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Debate@Go8

by DebateAtGo8

Debate@Go8 is the Group of Eight’s podcast series exploring the issues shaping Australia’s universities, economy and society. Each episode features in-depth conversations with leading researchers, university leaders, policymakers, and industry figures, examining the ideas, opportunities and challenges that will shape Australia’s future. Produced by the Go8, Debate@Go8 is where expertise informs debate. The Go8 represents Australia’s leading research-intensive universities: Adelaide University, The Australian National University, The University of Melbourne, Monash University, UNSW Sydney, The University of Queensland, the University of Sydney and The University of Western Australia.

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Episodes

  1. Episode 56 – Professor Amit Chakma, Vice-Chancellor and President, The University of Western Australia

    Professor Amit Chakma, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Western Australia, discusses the thinking behind UWA’s recent move into India and plans for the wider region; Australia’s long and proud history of international education – both inwards and outwards; the current political...

  2. Episode 55 - Maria Cristina Russo, Deputy Director General for Innovation, Prosperity and International Cooperation, European Commission

    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...

  3. Episode 54 - Professor Marco Fiorentini - Director, ARC Centre in Critical Resources for the Future

    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...

  4. Episode 53 - Professor Sharon Pickering, Vice-Chancellor, Monash University

    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.

  5. Episode 52 - Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Rick Burr and Major General (Ret’d) Paul Symon - Part 2

    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…

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  6. Episode 51 - Major General (Ret’d) Paul Symon and Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Rick Burr

    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...

  7. Episode 50 - Professor Emma Johnston AO, Vice-Chancellor, University of Melbourne

    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...

  8. Episode 49 – Jason Collins, CEO of the European Australian Business Council (EABC)

    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...

  9. Episode 48 – Professor Stephen J Simpson, Inaugural Academic Director, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney

    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...

  10. Episode 47 - Professor Greg Neely, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney

    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…

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  11. Episode 46 - The human face of the international student debate

    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…

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  12. Episode 45 - Professor James Laurenceson, Director, Australia-China Relations Institute

    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.

  13. Episode 44 - Dr Michael Buckland, founder and director of the Australian Brain Bank

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

  14. Episode 43 – CSIRO Chief Executive, Dr Doug Hilton AO

    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.

  15. Episode 42 - Allegra Spender MP, Federal Member for Wentworth

    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.

  16. Episode 41 – Professor George Williams - UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning & Assurance)

    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.

  17. Episode 40 - EU Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Gabriele Visentin

    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.

  18. Episode 39 - Senator James Paterson on global research & Australia's national security

    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.

  19. Episode 38 - Associate Professor Susan Woods, Senior Research Fellow, Adelaide Medical School

    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.

  20. Episode 37 - Professor Stephen Nicholls, Program Director, Victorian Heart Hospital

    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.

  21. Episode 36 - Dr Sanjay Mazumdar - Defence Trailblazer

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

  22. Episode 35 - Professor Chris Greening, 2023 Frank Fenner Prize of Life Scientist of the Year

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

  23. Episode 34 - The Israel-Hamas conflict with Middle East expert and former diplomat, ANU’s Ian Parmeter

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

  24. Episode 33 - The Australia-India relationships ‘time has come’, with Aus India Institute’s CEO Lisa Singh

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

  25. Episode 32 - UQ Chancellor Peter Varghese AO

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

  26. Episode 31 - Professor Mary O’Kane, Chair Universities Accord

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

  27. Episode 30 - Dr Anne-Lise Chaber, One Health Expert, University of Adelaide

    Dr Anne-Lise Chaber (One Health Expert, University of Adelaide) on COVID dogs and the connection between humans, animals and the environment.

  28. Episode 29 - Professor Rory Medcalf, Head of ANU’s National Security College

    Professor Rory Medcalf AM on Australia’s role in a complex and changing geopolitical environment.

  29. Episode 28 - Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead

    Chief of the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Taskforce Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead on the AUKUS program.

  30. Episode 27 - Vice Admiral (Ret’d) Paul Maddison

    Director, UNSW Defence Research Institute Vice Admiral (Ret’d) Paul Maddison on national security.

  31. Episode 26 - Dr Geoff Raby on Australia-China relations

    Former Ambassador to China Dr Geoff Raby discusses the challenges for Australian foreign policy and diplomacy in our region.

  32. Episode 25 - Major General (Ret’d) Gus McLachlan on national defence

    Major General (Ret'd) Gus McLachlan on challenges of AUKUS, cyber security and building our defence capability.

