Raise a glass and learn about research and its impact

15/10/2025 | 3 mins

No whiteboards or lecture halls, just big ideas and great conversations when 10 top researchers from The University of Western Australia host a series of free public talks at local bars later this month.

Raising the Bar transforms five CBD bars into learning spaces on Tuesday 28 October so join our researchers and discover how they are tackling global, national and regional issues to make the world a better place.

Raising the Bar Perth is for one night only so register here to secure your spot. This is an 18+ event and ID may be required.

The full rundown of speakers, topics and venues:

Dr Michaela Lucas, The Stables
Plastic people: chemical exposure and our health
Discover insights from a study exploring the impact of plastic chemicals on adult health – how they are processed by the body, and their possible contribution to inflammation and long-term health risks.

Dr Dani Barrington, The Stables 
Men and menstruation: from bystanders to allies
Hear about the realities of menstrual experiences, their potential negative and positive impacts on lives, and how we can all do better at supporting those who menstruate.

Dr Liudmila Tarabashkina, Universal Bar 
From the cause of all evil to marketing for change    
Hear about the evolution of marketing. This talk aims to change perspectives on marketing from focusing on sales towards a tool that can be utilised to bring positive change.

Dr Tristan Reed, Universal Bar 
Believe your eyes? Think again! Why you can’t afford to ignore deepfakes    
An introduction to the world of deepfakes. Discover how the technology works, see examples that will make you question what you watch online and learn practical ways to protect yourself and your organisation.

Dr Rama Agung-Igusti, The Shoe
Clinical and cultural: approaches to healing and empowerment
Hear insights from a program which brings together clinical and cultural knowledge to provide a culturally centred, holistic and flexible approach to strengthening the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations people.

Professor Jo McDonald, The Shoe 
Cultural landscapes: better ways to conserve WA’s extraordinary heritage    
WA is home to an array of natural and cultural treasures. Recognition of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape on the World Heritage List brought this into focus, as Australia’s second-only property on the list exclusively for cultural values.

Dr James Lloyd, The Globe
Cosmic crops: engineering plants to feed our journey to Mars
Learn how researchers are trying to make plants that can support human life as we venture further into space. And, if we can get plants to grow on Mars, imagine how successful we will be in other harsh environments.

Associate Professor Theo Evans, The Globe
Branching out: how we might defeat shot hole borer    
The tiny polyphagous shot hole borer is responsible for the loss of so many beautiful trees around our city. Although the situation seems dire, hear how it is possible to defeat this insidious invader, with different thinking and new approaches.

Professor Zachary Aman, Market Grounds
In the deep end: reducing blockage in sub-sea infrastructure
Long-term flow of fluids in offshore pipelines can result in the build-up of undesirable solids and result in ‘strokes’. This talk will explore new approaches that minimise the probability of stroke-type behaviour, while reducing the toxicity and environmental footprint.

Professor Jessica Meeuwig, Market Grounds 
One fish, two fish: why counting ocean wildlife matters    
Hear how a lack of information on the number of fish in the sea is troubling given the important role fish play in ocean health, our blue economy and food security.


Media references

Annelies Gartner (UWA PR & Media Adviser) 08 6488 6876


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