Monash Tech Talks: Recent Episodes
Monash Tech Talks
High-profile speakers. Cutting-edge topics. And important insights into how tech is impacting our world. That’s what Monash Tech Talks are all about.
These unmissable events will open your eyes to the disruption that’s shaping our future and challenge everything you thought about emerging tech.
Sometimes controversial, yet always stimulating, Monash Tech Talks are the perfect way to deepen your knowledge – and join the most significant conversations of the tech industry today.
AI is often considered to be a field rife with inequality
It lacks measures for social, gender and cultural inclusion. And the machine learning, software and algorithms that underpin AI are widely critiqued for reinforcing harmful biases.
‘Inclusivity comes under two categories: Is it accessible and usable by everyone? And does it support those who are marginalised and discriminated against?’ – Matt Sinclair, IoT and AI Lead Australia, Microsoft.
By tuning into this one-hour Tech Talks replay, you’ll be able to:
- hear from recognised experts as they present compelling arguments on whether AI is truly inclusive
- discover fascinating research evidence and practice examples to support positive and negative stances on the topic
- learn about the current challenges in making AI more inclusive.
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
We’re delighted to bring you an insightful talk from UX Designer and social advocate Melanie Tran for our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Week Monash Tech Talks special. Melanie specialises in uniting the worlds of business, design and social impact. Living with a disability herself, she will deep dive into how creativity can be combined with technology to rebuild a diverse and inclusive society.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What makes AI trustworthy?
‘Explainable AI’ (XAI). It’s a term we’re hearing more and more these days. But what does it mean? And more importantly – why does it matter?
Gathering high-profile experts across IT, cognitive science and the social sciences, this event will give you deep insights into: what exactly XAI is and how we create and implement it how it works, with examples of real-life applications why we need XAI and how it’s impacting our everyday lives Its intersection with other disciplines.
The panel:
Andrew Patterson - Business champion, experienced speaker, MC and freelance business writer and correspondent Dr Mor Vered - Co-director, Human-Centred AI Lab Dr Michael Wybrow - Senior Lecturer, Human-Centred Computing, Faculty of Information Technology Dr Cecile Paris - Chief Research Scientist, Data61, CSIRO
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sustainability through diverse perspectives
Climate change is more than just an environmental issue. It’s a social justice issue too. That’s why the UN lists gender equality as one of its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
For this International Women’s Day, we are embracing the 2022 IWD theme to showcase the ways in which women around the world are designing, using or challenging technology to close the eco gender gap – and build a sustainable and equitable future for all.
How are women greening the grid?
In this Monash Tech Talks event, you’ll hear from a panel of leading specialists in computer science, gender studies and sustainability on: the intersection between IT, women and sustainability how Big Tech is impacting marginalised communities around the world the work and achievements of women leading sustainability innovation in IT the importance of amplifying women’s voices in the design of technological advancements in sustainability and environmental fields.
The panel:
Tracey Spicer AM - Multiple Walkley Award-winning author, journalist and broadcaster for ABC TV and radio, Network Ten and Sky News Associate Professor Yolande Strengers - Associate Dean (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) Manika Saha - PhD Researcher, Action Lab, Monash University Ellen Broad - Associate Professor, School of Cybernetics
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The new era of law enforcement
Thanks to its ability to identify, forecast and act autonomously, artificial intelligence has transformed crime prevention. From face detection to predictive policing, what was impossible is now commonplace. So don’t miss this opportunity to discover how innovative technologies are being used in the field – and where it’s heading next.
Explore how technology is championing justice
In the first Monash Tech Talks event of 2022, you’ll hear from a panel of leading specialists in IT and law on: how authorities are using AI and other next-gen technologies ethical issues that have emerged from leveraging AI in law enforcement what ‘Operation Ironside’ is – and why it matters how Monash is collaborating to develop AI and support safer societies what the future of law enforcement looks like as technology advance.
