Challenge Accepted: Science Shaping the Next Generation

Name: Challenge Accepted: Science Shaping the Next Generation
Start: 2026-03-24T16:45:22+1000
End: 2026-03-24T19:30:22+1000
Location: QUT Gardens Theatre

Tue, 24 Mar, 4:45pm - 7:30pm AEST

QUT Gardens Theatre

Brisbane City QLD, Australia

QUT Corporate Engagement

422 followers · Contact host

Description

This event is presented in partnership with World Science Festival Brisbane

Australia is at a critical crossroads. While science and technology are rapidly transforming our world, the skills needed to support Australia’s future are not keeping pace. Shortages are already emerging in critical fields such as agricultural science, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, climate science, and data science - areas vital to the nation’s prosperity, sustainability, and resilience.

Challenge Accepted: Science Shaping the Next Generation brings together leading voices from science, education, and industry for a dynamic panel discussion on what comes next. With expert panellists offering diverse perspectives, this session will explore the future of science, the skills Australia will need, and how education can prepare the next generation to meet these challenges head-on.

Designed for high school students, educators, families and academics, the event features interactive audience participation and real-world insights into the breadth of exciting STEM careers and study pathways.

Please note: All attendees under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Lineup

Moderator: Bernie Hobbs

Bernie Hobbs is best known as a popular judge from ABC TV's The New Inventors, and her many years presenting science on ABC radio & TV around Australia. She has won awards for the kids tv show the experiMENTALS, and for her greenhouse website PlanetSlayer. Bernie has a first class honours degree in biochemistry and microbiology, and before joining the ABC did brief stints in medical research and science teaching. She got zero awards for these. Bernie has MC'd and chaired her way through many forums and events for clients including the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science, The Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI), CSIRO, World Science Festival Brisbane, The Investor Group on Climate Change, a swathe of business and government conferences and writers festivals, WaterAID Australia, 1Million Women, The Sustainable Living Festival, Queerscreen, Mardi Gras, The World Congress of Science Journalists, and Questacon. Bernie appears by arrangement with Claxton Speakers International.
Professor Kerrie Wilson, Queensland Chief Scientist

Professor Kerrie Wilson commenced her role as Queensland Chief Scientist on 1 November 2023. She is responsible for supporting the generation and translation of globally significant science to ensure sustainable economic growth in Queensland. With a distinguished career in academia and conservation, Professor Wilson has held prominent positions at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), including Pro Vice-Chancellor (Sustainability and Research Integrity) and Executive Director of the QUT Institute for Future Environments. Her previous leadership roles include Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, Director of Conservation for The Nature Conservancy Australia, and she currently serves as a natural sciences expert on the Australian Heritage Council. Professor Wilson holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science (First Class Honours) from The University of Queensland and a PhD from The University of Melbourne, completed in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme’s World Conservation Monitoring Centre in Cambridge, UK. Outside of her professional commitments, Professor Wilson is an avid outdoor enthusiast, regularly exploring Queensland’s national parks with her family.
Professor Bradley Moggridge FTSE

Professor Bradley Moggridge FTSE, is a proud Kamilaroi man living on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra. He is a Professor of Science and Associate Dean (Indigenous) at UTS. Previously an Associate Professor (Indigenous water science) at UC. He has qualifications in PhD Science(UC), MSc Hydrogeology(UTS) and BSc Environmental Science(ACU). He is a Fellow of ATSE, the Immediate Past President Australian Freshwater Science Society (President 2022-2024), an Alumni of the International Water Centre, and recently appointed as a Lead Author by IPCC for WG1 Ch10. He has over 25years experience in water and environmental science, climate, cultural science, regulation, water planning and biodiversity. He hopes to encourage future Indigenous generations to pursue science and promote his ancestors' knowledge of water.
Brett Dascombe, Geography and STEM educator

Brett Dascombe is a Geography and STEM educator at Wavell State High School in Brisbane. He has been recognised nationally and internationally for his innovative use of geospatial technologies in education, integrating GIS, drones, LiDAR, 360 imagery, and real-world data into student-led, place-based projects. Brett works closely with universities, industry partners, and government agencies to connect classroom learning with authentic scientific and spatial challenges. Brett’s students have had their projects recognised in State Planning Awards and in global competitions. Brett was the first geography teacher to receive the Peter Doherty STEM Award, he is passionate about empowering students to use science, technology, big data, and spatial thinking to shape sustainable and equitable futures.
Dr Hayley Teasdale, Head Science Advice and Policy, Australian Academy of Science
Jemma Wagner, QUT Bachelor of Science Student

Jemma Wagner is a fourth-year student at Queensland University of Technology, completing a Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) and a Bachelor of Communications (Professional Communications). In 2022, she completed a Diploma of Sustainable Living through the University of Tasmania and developed a strong interest in science communication and environmental governance. Her capstone project examined carbon storage and land management, with a focus on sustainable land-use practices. She also completed a Vacation Research Experience Scholarship focused on groundwater science and community engagement. Jemma is a Dean’s Scholar and member of the College of Excellence, and works as a Senior Ambassador at QUT, supporting initiatives across multiple university departments. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a Master of Political Science and Public Policy.

Engage with our activities

Humanoid Robot

See QUTie, one of our humanoid robots, who is not only good at dancing but is also supporting our QUT students and researchers. Engage with our researchers and talk about what they may be able to for you in the future and what they may mean for our society.
VR Headset

Expand your reality and discover a variety of career path possibilities through virtual reality. Engage with QUT staff and Student Ambassadors to learn about Immersive Digital Technologies activities at QUT.
Astrophysics stand

Come explore the changing tools of astronomy - from historical photographic plates that first captured the night sky to today’s modern digital telescopes. Meet our researchers and chat about how we study galaxies, black holes, dark energy, and the wider cosmos using international collaborations, space-based observatories, and advanced supercomputing.
Gondwana World Heritage Rainforest – Integrated Environmental Monitoring

Immerse yourself in the Springbrook World Heritage Forest, exploring environmental monitoring, ancient trees and spectacular waterfalls. Learn about the application of interactive visualisations for community engagement. Engage with our researchers on environmental monitoring technologies and community engaged monitoring.