Debate@Go8

We examine the importance of Australia's imminent association to the world's largest research and innovation programme with the European Commission's Chief Negotiator for Horizon Europe, Maria Cristina Russo - the Deputy Director-General for Innovation, Prosperity and International Cooperation at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation. Recorded June 2026.

Professor Marco Fiorentini from The University of Western Australia and Director of the ARC Centre in Critical Resources for the Future, discusses why Australia’s strength in critical minerals is not just about what’s in the ground - but about the research capability, skills and innovation needed to find, extract and process them responsibly. Recorded November 2025.

Professor Sharon Pickering is an internationally renowned criminologist who's worked with governments worldwide to combat sex trafficking and family violence, and is a passionate advocate for the benefits of international education. Recorded May 2025. 

Part 2 of a thought-provoking two-part episode featuring the Co-Chairs of the Group of Eight Defence & Security Committee - Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Rick Burr, former Chief of Army and Major General (Ret’d) Paul Symon, former Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service.  In Part 2 these distinguished defence and intelligence leaders underscore the vital role of Australia’s...

Part 1 of a timely and thought-provoking two-part episode featuring Major General (Ret’d) Paul Symon, former Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, and Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Rick Burr, former Chief of Army. As co-chairs of the Group of Eight Defence & Security Committee, these distinguished leaders offer a rare insider’s perspective on the evolving national securi...

We're celebrating our 50th episode with a chat with The Group of Eight’s newest Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emma Johnston from the University of Melbourne. Professor Johnston is a world-leading marine biologist, an influential figure in Australia’s higher education sector and a prominent advocate for science and technology and women in STEM. She's also UniMelb's first female chief.

European Australian Business Council CEO Jason Collins discusses how the current global uncertainty impacting international trade and geo-politics has re-opened the door to resume negotiations on the stalled EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement - and along with that, the opportunity for Australia to join the world's largest research fund, Horizon Europe - the benefits to both parties in securing an a...

Professor Stephen J Simpson’s world-leading research on nutrition – which all began 37 years ago by looking into the eating habits of locusts - is changing the way we look at human diets today. He has just stepped down as the Inaugural Academic Director at the Charles Perkins Centre, a multidisciplinary research centre committed to improving global health. Recorded April 2024.

Professor Neely on his ground-breaking work using gene-editing technology to help develop new anti-venoms for snake bites and Box Jellyfish stings. He also discusses how an interest in pain led him to the work he is doing now with venoms and how this work, in turn, may lead to breakthroughs around pain in the future.

The legislation that would have allowed for the capping of international student numbers looks doomed to fail - with the Coalition and the Greens opposing it. However, the debate around international students continues to rage - wrapped up as it is - erroneously - in arguments about cost of living, housing and immigration. We wanted to put a human face to our international students, so we invited...

Professor James Laurenceson discusses the role of the Australia-China Relations Institute, Australia's relationship with China, research collaboration, international students, foreign interference and navigating AUKUS with China. Recorded April 2024.

Dr Michael Buckland on the risk of developing CTE from head knocks and the need for better regulation in contact sport.

CSIRO Chief Dr Doug Hilton discusses the CSIRO’s role and importance to Australia, his life before the CSIRO and the importance of increasing the nation’s spend on research & development. Recorded May 2024.

Federal Member for Wentworth, Allegra Spender MP, discusses the current debate around universities and migration, the housing crisis, tax reform, the energy transition and even the unexpected joy of politics. Recorded May 2024.

Constitutional and human rights law expert from The University of New South Wales, Professor George Williams, discusses some of the extraordinarily challenging issues confronting universities right now. Recorded May 2024.

EU Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency, Gabriele Visentin, discusses the EU’s Indo-Pacific push, the war in Ukraine, the EU-Australia free trade agreement and research collaboration opportunities between the EU and Australia.

Senator James Paterson canvasses a range of issues impacting our university sector and our society – from global research cooperation and foreign interference to cyber threats, national security and the rise of extremism in Australia. Recorded February 2024.

Associate Professor Susan Woods from the University of Adelaide on an Australian medical breakthrough that could lead to the eradication of bowel cancer, spell the end of awkward stool tests and lead to earlier diagnosis, saving thousands of lives.

Professor Stephen Nicholls Program Director, of MonashHeart, Intensive Care and Victorian Heart Hospital, Monash Health, on new strategies for combatting heart disease and the state-of-the-art hospital he leads.

Defence Trailblazer’s Dr Sanjay Mazumdar on AI in warfare, AUKUS and dual use defence technology.

Monash University’s award-winning scientist on the benefits of microbes and lifting public perception about the value of university research.

Former Ambassador to Lebanon, Ian Parmeter discusses the Israel-Hamas war, the complexities of Middle Eastern politics and Australia’s response.

Hon Lisa Singh discusses education, research collaboration, security and trade – all emerging opportunities as a result of Australia’s closer ties with India.

Peter Varghese AO, author of the India Economic Strategy on Australia’s place in the Indo-Pacific.

Professor Mary O’Kane on the Universities Accord and the future of Australia’s higher education sector.