Theme: Red Threads

A depiction of interpersonal connection and communication found in many cultures, religions and traditions. Is our life truly a culmination of these red threads? Where can we see these threads across time, linking us to people and places?

UNSW Ritchie Theatre
Civil Engineering Building (H20), Library Rd, UNSW Sydney, Kensington
Sydney, New South Wales, 2052
Australia

Charles Zworestine

Charles Zworestine is an Associate Lecturer in Mathematics at Western Sydney University and has been an International Chess Arbiter since 2003. Formerly a competitive chess player, he transitioned to arbitration to focus on his passion for the analytical aspects of the game. Charles is fascinated by the unexpected parallels between chess and life, often reflecting on how the game has shaped his personal and professional journey.

Gigi Foster

Gigi Foster is Associate Economics Professor at the University of New South Wales, with interests in education, social influence, behavioural economics, and a multidisciplinary analysis of human behaviour. Dr Foster is an established academic voice in Australia, having been named 2019 Young Economist of the Year and cohosting a national economics radio program on ABC RN. She has published a broad behavioural economics treatise in her book ‘An Economic Theory of Greed, Love, Groups, and Networks’ with Paul Frijters, and authored an additional plethora of literature. Dr Foster’s work and public presence is relentlessly authentic, critical, and powerful, and her advocacy for a multiplicity of academic writing and discourse is to be appreciated as academia enters an age of epistemic fluidity.

Megan Robson

Megan Robson is a Curator for the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. Megan has an extensive background of curating exhibitions, commissions and projects with a plethora of Australian and international artists, organising these artworks in manners that can capture the infinite human spectrum. Megan is incredibly passionate about art, producing numerous articles and publications on works that she has helped curate.

Sharath Mahendran

Sharath Mahendran is a passionate civil engineering student at UNSW and the creator of the popular YouTube channel Building Beautifully. Focused on transport and urban planning in Sydney, his channel has garnered over 41,000 subscribers and nearly 5 million views. He is a vocal advocate for improving public transport and housing, having spoken at NSW parliamentary inquiries and symposiums. Through his media appearances and online content, he aims to inspire thoughtful planning to create a more connected and liveable Sydney.

Steven Most

Steven Most is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of New South Wales and is the President of the Australasian Experimental Psychology Conference. In his lab, Steve conducts a myriad of research specialising in cognitive science, uncovering the highly complex nature of human attention, memory and learning. Steve often harnesses his passion for psychology to be an advocate for how we can all connect, learn and live better.