Meet the University researchers, students and alumni featuring at SXSW Sydney 2024

The highly anticipated SXSW Sydney festival returns 14-20 October, bringing creativity and innovation to the heart of the city.

Each October, SXSW Sydney showcases the latest in technology, gaming, screen, and music, providing a platform for great minds across Australia and beyond to connect and collaborate.

This year, the University of Sydney once again takes centre stage, featuring our staff, students, and alumni among the festival’s 1,000 programs and speakers.

Through Shifts and Shocks: Lessons from the front line of technology and change with Steve Vamos

Professor Mark Scott AO (BA '84, DipEd '84, MA '93)

Join University of Sydney Vice Chancellor Professor Mark Scott AO as he hosts a conversation with global executive Steve Vamos, former CEO of Xero and senior leader at Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, exploring leadership strategies for navigating disruption and driving innovation in a rapidly changing world.

Anatomy of a Rescue; the Week the World Watched on - Richard Harris in Conversation with Adam Spencer

Adam Spencer (BA '92) 

In 2018, a global rescue effort saved a soccer team trapped in Thailand’s Tham Luang Cave. Now University of Sydney alumnus and renowned conversationalist Adam Spencer will moderate a Q&A with Dr Richard Harris, a key figure in the rescue.

Known for his diverse career in comedy, radio, TV, and popularising mathematics, Adam Spencer, Mathematics and Science Ambassador for the University of Sydney, is a best-selling author and science communicator.  

AI and You: What You Need to Know Next

Associate Professor Sandra Peter and Professor Kai Riemer 

The Directors of Sydney Executive Plus are back to help you harness AI’s power and become an "AI Jedi." Join Dr Sandra Peter and Dr Kai Riemer as they showcase how they shape the future of business and technology through AI and emerging technologies.

Will Generative AI empower education? Exploring the impact on student learning, assessment and wellbeing

Professor Danny Liu (BSc(Adv)(Hons) '07, PhD '11) 

What does the emergence of GenAI mean for the future of student learning and university degrees? Find out with Danny Liu, Professor of Educational Technologies and co-chair of the University's AI in Education working group.

17 seconds to win or lose

Professor Nick Enfield and Jonathan Pease (MBus '10) 

In this panel, Professor of Linguistics Nick Enfield and alumnus Jonathan Pease will deep dive into the science behind the crucial first 17 seconds of any pitch, equipping the audience with effective techniques to enhance their communication skills and make lasting impressions.

Future Sydney: A citizen centric city tour

HY William Chan (BDesArch(Hons) '13)

Tour Sydney to discover how the city is becoming a green, global metropolis. Led by the youngest-ever politician elected to the city’s administration and University of Sydney alumnus and seasonal academic, HY William Chan, this tour will showcase key innovations for 21st-century urban living.

Navigating our way around GPS: A quantum advantage is the path forward with Michael Biercuk

Professor Michael J Biercuk

Discover the transformative potential of quantum sensing in defense and commercial applications with Professor Michael J Biercuk, Founder of the first spin-off from the University of Sydney’s Quantum Science group, Q-CTRL.

Does the dream job exist anymore? Discussing the current games media landscape

Ryan Stanton (BA(Media & Comm)(Hons) '21) 

In this discussion, PhD student Ryan Stanton, along with other leaders in the gaming industry, will examine the state of career opportunities in gaming amid the recent rise in extensive layoffs, cuts, and challenges.

From Woes to Wows: Touch in tax and finance

Angela Shi (MCom '09, MPAcc '09) 

Alumna and LinkedIn Top Voice in AI Angela Shi reveals how Generative AI is revolutionising tax and financial management, infusing new excitement and innovation into the field and enhancing decision-making.

Cutting Edge Creators: Building in VFX and animation

Anna Cho (BA (Media & Comm) '07)

Learn about CG environments and animation as leading industry experts, including alumna Anna Cho, discuss their groundbreaking work and the journey from idea to big screen.

Who's really in charge – big tech or we, the people?

Amit Singh (BA Comm Hons '07, LLB '07)

Amit will share crucial insights from his role as Uber's Global Head of Economic Policy, confronting the pressing need for effective regulation in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Candid vs. Curated: posting, processes and post-mortems in games

Chloe Appleby (Master of Museum and Heritage Studies '19)

Join alumna Chloe Appleby, games curator from the Powerhouse Museum, as she discusses the value of candid reflections and preserving lessons from failures in the gaming industry.

Reimagining dialogue: Rediscovering ethical discourse in a polarised world

David Blunt

Explore discourse with lecturer in International Relations David Blunt as he delves into cultivating curiosity and fostering understanding in a polarised world.