Speakers
Speakers will be added to this page as they are confirmed.
Alana Kennedy
- Alana Kennedy is a trailblazing Indigenous entrepreneur and economic advocate dedicated to integrating First Nations systems with modern scientific research and sustainable innovation. As an Eastern Arrernte, Kalkadoon, and Waanyi descendant from Mount Isa, Queensland, Alana is committed to advancing Indigenous-led research, ethical biotechnology, and sustainable product development in the skincare and sun care industries. As Founder & CEO of Ochre Sun, Alana has pioneered a Soil-to-Skin™ value exchange model, ensuring that Indigenous land stewardship, traditional botanical knowledge, and scientific innovation coexist to create high-performance, sustainable skincare solutions. Through strategic partnerships, Alana bridges Indigenous ecological expertise with scientific validation, driving research into native plant bioactives, climate-resilient agriculture, and ethical bioprospecting. Her work is redefining circular economies in skincare, ensuring that Indigenous communities retain ownership and benefit from scientific advancements. Alana’s work is setting a new benchmark for how scientific institutions, government bodies, and industry leaders can collaborate with Indigenous knowledge holders in a way that is ethical, equitable, and future-focused.
Anna-Maria Arabia
- Anna-Maria is Chief Executive at the Australian Academy of Science, an independent organisation of distinguished Australian scientists, championing science for the benefit of all. Starting her career as a neuroscientist, Anna-Maria has worked nationally and globally in scientific research, policy development, politics and advocacy. Her leadership has led to significant reform at the science–policy interface. She has established novel mechanisms to facilitate evidence-informed decision making in parliaments and the justice system; spearheaded new approaches to science communication; and implemented global initiatives to make visible underrepresented scientists. She provides policy advice to the highest levels of government in Australia and contributes to global policy fora, most recently leading the establishment of the International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific.
Adam Lodders
- Adam Lodders is passionate about ensuring the ethical and responsible use of data, AI and digital technologies. Currently, Adam is AI and Data Ethics Governance Manager at ANZ. Before joining ANZ, Adam was responsible for enabling innovative interdisciplinary research at the University of Melbourne focusing on AI Ethics and the networked society.
Dr Amanda Cahill
- Amanda is the CEO of The Next Economy, where she supports regional communities across Australia to manage the transition to net zero in a way that builds more equitable and regenerative economies. Most of this work has been in coal and industrial regions, where she has brought together government, industry, workers and community groups to co-design transition strategies despite deep-seated tensions. Her work draws on 30 years’ experience working with changemakers across the world to address economic and health inequalities, environmental degradation, women’s rights and climate justice. Amanda is a Churchill Fellow and has a PhD from ANU. She is also a Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne, an Industry Fellow at the University of Sydney and a co-editor of the recently published book: Regional Energy Transitions in Australia: From impossible to possible
Professor Brett Sutton
- Prof Brett Sutton is a Director at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, leading the Health & Biosecurity Research Unit, comprising over 350 researchers and support staff in areas of digital health, human health and plant, animal and environmental biosecurity. A qualified public health physician, he brings extensive experience and clinical expertise in public health and communicable diseases, developed through roles in government, emergency medicine, and international fieldwork. Before joining CSIRO, Brett served as Victoria’s Chief Health Officer and Chief Human Biosecurity Officer, heading the Health Protection Branch within the Victorian Department of Health. Brett’s career reflects his passion and commitment to advancing health outcomes in Australia and globally. Professor Sutton is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health, a Fellow of the Australasian College of Tropical Medicine, and a Fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (AFPHM). He is also a member of the Faculty of Travel Medicine.
Dr Darren Saunders
- Darren is a Eureka Prize winning scientist, with over 20 years’ experience in cancer biology and neuroscience in Australia and North America. He is NSW Deputy Chief Scientist & Engineer, leading the development of the NSW RNA Ecosystem, including RNA Pilot Manufacturing Facility, and leading independent scientific reviews for NSW Government. Darren has worked with EB&Co since 2017 as a senior research advisor and data expert on numerous reviews into workplace culture, harmful behaviours and systemic discrimination in the mining, aviation, education, arts and law enforcement sectors. Darren is an Adjunct Associate Professor in Medical Sciences at the University of Sydney, has held senior roles in peak professional bodies – leading policy and regulatory reforms in science and technology, and is a regular commentator on television and radio. Darren is also a committed thalassophile.
Dr Doug Hilton
- Dr Doug Hilton AO commenced as CSIRO Chief Executive on September 29, 2023. Dr Hilton is a molecular and cellular biologist and previously Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI). At WEHI, his medical research focussed on understanding how blood cells communicate and using this knowledge to improve disease treatments. He and his team held more than 20 patents and translated their research through collaboration with venture capitalists and the biopharmaceutical industry. Through an honorary appointment in the Zoology Department at University of Melbourne, he also studies a family of tiny day-flying moths involved in the pollination of Australian plants. Beyond research, Dr Hilton has emphasised the importance of strong institutional cultures, and furthered diversity in science including as a member of the Champion of Change Coalition and a board member of Australians Investing in Women.
