Speculative fiction offers more than imagination; it gives us ways to think seriously about the future. From climate change to real-world crises like global/geo-political conflict to pandemics, speculative and foresight‑based thinking helps us explore uncertainty, test assumptions and prepare for what lies ahead.
This event, the fourth in our Science Fiction/Futures theme, marks the first cross‑border Convergence Series event, between South Australia and Swinburne University of Technology (SUT). The event will bring together international experts who use speculation and strategic foresight to inform their work, with audience members who are working at the intersection of futures thinking, technology, policy and security.
This session will feature speakers in Adelaide and Melbourne, as well as specially pre-recorded interviews with internationally recognised authors Kim Stanley Robinson and Peter W. Singer. The evening will blend talks, curated media and discussion across both in‑person and online audiences – and additional opportunities for networking at the in-person venues.
Speakers are:
- Kim Stanley Robinson, Sci/Fi Novelist
- Bridgette Engeler, Futurist, Swinburne Futures Catalyst Group, Swinburne University of Technology
- Peter W Singer, Author, Strategist, and Futurist
- Jeremy Aubert, Exploration Manager, Fleet Space Technologies
Hosted by:
- Sumen Rai, Director, Defence Innovation Partnership
- A/Prof Evie Kendal, Health Promotion, Swinburne University of Technology
PROGRAM
5:00pm Arrival
5:30pm Welcome to country and introductions – Sumen Rai, Director Defence Innovation Partnership
5:45pm Welcome to country and introductions – Evie Kendal, Swinburne University of Technology
6:00pm Kim Stanley Robinson
6:25pm Bridgette Engeler, Swinburne University
6:40pm Peter W. Singer
7:00pm Jeremy Aubert, Fleet Space Technologies
7:20pm Wrap-up Sumen Rai
7:30pm Virtual networks down and in-person Networking begins
