HASS Great Debate 2026: Content Creators Are The New Experts

Presented by the UQ Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Research Team as part of UQ Research and Innovation Week 2026, and open to all!

Content creators now play a central role in how knowledge is shared, trusted, and debated. Across social media, and other online platforms, short-form explanations and commentary now cover everything from personal health to global affairs. As a result, the line between traditional expertise and online influence is becoming increasingly blurred.

This live, in-person only debate will explore what that shift might mean. Has expertise simply evolved into a new format, more impactful, less controlled by corporate interests, and more focused on real-world outcomes? Or does real credibility still depend on training, expertise, and institutional validation?

This is the annual HASS celebration of Research and Researchers! Bringing together experts from across the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, the event will feature lively arguments, sharp insights, and plenty of humour as always! Come raise a glass and celebrate with the HASS Faculty Research Office!

2-4pm AEST, Monday 14 September | Terrace Room (Level 6), Sir Llew Edwards (14), UQ St Lucia Campus
Please be advised, this debate will run from 2-3pm, with afternoon tea provided 3-4pm.

The Teams:
Affirmative:

1. A/Prof Mary Broughton (Music)

2. A/Prof Geoff Ginn (Historical and Philosophical Inquiry)

3. Prof Cameron Parsell (Social Science)

Negative:

1. Dr Lee McGowan (Communication and Arts)

2. Rani Tesiram (PhD Candidate)

3. Prof Matt McDonald (Political Science and International Studies)