Upcoming events
Expand your mind with the Institute of Advanced Studies.
Each year the Institute hosts events by distinguished visiting and local scholars, artists, writers and public intellectuals. These events contribute to our goal of sharing research, new ideas and encouraging discussion and debate within the broader community.
Public Lectures
25th Anniversary Panel
The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge - Revisiting Abraham Flexner for the 21st Century
To celebrate 25 years of the Institute of Advanced Studies at UWA, we hosted a panel discussion on the value of enquiry for its own sake. Moderated by Natasha Mitchell of ABC Radio National’s Big Ideas program, this panel discussion revisited the ideas raised by Abraham Flexner in his 1939 Harpers essay, ‘The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge'.
Speakers:
- Oron Catts, Director, UWA Institute of Advanced Studies, since July 2024.
- Jessyca Hutchens, Curator, Berndt Museum of Anthropology.
- Terri-ann White, Director, Upswell & founding Director, UWA Institute of Advanced Studies, 2000-2012.
This discussion was broadcast under the title: 'What are universities for today? The usefulness of "useless" knowledge' on Wed 26 Nov 2025 at 2:00pm Source: ABC Radio National Program Big Ideas.
Postgraduate Masterclasses
Past lectures
Many of our events are recorded. See our Past lectures page for more information and links to these recordings.