Make History Speaker Series

Speaker Series

Held across four events each year, the Make History Speaker Series are not to be missed opportunities to hear from Alumni and high-profile University movers and shakers, exploring the challenges of the past, present and future. All are welcome to attend, registrations are essential. 

Join us for the Make History Speaker Series, an extraordinary series of events brought to you by the University of Adelaide. This free and inclusive event is open to everyone, inviting you to engage in the remarkable work of our esteemed alumni. Explore captivating topics that shape our world, from cutting-edge cancer research to the mysteries of space and the evolving challenges in our society. Be part of a community that embraces new ideas, and seize this opportunity to broaden your horizons. Don't miss out on this unique chance to learn, engage, and make history together. Subscribe below to be the first to know about upcoming events.

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Oliphant and Florey

 

Upcoming Event

Wizards of Oz

Date: 6 June, 2024
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
LocationAHMS G030 Lecture Theatre, North Terrace

"Going after the unknown is always fascinating, I think. It becomes part of your life, this desire to know"

- Mark Oliphant

Brett Mason's book Wizards of Oz tells the story of Mark Oliphant and Howard Florey, who emerge as the two most consequential Australians of the Second World War - perhaps of all time. Childhood friends and University of Adelaide alumni, physicist Mark Oliphant and medical researcher Howard Florey initiated the three most significant scientific and industrial projects of the war. Manufacturing penicillin, developing microwave radar and building the atomic bomb gave the Allies the edge and ultimate victory over Germany and Japan. More than just a story of scientific discovery, Wizards of Oz tells a remarkable tale of secret missions, international intrigue, and triumph against all odds.

Facilitated by Brett Mason, this discussion will draw parallels of pandemic and disease control in the past and present day, inviting an esteemed panel of medical research professionals at the forefront of medical research as they  tackle pressing issues including pathogen resistance, pandemic response, and environmental threats. From battling antibiotic resistance to confronting the existential risk of climate change, we will discover innovative solutions that promise a healthier tomorrow.

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Brett Mason

BRETT MASON is Chair of the Council of the National Library of Australia and Adjunct Professor in the School of Justice at the Queensland University of Technology. He was formerly a Senator for Queensland and served in the Ministry, before being appointed Australia’s Ambassador to The Hague and Permanent Representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. He is the author of Privacy Without Principle and co-editor of Future Proofing Australia.

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Previous Events

Voice, Treaty, Truth: What's Next?

For our final Make History Speaker Series event for 2023, we welcomed distinguished Australian Indigenous anthropologist, geographer and activist, Professor Marcia Langton AO to deliver her keynote speech.

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Making Cancer History

Join us to hear from experts at the forefront of cancer research to delve into the key challenges faced by researchers and gain insights into the innovative approaches being taken to overcome these obstacles.

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Behind the Scenes in Adelaide Botanic Gardens

Join us as we are invited behind the scenes of the Illuminate Adelaide installation Resonate for a deep dive discussion with the artists on the approach to the creation of site-specific installations in the natural environment, with valuable insights from University of Adelaide hosts including alumni Dr. Leonie Scriven, on the significance of the species and environments chosen for illumination by Moment Factory. 
 

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Writing History In The Stars

Space is the final frontier - and one of the most thrilling areas of research and discovery. Join us to hear from the University of Adelaide's brightest stars as they discuss how space science and satellite imagery are addressing humanity's greatest challenges.

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