UNSW's Engineering the Future

UNSW Engineering
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UNSW’s Engineering the Future podcast is a space for thought-provoking conversations about the bold ideas that will impact society over the next two decades. From exciting developments in nuclear technology and major transformations in the mining industry, through to the universal impact of Artificial Intelligence, we speak with leading academics and industry leaders about the technological marvels that will define our future. Together, we’ll discover how world-changing action starts with fearless thinking in innovative engineering.

  1. Why diversity matters in engineering

    10/19/2025

    Why diversity matters in engineering

    Engineering touches almost every aspect of our lives. From building our roads and powering our homes to developing the medical equipment that will help save lives — the demand for engineering skills continues to grow.  But Australia is facing one of its biggest skills shortages, with more than 60,000 engineers needed over the next decade. In the latest episode of Engineering the Future podcast, Professor Rita Henderson, UNSW Engineering’s Deputy Dean of Society Impact and Translation, and Kath Richards, Chief Engineer of Engineers Australia, chat with STEM journalist Neil Martin about what it takes to attract and retain diverse talent in engineering.  From sparking interest in schools to creating flexible, supportive workplaces, they explore how diversity drives innovation and why it’s so important in tackling the world’s biggest challenges. For the full transcript of the episode and to learn more about our speakers, visit our ⁠⁠⁠website. Read more of our stories on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at UNSW: UNSW’s Gateway shines, as Education Minister announces rise in domestic enrolments Girls in STEMM 2025: Building circuits, racing cars and shaping tomorrow Hands-on engineering hits the road with UNSW Makerbus Meet Keira Moran: Engineering student and co-recipient of the 2025 Inspiring Student Award Honouring excellence: women engineers celebrated as distinguished Ada Lovelace Medal awarded Don’t miss out on more conversations about the technologies shaping our world. Subscribe to Engineering the Future on your favourite podcast platform and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠ to stay up to date with the latest research and news from ⁠⁠⁠⁠UNSW Engineering⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Acknowledgement of Country  We would like to show our respects and acknowledge the Bedegal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which our Kensington campus is situated on, and to Elders past and present.

    43 min
  2. How quantum is moving from the lab to everyday life

    09/21/2025

    How quantum is moving from the lab to everyday life

    For more than a century, quantum mechanics has challenged how we understand the universe. Once confined to theory and thought experiments, quantum is now powering real technologies – and the next 20 years could redefine how we live, work, and connect. In this episode of Engineering the Future, host Neil Martin speaks with UNSW Associate Professor Jarryd Pla, and Professor Peter Turner from Sydney Quantum Academy, about the breakthroughs and roadblocks of the quantum world.  From GPS-free navigation and ultra-secure communications to the promise of quantum computing, we reveal where the engineering stands today, what’s coming next, and why Australia is uniquely placed to lead the charge.  For the full transcript of the episode and to learn more about our speakers, visit our ⁠⁠website. Read more of our stories on quantum technologies: This purple diamond could one day amplify signals from deep space How a world record ‘squeeze’ could offer comfort for dark matter hunters UNSW engineers help crack key challenge in scaling quantum computers This metaphorical cat is both dead and alive – and it will help quantum engineers detect computing errors Don’t miss out on more conversations about the technologies shaping our world. Subscribe to Engineering the Future on your favourite podcast platform and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠BlueSky⁠⁠ to stay up to date with the latest research and news from ⁠⁠⁠UNSW Engineering⁠⁠⁠.   Acknowledgement of Country  We would like to show our respects and acknowledge the Bedegal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which our Kensington campus is situated on, and to Elders past and present.

    39 min
  3. Finding a pathway to replace fossil fuels in big industries

    08/17/2025

    Finding a pathway to replace fossil fuels in big industries

    Using renewable energy such as wind and solar to create environmentally friendly electricity is great - but what can we do to replace the use of fossil fuels in industrial sectors that can't easily be electrified?  This can include heavy manufacturing, aviation, maritime transport, and chemical production. These industries need high-density energy or specialised fuels and processes that electricity alone cannot provide efficiently.  That's where green fuels come in. In this episode of Engineering the Future, UNSW lecturer Dr Emma Lovell and industry expert Constantine Tsounis, join STEMM journalist Neil Martin to explain how they are made and why they are so important.  They discuss the process of turning renewable resources into biofuels, green hydrogen, biogas, and synthetic fuels to help drive the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions - making decarbonisation possible for even the hardest-to-abate sectors.  For the full transcript of the episode and to learn more about our speakers, visit our ⁠website. Read more of our stories on Green Fuels:   What is sustainable aviation fuel, and why are we not using it already?  UNSW researchers to scale up development of clean aviation fuel thanks to $1.2m TRaCE award  Roadblocks still abound en route to decarbonisation of Australia’s freight industry  A carbon levy on global shipping promises to slash emissions. We calculated what that means for Australia’s biggest export  Scientists use AI to make green ammonia even greener  Don’t miss out on more conversations about the technologies shaping our world. Subscribe to Engineering the Future on your favourite podcast platform and follow us on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠BlueSky⁠ to stay up to date with the latest research and news from ⁠⁠UNSW Engineering⁠⁠.   Acknowledgement of Country  We would like to show our respects and acknowledge the Bedegal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which our Kensington campus is situated on, and to Elders past and present.

