The Solutionists with Mark Scott

The Solutionists, with Mark Scott

Big challenges need big solutions. Meet the minds making it happen.

Join Mark Scott, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sydney, and get ready to view the world from a different perspective.

From our own wellbeing to the preservation of the planet, The Solutionists dives into the most pressing issues of our time and introduces you to the people unearthing the seeds of remarkable solutions.

You'll discover a world of progress and possibility.

Listen to the trailer


Season 2 episode one released Wednesday 20 March.

Episode 6: Not sleeping enough can kill you. Master the art of good sleep, with Dr Carmel Harrington

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocketcast

After her son died of SIDS, Dr Carmel Harrington left her job as a lawyer to devote her career to finding answers.

Her groundbreaking research into SIDS opened up another mission: to wake society up to the critical importance of sleep. 

Carmel is the managing director of Sleep for Health. High-flying CEOs and even the Australian military are now turning to her expertise in a bid to master the art of sleep.

Read: Transcript and episode notes

Published: 20 December 2023

Episode 5: The first 1,000 days – baby doctor Adrienne Gordon on giving your child the best start in life

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocketcast

University of Sydney Clinical Professor and Neonatologist Adrienne Gordon helps save the lives of tiny babies in intensive care. They constantly amaze her. Their unique personalities. How fast they learn. The way they can be so close to death and yet go on to thrive.

Adrienne shares what parents need to know about the first 1,000 days, the critical period from conception to the age of two.

Read: Transcript and episode notes

Published: 6 December 2023

Episode 4: The longevity revolution – how to invest in your future and plan a meaningful 100-year life

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocketcast

We’re all living longer, and in many countries, a baby born today could easily live to 100.

Professor Andrew Scott is a world-leading expert on longevity, a Professor of Economics at London Business School and the author of The 100-Year Life.

But longevity isn't about 'being old for longer’. Andrew says it gives us the chance to completely rethink the stages of our lives. You will have more time – as much as 100,000 extra hours – and you need to act now to set yourself up for the best possible future.

You’ll also hear from a group of movers and shakers at a Dance Health Alliance class in Sydney about the upsides of being older.

Read: Transcript and episode notes

Published: 22 November 2023

Episode 3: This is the room where it happens – How leaders unlock the power of collaboration, from the Thai cave rescue to leading a minority government

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocketcast

Dr Kate Harrison Brennan is the director of the Sydney Policy Lab and a University of Sydney alumna. Her work brings people together to collaborate on solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time. In this episode, she shares practical ways to bring people together – be it at work, at home, or in the public policy sphere. 

And Dr Richard Harris reflects on what the Thai cave rescue taught him about teamwork and trust.

Read: Transcript and episode notes

Published: 8 November 2023

Episode 2: Superstar teacher Eddie Woo on unlocking a love of learning (at any age)

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocketcast

Eddie Woo, alumni of the University of Sydney and the teacher you wish you had, is here with a lesson on embracing learning at any age. He also gets personal, reflecting on his own life, how the death of his mother shaped his view of growth mindset, and how he came to realise teaching isn’t about knowing all the answers.

Read: Transcript and episode notes

Published: 25 October 2023

Episode 1: How to cool your body and survive in extreme heat

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocketcast

Heatwaves kill more people than all natural disasters combined – but because they’re not visually dramatic, we underestimate how dangerous they are. Professor Ollie Jay, whose groundbreaking research has informed the likes of Google and the Australian Open, has another way of showing us how dangerous heatwaves can be.

Read: Transcript and episode notes

Published: 11 October 2023

Meet Mark

Professor Mark Scott and Professor Ollie Jay

Professor Mark Scott and Professor Ollie Jay

Professor Mark Scott AO is the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sydney and a University of Sydney alumni. He is a highly respected and successful senior leader of large and complex institutions, across public service, education and the media.

 
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