In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Gardens Theatre
Gardens Point Campus, Queensland University of Technology
2 George Street
Brisbane, Queensland, 4000
Australia

Andrew Fa'avale

If variety is the spice of life, then Andrew Fa’avale must love spices. Andrew has worked as a mediator, practiced as a lawyer, played and coached rugby, worked with young offenders and is currently employed as an equity practitioner and researcher at QUT. These roles have blessed him with the opportunity to live in a diverse range of places such as Samoa, England, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, New Zealand and Australia. Outside of work, Andrew co-founded MANA Community Mentoring Inc., a community organisation that seeks to foster the strengths, abilities and options of youth for positive engagement in the community. Andrew Fa’avale is a Samoan by blood, Kiwi by birth and Aussie by choice

Brett Lewis

Brett Lewis is an early career researcher at the Queensland’s University of Technology, researching physiological changes and the behaviour of corals during climate related stress. In mid-2016, his publication documenting coral bleaching behaviour using time-lapse videography for the first time went on to become the most downloaded article of all time for the prestigious coral reefs journal.

Carly Baque

Carly is undergoing a Law and Economics undergraduate degree at QUT. She is a Fossil Free student campaigner, prison abolitionist and avid cyclist.

Cassandra Cross

Dr Cassandra Cross is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology. Previously, she worked as a research/policy officer with the Queensland Police Service, where she commenced research on the topic of online fraud and was awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2011. Since taking up her position at QUT, she has published in this area across several journals and continued her research into online fraud focusing across the prevention, victim support and policing aspects of this crime. She has received two highly competitive Criminology Research Grants, the first in 2013 to conduct the first Australian study into the reporting experiences and support needs of online fraud victims; and the second in 2015 to examine the restoration of identity for identity theft victims.

Christina Chalmers

Dr Christina Chalmers is a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics and Technologies Education in the School of Teaching Education and Leadership at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Chris currently leads the Robotics@QUT project which is a support network developed to assist teachers and students from over 40 schools in low SES areas, engaging in robotics-based Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities. Chris is involved in research projects focusing on technology, robotics, social skills, computational thinking, and STEM

Dr Marek Kowalkiewicz

Dr Marek Kowalkiewicz is an academic and industry leader with extensive experience in conducting academically sound research, co-innovating with industry and university partners, and delivering innovative products to the market. Currently, as Professor and PwC Chair in Digital Economy, as well as Leader of the Embracing Digital Age research theme, he leads Queensland University of Technology’s research agenda to inform and influence a robust digital economy in Australia. Marek manages a contemporary research portfolio and converts industry driven opportunities into research outcomes of global relevance. He is an invited government expert, university lecturer and project lead, as well as an inventor and author.

Geoff Walker

Dr Geoff Walker joined Queensland University of Technology’s Electrical Power Engineering group as an Associate Professor in 2013. His current research interests lie in applying power electronics to applications in renewable energy (especially solar power), power systems, and electric vehicles. From 2008 to 2013, he worked as a senior electrical engineering consultant in Aurecon's Transmission and Distribution group, Brisbane, across various areas including railway electrification, the electricity distribution sector, and renewable energy project design and review.

Jan Harvey

During her time with QUT, Jan has worked with the Faculty of Education as a teacher, lecturer, tutor, marker, research assistant and learning support. She has also worked in a variety of other educational institutions in diverse teaching experiences ranging from High School to Undergraduate studies. Jan’s other life involves being a part time musician, songwriter, poet, MC & facilitator for Graduations, Weddings, Engagements, Conferences and general social gatherings. She loves her work and really enjoys having fun while leading and teaching. Jan believes strongly in living life to the fullest, and grabbing opportunities to be challenged wherever she can.

Jane Milburn

Jane Milburn is at the cutting edge of the slow clothing movement in Australia after earlier work in journalism and rural communications. As an agricultural scientist, Jane’s focus is the substance, not just the style, of the clothing we wear every day for protection and as a statement about who we are. Her premise is that clothes do for us on the outside what food does on the inside – nourish, warm, and engage body and soul. Following graduation from the Australian Rural Leadership Program in 2010, Jane stepped out as a natural-fibre champion – linking the everyday action of dressing to health, wellbeing and sustainability. Jane established Textile Beat in 2013 and leads The Slow Clothing Project as a conversation about ethical ways of dressing that are good for ourselves, society and the planet. Through presentations and workshops, Jane’s goal is to inspire a more sustainable clothing culture.

Lauren Shuttleworth

Lauren Shuttleworth is a social entrepreneur and gender equality activist. In late 2014 she founded Words With Heart, an eco-friendly stationery social enterprise that funds women's and girls' education projects. The company has already been awarded grants from ING Direct and Macquarie Group, and is currently negotiating a supply deal with a large Australian retailer. Words With Heart has also funded more than 50,000 education days for women and girls in Sierra Leone, Uganda and Cambodia. Lauren is an alumnus of The School of Social Entrepreneurs, The Impact Academy and was recently named a finalist in the Brisbane Young Entrepreneur Awards. She is passionate about empowering women and girls, and using the model of social enterprise to create sustainable change.

Lionel Page

Lionel is the Head of the Queensland Behavioural Economics group. He received the 2016 Young Economist Prize from the Economic Society of Australia. His research focuses on the study of economic and political behaviour. He is a dual French and Australian citizen having worked in economics in Paris, London and Brisbane.

Montana White

Montana is a student at the Queensland University of Technology. During her time at university, she has sought to being involved in helping to establish a vibrant QUT campus through mentoring programs, student representative and club executive roles, and considerable event volunteering.

Nirmal Nanayakkara

Nirmal is a PhD candidate in Endocrinology at the QUT. Though it seems it's outside of his discipline, he is deeply passionate about psychology and human interactions

Rachel Burke

Rachel Burke is a textile artist, clothing designer, and stylist. First gaining recognition in 2012 for her 365 dress-a-day project i make. you wear it., she has since gone on to pave an exciting career as a full-time creative

Stacey Everson

Stacey is student of Urban Development majoring in Urban and Regional Planning. Stacey is not only a full time student but a mother to a 5 year old. She also found out during adulthood she had suffered most her life with undiagnosed ADD. She endeavours not to let others suffer the same fate due to ignorance and misinformation.