    51 min
  4. PFAS: How a useful invention became a global contaminant

    07/20/2025

    PFAS: How a useful invention became a global contaminant

    PFAS—also known as "forever chemicals"—are in your water, your clothes, your food packaging, and even in your body.  They’ve been widely used for decades to make products resistant to heat, stains, grease, and water, including non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and stain-resistant fabrics.  But engineers, regulators, and the public are increasingly concerned about their long-term impact.   In this episode of Engineering the Future, environmental engineers, UNSW Professor Denis O’Carroll and Andrew Mitchell from ADE Consulting, joins STEMM journalist Neil Martin to unpack the science behind PFAS and how they ended up in our environment.   They explain the new detection and removal methods used to clean up PFAS, and emphasise the need for better regulation, public awareness, and the development of better alternatives of the chemical.  For the full transcript of the episode and to learn more about our speakers, visit our website. Read more of our stories on PFAS:  Specific ‘forever chemical’ found at unexpected levels in firefighting foam  New method to degrade PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ found effective in the lab  PFAS 'forever chemicals' above drinking water guidelines in global source water  Trying to solve the 'forever problem' of PFAS pollution  Don’t miss out on more conversations about the technologies shaping our world. Subscribe to Engineering the Future on your favourite podcast platform and follow us on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠ and BlueSky to stay up to date with the latest research and news from ⁠UNSW Engineering⁠.   Acknowledgement of Country  We would like to show our respects and acknowledge the Bedegal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which our Kensington campus is situated on, and to Elders past and present.

    42 min
  5. Equitable healthcare isn’t about treatment – it’s about justice

    06/22/2025

    Equitable healthcare isn’t about treatment – it’s about justice

    Not all healthcare is created equal.    Whether it’s a postcode that limits your services, a language barrier at the clinic, or a system that overlooks accessibility - too many people are being left behind. But how do we build healthcare systems that can fairly serve its communities regardless of postcode, income, or identity?    In this episode of the Engineering the Future podcast, UNSW’s biomedical engineer Associate Professor Lauren Kark, and Managing Director of Taking Paediatrics Abroad, Kathryn Currow, chats with STEM journalist Neil Martin, about the challenges of ensuring healthcare that is just for all and the importance of advocating for sustainable solutions and capacity building over mere financial investment. For the full transcript of the episode and to learn more about our speakers, visit our website. Read more of our stories on equitable healthcare:  It works! GeneEQUAL is improving health care for people with intellectual disabilityUNSW Kirby Institute’s remote testing program wins major university award UNSW medicine graduate awarded NSW Rhodes Scholarship  Don’t miss out on more conversations about the technologies shaping our world. Subscribe to Engineering the Future on your favourite podcast platform and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram to stay up to date with the latest research and news from UNSW Engineering.   Acknowledgement of Country  We would like to show our respects and acknowledge the Bedegal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which our Kensington campus is situated on, and to Elders past and present.

    38 min
  6. AI in cybersecurity - friend or foe?

    05/21/2025

    AI in cybersecurity - friend or foe?

    📧 Have you ever fallen victim to a phishing email? You're not alone.   Cybersecurity threats are growing more sophisticated every day, making the protection of personal and corporate data more critical than ever. As artificial intelligence reshapes both attack methods and defence strategies, what are the risks of not securing our infrastructure against emerging threats? Lecturer at UNSW School of Computer Science and Engineering and former NASA researcher, Dr. Hammond Pearce, and Director of InTune AI, Sharat Madanapalli, joins STEMM journalist Neil Martin to unravel the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and how to safeguard your privacy online.   For the full transcript of the episode and to learn more about our speakers, visit our website. Read more of our stories on cybersecurity:  What to do about deepfakes: opportunities and problems as AI tech makes leaps and bounds  Today’s top cybersecurity threats for consumers, and how to fight them  Beware the dangers of data breach fatigue  An award-winning breakthrough in computer science education  The internet of things: protecting network assets and infrastructure    Let’s connect:  Don’t miss out on more conversations about the technologies shaping our world. Subscribe to Engineering the Future on your favourite podcast platform and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram to stay up to date with the latest research and news from UNSW Engineering.   Learn more about UNSW Institute of Cybersecurity.     Acknowledgement of Country  We would like to show our respects and acknowledge the Bedegal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which our Kensington campus is situated on, and to Elders past and present.

    53 min
  7. City sabotage and cyber spectacles: The where and wear of smart technology

    09/23/2024

    City sabotage and cyber spectacles: The where and wear of smart technology

    From smart homes and cities to business and healthcare, smart technology is promising to enhance efficiency, convenience, and connectivity in daily life. But with it comes growing concerns about data security, reduced privacy, and the control of information.   Dr Sebastian Sequoiah-Grayson, Senior Lecturer in Epistemics at UNSW's School of Computer Science and Engineering, and senior experience strategist Dr Erika Whillas join STEMM journalist, Neil Martin, to discuss how smart technology will change the way we live and interact with our communities in the future - and how best to deal with the challenges it will undoubtedly create.

    42 min
  8. For a circular economy, water needs to go round and round

    08/26/2024

    For a circular economy, water needs to go round and round

    Too much water in the form of flooding, or too little water in the form of drought. Two of the biggest global challenges when it comes to water are at completely opposite ends of the spectrum.   UNSW Associate Professor Kristen Splinter, and water engineering executive Daniel Lambert join STEMM journalist Neil Martin to talk about the potential solutions to those crucial problems. They discuss the importance of ensuring the ever-increasing global population has safe water to drink, and enough water to also grow suitable amounts of food, while also dealing with issues around flooding and sea level rises.

    45 min
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UNSW’s Engineering the Future podcast is a space for thought-provoking conversations about the bold ideas that will impact society over the next two decades. From exciting developments in nuclear technology and major transformations in the mining industry, through to the universal impact of Artificial Intelligence, we speak with leading academics and industry leaders about the technological marvels that will define our future. Together, we’ll discover how world-changing action starts with fearless thinking in innovative engineering.

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