Events

A common model of AI suggests that there is a single measure of intelligence, often called AGI, and that AI systems are agents who can possess more or less of this intelligence. Cognitive science, in contrast, suggests that there are multiple forms of intelligence and that these intelligences trade-off against each other and have a distinctive developmental profile and evolutionary history.

Exploitation, the pursuit of goals, resources and utilities, is characteristic of adult cognition. Alison argues however, that two very different kinds of cognition characterize childhood and elderhood. Childhood is characterised by exploration. In particular, children seek out information about the world. However, forgoing reward for exploration requires support and nurturance from others – it requires care and teaching. Care and teaching are particularly characteristic of elders and the intelligence of care has a distinctive structure – it involves empowering others – giving them the resources they need to be effective.

The combination of these different kinds of intelligence across the course of a life explains human success, and this has important implications for AI.

Pip Pattison Oration

The Pip Pattison Oration is named after Professor Pip Pattison AO, a quantitative psychologist who pioneered the use of mathematical and statistical models for social networks and network processes. Pip became a lecturer in the University of Melbourne’s Department of Psychology in 1977 while she was completing her PhD, and later held many leadership roles including President of the Academic Board, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic). Most importantly Pip has had an enormously positive influence upon her colleagues and students throughout her career and is without question one of the most respected and most loved psychologists, mathematical or otherwise. Pip is known for making her niche area of mathematical psychology relevant to many outside the field who previously didn’t even know it existed. Speakers invited to deliver an oration are chosen with this broad appeal in mind.

What if learning spaces were designed for everyone?

Learning spaces shape how we connect, grow, and thrive – yet too often, they exclude. The 2025 Symposium brings together designers, educators, researchers, and people with lived experience to ask: how can learning spaces and campuses truly include everyone?

The Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning will host an engaging program of keynotes, panel discussions, and participatory workshops. From the voices of young people navigating disability, to international experts reshaping the way schools and universities are built, the symposium offers fresh perspectives and practical ideas for creating spaces that support genuine inclusion and participation.

Program guide

The Symposium program runs over two days of events at the University of Melbourne, each with a distinct focus. Attendees have the option to select tickets for two days, a single day, or online. Please ensure you select the correct ticket type when registering.

• Day 1 - Tuesday 11 November (in person only)
  Research exchange day at the Woodward Centre, Level 10, Melbourne Law School, 106/185 Pelham Street Carlton.
• Day 2 - Wednesday 12 November (in person and online)
  Public program day at multiple venues in the Glyn Davis Building, Masson Road, Parkville Campus.

Key speakers

The program features keynotes by globally renowned leaders in the field Professor Magda Mostafa, whose pioneering work on autism and neuro-inclusive design has influenced classrooms worldwide, and Dr Jodie Wilson, whose lived experience as an autistic, ADHD and disabled professional has made her a powerful advocate for disruption and change. Associate Professor Ben Cleveland, a leading researcher on inclusive learning environments, will guide conversations alongside a diverse group of designers, educators, disability advocates, policy makers, and people with lived experience.

Banner illustration by Ellen Porteus