Dr Craig Challen is an Australian veterinarian, businessman, adventurer, pilot and cave diver. In July 2018 he participated in the Tham Luang cave rescue in northern Thailand, and was awarded the Star of Courage and jointly named 2019 Australians of the Year.

Gry Stene is not just a voice in technology; she is a visionary force driving transformative change across the tech landscape. With over 30 years of experience as a pioneer and leader, Gry, affectionately known as the Tech Whisperer, has been at the forefront of digital innovation and inclusive culture development.

Marek Kowalkiewicz is a Professor and Chair in Digital Economy at QUT Business School and is listed among the Top 100 Global Thought Leaders in AI by thinkers360.

Jill Benn is an accomplished higher education leader based in Perth, Western Australia. Jill is proudly connected to her Noongar Ballardong heritage.

Sisonke Msimang is the author of Always Another Country: A memoir of Exile and Home. She is a South African writer, living in Perth, whose work focuses on gender, race, social justice and democracy.

Professor Simon Ellingsen is the Executive Director of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR). Simon’s research has focused on the study of how the largest stars form, the structure of the Milky Way and recently, how astronomical infrastructure can be utilised to support the Australian space industry, particular space domain awareness and spacecraft communications.

In the meantime, explore the Program at a Glance.