01-09-2023
Welcome to Spring and the latest edition of MonashMinds for September 2023, a place where we share stories from Scholars across a range of issues, including the application of the #MeToo movement in sport, the impact of AI in the arts, and a cautionary blind spot causing climate disaster in Africa. Showcasing their continuing leadership, our Scholars share their opinions and insights while demonstrating sector innovation through collaborative problem-solving.
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Kate Manne, 2006 John Monash Scholar and associate professor in feminist philosophy, has weighed in on the recent physical advance made by Luis Rubiales upon Spanish soccer player Jenni Hermoso.
Rubiales kissed Hermoso following Spain’s World Cup victory, resulting in an international wave of protests and the eventual 90-day suspension of Rubiales by FIFA.
Kate discusses this incident in her article entitled ‘Stolen Glory’, relating it to broader social attitudes that undermine female perspectives and grant powerful men opportunities to undermine women’s integrity.
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Jessie Hughes, 2020 Lee Liberman John Monash Scholar, has hosted a workshop in Brisbane focused on the emergence of AI in film and entertainment.
Facilitated by the 48 Hour Film Project, Jessie provided a balanced exploration of the way AI is continuing to intersect with storytelling, production and the artistic process by demonstrating the use of accessible AI tools available in the industry.
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Catherine Richards, 2017 Origin Foundation John Monash Scholar, has co-authored an article exploring potential solutions to support Africa’s sharp increase in climate-related destruction.
The article, published in The Conversation, emphasises the importance of improved warning systems that can provide climate information and evacuation instructions to communities in Africa.
Catherine is a Research Affiliate at the University of Cambridge and an Associate at McKinsey & Co., serving clients in the real asset space on strategy, transactions and sustainability.
Showcasing Scholar's award-winning film |
Alies Sluiter, 2015 Australian Cultural (Tim Fairfax AC and Australian Council of the Arts) John Monash Scholar, has been featured in this year’s Holly Shorts Festival with her film Myth.
Myth follows the experiences of a young girl who, in dealing with the recent loss of her mother, experiences supernatural visions. The film won five awards at last year’s South Australian Screen Awards, including Best Drama, Best Director and the Grand Jury Prize.
Alies studied a Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting and Directing at Columbia University before becoming a freelance director. In 2023 she joined a Sydney-based artist management agency, RMG Artists.
Hannah Gandy delivers speech in Legislative Assembly |
Hannah Gandy, 2022 Victorian Government John Monash Scholar, has addressed the Victorian Legislative Assembly as a part of the annual Monash Commemorative Service.
Hosted by the Spirit of Australia Foundation, Hannah spoke to a full house of secondary school students, addressing some of the challenges faced during her childhood, the impact that education has had in her life, and the aspects of General Sir John Monash’s character that have inspired her the most.
Hannah spoke to the Australian Jewish News regarding some of her reflections. “Monash faced a lot of public attacks due to his faith and his German ancestry, yet he overcame that adversity and persevered despite the criticism,” she told the publication.
“Monash shows us the importance of self-belief, especially when success is measured by one’s ability to uplift others and the community . . . those principles reflect how I see my own journey.”
The ethics and governance of AI |
Holli Sargeant, 2021 BHP John Monash Scholar, is starting work as a Visiting Researcher at Harvard Law School and an Affiliate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society.
Holli‘s previous studies at the University of Cambridge have related to technology, governance and the law. She now plans to focus on the ethics and governance of AI.
PODCAST: Behind the Reflection - Decoding Body Image and Self-Perception with A/Prof Gemma Sharp
In our latest episode, we speak with Associate Professor Gemma Sharp, 2007 John Monash Scholar and lead researcher of the Sharp Group.
Based in the Department of Neuroscience at Monash University, Gemma and her team explore the causes and factors behind body dysmorphia and eating disorders, supporting the development of innovative treatments.
Gemma is currently an NHMRC Emerging Leadership 2 Fellow (2023-2027) and a former NHMRC Early Career Research Fellow (2018-2022).
Global Events
London Leadership Forum |
Dr Fergus Green, 2012 John Monash Scholar, presenting his research on climate leadership. Fergus is currently a Lecturer in Political Theory & Public Policy in the Department of Political Science and School of Public Policy, University College London.
Last month the Boston Consulting Group (London) hosted the General Sir John Monash London Leadership Forum, which brought together networks of Scholars from the UK and Europe to share their knowledge, discuss leadership issues and consider the impact of potential strategies.
Seven General Sir John Monash Scholars presented a piece of their research, covering topics such as the emergence of Ukraine's Green Steal opportunities, improving justice accessibility with AI, and the history of Australia's post-WWII involvement in Papua New Guinea.
Attendees subsequently engaged in a problem-solving Q&A, promoting opportunities for greater cross-sectoral collaboration.
In the media
Madeline Gleeson, 2012 John Monash Scholar and international refugee lawyer, has appeared on The Monthly's 7am podcast, speaking about Australia’s part in Britain’s floating detention centre.
The centre is part of a new migration approach being taken by the British Government. Madeline discussed the physical and psychological risks inherent in this type of accommodation and the inter-jurisdictional policy influences between nations. Listen here
Jillian Segal AO, Chair of the General Sir John Monash Foundation, has appeared on a podcast episode from the Australian Jewish News. Jillian speaks about the goals of the Foundation and the achievements of Scholars. Listen here