The panel:
Yasmin London - Executive Director, ySafe Dr Campbell Wilson - Director, Artificial Intelligence for Law Enforcement and Community Safety Lab Associate Professor Maria O’Sullivan - Deputy Director, Castan Centre for Human Rights Law, Monash Law Doug Boudry - Commander, Australian Federal Police
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Directed by Professor Sarah Pink from the Emerging Technologies Research Lab, ‘Smart Homes for Seniors' shares the joys, frustrations and wisdom of Australian seniors as they learned to live with digital voice assistants, smart lights and robotic vacuum cleaners during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
Beneficial to a range of communities such as health professionals, this Monash Tech Talks event will give attendees a screening of the film before delving further into the topic during our webinar and Q&A.
Featuring a diverse, globally-renowned panel, you’ll hear about: the priorities, needs and experiences of our ageing population. the dire importance of accounting for the voices of seniors when designing new technologies. innovations that will support older generations to stay safe, independent and active at home. the Intelligent Home Solutions project behind the film, a collaboration with McLean Care, Monash University’s Emerging Technologies Research Lab and Deakin University.
The panel:
Professor Sarah Pink - Director of the Emerging Technologies Research Lab, Monash University Rama Gheerawo - Director, The Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design, Royal College of Art RCA Reader in Inclusive Design Professor Ann Light - Professor of Design and Creative Technology, University of Sussex (UK) and Professor of Interaction Design, Social Change and Sustainability at Malmö University (Sweden) Professor Elisa Giaccardi - Professor and Chair of Post-industrial Design, and Director of Design for Interaction (Msc program), Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our world is more connected than ever before – and strongly governed by the data economy. With the possibility of someone across the globe hacking into your most valuable information at any time, cybersecurity is paramount. But technology is evolving rapidly, and with it, the emergence of ‘super computers’ that possess incredible processing power. How do we protect ourselves in the face of this insurgence?
In this Monash Tech Talks event titled "Quantum-safe cybersecurity: Tackling the ‘super’ hacker", our internationally-renowned cybersecurity specialists will explore how we can stay secure during a time when scalable quantum computers are readily available.
The panel:
Dr Vanessa Teague - CEO, Thinking Cybersecurity Associate Professor Ron Steinfeld - Director of Graduate Research, Software Systems and Cybersecurity Mr Julian Fay - Chief Technology Officer, Senetas Corporation Limited Dr Kristin Lauter - West Coast Director of Research Science, FAIR Dr Kavan Modi - Associate Professor, School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Braille mechanisms have come to be recognised as the face of assistive technologies. With new discoveries being made every day, and IT advancing faster than ever before, now is the opportune time to leverage the potential of technology to create a fairer, more inclusive world.
In this Monash Tech Talks event titled "Beyond braille: Inclusive tech for a fairer world", we’ve invited a panel of specialists to share with you: insights into the modern-day needs of people living with disabilities the current and emerging scope of assistive technologies innovative project examples, such as 3D-printed models incorporating conversational agents informed predictions of where inclusive technology is expected to head in the future.
The panel:
Nas Campanella - ABC Disability Affairs Reporter Maryanne Diamond AO - Board Member, Australian Network on Disability Former President, World Blind Union Professor Kim Marriott - Head of Department, Human-Centred Computing, Faculty of Information Technology Leona Holloway - PhD candidate and Research Assistant, Inclusive Technologies Lab, Faculty of Information Technology
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Humans and robots – harmony or war?
Looking at today’s robots, it can be hard to believe those who say they’ll one day displace us across a range of industries. But as artificial intelligence becomes smarter, and technology continues to advance, we need to ask ourselves three important questions: Where does this put humans? What is the impact on the traditional jobs we’ve come to pursue? Is a future with robots really a cause for concern?
In this Monash Tech Talks event, leading experts in AI, optimisation, robotics and machine learning will help you separate fact from fiction by delving deep into: the future of AI and how it will shape the evolution of robots, with examples of innovative applications in different sectors. the impact of bias in code on software, the concept of ‘humans-in-the-loop’ and how this affects our influence and control over technology. the careers expected to emerge as robots evolve – and the IT skills graduates will need in the workforce of tomorrow.
