Why science needs the 'social': Solving complex problems with interdisciplinary thinking

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Why science needs the 'social': Solving complex problems with interdisciplinary thinking

21 Aug 2026
05:30pm - 06:45pm
FREE
Storey Hall | Building 16 336/348 Swanston St, Melbourne.

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As part of National Science Week, this free panel event explores why solving complex challenges, from climate change and AI to health and inequality, requires social as well as technical expertise. Leading researchers, policymakers and innovators will discuss interdisciplinary collaboration, the role of social sciences, and how integrated thinking can drive meaningful change.

From climate change and AI to health, energy and inequality, the challenges facing Australia today are not just technical – they are deeply social.

For our panel of researchers creative and effective innovation starts with an understanding of people, systems and society. So why are social sciences still too often treated as an afterthought in scientific problem-solving?

This National Science Week event brings together leading thinkers from across the social sciences, natural sciences, engineering and public policy to explore what truly interdisciplinary thinking looks like – and why it matters now more than ever.

Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia President Professor Kate Darian-Smith will be joined by an expert panel representing diverse disciplines and perspectives:

Distinguished Professor Lisa M. Given (RMIT University), a leading authority on how people engage with information and technology, bringing a vital human-centred lens to artificial intelligence and digital environments.
Professor Xavier Mulet (RMIT University), an innovator in advanced materials and clean technologies, working at the frontier of scientific breakthroughs with real-world environmental impact.
Dr Amanda Caples, Victoria's Lead Scientist, with broad experience in science policy, industry development and the innovation ecosystem.
Professor Rob Raven (Monash University), an internationally recognised scholar of sustainability transitions, examining how social, political and institutional factors shape transformative change.

The discussion will be moderated by Dr Shane Huntington OAM, an experienced communicator and strategist who has helped thousands of researchers translate complex ideas into meaningful public dialogue.

Together, the panel will tackle big questions at the intersection of science and society including:

How can social and technical knowledge be better integrated to address the big issues facing society?
How can research infrastructure and funding better support the social sciences?
And how can interdisciplinary collaboration move from aspiration to practice?
Be part of the conversation as we rethink what it means to do science – and why the 'social' is critical to solving the problems that matter most.

Hosted by the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia in partnership with RMIT.

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Why science needs the 'social': Solving complex problems with interdisciplinary thinking

21 Aug 2026

As part of National Science Week, this free panel event explores why solving complex challenges, from climate change and AI to health and inequality, requires social as well as technical expertise. Leading researchers, policymakers and innovators will discuss interdisciplinary collaboration, the role of social sciences, and how integrated thinking can drive meaningful change.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures