What's On at UWA

The Australian Centre for Geomechanics initiated the series of international seminars on Paste and Thickened Tailings (P&TT) in 1999. Since then the seminars have become an influential and respected annual event which provides an excellent forum to bring together tailings and mine waste practitioners from around the world.

The ACG is proud to host the 21st International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings in Perth, 11-13 April 2018. This seminar represents a valuable opportunity for academics, designers, practitioners, consultants and suppliers to discuss best practice, improved methods and technology, all with an emphasis on safety, efficiency and environmental impact.

Kehinde Wiley’s recent official portrait of the former US president, Barack Obama, has caused debate over dinner tables and in conference rooms. Looking unlike the conventional figure of conservative, patriarchal power, Obama is pictured seated, amidst a forest of flora. While it has been discussed as a shift in the portrayal of American presidents, the painting has also been seen as a sign of African-American empowerment.

Using Wiley’s portrait as a springboard for a personal reflection on portraiture, or more specifically the figure in a floral setting, Dr Ann Schilo will spin a tale that encompasses some favourite pictures from the annals of art history, a few ideas about representation and the presentation of the self, as well as a notation on the all-pervasive symbolism of flowers. In so doing, she will consider how images are embedded in their social cultural milieu and embroiled in the circulation of meanings.

Dr Ann Schilo has published widely in the visual arts, creative practice research, and cultural studies. In addition Ann works as an independent curator. Her edited volume, 'Visual Arts Practice and Affect: place, memory and embodied knowing' was published by Rowman and Littlefield in 2016.

‘Talking Allowed’ is a new series of presentations offered by the UWA Institute of Advanced Studies and the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery.

On the second Wednesday of every month, a researcher/practitioner will give a short presentation on a topic of current relevance to the arts and culture before inviting the audience to participate in discussion and debate.

‘Talking Allowed’ is designed to be thought-provoking, challenging, stimulating and engaging. Come along and join the dialogue on matters that are of great importance to our society.

A public lecture by Mark McKenna, Research Fellow, History, University of Sydney.

The UWA Institute of Advanced Studies, City of Perth Library and Boffins Books are pleased to present Mark McKenna, author of 'Moment of Truth: History and Australia’s Future' in 'Quarterly Essay 69'.

In this inspiring essay, Mark McKenna pushes the debate about Australian history beyond the familiar polarities. Australia is on the brink of momentous change, but only if its citizens and politicians can come to new terms with the past. Indigenous recognition and a new push for a republic await action.

Judging by the Captain Cook statue controversy, though, our debates about the past have never been more fruitless. Is there a way beyond the history wars that began under John Howard? And in an age of free-floating fears about the global, digital future, is history any longer relevant, let alone equal to the task of grounding the nation?

In this inspiring essay, Mark McKenna considers the frontier, the Anzac legacy and deep time. He drags some fascinating new scholarship into the light, and pushes the debate about history beyond the familiar polarities.

Centre for Muslim States and Societies and AIIA WA is co-organising a special event with Her Excellency the High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ms Margaret Adamson.

Pakistan turned 70 in August last year. It is situated in a region of historically overlapping and competing power projections, a region which remains a major theatre of instability and strategic interest in today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. Although Pakistan continues to be confronted by domestic security challenges, its young population, natural resources and share of the region's exceptional cultural heritage are assets for a brighter future for this sixth most populous nation. Pakistan's economic and social indicators still compare poorly on global measures, but there are some positive developments. Australia-Pakistan relations date to Pakistan's creation, but people-to-people links are much older, reaching back to the 19th century. Thousands of Pakistani students are studying in Australia. Australian aid is investing in Pakistan's sustainable inclusive development and our humanitarian assistance is supporting Afghan refugees and their host communities. Commercial ties are on the rise and have potential to grow to more substantial levels.

This event will accord with the Chatham House Rule.

Tea and coffee will be provided.

About Margaret Adamson

Ms Adamson is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, having served previously as Ambassador to Poland and Ambassador to Cambodia. Most recently, she was Deputy High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea. In Canberra, Ms Adamson’s appointments have included head of Public Diplomacy Branch, European Union and Western Europe Branch, and Pacific Islands Branch.

