Debate@Go8: Recent Episodes
DebateAtGo8
The podcast series canvassing issues affecting the Group of Eight universities, and by extension, Australia's economy and our society. The Group of Eight comprises Australia's leading research-intensive universities; The University of Melbourne, The University of Sydney, The University of Queensland, The University of Western Australia, The University of Adelaide, Australian National University, Monash University, and UNSW Sydney.
We examine the importance of Australia's imminent association to the world's largest research and innovation programme with the European Commission's Chief Negotiator for Horizon Europe, Maria Cristina Russo - the Deputy Director-General for Innovation, Prosperity and International Cooperation at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation. Recorded June 2026.
Professor Marco Fiorentini from The University of Western Australia and Director of the ARC Centre in Critical Resources for the Future, discusses why Australia’s strength in critical minerals is not just about what’s in the ground - but about the research capability, skills and innovation needed to find, extract and process them responsibly. Recorded November 2025.
Professor Sharon Pickering is an internationally renowned criminologist who's worked with governments worldwide to combat sex trafficking and family violence, and is a passionate advocate for the benefits of international education. Recorded May 2025.
Part 2 of a thought-provoking two-part episode featuring the Co-Chairs of the Group of Eight Defence & Security Committee - Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Rick Burr, former Chief of Army and Major General (Ret’d) Paul Symon, former Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service. In Part 2 these distinguished defence and intelligence leaders underscore the vital role of Australia’s leading universities in advancing national security, research integrity, and innovation.
Part 1 of a timely and thought-provoking two-part episode featuring Major General (Ret’d) Paul Symon, former Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, and Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Rick Burr, former Chief of Army. As co-chairs of the Group of Eight Defence & Security Committee, these distinguished leaders offer a rare insider’s perspective on the evolving national security landscape. Recorded May 2025.
We're celebrating our 50th episode with a chat with The Group of Eight’s newest Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emma Johnston from the University of Melbourne. Professor Johnston is a world-leading marine biologist, an influential figure in Australia’s higher education sector and a prominent advocate for science and technology and women in STEM. She's also UniMelb's first female chief.
European Australian Business Council CEO Jason Collins discusses how the current global uncertainty impacting international trade and geo-politics has re-opened the door to resume negotiations on the stalled EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement - and along with that, the opportunity for Australia to join the world's largest research fund, Horizon Europe - the benefits to both parties in securing an agreement and the ramifications for research and innovation – and Australia’s universities in general – that this could bring. Recorded May 2025.
Professor Stephen J Simpson’s world-leading research on nutrition – which all began 37 years ago by looking into the eating habits of locusts - is changing the way we look at human diets today. He has just stepped down as the Inaugural Academic Director at the Charles Perkins Centre, a multidisciplinary research centre committed to improving global health. Recorded April 2024.
Professor Neely on his ground-breaking work using gene-editing technology to help develop new anti-venoms for snake bites and Box Jellyfish stings. He also discusses how an interest in pain led him to the work he is doing now with venoms and how this work, in turn, may lead to breakthroughs around pain in the future.
The legislation that would have allowed for the capping of international student numbers looks doomed to fail - with the Coalition and the Greens opposing it. However, the debate around international students continues to rage - wrapped up as it is - erroneously - in arguments about cost of living, housing and immigration. We wanted to put a human face to our international students, so we invited three of them - Ayesha Shaikh from the University of Sydney, Bolong Du from The University of Queensland and Cyrus Cheng from UNSW - into the pod booth to tell us about their motivations, hopes and experiences as international students in Australia. Recorded November 2024.
Professor James Laurenceson discusses the role of the Australia-China Relations Institute, Australia's relationship with China, research collaboration, international students, foreign interference and navigating AUKUS with China. Recorded April 2024.
Dr Michael Buckland on the risk of developing CTE from head knocks and the need for better regulation in contact sport.
CSIRO Chief Dr Doug Hilton discusses the CSIRO’s role and importance to Australia, his life before the CSIRO and the importance of increasing the nation’s spend on research & development. Recorded May 2024.
Federal Member for Wentworth, Allegra Spender MP, discusses the current debate around universities and migration, the housing crisis, tax reform, the energy transition and even the unexpected joy of politics. Recorded May 2024.
Constitutional and human rights law expert from The University of New South Wales, Professor George Williams, discusses some of the extraordinarily challenging issues confronting universities right now. Recorded May 2024.
EU Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency, Gabriele Visentin, discusses the EU’s Indo-Pacific push, the war in Ukraine, the EU-Australia free trade agreement and research collaboration opportunities between the EU and Australia.
