Monash Arts

If the Tudulgal could thrive on a small sandy island and become a leading control centre in Australia's Torres Straits, how can these insights help build more resilient and sustainable communities around the world? Compared to other countries, Australia has next to no research about its sandy cay islands that formed 3,000 to 4,000 years ago, but that is about to change with a new break-through ARC Discovery project by Monash Indigenous Studies Centre Professor Ian McNiven in collaboration with the Tudulgal and local communities in the north of Australia. As part of Monash Arts Researchers podcast series, Professor Ian McNiven shares the incredible discoveries made so far about Tudu island – that was the epicentre of the Torres Straits, one of the greatest maritime societies the world has ever seen. And, we hear about the project’s future plans and opportunities for students and researchers. The project will offer for the first time longitudinal evidence on how major societies could thrive on sandy cays in Australia, shedding important insights for communities around the world searching for ways to build more resilient communities against climate change and major challenges ahead. --- Interested in doing a PhD (Arts)? Details at arts.monash.edu/graduate-research

This podcast continues on from Part I of our interview with Professor JaneMaree Maher on Monash's Gender and Family Violence research. Why does international evidence show 80% of adolescent violence is committed by sons against their mothers? Why is more than one woman per week killed by their current or ex intimate partner in Australia? What do we need to do to make sure people with disability who may face violence are recognised and supported? What other challenges and barriers need to be overcome for all our different communities including migrants, LGBTIQ and male victims? What are the gaps in preventing further non-fatal and fatal family violence and how effective are the intervention programs and respite services? As part of Monash Arts Researchers podcast series, Professor JaneMaree Maher shares her research examining these questions and possible solutions. These investigative projects, their findings and policy recommendations are driven by Professor Maher and Monash’s Gender, Family & Violence research team, with many funded by the Victorian government and peak bodies in the family violence sector in Australia. The projects are playing a key role in the implementation of the recommendations from the world-first Royal Commission into Family Violence as tabled in Victorian parliament in 2016. For more information on Monash's Gender and Family Violence research team, visit arts.monash.edu/gender-and-family-violence For more information on doing a higher degree by research, visit https://arts.monash.edu/graduate-research

Why does international evidence show 80% of adolescent violence is committed by sons against their mothers? Why is more than one woman per week killed by their current or ex intimate partner in Australia? What do we need to do to make sure people with disability who may face violence are recognised and supported? What other challenges and barriers need to be overcome for all our different communities including migrants, LGBTIQ and male victims? What are the gaps in preventing further non-fatal and fatal family violence and how effective are the intervention programs and respite services? As part of Monash Arts Researchers podcast series, Professor JaneMaree Maher shares her research examining these questions and possible solutions. These investigative projects, their findings and policy recommendations are driven by Professor Maher and Monash’s Gender, Family & Violence research team, with many funded by the Victorian government and peak bodies in the family violence sector in Australia. The projects are playing a key role in the implementation of the recommendations from the world-first Royal Commission into Family Violence as tabled in Victorian parliament in 2016. Hear about Monash GFV's other investigative projects and recommendations in Part II. For more information on Monash's Gender and Family Violence research team, visit arts.monash.edu/gender-and-family-violence For more information on doing a higher degree by research, visit https://arts.monash.edu/graduate-research

Dr Xin Gu of our School of Media, Film & Journalism, is leading an ARC Discovery international research project: Urban Cultural Policy and the Changing Dynamics of Cultural Production. The research explores the dynamics of the “cultural economy” and how changing industry relationships, urban development and policy dynamics affect cultural production. The research is focused on uncovering these dynamics across the inner Northern suburbs in Melbourne and Marrickville, Sydney, with international case studies in Berlin, Los Angeles, New York and Shenzhen. It aims to discover new insights into crucial urban manufacturing relationships to inform policy and innovation potential in Australia. What creative industry strategies does Australia have to consider for its resilience? How does urban cultural policy play into this? What industry links need to be fostered? In seeking answers to these questions, the research is already revealing much potential for Australia towards the development of knowledge, skills and practices to create new products, processes and work opportunities. And, through the international case studies, it shares lessons on what policies other countries are developing and how they are responding to the changing dynamics in the creative industries. We spoke with Dr Gu on specific issues to each city and some of the ideas already arising to solve these spanning policy protection, industry code re-categorisation, “maker/manufacturer” branding, the role of university innovation labs, investment in local manufacturers and potential for global trade. Dr Gu highlights, “as a country, it’s very dangerous if you only have the cultural consumption end of things because of the reliance of global networks and other countries; resilience requires us to be less reliant on other suppliers and this is where the creative industries can excel”. For more information on doing a higher degree by research, visit https://arts.monash.edu/graduate-research

