Raising the Bar Perth 2025

Associate Professor Theo Evans discusses the devastating impact of the polyphagous shot hole borer and its fungal partner, Fusarium, on Perth’s trees in Kings Park, Hyde Park and across the city. He explains how this tiny pest is destroying the urban canopy, reducing shade and habitat across the environment. Although the situation seems dire, he explores how innovative thinking and new approaches...

Dr James Lloyd, Molecular Plant Genetics, PhD, discusses how the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space is developing plants that can support human life as we venture to Mars. He explores how astronauts, unable to rely on resupply from Earth, will need plants to produce food, medicines, and construction materials for deep space exploration. He also considers how this research could transform...

Clinical Professor Michaela Lucas discusses the PERTH Trial, a groundbreaking study exploring how plastic chemicals such as BPA and phthalates may affect adult health. Over seven weeks, participants provided blood, urine and stool samples, along with dietary recalls, to help uncover common sources of exposure, how these chemicals are processed by the body, and their possible links to inflammation...

Dr Dani Barrington discusses why menstruation is not just a women’s issue but a global one that affects everyone. She explores the realities of menstrual experiences and how they can shape lives both positively and negatively. From access to toilets and period products to creating supportive environments free from stigma and discrimination, she highlights how we can all play a role in ensuring peo...

Dr Tristan Reed explores the world of deepfakes, where artificial intelligence can create realistic videos of anyone saying or doing anything. He explains how this technology is reshaping business, politics and daily life, from fake corporate announcements to manipulated political messages. Discover how deepfakes are made, see examples that challenge what you believe online, and learn practical wa...

Dr Liudmila Tarabashkina discusses the evolution of marketing from being seen as “the cause of all evil” to a force for positive change. Drawing on experimental research in sustainable consumption, she explores the contrast between the dark and bright sides of marketing and highlights creative, low-cost social marketing interventions that inspire product reuse and upcycling. She challenges traditi...

Dr Rama Agung-Igusti shares insights from a pilot program led by the Aboriginal Health Council of WA that brings together clinical and cultural knowledge to support the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations people. He discusses how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander understandings of health and wellbeing extend beyond body and mind to include connections with culture, family, communit...

Professor Jo McDonald, a rock art archaeologist, explores Western Australia’s remarkable natural and cultural heritage, often overlooked beside its reputation as the mining state. She discusses the recognition of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape on the UNESCO World Heritage List, only the second Australian site listed solely for its cultural values, and what this means for understanding, protecting...

Professor Jessica Meeuwig discusses how limited knowledge of fish populations threatens ocean health, the blue economy and food security. She shares insights from video-based research on open-ocean species such as tuna, sharks and marlin, and highlights the importance of meeting Australia’s goal to protect 30 per cent of its ocean territory by 2030.

Professor Zachary Aman discusses how the long-term flow of fluids in subsea hydrocarbon pipelines can lead to the build-up of solids, creating blockages that pose major safety, environmental and economic challenges. He explores how innovative surface chemistry and advanced simulation tools can help prevent these “stroke-like” events, offering new, more sustainable approaches to maintaining safe an...