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  • Prof Penny Green

    Criminologist Penny Green explains how states, entrusted to define crimes and enforce the laws that deter them, can themselves be complicit in the worst social harms. Professor Green is director of the International State Crime Initiative, which seeks to understand how states can become perpetrators rather than protectors, and how civil society groups can be enlisted to fight back. Presented by Lynne Haultain.

  • Assoc Prof Sander Adelaar

    Historical and descriptive linguist Assoc Prof Alexander (Sander) Adelaar discusses efforts to piece together from scant historical sources the once dormant Taiwanese language of Siraya, and explains the language’s influence on a reawakening of cultural identity. Presented by Eric van Bemmel.

  • Prof Susan Fainstein

    Urban planning theorist and author Dr Susan Fainstein joins host Peter Mares to talk about how cities benefit and fail their residents, the pursuit of a "just city", and which cities can boast of being most fair and equitable.

  • Prof Simon Marginson

    Higher education globalization expert Professor Simon Marginson examines the factors that have fuelled the inexorable rise of higher education in China and elsewhere in Asia. Presented by Eric van Bemmel.

  • Prof Ary Hoffmann

    Geneticist Professor Ary Hoffmann explains the use of mosquito-infecting bacteria for the control of Dengue fever. Presented by Dr Dyani Lewis.

  • Dr Tim Jessop


    Integrative ecologist Dr Tim Jessop talks about the fascinating biology and the ecology of the Komodo dragon -- the largest lizard in the world. Presented by Dr Shane Huntington.

  • Dr Alex Johnson

    Plant molecular biologist Dr Alex Johnson explains how genetic engineering of rice grain could help to stave off malnutrition in the developing world. Presented by Dr Shane Huntington.

  • Assoc Prof Christopher Balding

    Political economist Assoc Prof Christopher Balding examines the rapid rise of sovereign wealth funds in global finance, and focuses on issues of transparency and governance. He also discusses the impact that such large sums of money have on domestic and international politics. Presented by Eric van Bemmel.

  • Prof Riaz Hassan

    Sociologist Professor Riaz Hassan discusses the social and political environment that motivates some people to become suicide bombers. Riaz also explores whether there is a relationship between Islamism and terrorism. Presented by Jacky Angus.

  • Prof. Richard Rigby
    Dr Pradeep Taneja

    China historian Prof Richard Rigby and political scientist Dr Pradeep Taneja discuss how a newly powerful China fares in promoting and protecting its interests in its dealings with the rest of the world. Presented by Eric van Bemmel.