TEDxUQ heads toward future frontiers with mini brains in mind

TEDxUQ returns to The University of Queensland on 30 July, under the banner Future Frontiers.

The event will look at ideas and research shaping the frontiers of science, technology, psychology, business, law and the arts by bringing together thought-leaders from the UQ community.

Event Director, UQ Bachelor of Business Management student Monty Quaife-Ryan said the 2016 theme was about understanding what the future could look like.

“The Future Frontiers theme was chosen because of our uncertainty of the future and a desire to uncover new frontiers and possibilities,” Mr Quaife-Ryan said.  

“The University of Queensland provides the perfect stage, as we have access to some of the greatest thinkers - not just from Brisbane - but in the world.”

Speakers include human embryonic stem cell researcher Ernst Wolvetang, who will look at using artificial human mini-brains grown from skin cells to aid in the search for cures to common and rare brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Down syndrome.

UQ alumnus and clinical psychologist Renae Beaumont will speak about a new tech-therapy gaming-based socio-emotional skills training program to help children with autism understand social interactions.

The event is sold out but will be live-streamed on the TEDxUQ Facebook Event page and the TEDxUQ website.

Media: Monty Quaife-Ryan, licensee@tedxuq.com, 0418 587 765.