The panel:
Liam Malone - Entrepreneur and Paralympic Gold Medalist Associate Professor Aldeida Aleti - Associate Dean (Engagement and Impact) Professor Dinh Phung - Director, Research and Engagement, Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Dr Elahe Abdi - Lead, Robotics in Medicine and Interaction Laboratory Dr Punarjay (Jay) Chakravarty - Technical Expert, Machine Learning and Robotics, Ford Future Technology/Autonomous Vehicles (AV) group
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
‘Data’ - what comes to mind first? For many, it’s privacy.
This is especially true in healthcare, where patients will often reveal their most sensitive details. But providing the right information could mean the difference between life and death.
This begs a few important questions: Where do we draw the line? What are the consequences? And are healthcare providers today equipped to effectively share data?
The panel:
Rachel Pannett - Journalist, The Washington Post Professor Chris Bain - Theme Lead, Digital Health Adjunct Associate Professor Naomi Dobroff - Chief Nursing and Midwifery Information Officer, Monash Health Dr Adam Chee - Chief and Convergence Scientist at Smart Health Leadership Centre, National University of Singapore Karrie Long - Director, Nursing Research Hub, The Royal Melbourne Hospital
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dramatically changing the way we live, work and learn, AI and data science are paving the way to a new world – and creating countless career opportunities at the same time.
During this Monash Tech Talks event, you’ll hear from industry professionals and researchers as they give you rare insights into how these emerging technological trends are changing the business and employment landscape.
The panel:
Brad Howarth - Researcher and author Professor Dragan Gasevic - Director, Centre for Learning Analytics at Monash (COLAM) Rita Arrigo - Digital Architect, Advisor, Strategist Ragu Mantatikar - Head of Service Delivery
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Multimodal AI is bridging the gap between human and computer intelligence. The future of technology, it’s enabling machines to combine various data types – such as images, text, speech and numbers – to achieve a richer, more holistic way of thinking and understanding.
The panel:
Ms Bernadette Schwerdt - Keynote speaker, author and entrepreneur Associate Professor Reza Haffari - Lead, Vision and Language Group Dr Joanna Batstone - Director, Monash Data Futures Institute Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah - Consultant physician General Medicine & Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
IT is a wonderfully diverse field that leads to a variety of futures, each unique – but all rewarding. However for many women, seeing through the haze of stereotypes, gender ‘norms’ and bias to shape their own journeys can be difficult.
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2021, this webinar and Q&A will gather successful women in tech, each at different career stages. Our speakers will provide rare and at times personal insights into how the next generation can define their path in the field.
The panel:
Mimi Kwa - Veteran news anchor, journalist, facilitator and keynote speaker Dr Darlene J.S. Solomon - Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Agilent Technologies Professor Ann Nicholson - Interim Dean, Faculty of Information Technology Akansha Kapoor - Manager (Technology & Experience), PwC
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who needs a wife?
Dinner to cook. Homework to supervise. Laundry to wash. Dishes to clean. Floors to vacuum. Bedtime stories to tell.
Competing work-family commitments have led to what Annabel Crabb calls ‘The Wife Drought’. A need for someone, or something, to alleviate domestic pressures as professionals balance their careers with home.
The solution? Smart wives like Siri, Alexa and other pleasant, helpful and perpetually available smart home assistants who can tick off household tasks – with enough energy left to ask about your day.
Checking off to-do lists while getting more free time. Everyone wins… or do they?
The panel:
Annabel Crabb - Writer and presenter, ABC Associate Professor Yolande Strengers - Associate Dean, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Faculty of IT, Associate Professor, Emerging Technologies Research Lab Dr Jenny Kennedy - Postdoctoral Research Fellow, RMIT, Digital ethnography Research Centre
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new, more elusive type of crime
From 5G computing and 3D printing to augmented reality and blockchain, the twenty-first century has seen incredible technological innovations that are advancing society. But not everyone uses IT for social good.
Phishing. Hacking. Identity theft. Ransomware. Emerging technologies have led to a new wave of crime. Illegal activities that can impact anyone in any country – and at any time.
