Australia’s inaugural Ambassador for First Nations People and a Gooreng Gooreng man from Bundaberg in Queensland.

Mr Mohamed commenced in his position on 3 April 2023 ensuring, for the first time, that Australia has dedicated First Nations representation in our international engagement. He brings a strong connection to community to the role, having worked in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, social justice and reconciliation over decades. He has been extensively involved in the First Nations community-controlled sector, as well as working in government and the corporate sector.

The Kaiela Institute was established in 2011 to promote a collaborative vision and aspiration for a positive future for the Aboriginal community in the Goulburn Valley, continuing the work of the Koori Resource and Information Centre which was established in 1988. The Institute stimulates the region and its partners to take a strategic approach to building a positive future for the whole community and works in partnership with all levels of government and industry including Indigenous and non-Indigenous organisations.