Convergence 2026 Event 1: Science Fiction/Futures IV

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 (Mars Trilogy; Ministry for the Future) and Peter W. Singer (Ghost Fleet: A novel of the next world war,; Burn-In: A Novel of the Real Robotic Revolution). Attendees from around Australia are welcome to register for virtual attendance (broadcast only). 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 (pre-recorded)

• Bridgette Engeler, Futurist, Swinburne Futures Catalyst Group, Swinburne University of Technology (in-person Melbourne)

• Peter W Singer, Author, Strategist, and Futurist (pre-recorded)

• Jeremy Aubert, Defence & Space Executive (in-person Adelaide)

Hosted by:

• Sumen Rai, Director, Defence Innovation Partnership

• A/Prof Evie Kendal, Health Promotion, Swinburne University of Technology

PROGRAM

5:00pm Arrival

5:30pm Acknowledgement of country and introductions - Sumen Rai, Director Defence Innovation Partnership

5:45pm Acknowledgement of country and introductions - Evie Kendal, Swinburne University of Technology

6:00pm Kim Stanley Robinson, Author (pre-recorded video)

6:25pm Bridgette Engeler, Swinburne University (in-person Melbourne)

6:40pm Peter W. Singer, Useful Fiction LLC (pre-recorded video)

7:00pm Jeremy Aubert, Defence & Space Executive (in-person Adelaide)

7:20pm Wrap-up Sumen Rai

7:30pm Virtual networks down and in-person Networking begins

ATTENDANCE OPTIONS (Select 1 option only)

Option 1 - Adelaide: Stone and Chalk, Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen, North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000

Option 2 - Melbourne: SPS137 Meeting Room, Level 1, Swinburne Place South (SPS) Building, 24 Wakefield Street, Hawthorn (please click HERE for map)

Option 3 - Virtual attendance (this will be broadcast only, not interactive. Link to be emailed 7 April 2026)

Places are limited so register early.