Senator James Paterson canvasses a range of issues impacting our university sector and our society – from global research cooperation and foreign interference to cyber threats, national security and the rise of extremism in Australia. Recorded February 2024.
Associate Professor Susan Woods from the University of Adelaide on an Australian medical breakthrough that could lead to the eradication of bowel cancer, spell the end of awkward stool tests and lead to earlier diagnosis, saving thousands of lives.
Professor Stephen Nicholls Program Director, of MonashHeart, Intensive Care and Victorian Heart Hospital, Monash Health, on new strategies for combatting heart disease and the state-of-the-art hospital he leads.
Defence Trailblazer’s Dr Sanjay Mazumdar on AI in warfare, AUKUS and dual use defence technology.
Monash University’s award-winning scientist on the benefits of microbes and lifting public perception about the value of university research.
Former Ambassador to Lebanon, Ian Parmeter discusses the Israel-Hamas war, the complexities of Middle Eastern politics and Australia’s response.
Hon Lisa Singh discusses education, research collaboration, security and trade – all emerging opportunities as a result of Australia’s closer ties with India.
Peter Varghese AO, author of the India Economic Strategy on Australia’s place in the Indo-Pacific.
Professor Mary O’Kane on the Universities Accord and the future of Australia’s higher education sector.
Dr Anne-Lise Chaber (One Health Expert, University of Adelaide) on COVID dogs and the connection between humans, animals and the environment.
Professor Rory Medcalf AM on Australia’s role in a complex and changing geopolitical environment.
Chief of the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Taskforce Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead on the AUKUS program.
Director, UNSW Defence Research Institute Vice Admiral (Ret’d) Paul Maddison on national security.
Former Ambassador to China Dr Geoff Raby discusses the challenges for Australian foreign policy and diplomacy in our region.
Major General (Ret'd) Gus McLachlan on challenges of AUKUS, cyber security and building our defence capability.
University of Adelaide VC Professor Peter Høj on ensuring our tertiary sector is fit for purpose in the decades ahead and what’s next for the proposed merger with the University of SA.
As Australia and India look to step up strategic and research partnerships, Debate@Go8 examines whether the misuse of technology from a security perspective is a real threat or does failure to engage globally pose a greater risk to our country’s future.
Respected political commentator Stephen Loosley AM shares his insights on national security, the Albanese Government and factors behind the rise of the Teals.
ANU Vice Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt on the future of higher education, science, the universe and the Nobel Prize.
Monash University's Professor Michael Mintrom on the critical role of universities in the knowledge economy.
University of Melbourne VC Prof Duncan Maskell talks about education, research, the esoteric and entrepreneurship.
International education as a response to China’s charm offensive in SE Asia and the Pacific, with Professor Michael Wesley.
How will the election outcome impact universities, media and the future of Australian politics with Professor Mark Scott AO.
Go8 political experts analyse the rise of independents and emerging trends in Australian democracy.
The Group of Eight has answered a call from the National COVID Taskforce to help boost vaccination rates in remote and regional Australia, where vaccine take-up is lagging behind the national rate and will struggle to reach 80% this year.
At the height of COVID-19 the Group of Eight stepped up to offer the support and expertise of its student medical ‘workforce’ to fast track the vaccine roll out. The Go8 has been called on again to boost vaccine rates in regions where up take up is relatively low. Vicki Thomson explains what’s involved in the latest Debate@Go8 podcast.
Uniquest’s Dr Dean Moss explains the workings of research commercialisation, the ‘valley of death’, and why commercialising our world class inventions is key to meeting the challenges ahead.
Group of Eight Chair Professor Margaret Gardner says universities must be autonomous to preserve the capacity for speaking the uncomfortable and researching the unknowable.
Go8 universities are supporting Australia’s battle against COVID-19, delivering life-saving research and a surge workforce to boost the vaccine roll out.
UNSW’s Vice Chancellor Professor Ian Jacobs joins Debate@Go8 to discuss his experience in Australia’s university sector, and examine the important role the sector will play in our nation’s post COVID recovery.
University of Adelaide researchers Professors Wendy Umberger and Randy Stringer join Debate@Go8 to discuss research that’s the changing lives of Indo-Pacific farmers.
Wine makers and grape growers around the globe are looking for ways protect grapes from the impact of bushfires. The University of Adelaide's Professor Kerry Wilkinson joins Debate@Go8 to discuss how her team may hold the key.
Debate@Go8 discusses options for the safe return of international students in a changed global environment.
Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson discusses the importance of international students to Australia’s university sector and the nation’s broader economy with Debate@Go8.
Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson joins Debate@Go8 to discuss recent allegations of foreign interference in Australian universities.