Up Close
Experts and researchers in conversation -- in science, health, technology, law, the arts, and business.
Phantom democracies
Political thinker John Keane on the rise of corrupt political regimes that employ democratic rhetoric, social media and economic growth to win over the public.
How attitudes disable
Social epidemiologist Eric Emerson argues we've yet to grasp how disability arises not from impairment but from the interaction between health and our society.
Confessions of a professional baby maker
Reproductive biologist David Gardner explains what we're still learning about healthy embryo development and how it's being applied to improve IVF technologies.
Embracing the finite
Ecologist Peter Vitousek explores how living in the Anthropocene will force us to make our way with diminished natural resources.
Rivers as persons
Environmental law researchers Erin O’Donnell and Julia Talbot-Jones discuss recent moves to give legal personhood to rivers in India, New Zealand and elsewhere.
China in Africa: Who benefits?
Economist Dr Lauren Johnston examines the evolving political and economic relationships between China and developing nations of Africa.
What’s killing women?
Population health researcher Professor Cassandra Szoeke outlines what ails women as they grow older, and how men differ from women in age-related diseases.
Staying healthy in old age
Geriatrician Andrea Maier from the University of Melbourne on the cellular basis of ageing and how to change the script.
The grand challenge of feeding 9 billion people
Sustainable agriculture expert Tim Reeves on the radical changes required in agricultural practice, public policy and consumer behaviour to feed Earth.
Crony capitalism Chinese style
Professor Minxin Pei on collusive corruption in China, its root cause, and why a free media and liberal democracy may be the key elements to a lasting solution.