  33. Episode 24 - Professor Peter Høj AC

    University of Adelaide VC Professor Peter Høj on ensuring our tertiary sector is fit for purpose in the decades ahead and what’s next for the proposed merger with the University of SA.

  34. Episode 23 - Australian Academy of Science President, Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC

    As Australia and India look to step up strategic and research partnerships, Debate@Go8 examines whether the misuse of technology from a security perspective is a real threat or does failure to engage globally pose a greater risk to our country’s future.

  35. Episode 22 - AI and robotics changing the way we live – USYD’s Professor Salah Sukkarieh

    AI and robotics changing the way we live – USYD’s Professor Salah Sukkarieh.

  36. Episode 21 - Spiderman’s lifesaving venom research - UQ’s Professor Glenn King

    Spiderman’s lifesaving venom research - UQ’s Professor Glenn King

  37. Episode 20 - God’s gift to women with Professor Ian Frazer

  38. Episode 19 - Defence, diplomacy and democracy with Stephen Loosley AM

    Respected political commentator Stephen Loosley AM shares his insights on national security, the Albanese Government and factors behind the rise of the Teals.

  39. Episode 18 - The life and times of ALP great Hon Simon Crean - Part Two

    The life and times of ALP great Hon Simon Crean.

  40. Episode 17 - The life and times of ALP great Hon Simon Crean - Part One

    The life and times of ALP great Hon Simon Crean.

  41. Episode 16 - Nobel laureate Professor Brian Schmidt AC

    ANU Vice Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt on the future of higher education, science, the universe and the Nobel Prize.

  42. Episode 15 - Interplay of knowledge and power with Professor Michael Mintrom

    Monash University's Professor Michael Mintrom on the critical role of universities in the knowledge economy.

  43. Episode 14 - Professor Duncan Maskell on universities and society

    University of Melbourne VC Prof Duncan Maskell talks about education, research, the esoteric and entrepreneurship.

  44. Episode 13 - Professor Michael Wesley on Australia’s regional security

    International education as a response to China’s charm offensive in SE Asia and the Pacific, with Professor Michael Wesley.

  45. Episode 12 - Professor Mark Scott AO on the election outcome

    How will the election outcome impact universities, media and the future of Australian politics with Professor Mark Scott AO.

  46. Episode 11 - Federal Election 2022

    Go8 political experts analyse the rise of independents and emerging trends in Australian democracy.

  47. Episode 10 - Protecting our most vulnerable from COVID 19

    The Group of Eight has answered a call from the National COVID Taskforce to help boost vaccination rates in remote and regional Australia, where vaccine take-up is lagging behind the national rate and will struggle to reach 80% this year. At the height of COVID-19 the Group of Eight stepped up to...

  48. Episode 9 - Commercialising Australia’s world class research with Dr Dean Moss

    Uniquest’s Dr Dean Moss explains the workings of research commercialisation, the ‘valley of death’, and why commercialising our world class inventions is key to meeting the challenges ahead.

  49. Episode 8 - Universities and Government Intervention with Go8 Chair, Professor Margaret Gardner AC

    Group of Eight Chair Professor Margaret Gardner says universities must be autonomous to preserve the capacity for speaking the uncomfortable and researching the unknowable.

  50. Episode 7 - Medical students boost COVID vaccine rollout

    Go8 universities are supporting Australia’s battle against COVID-19, delivering life-saving research and a surge workforce to boost the vaccine roll out.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Debate@Go8 is the Group of Eight’s podcast series exploring the issues shaping Australia’s universities, economy and society. Each episode features in-depth conversations with leading researchers, university leaders, policymakers, and industry figures, examining the ideas, opportunities and challenges that will shape Australia’s future. Produced by the Go8, Debate@Go8 is where expertise informs debate. The Go8 represents Australia’s leading research-intensive universities: Adelaide University, The Australian National University, The University of Melbourne, Monash University, UNSW Sydney, The University of Queensland, the University of Sydney and The University of Western Australia.

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DebateAtGo8

CATEGORIES

education

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Debate@Go8 have?

Debate@Go8 currently has 56 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Debate@Go8 about?

Debate@Go8 is the Group of Eight’s podcast series exploring the issues shaping Australia’s universities, economy and society. Each episode features in-depth conversations with leading researchers, university leaders, policymakers, and industry figures, examining the ideas, opportunities and...

How often does Debate@Go8 release new episodes?

Debate@Go8 has 56 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

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You can listen to Debate@Go8 on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Debate@Go8?

Debate@Go8 is created and hosted by DebateAtGo8.
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