Buy tickets: https://aiiawa.tidyhq.com/public/schedule/events/18866-special-event-with-australia-s-high-commissioner-to-pakistan/carts/new

The social structure of the Philippines at the turn of the sixteenth century comprised three distinct groups. These were the rulers and their families who obtained their position through skill or force, and held it by dint of power and wealth; the slaves who came about their status after defaults on loans, abduction in wars or by inheritance, being the children of existing slaves; and the freemen who formed the intermediate class and were neither rulers nor slaves. Aspects of this class system form the first part of this presentation.

The second part examines various ways in which conflict developed in the society, where divergent opinions led to arguments and debates, provocations led to challenges and threats, and differences in status and trust led to reprimands and blame. These periods of anger, annoyance or offence often came to a satisfactory end with reconciliation reached between the aggrieved parties themselves, or with third party assistance.

The primary focus of this presentation is on the Bikol region which occupies the southern part of Luzon. Included as well are references to the other major central Philippine languages (Kapampangan, Tagalog, Hiligaynon, Cebuano and Waray) as well as Malay.

David Tuller is a Senior Fellow in Public Health and Journalism at the Center of Global Public Health, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California. Previous to this he was academic coordinator of the University of California, Berkeley's joint masters program in public health and journalism. He has worked as a reporter and editor for ten years at the San Francisco Chronicle, served as health editor at Salon.com and frequently writes about health for The New York Times. David will be discussing his work as a journalist in public health and especially in covering the PACE trial on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) for The New York Times as health editor. This trial advocating cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise dominates clinical policy for this condition in many countries. However David’s concerns over the results of the trial have led him to further investigate the study and to become an outspoken advocate for patients with ME/CFS.

BYO Lunch

The UWA Symphony Orchestra once again joins forces with maestro Mark Coughlan to present a program of exciting and popular masterworks from the romantic tradition. From the excitement of grand opera to Grieg's evergreen piano concerto and Dvorak's energetic and exciting New World Symphony, this promises to be a thrilling program.

The program will include: Rossini 'Overture to the Barber of Seville', Grieg 'Piano Concerto', and Dvorak 'Symphony No 9 From the New World'

Tickets: $35

A public lecture by Professor Evelyn Welch, Provost (Arts & Sciences), King’s College London.

The portraits of Renaissance men and women show unblemished skin, smooth, well-groomed hair and strong, handsome physiques. Women were all shown with pale white complexions while the men all have full heads of hair and ruddy cheeks. But their skeletons tell a different story, one of disease, pox-marks and deformities.

In this talk, Evelyn Welch will discuss the many recipes, potions and procedures that were used to both improve physical appearance but also to protect beauty in Renaissance Florence between 1500 and 1700. Drawing on images in the Corsini and other Italian collections, she will help today’s viewers imagine a very different sense of health and beauty in the past.

A public lecture by Professor Sarah Pink, Professor of Design (Media Ethnography), RMIT and UWA Institute of Advanced Studies Visiting Fellow.

Self-driving cars, screenless technologies, digital assets, self tracking, automation and data - such emerging technologies are often represented through utopian or dystopian narratives that portray them as part of a future in which human society will be strongly impacted by technological change.

In this lecture Professor Pink will discuss the role of the social sciences both as critical voice in the debates around our futures with emerging technologies, and in an interventional mode of engagement and inquiry in technology futures as they play out. Having conducted ethnographic research into each of the technologies listed above, she will discuss the significant role the social sciences can play in determining how the possible futures implied by emerging technologies are imagined, envisioned and enabled, all of which opens up and deepens contributions towards responsible and ethical technological futures.

Gender discrimination is primarily against women and has many forms, some obvious and some hidden. This is a panel discussion on the various forms this discrimination takes and how we may address this. One aspect that will be discussed is Gender Discrimination in Islam and Muslim societies. Muslims claim that Islam protects women's rights. Is this really the case? Come and participate in what promises to be a lively discussion.

Join us each week for a delightful musical surprise! From young artist-led concerts to informal musical drinks on the famous grassy knoll, behind-the scenes workshops, lectures and masterclasses, these free weekly musical experiences will delight all music lovers.

This week, we celebrate the winners of the Friends of UWA Music Alex Cohen Travelling Scholarship in a special presentation.

The evening will include performances by the winners Jackson Vickery (percussion) and Jonty Coy (Baroque Flute).

Free entry - All welcome!

The rapid evolution of computers and mobile devices has had a significant impact on how we engage online and with each other. Yet for people with disabilities, including visual impairment, such technologies represent far more than just the sum of their parts - it is ultimately a gateway for independence. Yet with emerging technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality and the Internet of Things, how can we ensure that people with disability continue to be a part of our digital culture? Dr Scott Hollier will demonstrate how people with disability are currently able to engage with consumer devices along with the benefits and issues associated with our new and emerging consumer digital needs.

Dr Scott Hollier specialises in the field of digital accessibility and is the author of the book Outrunning the Night: a life journey of disability, determination and joy. With a PhD in Internet Studies and project management experience across the not-for-profit, corporate and government sectors, Scott is an internationally-recognised researcher and speaker.

Consultancy areas include consumer-based support for service organisations, developer-based support for ICT professionals for web and app-related work and support across different organisational roles to achieve compliance with digital accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.0.

Scott currently lectures at Edith Cowan University and the University of South Australia in the areas of information management and web accessibility. He is also an active participant in the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) Research Questions Task Force (RQTF). In addition, Scott is legally blind and as such has both a professional and personal understanding of the importance of accessibility.

A public lecture by Professor Jeffrey Vervoort, Professor of Isotope Geochemistry, Washington State University and 2018 UWA Robert and Maude Gledden Senior Visiting Fellow.

Earth scientists have long been interested in the nature of Earth’s earliest continents. There are several fundamental and outstanding questions concerning the formation and evolution of planet Earth: How and when did Earth’s earliest continental crust form? What was the composition of this crust and was there a change in its composition through time? What was the volume of this early-formed crust—was it once extensive and subsequently destroyed or did it not exist in any volume until later in Earth’s history?

In mid-January 2018 archaeologists from Archae-aus commenced excavating the remains of 19th and 20th Century buildings that once sat in Kings Square. The work was conducted on behalf of the City of Fremantle as preparatory works for the Kings Square Renewal Project which includes the demolition of the current Council offices, the construction of new offices and landscaping. Historical research identified that in three locations within the footprint of the proposed new building and landscaping that there was a high likelihood of building foundations dating from 1840 to 1900 under the current pavers and grass in Kings Square. These buildings included a church, hall, shops and workshops. The City of Fremantle, before the excavation commenced committed to the public display and incorporation of archaeological features into the new building. In this seminar we will discuss the initial results of the excavations, examine the role of public archaeology in relation to connecting communities and our experiences in excavating under the public gaze.

A public lecture by Professor John Borrows, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Law, University of Victoria Law School, British Columbia and 2018 Institute of Advanced Studies Visiting Fellow.

Despite centuries of colonialism, Indigenous peoples around the world are rebuilding their nations through processes of cultural and material rejuvenation. Central to that task of rejuvenation are efforts by Indigenous communities to revitalise their languages and laws. While the revitalisation of Indigenous language and law are often considered as separate processes, in this lecture, Professor John Borrows will consider them together. What is the role of Indigenous languages in learning law from the land and in rebuilding Indigenous nationhood and governance? And given the impact of colonialism on Indigenous languages, how can they serve to strengthen Indigenous laws today? Professor Borrows will answer these questions by attending to the revitalisation of Indigenous laws across a range of domains, from Indigenous constitutional law to dispute resolution and leadership practices.

This talk is co-sponsored with the UWA School of Indigenous Studies.

A public lecture by Dr Marie-Lise Schläppy, Research Associate at The University of Western Australia and the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

Pearls have been used as jewels for centuries and pearl aquaculture has helped make pearls more readily available. How are these pearls produced? How do they differ from natural pearls and why are freshwater pearls so much cheaper than marine pearls? Dr Schläppy, who was employed in the pearl industry on a remote island of Irian Jaya in Indonesia, will reveal the mysteries of the steps necessary for a pearl to become an asset around your neck or part of your cufflinks. In her presentation, she will uncover how pearls are produced and what criteria is used to judge the quality of a pearl.

This lecture is part of the All at Sea series, presented by the UWA Oceans Institute and the Institute of Advanced Studies.

About this Series: All at Sea - Restoration and Recovery.

Our Oceans and coasts provide us with food, energy, livelihoods, cultural and recreational opportunities, yet they are coming under increasing pressure. This UWA Institute of Advanced Studies - Oceans Institute Lecture Series explores the wonders of our seas, the challenges they face and how research at UWA- in a diverse range of fields including marine science, ocean engineering, health., humanities and social sciences- are contributing to sustainability.

Impacts of The China Pakistan Economic Corridor The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the first and most significant stage of China’s ambitious ‘One Belt One Road’ program that is set to re-draw the political and economic geography of South and Central Asia. As this project enters its implementation phase, its far-reaching impacts not just on Pakistan’s development, political economy and internal security, but also on regional and foreign policy dynamics are being felt strongly. However, while there is considerable enthusiasm in Pakistan about the CPEC, there are also a broad range of concerns that arise out of the proposed development.

It is in this context that this Panel Discussion brings together Pakistani scholars working on diverse aspects of CPEC and its wider ramifications for the region and rule of law.

Speakers include: • Muhammad Amir Rana, Director of Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), Pakistan • Moeen Cheema, Senior Lecturer at the ANU College of Law • Nayab Gohar Jan, Community Support Concern, Pakistan

Moderator Professor Samina Yasmeen, Director, Centre for Muslims States and Societies, The University of Western Australia

The panel discussion is being hosted as a CMSS Pakistan Academic Network event in collaboration with Australia Award Fellowships, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Australian National University's College of Law.

ENTRY: FREE, but please RSVP to [email protected]

To understand the importance of the impact of transnational Islam on peacebuilding and the narratives and activities of Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) branch in Papua, it is necessary to locate the discussion within the literature. This presentation discusses the concepts of transnationalism, transnational religion, and transnational Islam, followed by an analysis of transnational Islam globally and in Indonesia. HTI in Indonesia should receive particular attention as an entry point to discussing HTI in Papua. This paper is part of my doctoral research, entitled ‘Transnational Islam and Peacebuilding in Papua, Indonesia: A Study of Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia’.

This study is focused on the transnational Islamic movement in Papua, Indonesia. It will explore the presence and development of transnational Islam, in particular, narratives (emergence, organisation and ideology) and activities of Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI). This research will examine the presence of transnational Islamic movements in Papua that have heightened tensions and conflicts between Muslims and Christian communities and how these communities view the impact of these movements on communal harmony and peacebuilding.

Be transported from the everyday by our free lunchtime concert series, featuring the best musical talent from within the UWA Conservatorium of Music and around the country.

This week join celebrated musicians Adam Mikulicz (bassoon), Ashley William Smith (clarinet), Sandy Xu (oboe), Emily Clements (flute), Julia Brooke (horn) and Gladys Chua (piano) as they perform Ravel's 'Mother Goose Suite' and Rimsky-Korsakov's Piano Quintet.

Free entry- all wlecome

UWA and Tertiary Education Partner West Australian Opera present a series of lecture recitals, talks and masterclasses with internationally recognised directors and artists from WAO’s 2018 season, which will delight audiences with a unique insight into the world of opera.

Join us as West Australian Opera’s Artistic Director, Brad Cohen, discusses why Janáček's The Cunning Little Vixen is, in his opinion, one of the greatest operas of all. From the early life of the composer, his creative works and inspiration for Vixen, Brad will share his insights, passion and purpose as to why The Cunning Little Vixen is a masterpiece and a must see.

Since being appointed Artistic Director of WAO in 2015, Brad Cohen has conducted Faust, Gianni Schicchi, The Riders, The Pearl Fishers, Tosca and Lucia di Lammermoor for the Company. Prior to 2015 he conducted Carmen, Lucia di Lammermoor and The Magic Flute for WAO.

Brad conducted the world premiere of Thomas Adès' Powder her Face, just a year after winning the 1994 Leeds Conductor's Competition. His career spans a wide ranging repertoire at English National Opera, New York City Opera, Opera Australia, Opera North, opera companies including Luzern, Nantes/Angers, Nederlands Reisopera, and at festivals including Edinburgh, Cheltenham, Adelaide, Hong Kong, and Rossini in Wildbad. Most recently, a concert with Melbourne Symphony, Otello with State Opera of SA, Stiffelio at London’s South Bank with Chelsea Opera Group and Flight with Opera Holland Park. Complementing his performing career, Brad is the Founder of London-based Tido Music, a major new platform for the digital enjoyment of notated and recorded music.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear Brad talk about WAO's upcoming performance of The Cunning Little Vixen

Entry is free (refreshments included) - RSVP to [email protected]