Raising the Bar 2025: one night, 20 free talks at venues across Sydney
Raising the Bar is back for 2025 and better than ever with experts ready to elevate your post-work routine and boost your brain power with 20 free talks hosted at venues across Sydney on Thursday 3 April.
For one-night only, hear from University of Sydney researchers, academics and alumni as they explore innovative ideas for a better future in inner-city bars and pubs across the city, an annual event supported by the City of Sydney.
This year’s speakers will cover a diverse range of topics including what the world’s first lab-grown brain can teach us, fresh ways to protect Australia’s unique biodiversity and why workforce housing is key to healthier and more inclusive cities.
University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott, says the talks are all about sharing fresh concepts and groundbreaking research with the wider Sydney community.
“Raising the Bar is a wonderful way for the community to connect with our academics and their vital work towards solving some of the world’s greatest challenges. I hope attendees leave the talks feeling hopeful and inspired,” he said.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO added: “Raising the Bar is a great initiative that supports local bars while informing and inspiring locals.
“The City is proud to support the fantastic program, and we encourage everyone to join academics and influential thinkers in this laid-back environment!”
Some of Sydney’s favourite watering holes are hosting this year including New Brittania, Fortress Sydney and The Barrie. Talks start at 6:15pm and 7:30pm.
Book your free ticket here.
Raising the Bar is a wonderful way for the community to connect with our academics and their vital work towards solving some of the world’s greatest challenges.
Professor Mark Scott
University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and President
“Raising the Bar is a wonderful way for the community to connect with our academics and their vital work towards solving some of the world’s greatest challenges.”Professor Mark Scott
University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and President
See which talks are coming to a bar near you
How to grow a brain
A lab-grown brain can help scientists study life-changing conditions like dementia and epilepsy – all without the need for animal testing. Join Dr Ann-Na Cho, a leading stem cell engineer, as she shares the latest breakthroughs in neuroscience and explains how these biofabricated brain models are made.
"Imagine a lab-grown brain that thinks and behaves just like a human brain,” says Dr Cho.
Tickets available now
6:15pm, Fortress Sydney, Chippendale
From crisis to conservation: nature's call to protect our biodiversity
Professor Carolyn Hogg uses novel technologies to protect Australia’s threatened species and ensure that our unique species are around for generations to come. In this talk, she will explore how the variety of life on Earth is declining and what we can do to protect it.
“Our biodiversity is collapsing at an alarming rate. Over the past 30 years, insect populations have decreased by almost 40 percent, threatening our food, medicine, and overall wellbeing,” says Professor Hogg.
“Developing innovative ways to protect biodiversity is crucial for the health of our planet and future generations.”
Tickets available now
6:15pm, New Brittania, Camperdown
Housing essentials for equitable cities
Sydney’s housing crisis is not only being felt on a personal level but it’s also threatening the health of the city’s communities. Many essential workers now can’t afford to live in places they support. What does this mean for our society? Join planning expert Dr Catherine Gilbert as she explores what an equitable city looks like.
“Housing stress and long commutes negatively impact health and wellbeing. But for essential workers, they compound stress and fatigue accrued in the workplace, hastening burnout,” Dr Gilbert said.
“Planning for workforce housing needs is critical to the health, safety and livability of our cities.”
Tickets available now
7:30pm, New Brittania, Camperdown
Other University of Sydney speakers
- What to expect when you’re expecting... climate change – Associate Professor Luara Ferracioli at The Barrie
- Diversity as the default: creating an inclusive society – Professor Jioji Ravulo at the Bank Hotel
- Oral insulin: how nanotech could create a needle-free future – Dr Nick Hunt at The Toxteth
- The kids are alright: improving youth mental health – Dr Katrina Campion at the Rose of Australia
- How proteins can save the world – Dr Taylor Szyszka and Rezwan Siddiquee at the Bank Hotel
- Astronomers are bad at naming things (including this talk) – Dr Laura Driessen at Hermann’s Bar
- Dietary restrictions don't work. Here's what to do instead – Associate Professor Nicholas Fuller at The Harold
- Redefining ageing: A fresh approach to growing old – Professor Lee-Fay Low at the Rose of Australia
- To protect human rights, tell human stories – Professor David Kinley at Foundry 616
- Breaking the canvas ceiling: how we can all champion refugees in the workforce – Professor Betina Szkudlarek at Hermann’s Bar
- Listen and learn: the power of sound to unlock science – Alexis Weaver at Foundry 616
- There’s no such thing as wastewater – only wasted water – Professor Stuart Khan at The Toxteth
- Making AI sustainable: a guide to greener intelligence – Professor Albert Zomaya at Brix Distillers
- Greenhouse gaslighting: how society silences climate distress – Dr Blanche Verlie at Fortress Sydney
- Test and learn: living an experimental life – May Samali at The Barrie
- How to predict a heart attack – Natalie Raffoul at The Harold
- Healthy brain ageing: is music the missing key? – Professor Neal Peres Da Costa at Brix Distillers
Supported by the City of Sydney
Media contact
Laura Grassby
Assistant Media Adviser
Phone