Raising the Bar Perth 2024

Heat & Human Performance: from mine sites to marathons to surgical theatres - Associate Professor Karen Wallman

What is the effect of ambient heat on human performance? Prolonged exposure to heat can have detrimental effects on mental performance as well as physical ability. In some cases, prolonged heat exposure can result in death. In this talk, Associate Professor Karen Wallman discusses the effects of heat on the human body and what measures can be undertaken to reduce this impact. The effects of heat exposure will considered in respect to athletes on the sporting field, workers on a mining site and surgical staff in a burn surgery.

Remaining chilled under pressure: insights from a deep-sea oceanographer- Dr Jess Kolbusz

There is still much to learn about the deepest parts of our oceans, from surprise squids to submersibles, temperature changes, and the age of water in trenches. Dr. Jessica Kolbusz from the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre explains in this talk why the unseen movement of the deepest waters in our oceans is an important component of the interconnectedness of our atmosphere and oceans. For example, how melting ice in our poles reaches such depths? How do fish survive in the hadal zone under the physical pressure of the ocean above them, and what extremes can they withstand? Despite their minimum and maximum liveable depths, can the oceans' circulation provide answers to questions about species population connectivity? Will our changing oceans have a similar impact on them, and if so, on what timescale?

Can young people sleep their way to better mental health? - Dr Cele Richardson

Professor Allan Rechtschaffen famously said, “if sleep does not serve an absolutely vital function, then it is the biggest mistake the evolutionary process has ever made.” But just how important is sleep for young people’s mental health? In this talk, Dr. Cele Richardson, an expert in sleep and mental health, discusses the key processes influencing adolescent sleep and explores how sleep treatments may offer exciting new possibilities for tackling mental health problems in young people.

The Ethics-Family-AI Tango: Leading Tomorrow's Workplace - Professor Mayowa Babalola

Professor Mayowa Babalola unravels the complex dynamics of modern work life, where ethics, family, and AI intersect. Drawing from his extensive research in organisational psychology, leadership, and behavioural ethics, he explores how leaders balance people and profit, as well as work and family life, shaping workplace culture and employee well-being. He also discusses how family relationships and work outcomes influence each other. As technology continues to evolve, he introduces artificial intelligence, examining its potential impact on workplace behaviours and strategies to address emerging challenges. This talk offers a thought-provoking look at how we can thrive in a world where the boundaries between work, family, and technology are increasingly blurred.

Music and AI – Competitor, Collaborator or Copycat - Dr Tracy Redhead

Tracy Redhead, a versatile musician, composer, and researcher with nearly 30 years of experience, discusses how AI is reshaping music, from dynamic playback systems to the evolving role of data in music creation. She also explores the future of transmutable music.