The panel:
Jon Faine AM - ABC Broadcaster of the Year, keynote speaker and best-selling author Dr Campbell Wilson - Associate Dean (International), Faculty of IT Dr Jonathan Clough - Associate Dean (International), Faculty of Law Chui Yong - Head of Data Science, Australian Federal Police (AFP) Phillip Magness - Lawyer and National Forensic Technology Manager, Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How can a crisis ignite innovation?
Thrusting nations across the globe into danger and uncertainty, COVID-19 has been a true test of collective resilience. In response to the pandemic, world leaders have been forced to think quick and act fast. And society has had to follow suit.
As a result, the world has witnessed a widespread surge of new technologies and practices – the hallmark of agile nations.
The panel:
Mimi Kwa - Veteran news anchor, journalist, facilitator and keynote speaker Associate Professor Rashina Hoda - Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of IT Evan Leybourne - Founder and CEO, Business Agility Institute Shane Hastie - Director of Community Development, ICAgile
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become incredibly smart. It can translate languages, recognise emotions, drive vehicles and even create its own software.
But as two seemingly opposing forces, what is the relationship between AI and creativity? And more importantly, how can we leverage their synergy to create memorable customer experiences, shape future products and services – and help organisations break through the noise?
‘AI and creativity: competitors or companions?’ is a rare opportunity for you to hear from world-class anthropologists, AI experts and futurists.
The panel:
Dave King - CEO and Founder, Move 37 Professor Jon McCormack - Director and Founder of SensiLab, Monash University Professor Sarah Pink - Director, Emerging Technologies Research Lab Dr Teresa Llano Rodriguez - Lecturer of Creative AI, Faculty of Information Technology
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The advent of the COVID-19 situation has made the world hungry for information.
How many coronavirus cases are there in the world? Where are outbreaks most severe? What are the chances of recovery?
This Tech Talks webinar ‘Power in a pandemic: the importance of data’ is a chance for you to learn from world-leading data scientist, Professor Geoff Webb – the mind behind widely-used machine learning algorithms.
Professor Ann Nicholson, a celebrated specialist in AI and bayesian networks, will also discuss her work with medical infectious diseases experts to uncover how COVID-19 affects the human body.
The panel:
Professor Jon Whittle - Dean, Faculty of Information Technology Professor Geoff Webb - Research Director, Monash University Data Futures Institute Professor Ann Nicholson - Professor, Department of Data Science and AI Bharat Rao - Principal, Advisory, KPMG, U.S.
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Modern life has been described as consisting of three main places. The first is our home, the second is our workplace and the third are areas we go to socialise, have fun and share experiences with others.
But now that list has shrunk. As we endure lockdown and isolation, our homes have become everything.
In this fascinating Monash Tech Talks webinar, we’re gathering anthropologists, futurists and sociologists from the Emerging Technologies Research Lab to explore how the home, and our relationship to it, has changed.
With a particular focus on technology, our speakers will make sense of the home by discussing various aspects of this rapid, meaningful transformation. These include the role of ‘smart wives’ like Alexa, security and data privacy, and what we can learn from the dramatic changes caused by COVID-19.
The panel:
Jon Faine AM - ABC Broadcaster of the Year, keynote speaker and best-selling author Professor Sarah Pink - Director, Emerging Technologies Research Lab Associate Professor Yolande Strengers - Associate Dean, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Faculty of Information Technology and Associate Professor, Emerging Technologies Research Lab Dr Jathan Sadowski - Research Fellow, Emerging Technologies Research Lab
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Without question, digital technologies are helping to break new frontiers in healthcare.
From greater patient-centred practices and access to medical services to stronger data protection, ‘digital health’ innovations have advanced the sector in many ways – enhancing the quality of care for people around the globe.
This is particularly true in the current COVID-19 crisis.
In a time where the whole world is navigating the challenges of a new disease – as well as societal regulations such as physical distancing – IT has been integral to maintaining the wellbeing of our communities.
How have organisations and medical practitioners leveraged technology in this pandemic? And what do these emerging practices mean for the future of the healthcare industry?