Professor Kerrie Wilson
- Professor Kerrie Wilson commenced in the role of the Queensland Chief Scientist on 1 November 2023. Her distinguished career encompasses roles at QUT, including Pro Vice-Chancellor (Sustainability and Research Integrity), and as the Executive Director of the QUT Institute for Future Environments. Professor Wilson is one of Australia’s leading researchers into the science, strategy and policy of conservation. With a track record in key leadership roles and driving collaboration with national and international stakeholders, she will ensure Queensland remains at the forefront of science. Professor Wilson has held leadership positions including Director of Conservation for The Nature Conservancy Australia and the Australian Natural Sciences Commissioner for UNESCO. She has received numerous awards, including the Prime Minister’s Prize for Life Scientist of the Year, the Australian Academy of Science Nancy Millis Medal for Women in Science, two ARC Research Fellowships and an Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Outstanding Young Researcher. She holds a Bachelor in Environmental Science (First Class Honours) from The University of Queensland and a PhD from The University of Melbourne, undertaken in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme’s World Conservation Monitoring Centre, based in Cambridge.
James Gauci
- James Gauci is the CEO & Founder of Cadent, a technology studio focused on AI strategy, governance, development and deployment for organisations across health, critical infrastructure, heavy industry, and the public sector. He brings a unique multidisciplinary lens to his work, combining deep tech experience with a background in Psychological Science and an MBA. Cadent is revolutionising responsible AI governance with its innovative Ethē platform, which accelerates Australian AI Guardrails and ISO/IEC 42001 compliance from months to just days. A passionate advocate for technology that serves humanity, evidenced by his past role as Chair of IEEE SSIT’s Australian national committee, James leads Cadent as a certified social enterprise, reinvesting profits to fuel positive technological change. He is dedicated to building a future where technology’s benefits profoundly outweigh its risks. Cadent is proudly headquartered in the City of Moreton Bay.
Associate Professor Jeremy Brownlie
- Associate Professor Jeremy Brownlie is a molecular geneticist based in the School of Environment and Science at Griffith University where he conducts research into insect-symbiosis and applying it to control the spread of insect borne diseases. More recently he has collaborated with Griffith University researchers, the Queensland Museum and Indigenous communities to repatriate ancestral remains using genome sequencing technology. In his roles outside of academia, as a past President of Science & Technology Australia or formal advising role as a member of the Prime Minister’s National Science and Technology Council, Jeremy has helped to shape research and innovation policy. As the NSTC sponsor, for the past six months, Jeremy has led a series of four reports on the topic of misinformation specifically to examine the evidence base for what makes individuals and society at large resilient to misinformation.
Juliette Murphy
- Juliette Murphy (CPEng, BEng, RPEQ) is a mission-driven leader passionate about advancing flood prediction technology to enhance emergency management and public safety. As a Chartered Professional Engineer and Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland, Juliette has over 18 years industry experience in flood modeling, hydrology, water resources engineering, environmental assessment, business development, management, operations, and commercialization. Juliette is the CEO and Co-founder of FloodMapp, a technology company specializing in operational impact-based flood forecasting for emergency managers. Juliette has successfully directed complex and multidisciplinary projects including the Real-time Flood Data and Analytics project for the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funded by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T), which continues to deliver improved outcomes for emergency managers. Juliette’s professional experience spans across Australia, US, Canada, and Southeast Asia in the public and private sectors. In each of her roles, she has gained a breadth of expertise in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, pluvial and riverine flooding, operational flood forecasting, GIS, mapping, and project management.
Dr Justine Lacey
- Dr Justine Lacey leads CSIRO’s Responsible Innovation Future Science Platform; a research program examining the interface between science, technology innovation and the associated ethical, social and legal consequences of new and disruptive science and technologies. CSIRO’s Future Science Platforms aim to develop the early stage science that underpins disruptive innovation and has the potential to reinvent and create new industries for Australia. Prior to taking up this role, Justine led a research group of social and economic scientists developing and supporting adaptive solutions for Australian communities and industries. She is trained as a philosopher and her own research has focused on examining the aspects underpinning the minerals industry’s social licence to operate, and how this concept is used in other resource management contexts, such as forestry and agriculture.
