TEDxSydney

A partnership empowering change-makers to share ideas for a better future

The University of Sydney was the principal partner for TEDxSydney 2023 as part of a three year deal.

The University of Sydney has been proud partners of TEDxSydney for over a decade, supporting both TEDxSydney and its youth event, TEDxSydney Youth.

The partnership reflects our commitment to bringing together brilliant minds from all walks of life and empowering them to continuously pursue better – for themselves, their communities and our world. 

University of Sydney academics, students and alumni have often featured in the compelling line-up of thought leaders and change-makers on stage every year.

“As a long-standing partner, we are proud to continue supporting TEDxSydney in their mission to facilitate important exchanges of ideas and showcase brilliant minds who have a positive impact on their communities and the wider world. This year’s event theme - Tipping Point - is highly relevant to our rapidly changing world, where we are challenged by new uncertainties, and empowered by new ideas, technology, and research.”

Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott

Past events

TEDxSydney 2023

Hosted on 1 September 2023 at the Hordern Pavilion and Entertainment Quarter, we were the proud Principal Partner of TEDxSydney 2023 that explored the theme of 'Tipping Point' and assembled a memorable lineup of influential speakers and performers who challenged assumptions, pushed boundaries, and shared their visions for the future.

Attendees gained unique perspectives, from groundbreaking technological advancements to profound social and cultural shifts.

At the event, the University of Sydney showcased key sustainability, climate and health research through a 3D art activation. Four anamorphic artworks designed by artist Toby Pike were created to represent our research on mushroom materials as an alternative to plastics, reducing jet lag on long-haul flights, the potential for music to reduce the onset of cognitive decline, and managing extreme heat.

Highlights from TEDxSydney 2023

Researcher standing with 3D artwork at TEDxSydney 2023 — Researcher Zoe Schrire standing with the 3D artwork representing the Brain and Mind Centre and Conservatorium of Music's research.

Researcher standing next to plinth at TEDxSydney 2023 — Researcher Phillip Gough standing with the 3D artwork representing his biodesign research.

Image of 3D plinths representing four research pieces — Image of the 3D artworks representing four different research projects.

Image of TEDxSydney speaker with plinth — TEDxSydney speaker and University Sydney alumni Talal Yassine.

University staff at TEDxSydney event — University of Sydney staff at the TEDxSydney event activation.

All photography by TEDxSydney.

TEDxSydney Youth

We were the proud Presenting Partner of TEDxSydney Youth 2023, providing a stage for young voices to share their vision of the future.

The event was held at the Riverside Theatres, Parramatta on Wednesday 24 May. This year’s theme was ‘Future Creators’ – how young people are shaping the future they want to see. Between sessions, we asked attendees to share the kind of future they want to create and brought their ideas to life in a mural by artists from Western Sydney Mural.

As the city's first university, we're for all of Sydney, and are particularly pleased that this event was held in the geographic and cultural heart of our city - Parramatta. We’ve been investing in Western Sydney for 45 years and launched the MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme to help all students realise their full potential.

Over 30% of all NSW’s young people live in Western Sydney and they will play a leading role in defining the future for all of us. We’re delighted to support the young change-makers, thinkers, innovators, activists, entrepreneurs, and go-getters who will shape our world.