During the course of the twentieth century global migration flows have grown exponentially. Massive socio-political changes in the late 1980s and early 1990s, notably the fall of the Berlin wall and collapse of the Soviet block, and later the 1989 Tiananmen massacre, all contributed to the increased international movement of people. And with major political events come epistemological consequences – how do we think about citizenship and belonging today? What role does language play when entering a new place and how does this impact employment, governance and social cohesion? Professor Rita Wilson, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Associate Dean of Graduate Research at Monash University, carries an extensive research background in literary and cultural studies, with a focus on exploring translation processes that are core to the shaping of literary history, communication and society. Professor Wilson’s research investigates the forces behind the movement of literary texts and people, from aesthetic, linguistic and stylistic elements to social, political and economic drivers. Her research brings to light the effects of today’s interaction between mobility, migration and translation. As part of our Arts Researchers podcast series, we spoke with Professor Wilson on a number of her research projects and the impact they have on informing better policies, settlement services, international governance and social cohesion. We also covered the global research networks, industry partnerships and opportunities for research students in this area at Monash – the only university in Australia that offers a practice-based PhD in Interpreting and Translation Studies. For more information on doing a higher degree by research, visit https://arts.monash.edu/graduate-research

Millions will likely soon die from antibiotic resistance. How do we galvanise collective responsibility to change this? Bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites are rapidly developing resistance to antibiotics. The WHO recently stated that this increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will lead to the death of millions in years to come unless all countries are supported to be better prepared. A global multi-sector response to this threat includes efforts to communicate with individuals and communities so that they understand the AMR crisis and enact the expert advice provided to them. Towards this end, Associate Professor Mark Davis is leading an international team on a new ARC Discovery Project researching publics, media and communications on antibiotic resistance. Titled AMR-scapes (Antimicrobial Resistance: Science Communication and Public Engagements), it engages transdisciplinary experts across the social sciences, media, medical anthropology, and health psychology. In researching the social science behind infectious diseases, it will inform how to aid individuals and communities gain access to treatment, avoid infection and understand the constraints, barriers and enablers towards better support. We spoke with Associate Professor Davis on the different aspects in this research project from analysing blind spots in policy to exploring how narratives shape public responses, and the extent of media coverage on this global crisis. Associate Professor Davis also shed light on his other related research projects investigating the number and efficacy of health campaigns, use of antibiotics with pets and vets, and taking a ‘one health approach’ with the Orkney Islands. For more information on doing a higher degree by research, visit https://arts.monash.edu/graduate-research

For two decades, Dr Natalie Doyle, Deputy Director of the Monash European and EU Centre, and Senior Lecturer in the School of Languages, Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics, has researched a specific strand of French social and political theory, with a particular interest in the intellectual heir of its leading figures Marcel Gauchet – whose major project, a four volume history and theory of European democracy, has just been published. Dr Doyle has also pursued research into the crisis of the European Union and the risk of ‘co-radicalisation’. In this podcast, we speak with Dr Doyle about her new book coming out in October 2017, a world-first analysing Gauchet’s early writings to the present day. Entitled 'Marcel Gauchet’s Loss of Common Purpose: Imaginary Islam and the Crisis of European Democracy’ it synthesises her three main research projects, offering an analysis that provides a context with which to understand the nature of today’s issues, crises and phenomena. Building on Gauchet’s argument on the crisis unfolding in Europe, Dr Doyle elucidates the underlying pathology and provides a new analysis on the risk of ‘co-radicalisation’, much of which is relevant to other Western countries. And in questioning other more dominant theories, Dr Doyle brings to light the new investigations into the symbolic structures of social life, the role of imagination and the possibility of reimagining – particularly with the future generations. For more information on doing a higher degree by research, visit https://arts.monash.edu/graduate-research

