Podcast

23 November 2021

Cyber security attacks have become a global concern — so how can we protect ourselves online?

In this episode, Jessica is joined by Stefan Prandl, Associate Lecturer from Curtin’s School of Electronic Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences and his colleague Tim Jones, CEO of Hyprfire, a cyber security startup. Together they discuss the evolving threat of cyber attacks and how we can protect our data and devices.

9 November 2021

Now transmitting data from space to Earth, we explore the next steps for Western Australia’s diminutive Binar-1 satellite.

Jess is joined by the Director and Deputy Director of Curtin University’s Space Science and Technology Centre, the largest space science centre in the Southern Hemisphere and the governing centre of the Binar Space Program.

In this special, part two episode, we discuss the historic release of Binar-1 from the International Space Station on 6 October 2021 and how the crew had almost lost hope until a colleague received transmission while driving on a Perth freeway two weeks later.

We then chat about what data the crew will acquire, the purpose of Binars 2–7 and the Binar Prospector, and the broader economic, environmental and social impacts of the program on WA and the world.

14 September 2021

What’s the likelihood of a mass extinction event happening in our lifetime?

In this episode, Jess is joined by world-renowned organic geochemist, Professor Kliti Grice, to discuss how researchers are using fossil analysis to learn from past mass extinction events, like the event that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago.

She clarifies when the next naturally occurring mass extinction event will likely occur and answers the question: with the undeniable impact that humans are having on the planet, are we in the middle of a human-induced mass extinction event?

Tuesday, 31 August 2021

Launched on 29 August, Curtin University’s Binar-1 CubeSat satellite will provide easy access to space for students, researchers and industry.

In this episode, Jess is joined by Binar-1 Project Manager Ben Hartig to learn about the totally-Curtin-built satellite that’s smaller than a shoebox but playing a mighty role in the future of Australian space innovation.

Binar-1 is a CubeSat — a type of small satellite made from 10-centimetre cube-shaped modules. Binar-1 consists of just one such module, meaning it’s technically a 1U CubeSat.

Binar-1 is equipped with two cameras, with two objectives: first, to photograph Western Australia from space, thus testing the performance of our instruments and hopefully also capturing the imagination of young WA students; and second, to image stars. The star camera will precisely determine which way the satellite is facing — a crucial capability for any future Moon mission.

Thursday, 19 August 2021

Will a robot ever steal your job? In this special, live episode of The Future Of, host Danelle Cross is joined by research fellow Giverny De Boeck, Associate Professor Jonathan Paxman and returning guest Dr Eleanor Sandry.

The guests speak about their work and industry partnerships, before discussing the type of robots that already exist and setting the record straight on how robots could impact future workplaces.

The talk formed part of Curtin University’s annual Research Rumble event, which showcases future-focused university research and innovation.

Monday, 24 May 2021

What’s the impact of parents sharing content of their children online? And what rights do children have in this space?

In this episode, Jessica is joined by Dr Anna Bunn, Deputy Head of Curtin Law School and Tama Leaver, Professor of Internet Studies at Curtin University to discuss “sharenting” – the growing practice of parents sharing images and data of their children online. The three examine the social, legal and developmental impacts a life-long digital footprint can have on a child.

Tuesday, 27 April 2021

How can schools improve our understanding of consent, sexuality and sex positivity?
In this episode, Amelia and Jessica are joined by sexology expert Dr Jacqueline Hendriks. The three discuss which topics feature in Australia’s sex education curriculum and what changes could be made to promote more respectful and meaningful sexual relationships.

Monday, 12 April 2021

Everyday, we breathe in more hazardous chemicals and gases at home, work and in the environment than you think.

In this episode, Amelia and Jessica chat with Associate Professor Debbie Silvester-Dean about the hazardous gases in our homes and workplaces, and how cutting-edge research in electrochemistry will drive innovation in the detection of hazardous substances.

In early 2021, Debbie won the Australian Academy of Science’s Le Fèvre medal for chemistry research.

Monday, 15 March 2021

What does it mean to be ‘gender diverse’? And should gender even matter?

In this episode, Amelia and Jessica are joined by gender and sexuality expert Misty Farquhar from the Curtin University Centre for Human Rights Education. The three delve deep into gender diversity, inclusivity and the right age to transition.