Dialogues across difference

Over the past decade, having respectful conversations and debate, especially about the big issues, has become more challenging.  We live in a world where trust is declining, information is non-stop and algorithms are feeding us more of what we already believe. We will explore how we can have better, more respectful conversations and debate – even when we don’t agree.

Speakers

Moderator : Professor Heather Zwicker, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Campus, Culture and Leadership)

Professor Matthew Hornsey 
Perspective: Declining trust in science
Matthew's research focuses on why people reject scientific and technological evidence, and what makes it so hard to have constructive conversations about these issues. He examines the psychological forces that drive or block pro-environmental action, and how group dynamics and polarisation can deepen divides.

Dr Jackie Huggins AM FAHA
Perspective: Truth, trust and healing
Jackie is an Aboriginal Australian author, historian, academic and advocate for Indigenous rights. Professor Huggins is a long advocate for Reconciliation and is an historian and author who has spent more than four decades working across all spheres for social justice, recognition and all issues surrounding Indigenous Australians. 

Dr Bethany Mackay 
Perspective: Polarisation and safety
Beth is a clinical psychologist and a leader in student wellbeing and mental health services in the Australian higher education sector. She is UQ’s Director, Student Support and Wellbeing Services overseeing proactive engagement, education, safety, wellbeing, diversity and inclusion initiatives as well as counselling and mental health response services. 
 

This event unpacks the complexities of modern debate, examining the factors that make discussions challenging. We will look at the current socio-political environment as a catalyst for disagreement, emotional intensity, and how misinformation and polarisation is contributing to fraught conversations. 

Speakers

Moderator: Co-moderators Deputy Executive Dean and Associate Dean (Academic) Professor Kath Gelber and UQ Union President Jaafar Jabur

Dr Anne Kruger 
Perspective: Misinformation and disinformation
Anne is a leading expert in digital research and practice, empowering external media organisations and communications stakeholders to address misinformation.  Anne was a contributor to Australia's first misinformation and disinformation regulatory code of practice.

Dr Kiri Ingram
Perspective: Online radicalisation
Kiri is a Lecturer in the School of Political Science and International Studies. Her research focuses on the intersection of gender and international politics, particularly in the context of extremist movements and peacebuilding. 

Professor Andrew Phillips
Perspective: Social media
Andrew is a Professor in the School of Political Science and International Studies. His research focuses on war, strategy and international order, with a particular focus on Great Power rivalry and asymmetric violence as drivers of transformative change in world politics.

At this event, speakers will share practical tools for having respectful and inclusive debates. We’ll talk about how to actively listen, understand different perspectives, challenge ideas (not people), and practice empathy—so everyone feels heard and valued.

Speakers

Moderator: School of Political Science and International Studies Head of School Professor Katrina Lee-Koo

Associate Professor Morgan Brigg
Perspective: Tools from mediation 
Morgan is a political scientist focusing on cultural difference in peace and conflict, and also researches and publishes in international relations, law and dispute resolution, Indigenous politics, governance and public policy and international development. He is a qualified mediator. 

Professor Thelma Parker
Perspective: Tools for collaboration
Thelma is the Associate Dean (Indigenous Engagement) in the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Science. A proud Waluwarra Wangkayujuru Wangkaymunha woman, she has more than 25 years’ experience in education, employment and training along with deep knowledge of state and national priorities.