As UNSW turns 70, what will the world look like when we fast forward another 70 years?

Explore the future our researchers have envisioned in this video series of short talks for restless minds recorded at UNSOMNIA 2019.  

So much has changed since 1949, but from its opening day, UNSW has focused on the future. Fast-forward to 70 years from now as nine of our incredible researchers explain what life we’ll be living in these entertaining 10-minute talks. 

Watch full playlist 
 
Childhood cancer – thriving not just surviving | Jordana McLoone | Watch now

In 70 years, all children diagnosed with cancer will survive. But while their lives will be saved, how can we make sure we limit the side effects of treatment? How can we make sure they thrive, not just survive? 

In the age of AI, doctors are better at being human | Adrienne Torda | Watch now 

We each have personalised genome analysis at birth, and now robot doctors perform our operations. So, do we even need human doctors? Or will they need to be even more human? 

Sewage science to save our cities | Stuart Khan | Watch now 

If we're going to survive the next 70 years, the human race needs new sources of sustainable energy and clean water. Could sewage be the answer? 

Everyone is a mathematician | Vera Roshchina | Watch now

Imagine a future where everyone gets to truly experience maths. One where we can lift formulae off the page and turn them into patterns and shapes that we can see, feel, touch and interact with. One day, could we all be mathematicians? 

Futuristic hieroglyphics | Rebecca Green | Watch now 

As we spend more time in digital and virtual worlds, our need for written or typed text could disappear. In 70 years could we all be communicating in a new language of hieroglyphics, symbols and pictures? 

Rebuilding data privacy from the ground up | Katharine Kemp | Watch now 

Big data has fundamentally altered our laws, freedom and democracy. Is there anywhere in the real and virtual worlds where we aren’t being watched, and anything we can do keep our private lives private? 

Lab-grown steak to save pygmy possums | Siobhan O’Sullivan | Watch now 

Humans and farm animals have taken over the planet and pushed other species to the brink of extinction. Could lab-grown meat help build the diverse and thriving planet of our future? 

Underwater Forests: Taking Extinction Back | Adriana Vergés | Watch now 

Pollution, warm water and fishing all threaten our oceans, but when we give nature a helping hand, its ability to help itself can be remarkable. 

UNSOMNIA is a partnership between the Grand Challenges Program and the Centre for Ideas.