Professor Margie Danchin
- Professor Danchin is a consultant paediatrician at The Royal Children’s Hospital, and a Clinician Scientist at the University of Melbourne, and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI). She completed a clinical fellowship in Toronto, Canada in 2005 and her PhD in 2006, subsequently gaining expertise in vaccine clinical trials and vaccine safety as part of the RV3-BB Rotavirus Vaccine program and Vaccine and Immunisation Research Group (VIRGO), MCRI. She has received fellowships from NHMRC and the University of Melbourne and currently holds a 2021 to 2026 Melbourne Children’s Clinician Scientist Fellowship. As Group Leader of the Vaccine Uptake Group, MCRI, Professor Danchin’s program of research focuses on vaccine confidence and uptake, particularly amongst high-risk groups and in low and middle-income countries, and on effective risk communication. It has led to significant shifts in understanding of the drivers of under-vaccination, development of tools and evidenced-based strategies to improve uptake and has directly informed policy and changes in immunisation practice in Australia. She leads a dynamic team and research program that includes qualitative research, randomised trials, systematic reviews, intervention co-design and partnerships with government/NGOs. She has received more than $19 million in research funding and has more than 135 peer-reviewed publications, chapters in leading vaccine textbooks including Vaccine and frequent editorials/commentary articles.
Michael Collett
- Michael Collett is a conversation designer on the AI/ML team at ABC Digital Product, where he helps develop ‘ABC Assist’, an internal AI-powered research capability. He has also designed smart speaker apps for ABC Kids and ABC Emergency. Previously, he worked as a journalist and producer for ABC News Digital, where he was one of the brains behind the ABC News on Messenger chatbot.
Paula Perrett
- Paula has over 25 years’ experience delivering strategic policy advice to the Australian Government across multiple domains including natural resource management, aquatic animal health, Murray-Darling Basin reform, energy security, deregulation, international marine policy and governance and international agricultural trade. Paula’s expertise also includes the design and delivery of major funding programs and initiatives and six years working as a regulator. Paula has represented the Australian Government in numerous roles, including as Head of Delegation for World Heritage and as the Alternate Commissioner to the International Whaling Commission. Paula is currently the Executive Director of the Office of the Chief Scientist.
Susan Beetson
- Susan Beetson is a Ngemba Computer Science researcher, practitioner, and educator, who grew up in very remote Aboriginal communities of Brewarrina and Gongolgon. Susan has 30 years’ experience in corporate computer science and information technology management and ten years in higher education as an educator in Information Systems and Interactive Technologies in computer science and human centred computing, and Aboriginal value systems and Knowledges in Indigenous studies. As an Academic in UQ’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and a chief investigator in the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Futures, Susan’s team explores digital rights management to facilitate Traditional Custodians’ perpetual royalties and retaining Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property, toward economic independence. Susan is a Fellow with the Australian Internet Governance Forum and collaborates with Pacific Islanders to bring Indigenous value systems and perspectives to the structures, standards, and systems that underpin internet governance.
Dr Susannah Eliott
- Susannah has a PhD in cell and developmental biology from Macquarie University, a Graduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) and an honorary doctorate in science communication from the University of Adelaide. In 2023 she was elected as a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE). With over 25 years of experience, Susannah has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between science and the media. Her journey began as a research scientist, studying the fascinating soil creatures known as slime moulds at Macquarie University and Stanford University. Following her PhD, she transitioned to science communication, leading the UTS Centre for Science Communication in the 1990s. During this time she helped launch significant initiatives such as the Horizons of Science forums and the popular outreach programs, Science in the Bush and Science in the Pub, in collaboration with the Australian Science Communicators.
Panel Moderators
Cate Gilpin
- Cate Gilpin is a leading voice in building socially cohesive and inclusive communities across Australia. As the National Coordinator of Welcoming Universities and Queensland Coordinator of Welcoming Cities at Welcoming Australia, she works with universities and local governments to embed practices of inclusion, belonging, and equity into policy and everyday practice. With a background in community engagement and higher education, Cate brings a deep understanding of the systemic and human factors that shape inclusive environments. Her work has informed national conversations on student wellbeing, multicultural inclusion, and the role of institutions in fostering belonging. She has led research into the experiences of international students and supported councils and universities in working towards formal recognition for their commitment to diversity.
Gail Fulton
- Gail Fulton is Director for CSIRO Science Connect. Her work focuses on the practical application of science. This spans inspiring young Australians through a range of education and publishing activities; helping small and large businesses strategically adapt and innovate or simply test their products; and contributing to the scientific research process itself through peer review and scientific publishing. Before joining CSIRO, Gail worked in a variety of legal and commercial roles in technology, publishing, film, television and creative industries. Gail holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Laws from UNSW and a MBA from Melbourne University.
Dr Melanie McGrath
- Trust is crucial to our willingness to use AI, but it’s not as simple as more trust, leading to more use and better outcomes. To work safely and effectively with AI, our level of trust needs to be aligned with the capabilities of the AI application. Too much trust and we risk relying on an application that can’t really deliver, not enough trust and we risk not using an application that could actually help us. Dr. Melanie McGrath is a psychological scientist investigating how humans develop trust in machines, and what effect that might have on the way people and AI work together. In her research she identifies the optimal level of trust in an AI application, and how to achieve it. To address this question she works with scientists developing applications in a range of areas including cybersecurity, genomics, and robotics.