Discover the answers to these questions and more at our Monash Tech Talks webinar Digital health innovations and applications.
Hearing from seasoned medical professionals and IT experts, you’ll explore: what digital health is and its different areas of application how digital health technologies have been harnessed during the COVID-19 crisis digital health innovations and their impacts on society.
The panel:
Emily Rice - Broadcast journalist and Medical Reporter, 9News Professor Chris Bain - Digital Health lead, Faculty of Information Technology Dr Louise Schaper - CEO, Australasian Institute of Digital Health
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the COVID-19 crisis, we’re witnessing mass disruptions to businesses which are having a severe impact on the global economy. This ultimately is taking a huge toll on people’s financial, emotional and physical wellbeing.
The current situation has necessitated the fast, widespread adoption of technology, therefore causing unconsidered ramifications on society. But on the other hand, this movement has digitally mobilised organisations and even entire industries – thus driving a new wave of innovation.
In our special Monash Tech Talks webinar ‘Organisational resilience and technology: Beyond COVID-19’, you’ll hear from business leaders and IT experts on: how businesses are responding to COVID-19, with best practice examples the role of technology in stimulating the economy why organisational resilience not only depends on what technology is developed – but also how the different ways businesses can better position themselves for the future.
The panel:
Bernadette Schwerdt - Keynote speaker, author and entrepreneur Professor Jon Whittle - Dean, Faculty of Information Technology John Karagounis - CEO and Managing Director, The CEO Circle Carolyn Chin-Parry - Managing Director and Digital Innovation Leader, PwC Singapore Professor Simon Wilkie - Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Late last year, we held ‘Is AI Inclusive? The Great Debate’ – a Tech Talks event hosted by pioneering Australian comedian Rod Quantock. A panel of leading IT academics and industry thinkers put forward arguments about inclusivity and AI, and shared how we can incorporate equity and diversity principles into this technology.
The panel:
Yolande Strengers - Associate Dean, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Faculty of Information Technology and Associate Professor, Emerging Technologies Research Lab Dr Aldeida Aleti - Senior Lecturer, Cybersecurity Systems, Monash University Alan Dorin - Associate Professor, Data Science and AI, Faculty of Information Technology
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Technology is transforming traditional roles, shaping the jobs of the future and giving organisations the power to transcend greater barriers – and open new doors.
Never before has automation been more prevalent and the world more connected.
As the world advances with technology, it’s predicted that the demand for specialist IT skills will surge.
In our thought-provoking Monash Tech Talks webinar, you’ll hear from experts thriving in some of the fastest-growing IT jobs in the world. They will give you valuable insights into: the industries and roles that are emerging from new technology which skills will become critical to organisations what it takes to break into the field – and succeed
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How can you leverage blockchain commercially, for maximum impact?
Join us for this 60-minute podcast where you will: Learn the basics of blockchain Hear innovations in blockchain and explore the future of blockchain Learn about leveraging blockchain for business Have your burning blockchain questions answered by the experts during our 30-minute Q&A.
Hear use-cases from leading Monash researchers Dr Joseph Liu, ICT Researcher of the Year in the 2018 ACS Digital Disruptors Awards and Dr Jiangshan Yu, developer of world-first 'RepuCoin'.
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A powerful tool for social justice, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already being used to improve lives around the world. It’s helping to reduce homelessness, criminal activity, substance abuse, military suicides, infectious diseases, poaching and so much more.
This is a unique opportunity to hear from world-renowned AI experts as they discuss how AI is improving our society. Moderated by Professor Jon Whittle, this eye-opening panel discussion will explore how AI is helping to: Fight terrorism and criminal activity Prevent HIV among homeless youth Reduce child exploitation on the dark web Turn poachers into prey
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the ability to transform every aspect of our lives, from automating our homes and informing commercial decisions to performing complex surgery. The applications of AI are far and wide, but how can we leverage this emerging technology for business?
Join us for this 60-minute podcast, where you will: learn the basics of AI hear about the latest AI innovations and applications explore how AI can be used for business
Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/it/tech-talks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.