About the series
QUT is an exciting place, where ideas are generated, questioned, and challenged.
Introducing our new free public speaker series - 'QUT Connections: a forum for bold ideas', inspiring curiosity, exploring public debate, and connecting you with the world’s great thinkers.
This is your opportunity to debate big ideas, spark your imagination, and ask questions about the most pressing challenges facing us today.
Each forum features influential thought leaders that span disciplinary, cultural, and global boundaries. With knowledge we can help shape our world and better understand our place within it.
“It is only through interrogating known facts that new discoveries can occur.”
Professor Margaret Sheil AO, QUT Vice Chancellor and President
Past forums
Professor Brian Schmidt AC with Bernie Hobbs, QUT alumnus
Professor Brian Schmidt AC is a scientist working in astronomy and astrophysics during a time of immense change in which researchers have uncovered most of the key elements illuminating our place in the universe.
Brian describes his journey as an astronomer, reflects on what he has learnt along the way, and shares his thoughts on how this connects with our broader place in the universe. Exciting progress in astronomy and astrophysics is shared, as well as what we can expect in the future.
Brian is one of Australia's most eminent scientists, winning the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics, alongside many other academic awards and distinctions.
Dr Meganne Christian, Reserve Astronaut with Rebecca Levingston, ABC journalist
European Space Agency Reserve Astronaut Dr Meganne Christian made her World Science Festival Brisbane debut in a presentation as part of the QUT Connections: a forum for bold ideas series.
Meganne is Reserve Astronaut / Exploration Commercialisation Lead at the UK Space Agency, and member of the European Space Agency. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering and a PhD in industrial chemistry from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. From 2014 to 2023, she was a materials scientist at the National Research Council of Italy, investigating innovative materials for alternative energy and space applications.
She has also undertaken two missions, including a winter-over, to Concordia Station in Antarctica where she was a research scientist in charge of atmospheric physics and meteorology.
Meganne and moderator, Rebecca Levingston discuss the future of the human impact in space as well as stories from Meganne’s extraordinary career.
Get connected
Register to keep up-to-date on future forums.
Partner with us
Our researchers engage with community partners, industry and government through partnerships and collaboration, to deliver research outcomes that have real impact.
Find out how we can work together.