Smart solutions need the human touch

A lot of supposedly ‘smart’ software doesn’t take human needs into account, or is designed to fit commercial imperatives rather than empower consumer choices.

Cutting food waste – through social media

Australians who have been economically impacted by COVID-19 are doing it tough. The bills keep coming in and the family still needs to be fed. Yet the average Australian family continues to waste around $3,000 per year on food that isn’t being eaten.

When childcare meets aged care

While our oldest and youngest generations may seem worlds apart, a new ageing well initiative will bring them together in an innovative intergenerational education and development program.

The growing global food crisis

The Commission for the Human Future’s second Round Table Conference on global threats and solutions has called for a worldwide effort to transform global food production to a system that is renewable, healthy and fair to all.

The future of virtual reality in tourism

Tourism has been brought to a standstill around the world, but new doors are opening for virtual and augmented reality to reshape the industry as it edges towards recovery.

Half a dollar for healthier kids

Fifty cents per child per day is all it would take to improve the nutritional value of food at long daycare centres, according to new research from Edith Cowan University.

Manufacturing an opportunity from COVID-19

The post-COVID world could offer a golden moment to revive manufacturing in Australia’s cities, rather than continue to turn every industrial site into yet more apartments.

What price the arts?

Government proposals to increase the cost of arts and humanities degrees to encourage more students to study STEM and vocational subjects have not found favour with University arts departments.

Is it the end of ‘Big Australia’?

COVID-19 has ended the immigration boom. In Australia, the tide of overseas workers and students that has contributed to 25 years of economic growth has stopped dead in its tracks.

Looking back to glimpse the future

Monash historians and archaeologists take the opportunity to look at precedents for our current situation and find some consolation in our forebears’ pathways to recovery from the pandemic.

Time to kick alcohol adverts into touch

Australian sports are gearing up for action, but while the crowds will be limited, there will certainly be a new avalanche of alcohol adverts at every game and in the media, raising concerns about its effects on young people.

Wearing masks will help society recover

The World Health Organisation has reversed its earlier advice and now encourages everyone to wear a mask while outside. Wearing masks on public transport is now compulsory in many countries, and Australia should follow suit.