Program

Program timings subject to change.  If you would like to register send an email to ri_fsp@csiro.au to receive registration details.  

800

Coffee and registration

900

Acknowledgement of Country – Waveney Yasso, Singer Songwriter

Introduction and Welcome to Trust in Science & Technology event Bernie Hobbs MC

920

Trust in motion: Navigating the intersection of Science and Technology

Scientific discoveries and technologies are advancing at an unprecedented pace, often outpacing the public’s ability to adapt. From pandemics to AI bias, these rapidly evolving challenges demand fresh strategies and collaborative approaches to sustain confidence in science and technology.   In this opening session, we’ll delve into Australians’ attitudes toward trust, examining differing perspectives and outlining practical steps for strengthening public confidence.

Dr Cathy Foley, CSIRO Board Member, Former Australian Chief Scientist (pre-record video introduction)

Professor Brett Sutton, Director, CSIRO Health & Biosecurity

940

Australia in Focus: Why does trust matter?

This panel explores how trust in science and technology underpins Australia’s global position, political discourse, and sovereign capabilities.   Panellists will examine the challenges posed by mis/disinformation, discuss the pivotal role trust plays in shaping public perception, and highlight the stakeholders and initiatives driving efforts in this space.

Moderator: Gail Fulton, Director, CSIRO Science Connect

Dr Susannah Eliott, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Science Media Centre

Associate Professor Jeremy Brownlie, Griffith University & National Science and Technology Council

Professor Kerrie Wilson, Queensland Chief Scientist, Queensland Government

Adam Lodders, AI & Ethics Governance Manager, ANZ Bank

 1020

MORNING TEA

1050

Responsible innovation for disruptive science and technology: The role of public trust and social expectations.

This talk explores CSIRO’s recent explorations in embedding responsible innovation across its future science portfolio and shares some of our own breakthrough science that is helping us better understand the expectations of the Australian public and the responsibilities of the research sector when it comes to earning public trust in emerging science and technology.  

 Dr Justine Lacey, Director, Responsible Innovation Future Science Platform, CSIRO

1110

From discovery to impact: A vision for trust in Australian science

Doug and Anna-Maria will share insights on public engagement and fostering a culture of accountability.   Discussing how ethical guidelines and transparent communication are critical in maintaining trust as science evolves, they will examine their vision for uniting researchers, policymakers, and the public to tackle Australia’s grand science challenges.

Anna-Maria Arabia, Chief Executive, Australian Academy of Science

Dr Doug Hilton, Chief Executive, CSIRO

1140

Stakeholder trust as a competitive edge

This panel will explore how authentic engagement with customers, investors, and employees can foster a culture of openness about both the risks and the rewards of emerging technologies.  Panellists will discuss practical ways to embed ethical considerations throughout business processes, rather than treating them as after thoughts.    They will also look at how to measure the tangible returns of stakeholder trust – from increased brand equity to more resilient revenue streams – in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Moderator: Cate Gilpin, Welcoming Australia

Alana Kennedy, CEO, Ochre Sun

Dr Amanda Cahill, CEO, The Next Economy

Dr Darren Saunders, Deputy Chief Scientist & Engineer, NSW Government

Dr Kieren Moffat, Co Founder and CEO, VoconiQ

1220

LUNCH 

1310

Until misinformation is treated as a public health threat, no amount of vaccine innovation will overcome distrust.

This prompt focuses on the interplay between scientific innovation and the damaging power of viral misinformation, inviting debate on whether better communication and regulation of misinformation might be more critical than new technologies.

During this session two speakers will each spend ten minutes each, talking to the statement, followed by a joint Q&A or discussion with the audience.  

Moderator: Bernie Hobbs

Professor Axel Bruns, Digital Media Centre, Queensland University of Technology

Professor Margie Danchin, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute

1350

How do we know when to trust technology?
This panel will delve into the core elements that position technology as trustworthy, examining how safety measures, transparency, and accountability combine to signal reliability and integrity.   Panellists will address key questions such as: What criteria truly define a technology as trustworthy? How do robust safety protocols and transparent processes build public confidence? And how can organizations demonstrate accountability to ensure that trust isn’t misplaced?

Moderator: Dr Melanie McGrath, Superstar of STEM

James Gauci, CEO & Founder Ethe AI/Managing Director & Founder, Cadent

Juliette Murphy CEO & Co-founder, FloodMapp

Michael Collett, Conversation Designer, ABC

Susan Beetson Chief Investigator, ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Futures

1430

The final act: Shaping a responsible and hopeful future.

As we move to the end of the day, we turn our focus to the trust paradox: How much trust do we need and for what purpose?   Is excess trust as problematic as a lack of trust and does the trust placed in you dependent on what you are trusted for?

Finally, what inspires you most about a future where trust in science fuels innovation and hope—and how can each of us contribute to making that vision a reality?

Dr Darren Saunders, Deputy Chief Scientist & Engineer, NSW Government

Associate Professor Jeremy Brownlie, Griffith University & National Science and Technology Council

Dr Justine Lacey, Director, Responsible Innovation, Future Science Platform, CSIRO

1500

Event close

1515-1730

OPTIONAL, INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP SESSION, The Edge, SLQ 

Workshop to help shape an Australian coalition for Trust in Science & Health

Led by Professor Brett Sutton, Director, CSIRO Health & Biosecurity