In 2010, The Border Crossing Observatory was founded by Professor Sharon Pickering and Associate Professor Leanne Weber, with Associate Professor Marie Segrave. It is an innovative virtual research centre that connects Australian and international stakeholders to high quality, independent and cutting edge research on border crossings. The work of the Border Crossing Observatory includes the Australian Border Deaths Database. Established by Professor Pickering and Associate Professor Weber this remains the only database of deaths associated with Australia’s borders: there was, and continues to be, no official Australian body accounting for such deaths. The Database has recorded over 1,993 deaths since 2000, with the latest on 7 June 2017. The database is expanding through a partnership with the International Organisation of Migration that will extend its research into South-East Asia. Associate Professor Segrave, with Professor Pickering and Dr Sanja Milivojevic, have led innovative research in measuring and accounting for the impact of responses to human trafficking and slavery in the Asia Pacific and the EU. In a forthcoming book, Sex Trafficking and Modern Slavery: the absence of evidence, they draw on original empirical research to reveal the ways in which border control influences both the recognition and response to victimisation. Associate Professor Segrave also leads the labour exploitation research agenda at the Border Crossing Observatory. Her forthcoming report on non-citizens who are working unlawfully in Australia, of which there is estimated between 50,000 -100,000 people, documents experiences of exploitation and the limits of efforts to reduce practices akin to modern slavery in a context where resolution of migration status is the priority rather than exploitation. From perceptions to tangible policies and structures, we spoke with Associate Professor Segrave on these issues who also offered a range of solutions. For more information on doing a higher degree by research, visit https://arts.monash.edu/graduate-research

For over 60,000 years Aboriginal Australians lived and thrived in the Australian landscape. They had sophisticated and complex social systems with languages and religions that were unrecognisable to 19th century Europeans. Today, more of the ingenuity and wisdom in Aboriginal Australian’s practices and knowledge systems is being uncovered – revealing significant potential solutions for our imminent global challenges. To this end, Head of Monash Indigenous Studies Centre Professor Lynette Russell, Professor Ian McNiven and Associate Professor John Bradley have just launched a new interdisciplinary project that explores Australia’s heritage from the deep past through to today. It will include comparative insights from the United States, Europe, Canada and New Zealand. This project dovetails with a seven-year multi-university interdisciplinary research programme created by the ARC Centre of Excellence of Australian Biodiversity and Heritage. We spoke with Professor Lynette Russell about what kind of evidence the Indigenous Science Project is discovering and examining, and how this can inform ways to face some of the world’s biggest issues such as global warming, climate change and how to live sustainably. For more information on doing a higher degree by research, visit https://arts.monash.edu/graduate-research

Associate Professor Jane Montgomery Griffiths is driving a new research project, funded by the Monash/Warwick Alliance, to investigate the creation of empathy in the audience through theatrical depictions of trauma. The research arises from her Green Room Outstanding Performer Award winning performance in the Pulitzer prize winning play ‘Wit’ last year. She took on the role of the brilliant professor Vivienne dying of cancer. Adapted to film and played on stages worldwide, it was the first professional production of the work in Australia, which received rave reviews, full house audiences and standing ovations – a rare trilogy in Australia. But it was the incredibly emotional response the play received, together with its significance for a wide range of cancer survivors and carers, that established the need for further research to understand the phenomenon of its effect and its potential for furthering humanity, our empathy and human health. We spoke with Associate Professor Montgomery Griffiths on her experience taking on the lead character in ‘Wit’ and the potential of contemporary tragedy in theatre today. For more information on doing a higher degree by research, visit https://arts.monash.edu/graduate-research

This podcast is a continuation of Part I: Raising the political stakes with Jeanne d’Arc and Dr Ali Alizadeh where we explore Dr Alizadeh’s decades-long research into the controversial life and death of Jeanne d’Arc, depicted in a comprehensive new literary work by Dr Ali Alizadeh titled The Last Days of Jeanne D’Arc due out this year. We discuss political writing, the phenomena and ideology of real revolution, the question of war, politics and concepts of universalism. For more information on doing a higher degree by research, visit https://arts.monash.edu/graduate-research

Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc)’s controversial life and death are being depicted in a comprehensive new literary work by Dr Ali Alizadeh titled The Last Days of Jeanne D’Arc due out this year. We sat down with Dr Alizadeh to explore his decades-long research into the character of Jeanne d’Arc that brought up questions about political writing, the phenomena and ideology of real revolution, the question of war, and the revolutionary potential of Jeanne d’Arc in contemporary discourse, politics and concepts of universalism. For more information on doing a higher degree by research, visit https://arts.monash.edu/graduate-research

