One Big Idea

One Big Idea showcases UNSW academics, researchers and PhD students as they share how they could change the world as we know it.

For one night only this 14 October, One Big Idea program luminaries will have no more than ten minutes to share how one concept in their field of expertise could revolutionise life on earth.

Come along and hear these insightful academics as they bring their ideas to life. From the impact of nanotechnology on cancer treatments to supporting ocean environments with urban engineering to the power of radical acts of kindness, this evening promises hope in an everchanging world.

Professor Maria Kavallaris AM | Tailor-Made Childhood Cancer Treatments

More than 400,000 children and adolescents will be diagnosed with cancer worldwide this year. But the tiniest tools – nanoparticles – could beat childhood cancer.

Dr Charu Maithani | Rewiring AI

Millions of AI images are generated every week but they only represent a narrow view of real life. Changing the approach to machine learning could have far reaching effects on visual vocabulary.

Dr Alison Goldingay | The Power of Light

Light has unlocked many technological advancements over the course of human history. Find out why quantum technologies are next in line.

Ann Flemming Nielsen | Grand Designs for our Oceans' Habitats

Feats of urban engineering could help bring back our coastal marine habitats by mimicking their functions in restoration designs.

Dr Regina Jefferies | Reframing Rescue with Communities at the Heart

What would it take to rescue people from disasters without removing them from their homes? Community partnerships and a new mindset could hold the answer.

Dr Alexis Minchaca Acosta | Unpicking the Lock to the Blood-Brain Barrier

​​​​​​​Most medicine never reaches the brain due to the blood-brain barrier. But, with the right key, we could unlock the solution to treating brain cancer.

Dr Gabi Nudelman | Kind by Design

Kindness costs nothing but could revolutionise our universities. This quiet disruptor has already begun to have long lasting impacts within and beyond the classroom.

The Library Auditorium is located inside the State Library of New South Wales at 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney NSW. Please note this is a live event only, and will not be available via livestream.

The Macquarie Street building is temporarily closed for a major refurbishment until late 2025. Please enter the Library via the Mitchell building on Shakespeare Place.

Wheelchair Access

The Mitchell Building has an accessible lift entrance on Shakespeare Place. Please note that the State Library does not have an accessible drop-off zone. Information on nearby accessible parking options can be found here.

Assisted Listening

The Library Auditorium has a permanent hearing loop available.

Auslan & Captioning

Auslan interpreting services and/or live captioning can be provided for selected talks upon request.

Accessibility at the State Library of New South Wales

For further information on accessibility at the State Library of New South Wales, please click here.

The State Library of New South Wales is easily accessible via public transport. The closest metro and rail stop is Martin Place (250 metres from the Library) with a number of buses stopping nearby. For more information please call the Transport Infoline on 131 500 or visit transportnsw.info.

The nearest paid parking station is Parkhouse Car Park (187 Macquarie Street), with metered parking available on Hospital Road.

For further information on getting to the State Library, please click here.

For all event related enquiries, please email [email protected] or call the Centre for Ideas on 02 9065 0485.

The Centre for Ideas is happy to receive phone calls via the National Relay Service. TTY users, phone 133 677, then ask for 02 9065 0485. Speak and Listen users, phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 02 9065 0485. For more information on all other relay calls visit here.

For all venue related enquiries, please call the State Library of New South Wales on 02 9273 1414.

Host or Publisher UNSW Centre for Ideas