Chancellor's Lecture Series Swinburne Commons

From industrialisation in the 19th century to the breakthrough of computing in the 20th, we are now seeing the dawn of a new revolution in technology. Emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, machine learning, and autonomous systems are already offering new ways of doing with profound social, cultural and political implications. Artificial intelligence promises to revolutionise our lives, shape a new future and disrupt the world as we know it. But can we truly imagine all the ways that these emerging technologies will alter the human experience? Professor Genevieve Bell (Director of the 3A Institute, Florence Violet McKenzie Chair, and Distinguished Professor at the Australian National University) explores what the 21st century might bring (it’s not as scary as you think!).

The 2018 Chancellor’s Lecture was presented by Professor Peter Choong on 16 August 2018. Professor Choong (St Vincent’s Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre) is a world-leading cancer surgeon and pioneer in limb-sparing surgery. Entitled 'A surgeon’s journey: Innovating cancer care through science, dreams and hope', Professor Choong offered a compassionate perspective into what it means to operate at the forefront of medical innovation that is changing lives. From bedside to breakthrough; how has technology enhanced cancer care? And what does the future look like for those affected by bone and soft tissue cancers?

In the 2017 Chancellor's Lecture, the Hon. Jeffrey Bleich discussed five great technology driven challenges confronting Western democracies - automation, education, cyber, climate and self-governance. Presented 2 August 2017.

In February 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the prohibition against physician-assisted dying violated the constitutional right to "life, liberty, and security of the person". The government then established a panel to examine options for a legislative response to the ruling. The panel's final report, helped shape Canada’s legislation, legalising Medical Assistance in Dying. Swinburne University is pleased to welcome Professor Harvey Max Chochinov - Chair of the panel - to deliver this year's Chancellor's Lecture. He is an internationally renowned researcher in palliative care and issues related to dignity towards end-of-life. Professor Chochinov will share his unique personal experiences and perspectives regarding Canada’s entry into Medical Assistance in Dying and pose key questions related to dignity in end of life care. Recorded 23 November 2016

Dr Megan Clark AC discusses why Australia risks falling behind if our universities, researchers and industry fail to develop a strong foundation to form global partnerships and keep pace with the rest of the world. Presented on 02 December 2015.

Jennifer Westacott draws on her experience in both the public and private sectors to explore why and how we need to transform the VET system, in particular, if we are to prepare and equip our future workforce, and enable every Australian to be a part of it. Recorded on 19 June 2014.