Let's talk about Death!

This event is open to University of Melbourne Staff and Alumni, University House members, and their guests 

University has teamed up with the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies to bring you an event like no other.

We have a fantastic panel of speakers, who will discuss the subject of death. 

What should count as a cause of death? 

What can we die from? 

Is a “green death” even possible, or attainable?

Join us for a round of lightening talks, followed by the chance to ask questions, and network. Dress ups are encouraged! 

It would be a grave disappointment to miss!

Price includes arrival bites and a welcome drink. Additional food and drinks will be available for purchase from our bar

About our Speakers! 

Professor Tim Dean - MC

Tim Dean is the Senior Philosopher at The Ethics Centre, where he holds the Manos Chair in Ethics. Tim has a Doctorate in philosophy from the University of New South Wales on the evolution of morality and specialises in public philosophy, ethics and critical thinking. He is an Honorary Associate at the University of Sydney and the author of How We Became Human: And Why We Need to Change, published by Pan Macmillan. He is also an experienced science writer and editor and has worked for outlets such as The Conversation and edited magazines including Cosmos and Australian Life Scientist. He is the recipient of the Australasian Association of Philosophy Media Professionals’ Award for his work on philosophy in the public sphere.

Dr Kate Lynch 

Kate is a philosopher of science and biologist interested in causation, explanation, and causal reasoning in biology and medicine. Her work focusses on understanding the nature of causal relationships investigated by different research methods; and how causal claims are made and interpreted by scientists, practitioners, media, and the public. Her work has been featured on ABC News, Triple J, Radio National, and the LA Times, and was recently awarded the Australian Association of Philosophy Media Prize (2024).

Dr Michael Pickering 

Michael was until recently head of the History of Ideas at Trinity College, University of Melbourne, and now heads-up Academic Programs at Trinity. Michael's research looks at the connections between radical religiosity, heterodoxy and the esoteric in the early German Enlightenment. His research has examined intra-confessional conflicts over the relationship between numinous power and the body in the so-called “vampire debate” of the early eighteenth century. Michael’s current research focusses on the Braunschweig physician Johann Nikolaus Martius and his connection to a wider network of religious radicals

Samuel Holleran, PhD

Samuel has worked as an artist, researcher, and educator with design firms, universities, and nonprofits in the U.S., Australia, and Europe. He completed his PhD on the “civic space of the cemetery” with the Death Tech Research Team at The University of Melbourne in 2024. He is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Urban Design at RMIT.