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UNSW Perth Alumni Talks | The Future of Mining

Join fellow alumni in Perth for an exclusive thought leadership event featuring Professor Serkan Saydam, Chair of Mining Engineering at UNSW Sydney and Director of the UNSW ARC Research Hub for Next Generation Mining Methods (NextGenMIN). 

Professor Sadam will explore how the industry must shift from simply adopting new technologies to creating new knowledge, integrating advanced technology and human capital to design mining systems designed for:

  • Zero waste
  • Zero (net) emissions
  • Zero (human) entry
  • Improved safety, productivity and efficiency

Aeroecology: challenges, opportunities and its societal relevance

University of Amsterdam Professor Judy Shamoun-Baranes shares insights from her study of Aeoecology and its relevance in society.

The first event as part of the Murdoch University HBI Visiting Scholar Lecture Series

Through several examples of long term collaboration and societal engagement, Judy will demonstrate how they have used aeroecological research to sup-port aviation safety, the energy transition and inspire fascination and appreciation for life in the air.

Circular Design & Innovation: Empowering the Commercial Transition ahead of Climate Action Week

Businesses are consuming more resources than ever — yet waste, inefficiency and lost value remain built into how many products and systems are designed. As pressure mounts from climate targets, procurement expectations and rising costs, circular design is no longer a niche sustainability concept, but a commercial imperative.

This webinar explores how circular thinking can be applied across design, materials and business models to unlock efficiency, reduce waste and create long-term value. From early design decisions through to production, use and end-of-life, the session will unpack how designers and businesses can move beyond linear approaches and embed circular principles in ways that are practical, scalable and commercially viable.

Join us for a grounded, real-world discussion featuring practitioners working at the intersection of innovation, design and sustainability. Through case studies, lived experience and panel discussion, speakers will share what’s working, what’s challenging, and where the biggest opportunities lie for organisations ready to transition from intention to action.

GreenTech Hub Summer Sundowner

Since its launch in August 2025, the WA GreenTech Hub has been driving innovation, building connections and supporting the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future for Western Australia.

Now, let’s take some time to celebrate! Come and join us on Wednesday 25 February from 4 to 7 PM for a relaxed late-afternoon sundowner where we’ll celebrate our achievements, share what’s next in energy transitions and bring together stakeholders, industry partners and the wider community, while enjoying drinks, light refreshments and lively conversations in a welcoming and informal setting.

Don’t miss out, this is your chance to connect, reflect and imagine the future together!

We’re looking forward to having you there!

Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/greentech-summer-sundowner

DEADLINE: Churchill Fellowship

The Fellowship provides funding and support for Australians to travel overseas (typically 4-8 weeks) to investigate a topic they’re passionate about. The only requirement? You need to bring what you learn back to Australia and share it with others. Applications open 26 Feb 2026.

You don’t need a degree. You don’t need to be an academic. You can do a Churchill Fellowship on any topic, provided there is a benefit to Australia and your community by you sharing your knowledge or skills. You need curiosity, commitment, and a clear vision for how your learning will create positive change.

Perth information sessions

5 March 2026 at 5.30 pm (AWST), Australian Institute of Management WA (76 Birkdale St, Floreat)

7 March 2026 at 10.00 am (AWST), Access Care Network Australia (ACNA) (5 Sangiorgio Ct, Osborne Park)

Smart Systems Engineering for Sustainable Networks

In recognition of World Engineering Day (WED) 2026, join us in celebrating Smart Engineering for a Sustainable Future Through Innovation and Digitalisation.

This panel discussion explores how smart systems, AI, and real-time data are being applied across transport, energy, water, and built assets to create sustainable, resilient, and high-performing infrastructure networks. The session brings together leading experts in systems engineering, digital advisory, and complex infrastructure integration to share practical insights, emerging digital practices, and lessons learned from real-world applications.

The discussion will highlight:

  • how systems engineering and model-based systems engineering (MBSE) underpin smart, resilient infrastructure
  • the role of digital intelligence, AI, and real-time data in optimising asset performance and sustainability
  • socio-technical considerations, organisational barriers, and governance challenges in digital transformation
  • practical approaches for embedding emerging digital engineering practices into legacy systems

Our Ocean, Our Future: A Conversation with Mr Peter Thomson, United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean

The UWA Oceans Institute is pleased to welcome Mr Peter Thomson, United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, for a public address on the ‘Oceans health and what we are trying to do to fix it’.

Mr Thomson will deliver a personal address on the health of the ocean, the pressures it faces, and the actions required to reverse decline and secure a sustainable and resilient future. The address will be followed by a panel discussion with Professor Christophe Gaudin (Director, UWA Oceans Institute) and special guests, and an audience Q&A.

TERN Webinar – Lifelines in the Desert – the critical role of oases in biodiversity and heritage

This webinar brings together leading experts to explore the multifaceted value of Australia’s desert springs and oases, examining both the challenges they face and innovative approaches to their conservation.

Speakers will discuss the ecological significance of these systems, their role in supporting biodiversity resilience, and practical management strategies being implemented across the continent.

2026 BioInnovation Festival

The BioInnovation Festival is a five-day celebration of Western Australia’s life sciences and innovation ecosystem, featuring flagship events, regional tours, and partner-led activities.

BioInnovation Festival Conference – 11 March 2026

Connecting innovators, industry, and investors to explore the latest breakthroughs in life sciences. The program features over 50 speakers across keynotes, themed streams, and networking designed to spark collaboration and accelerate commercialisation.

Themes:

• Cross-disciplinary innovation
• Medical & Health
• Agriculture, Aquaculture & Life Sciences
• Commercialisation & Investment Readiness
• Partnerships & Ecosystem Growth

Program Highlights:

Morning keynotes, two focused streams, afternoon sessions, a “meeting of the minds,” and a Networking Sundowner. Optional Networking Dinner in the evening.