University of Sydney to continue partnership with TEDx in 2018

The University of Sydney will continue to share “ideas worth spreading” after partnering with TEDx Sydney for 2018.

This will mark the University’s 7th year working with the ideas platform, with Professor Nicole Gurran from the Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning among this year’s line-up.

University of Sydney Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Duncan Ivison said the University’s continued sponsorship of the event was a natural fit.

“As an institution dedicated to research and education, we strive to challenge ideas and encourage innovation and creativity. TEDx shares a similar motivation to bring transformative ideas to a broader public.

“Our researchers want to see their ideas out in the world making a positive difference to the communities we serve. TEDx provides an amazing platform for us to explore different perspectives, share ideas and hear from diverse voices,” Professor Ivison said.

Since its inception in 2010, TEDx Sydney has featured a number of speakers from across the University of Sydney and its wider community.

This year, Professor Nicole Gurran from the University of Sydney School of Architecture of Design and Planning will take to the stage.

While she can’t reveal details about her talk, Professor Gurran is excited to be involved.

“TEDx is a great platform for engagement. As a housing researcher and urban planner, I’m looking forward to connecting with fellow speakers and the wider audience.”  

University alumnus and YouTube-famous maths teacher Eddie Woo has also been announced as a speaker and Sydney Conservatorium of Music alumna Michelle Leonard, fresh off touring with Hillary Clinton, will perform alongside the Moorambilla Voices.

Previous University of Sydney speakers have included Professor Michael Biercuk from Sydney Nano Institute, Professor Bill Pritchard from the School of Geosciences, Professor Ron McCallum from Sydney Law School and Professor Richard Banati from the Faculty of Health Sciences.

This year’s event will be held on Friday June 15 at ICC Sydney in Darling Harbour and invites speakers, performers and the audience to ponder the theme, HumanKind.

The University will use the opportunity to ask attendees what they would do for the good of humankind, while highlighting the real-world impact of the University’s world-leading research from 3D printing to agricultural robots.

TEDx is an independent offshoot of the TED (Technology Education Design) conference that began in the US in 1984.