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Associate Professor Paul Hogben from the School of Built Environment discusses the architectural history of Merewether Heights, Newcastle, from the post-war era to the present day. Originally conceived as a garden suburb, he traces the area's evolution and highlights the emergence of "structurally interesting" homes and buildings. [36:39]

A new report co-authored by Scientia Professor Carla Treloar from the Centre for Social Research in Health and the Australian Council of Social Service highlights poverty among people receiving social security payments. She says current rates are "so low that they're forcing people to live in poverty" and calls for higher income support.

Professor Jan Breckenridge from the School of Social Sciences discusses her funded research into the weaponisation of AI in cases of coercive control. She explains how perpetrators use the technology to undermine victim-survivors' sense of self and agency, and outlines her aims to develop resources to help detect its misuse. [1:06:01]

Dr Kate Brady from the School of Built Environment explores the "predictable impacts" of disasters, from health and housing to relationships and access to education, and highlights the need to better plan for these long-term consequences before disaster strikes. [30:26]

Once the crisis has passed, what comes next? Dr Kate Brady from the School of Built Environment says disasters are "more than the hazard" and highlights the value of first-hand community experiences in shaping recovery efforts beyond the immediate emergency. [3:38:21]

As summer approaches promising more frequent and severe disasters, Dr Kate Brady from the School of Built Environment advocates for a more proactive approach to recovery planning, noting it is a long-term process rather than a quick fix. [1:58:44]

PhD candidate Cathy Xu from the School of Humanities & Languages explains how social media, particularly TikTok, is accelerating the evolution of language. She says this influence is "bringing in new varieties of English" rather than fundamentally altering language itself. [46:22]

Dr Zoe Smith from the School of Humanities & Languages discusses Australia’s response to domestic violence, examining ongoing challenges, national reform efforts, prevention strategies, media coverage and what Australia might learn from approaches taken overseas.

Associate Professor Andrew Beattie from the School of Humanities & Languages discusses Germany’s political landscape following the historic success of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). He examines the factors behind the party’s rise and what voting patterns reveal about its support, particularly among younger voters.

Honorary Associate Professor Marion Burgess from the School of Built Environment weighs in on concerns about noise from data centres. She notes that while they can generate significant noise, they are "unlikely to cause health effects", and compares Australian guidelines with international standards. [1:08:51]

Associate Professor Chris Martin from the City Futures Institute discusses Spain's deepening housing crisis, attributing it to increased acquisitions of rental housing by large corporate investors. He also outlines measures to support a "more structurally secure" and equitable housing system in Australia.

Professor Chris Pettit from the City Futures Research Centre weighs in on the unprecedented construction boom along the NSW coast, noting that migration from Sydney has fuelled housing demand, while lower property prices have "made larger construction projects viable."

Dr Robin Nagy from the School of Education discusses the value of evidence-based teaching while emphasising that educators must account for the unique contexts and nuances of their classrooms. He notes “research should inform their professional judgement, not replace it.” [1:34:09]

As Year 12 students approach the end of their schooling, Professor Jae Jung from the School of Humanities & Languages encourages them to consider their next steps without undue pressure. He notes that "there is no such thing as a perfect decision" and highlights "the new normal" of multiple career pivots. [1:59:30]

Associate Professor Chris Martin from the City Futures Institute describes the elevated rate of eviction applications in community housing as "a cause for concern" and calls for greater transparency around eviction data across the rental market. 

Professor Heidi Norman from the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture shares her research into Aboriginal history and the ways it has been documented and communicated. She highlights the "incredible body of work" across contemporary film, literature and art, while noting a persistent gap in education and public understanding. [1:14:40]

PhD candidate Sala Walter from the School of Social Sciences reflects on the impact of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Western Sydney. Amid AI and global uncertainty, Sala emphasises the enduring value of books, writing and critical thinking for future generations: “In memory of Dolly, I think we just need to keep reading.”

Professor Erin Brannigan from the School of the Arts & Media explores why Australian men are perceived as less likely to dance. She explains that cultural ideas about masculinity can mean boys are often “not given a pathway” to continue, noting “there’s just not the cultural space for boys to keep learning dancing.”