It might seem like something out of Star Trek, but people controlling so-called ‘smartbrains’ with their own thoughts could happen sooner than you think. And it doesn’t stop there. Innovations in biomedical technologies is speeding the progress of things such as artificial lab-grown organs, nanorobots inside the body, or computers hardwired to the brain which is becoming common in the next 20 years. On UNSW’s Engineering the Future podcast, Associate Professor Mohit Shivdasani and Claire Bridges talk to STEM journalist Neil Martin, about how the science-fiction of bionic humans is now rapidly ..read more

As the world is expected to gain 2.2 billion new urban residents by 2050, emerging technologies will dramatically transform the way growing populations live, work and commute in urban areas. What will this mean for the future of urban engineering? Transport engineering expert, Associate Professor Taha Rashidi, and geotechnical engineering expert, Dr Asal Bidarmaghz look up to the skies and discuss the feasibility of flying cars and drones as a form of transport, as well as looking down by making the case for increased infrastructure to be built underground. For more information on our speakers ..read more

The on-going debate on nuclear feels like a constant battle of weighing the benefits of low carbon electricity generation against the public perception of potential risks. Nuclear engineer and lead of UNSW’s Nuclear Engineering program, Dr Edward Obbard, and Lieutenant Colonel Jasmin Diab, join STEM journalist, Neil Martin, to discuss exciting developments in nuclear engineering and discuss what impacts we can expect on society as a whole over the next two decades. For more information on our speakers or for a full transcription of this episode, visit our website. Read our stories on nuclear ..read more

As the world shifts towards renewable energy production, experts predict that mining will play a critical role in the extraction of minerals necessary for technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicle batteries. Head of UNSW School of Minerals Energy Resources Engineering, Professor Ismet Canbulat, and Rae O'Brien, Executive General Manager of Mining Excellence with Centennial Energy Company, joins STEM journalist, Neil Martin, to discuss the role of mining as the world transitions to a greener future.   For more information on our speakers or for a full transcripti ..read more

AI-powered programs like ChatGPT can do everything from plan an itinerary for your next holiday or help you write a resume or business proposal. But with all great technologies, there are risks and challenges. AI expert and Chief Scientist at UNSW's AI Institute, Professor Toby Walsh, and Stela Solar, Director of the National Artificial Intelligence Centre hosted by CSIRO's Data61, join STEM journalist, Neil Martin, to take a deep  dive into the impact of AI on society in areas including healthcare, transport, education and defence. For more information on our speakers or for a full trans ..read more

UNSW’s Engineering the Future podcast is a space for thought-provoking conversations about the bold ideas that will impact society over the next two decades.  From exciting developments in nuclear technology and major transformations in the mining industry, through to the universal impact of Artificial Intelligence, we speak with leading academics and industry leaders about the technological marvels that will define us as we work towards a more sustainable future for all.  Together, we’ll discover how world-changing action starts with fearless thinking in innovative engineering. &nbs ..read more