Raising the Bar Perth 2025

Cultural landscapes: better ways to conserve WA’s extraordinary heritage - By Professor Jo McDonald

Professor Jo McDonald, a rock art archaeologist, explores Western Australia’s remarkable natural and cultural heritage, often overlooked beside its reputation as the mining state. She discusses the recognition of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape on the UNESCO World Heritage List, only the second Australian site listed solely for its cultural values, and what this means for understanding, protecting and celebrating Country with First Nations peoples.

Men and menstruation: from bystanders to allies - By Dr Dani Barrington

Dr Dani Barrington discusses why menstruation is not just a women’s issue but a global one that affects everyone. She explores the realities of menstrual experiences and how they can shape lives both positively and negatively. From access to toilets and period products to creating supportive environments free from stigma and discrimination, she highlights how we can all play a role in ensuring people with periods can participate fully in every aspect of life. All genders welcome.

Believe your eyes? Think again! Why you can't afford to ignore deepfakes - By Dr Tristan Reed

Dr Tristan Reed explores the world of deepfakes, where artificial intelligence can create realistic videos of anyone saying or doing anything. He explains how this technology is reshaping business, politics and daily life, from fake corporate announcements to manipulated political messages. Discover how deepfakes are made, see examples that challenge what you believe online, and learn practical ways to protect yourself and your organisation in an era where seeing is no longer believing.

Plastic people: chemical exposure and our health - By Professor Michaela Lucas

Clinical Professor Michaela Lucas discusses the PERTH Trial, a groundbreaking study exploring how plastic chemicals such as BPA and phthalates may affect adult health. Over seven weeks, participants provided blood, urine and stool samples, along with dietary recalls, to help uncover common sources of exposure, how these chemicals are processed by the body, and their possible links to inflammation and chronic disease.

Cosmic crops: engineering plants to feed our journey to Mars - By Dr James Lloyd

Dr James Lloyd, Molecular Plant Genetics, PhD, discusses how the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space is developing plants that can support human life as we venture to Mars. He explores how astronauts, unable to rely on resupply from Earth, will need plants to produce food, medicines, and construction materials for deep space exploration. He also considers how this research could transform agriculture in harsh environments here on Earth, including Western Australia.