In October 2016, acclaimed Professor Stephen Hawking warned against the rapid development of artificial intelligence, saying that “the rise of powerful AI will be either the best, or the worst thing, ever to happen to humanity," and predicting that robots could develop “powerful autonomous weapons” or new methods to “oppress the many.” The threat of lethal autonomous robots might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but the reality is that people all around the world already use robotic technology, including bomb disposal robots and attack drones in the US military, which is currently considering plans to employ thousands of robots by 2025. But while the US military is at the forefront of designing artificial intelligence software, soon we may not even need to leave our front door to see robots in action, with robot butlers and home AI systems already being rolled out as consumer goods in countries like Japan and the US. Not just for the home, these robots hold down jobs in hotels and aged care facilities. In 2015 toy company Hasbro invented a robotic cat, called Joy for All Companion Pets, to act as an alternative to therapy animals in nursing homes and retirement facilities. Although reviews of robotic therapy pets, such as Paro the Robo-Seal, have been somewhat positive (care homes with Paro don't need to worry about allergies, scratches, or feeding), this hasn't stopped the device from causing an ethical dilemma. Questions have been raised over how humane it is to entrust providing a person's emotional support to a robot. For Professor Rob Sparrow in Monash's School of Philosophical, Historical and International Studies, this is just one of the many examples where philosophical arguments can have real-world implications. His research tackles the ethics of new science and technology, including the use of domestic robots and the future of autonomous robots in the military. Professor Sparrow also wrote one of the first papers on autonomous weapon systems and co-founded the International Committee for Robot Arms Control, which brought about an international campaign to stop killer robots. He is also a Chief Investigator in the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellent for Electromaterials Science looking at the ethical and policy issues arising from the creation of structured nanomaterials, like artificial organs. He says that through our discussion about robots, we're really talking about what it means to be human. Read more at http://artsonline.monash.edu.au/news-events/killer-robots-professor-sparrow/ For more information on doing a higher degree by research, visit https://arts.monash.edu/graduate-research

Where is our society going? Where is our culture going? Will it be better or will it be worse in the future? Science fiction deals critically with questions about utopia and dystopia today. Emeritus Professor Andrew Milner, from Monash University’s School of Languages, Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics, talks about how understanding science fiction can help us understand literature, climate change and the very future of our planet. Read more: http://artsonline.monash.edu.au/news-events/cli-fi-milner/ For more information on doing a higher degree by research, visit https://arts.monash.edu/graduate-research Music credits: ‘Underwater Bubbles Sound - Meditation White Noise Relaxation’, Sounds Majestic. ‘Retro sci-fi sound effects (free)’, MediaFire.com, ‘Floating’ Poddington Bear, HUSH Records.

In 2007 the UN deployed its first all-female peacekeeping unit on a mission to Liberia in the lead-up to the country’s second election after a long civil war. Dr Lesley Pruitt from Monash Gender Peace and Security talks about what happened next. Read more: http://artsonline.monash.edu.au/news-events/women-as-leaders-and-peacekeepers-dr-lesley-pruitt/ Music credits: ‘Strange Mountain Song sung by Po Sun Yi’, Children of Soul Mountain, by Chan Wai Fat. ‘At the Unguarded Gates’ by Keijo, We Have No Zen! ‘Assamese tune’, Field Recordings, India by Bruce Miller. ‘Floating’ Poddington Bear, HUSH Records. For more information on doing a higher degree by research, visit https://arts.monash.edu/graduate-research Movie credits: The Women in Blue Berets. Dir. Farida Pacha. The Public Support Broadcasting Belief India (PSBT), 2012. Documentary film excerpt.

You might remember Godzilla demolishing San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, or Matthew Broderick defeating the monster in New York, but what do you know about Godzilla’s nuclear past? Monash School of Languages’ Dr Jason Christopher Jones talks about what subsequent Godzilla films have lost since the 1954 original, and what can be gained by researching the history of Japanese film. Read more: http://artsonline.monash.edu.au/news-events/godzillas-lost-nuclear-past-dr-jason-jones/ Music credits: ‘Floating’, ‘Dry Air’, ‘Golden Hour’ by Poddington Bear, HUSH Records. For more information on doing a higher degree by research, visit https://arts.monash.edu/graduate-research Movie credits: Godzilla. Dir. Ishirō Honda, Terry Morse, Toho and Jewell Enterprises, 1956. Film. Them! Dir. Gordon Douglas, Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc, 1954. Film. Duck And Cover. Dir Anthony Rizzo, Archer Productions, 1951. Film.