SSN seminars: Amit Kumar on Augmented reality (2 April), Catherine Bennett on the Covid Inquiry (17 April) and SSN flagship Interdisciplinary celebration 8 July

[SSN Info]

Hello everyone

We have two exciting seminars coming up and a bumper newsletter of events,  highlights and opportunities has just come out. This includes the announcement of our flagship 'Doing interdisciplinarity' celebration on 8 July, the day before AusSTS 2025 kicks off. You can find it on our website here, or sign up for further newsletters here.

In sum: 

1.) Wednesday 2 April, via Zoom or YouTube Livestream "Beyond the Classroom: How Augmented Reality (AR) is Revolutionising STEM Education" with SSN 2024 Visiting scholar Dr Amit Kumar (Chitkara University). 14:30 - 16:00. Register here.

2.) Thursday 17 April, at Deakin Downtown and via YouTube Livestream: "Traversing disciplines, government structures and provenances of policy – the Independent Inquiry into the Australian Government COVID-19 Response" with expert epidemiologist, interdisciplinarian and distinguished public analyst Professor Catherine Bennett.  15:00 - 16:30. Register here.

3.) Tuesday, 8 July at Deakin Downtown: "Doing Interdisciplinarity: 6 years of the Science and Society Network (SSN)" with Christina Twomey (ARC) and SSN alumni Kaja Antlej and Bahareh Nakisa, Natalie Lander, Martin Potter and Ben Pederick, Tiffany Shellam and Tim Silk.13:00 - 17:00. 

More details on each event below

1.) Beyond the Classroom: How Augmented Reality is Revolutionising STEM Education

Wednesday 2 April 2024, 14:30 - 16:00, Zoom and YouTube Livestream
Register here

Abstract: Augmented Reality (AR) is transforming the landscape of STEM education, taking learning beyond the confines of traditional classrooms. This talk delves into how AR is reshaping the way students engage with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics by turning abstract concepts into interactive, immersive experiences. From visualizing complex biological processes to simulating engineering designs and conducting virtual lab experiments, AR bridges the gap between theory and practice, making learning more dynamic and accessible.

We will explore real-world applications of AR in education, its ability to foster creativity and critical thinking, and its potential to democratize access to high-quality STEM resources. By enhancing engagement and understanding, AR is not just a tool but a catalyst for inspiring the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. We will also discuss more on Web-based AR tools developed to teach and evaluate fundamental concepts of embedded systems for university-level students. Join us to discover how AR is revolutionizing STEM education and preparing students for a future driven by technology and innovation.

Amit will be joined in discussion by Luke Heemsbergen and Peta White after his talk, which will be chaired by the SSN's Thuong Hoang.

2.) Traversing disciplines, government structures and provenances of policy – the Independent Inquiry into the Australian Government COVID-19 Response with Professor Catherine Bennett 

Thursday 17 April from 15L00 - 16:30 at Deakin Downtown and via YouTube Livestream. Register here

Abstract: In 2024, the Commonwealth Government appointed an independent panel to review Australia's COVID-19 response and improve Australia's preparedness for future pandemics. This Inquiry was led by a 3-person team including Deakin's Professor Catherine Bennett. The Inquiry considered over 2,000 submissions, research reports, interviews and roundtable inputs and released its final report in October 2024. Professor Bennett will discuss her experience leading an Inquiry which required analysis of nearly every arm of federal and state government and every civic stakeholder. In synthesising this complexity, the Inquiry developed nine key pillars of an effective pandemic response: Minimising Harm, Planning & Preparedness, Leadership & Coordination, Evidence & Evaluation, Agility & Innovation, Relationships, Trust, Equity and Communications. Professor Bennett will share her insights on working across disparate disciplines and organisational cultures to develop an ambitious and comprehensive plan to prepare Australia for future pandemics.

3.) Doing Interdisciplinarity: 6 years of the Science and Society Network (SSN)

Tuesday, 8 July, 13:00 - 17:00, Deakin Downtown. Register here. 

Speakers: Peter Enticott (Deakin PVC), Christina Twomey (Australian Research Council), Emma Kowal (Deakin, SSN)

SSN Incubator grant alumni: Kaja Antlej and Bahareh Nakisa, Natalie Lander, Martin Potter and Ben Pederick, Tiffany Shellam and Tim Silk.

Join the Deakin Science and Society Network as we celebrate six years of our impactful Incubator grant. With six presentations, two panels and a talk by Christine Twomey of the ARC, the in-person audience will learn about the joys, opportunities, and challenges of interdisciplinary research. Inspired by the Ted-X format, each presentation will share a message that draws from successful interdisciplinary experiences.

We look forward to seeing you soon

Best, 

Carina Truyts on behalf of the SSN