The Imperative for Open Science with Professor Martin Hellman

In 1945, the United States tested the first atomic bomb. Just four years later, the Soviet Union detonated its own. 

For decades, nations have raced for technological dominance, only to see their breakthroughs quickly replicated elsewhere. This cycle reveals a sobering truth — in our interconnected world, the security of one nation is inseparable from the security of all.

What then is true geopolitical safety? And how can we do that in a world fractured by war and distrust?

ACM A.M. Turing Award recipient Professor Martin Hellman believes the answer lies in Open Science, that is the free and transparent exchange of knowledge.

In the inaugural event of Monash Faculty of IT’s Distinguished Lecture Series, you’ll learn about his transformative vision to bridge global divides, as well as:

• Understand Open Science: Learn the principles behind this movement and why it matters.
• Rethink security: Explore an innovative approach to national security that challenges outdated notions of dominance.
• Find hope amidst tensions: See how research transparency can foster stability amid geopolitical tensions.
• Engage with experts: Pick the brain of a thought leader in an exclusive Q&A.

Join us to reimagine the future of global security with one of the greatest minds in modern cryptography and computer science.

Time zones:

• US - Tuesday February 18, 2025 - 4.00pm - 5.00pm (PST)
• AUS - Wednesday February 19, 2025 - 11.00am - 12.00pm (AEDT)

About the speaker

Professor Martin Hellman is the recipient of the 2015 ACM A.M. Turing Award, widely regarded as the 'Nobel Prize of Computing'. He co-invented public-key cryptography, a breakthrough foundational to establishment of digital security and privacy. As a Stanford University Electrical Engineering professor, his contributions to cryptography have transformed global communication and security.

Best known for this invention, the technology of public key cryptography among other utilities enables secure Internet transactions and is used to transfer literally trillions of dollars every day. He has been a long-time contributor to the computer privacy debate and was a key participant in the “the first crypto war” of the late 1970s and early 80s that established the right of academic cryptographic researchers to publish their papers, free of government interference.

Hellman has a deep interest in the ethics of technological development and his current focus is on Rethinking National Security. That approach has been endorsed by a number of prominent individuals including former Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta and Stanford's President Emeritus John Hennessy.

His work has been recognized by a long list of honours and awards, including election to the American National Academy of Engineering. More detailed information is available on his other honours and awards.

About the Distinguished Lecture Series

Bringing together some of the greatest minds of our time to tackle critical issues shaping modern society. Be part of the conversation that could change the world.

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