Speakers

Darren is a Eureka Prize-winning scientist with 20+ years in cancer biology and neuroscience. As NSW Deputy Chief Scientist & Engineer, he leads RNA initiatives and scientific reviews. A senior advisor with EB&Co, he also contributes to workplace culture and discrimination reviews. He's an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, a regular media commentator, and a committed thalassophile.

Professor Martina Sanderson-Smith is a molecular bacteriologist at the University of Wollongong, specialising in Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A). She earned her PhD at UOW and held an Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship in Germany. In 2024, she was part of a team awarded the Eureka Prize for Infectious Disease Research. Martina directs UOW’s Molecular Horizons Research Institute, leads work on antimicrobial resistance, and champions equity, diversi

Willy Susilo is a Distinguished Professor at the University of Wollongong and Director of its Institute of Cybersecurity and Cryptology. A leading researcher in cryptography and network security, he holds an ARC Laureate Fellowship and received the 2024 NSW Premier's Prize for Science and Engineering. He is an IEEE, IET, ACS, AAIA, and AIIA Fellow, with 500+ publications. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief and associate editor for several intern

Professor Petrea Redmond, from the University of Southern Queensland, researches digital pedagogies across areas such as online engagement, cyberbullying, mobile learning, STEM gender issues, ICT integration, and teacher education. She has edited international books, published widely, won multiple research and teaching awards, and served as lead and associate editor for the Australasian Journal of Educational Technology (AJET).

Deakin Distinguished Professor David Boud, Co-Director of CRADLE, has over 30 years of experience in adult, higher, and professional education research and teaching development. Widely recognised as Australia's leading educational researcher, he is an international expert in higher education, workplace learning, and assessment. His pioneering work has revolutionised assessment practices and is extensively used by scholars dedicated to advancing teaching and learning worldwide.

Sharon Robinson researches how Antarctic plants respond to climate change, using radiocarbon to date mosses and track environmental shifts. Dean of Researcher Development at UOW and a 2024 ARC Laureate Fellow, she's a UNEP lead author, Co-Chair of SCAR ANTOS, and has joined 14 Antarctic expeditions, passionately conserving biodiversity.

Jack is a Yuin man living on Gadabanut Country and the Biodiversity Council's Co-Chief Councillor and Director at Bush Heritage Australia. A Senior Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne, he studies biocultural landscapes. He advises the Conservation Ecology Centre and leads research in the Otways. Jack sits on advisory groups for Zoos Victoria and DEECA, and reviewed the Victorian Wildlife Act. He holds a PhD from Western Sydney on Blue Mountains predators.

Dr Camille Goodman is Associate Professor at ANCORS, University of Wollongong. Her research focuses on applying the law of the sea to fisheries, offshore renewable energy, and climate change. She is Deputy Editor of Ocean Development and International Law, Legal Adviser to the North Pacific Fisheries Commission, and former senior lawyer at Australia’s Attorney-General’s Department. Her award-winning book explores coastal State rights in the exclusive economic zone.