Large screen with Dr Jane Goodall smiling and speaking with Tim Flannery and Jane Melville on a stage outside Melbourne Museum Forest Gallery.

Future Forums

Ideas shaping tomorrow

We are at a critical time in history, living in an age of continual technological discovery and remarkable change.

Humanity is facing an expanding number of complex challenges, with rapid advancements in scientific research and ground-breaking discoveries transforming the way we live, how we experience the world and how we relate to each other.

In a series of monthly conversations with luminary thought leaders from Australia and overseas, Museums Victoria brings together the world’s brightest innovators and creative thinkers to reflect on the big ideas and important questions that are shaping our future.

Upcoming Future Forums

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Past events

Dr Jane Goodall standing beside tall trees in a forest.
watch

Dr Jane Goodall in Conversation

Thursday 25 August 2022

Why Dr Jane Goodall is hopeful humankind will solve the problems it has imposed on the Earth.
Anil Seth
watch

The New Science of Consciousness

Wednesday 18 October 2023

Renowned neuroscientist and bestselling author Anil Seth offers a window into our consciousness and how a radical new field of science is transforming our future. 
Watch

David Suzuki in Conversation

saturday 19 august 2023

World renowned environmentalist, scientist, author and activist David Suzuki live via video link on the future of life on earth and humanity’s role in sustaining it.
Close up of Gippsland Water Dragon eye.
watch

The Genetic Rescue of our Fantastic Beasts

Wednesday 19 July 2023

Hear from experts leading ground-breaking advancements in genetics to save critically endangered species from extinction.
A small facetted object being held between the index finger and thumb of both hands
watch

The Brave New Nexus of Design, Health, and Technology

Monday 22 MAY 2023

Industry experts discuss the defining strengths of design within the expanding Victorian MedTech industry, showcasing cutting edge designs.
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Design and Innovation for Future Human Health

Monday 22 MAY 2023

Industry experts discuss the defining strengths of design within the expanding Victorian MedTech industry, showcasing cutting edge designs.
View of Australia from space
watch

From Robots to Rovers: Design for Proxy Space Exploration

SATURDAY 20 MAY 2023

Discover the Australian Space Agency's ground-breaking programs that are pushing new boundaries of space exploration using un-piloted rovers and probes.
watch

Design for Sustainability and Wellbeing Beyond Earth

SATURDAY 20 MAY 2023

Discover the Australian Space Agency's ground-breaking programs that are pushing new boundaries of space exploration using un-piloted rovers and probes.
Purple and grey AI generated artwork
Watch

AI the Next Generation

Thursday 27 April 2023

On International Day of Women and Girls in ICT, meet the innovators driving the potential of AI to positively transform our world.
Sphenopteris warragulensis (fern) specimen from the Cretaceous period. Found in Koonwarra, Victoria.
Watch

Deep Time Paradigm

Thursday 16 March 2023

How can new understandings of geologic deep time transform the future of Earth?  
Sunrise over mangroves at Gunnawarra, Victoria.
watch

First Nations for Water Justice

Tuesday 8 November 2022

How do we turn the tide on our global water crisis and what can we learn from First Nations leaders to protect this vital resource?
Detail of a Thylacine pelt
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Reversing Extinction

Thursday 6 October 2022

Could we bring extinct animals back to life? Join us to explore the scientific and ethical challenges of de-extinction.
Aerial view of a many people crossing a road
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Hardwired for Connection

Thursday 28 July 2022

Social bonds are critical to the fabric of society and have been for tens of thousands of years.
watch

The Promising Rise of Robotics

Wednesday 22 June 2022

The innovations in robotics transforming the way we live and work.
watch

First Nations for Climate Action

Monday 23 May 2022

First Nations communities are a crucial but often overlooked voice in conversations about sustainability.
watch

Unlocking the deep past

Tuesday 26 April 2022

With growing uncertainty around the future of our planet, what can we learn from the deep past?
Watch

Transformative thinking for the environment

Friday 5 November 2021

Museums Victoria presents a conversation exploring innovations that will protect our environment and create a thriving future for Melbourne and Victoria.
Watch

Reviving and reconnecting Melbourne through culture

Monday 29 November 2021

As we emerge into our COVID-normal world, what role will culture play in repairing and rebuilding our communities?
Evening event Melbourne Museum foyer
Watch

Melbourne’s recovery and how we get there

Thursday 7 October 2021

Leaders in science, ethics, civics and entertainment discuss how COVID-19 has changed our city and how, as a community, we can forge a path towards a thriving future.

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