Research in the news

Professor Michael Richardson from the School of the Arts and Media explains how 'slopaganda' – AI-generated propaganda – is reshaping information warfare. He notes its “massive” speed of production and circulation aims to “flood the zone”, making the Middle East conflict’s information environment increasingly difficult to navigate.

Professor Michael Richardson from the School of the Arts and Media discusses the rise of AI‑generated propaganda amid the conflict in the Middle East. He describes the scale and variety of visual propaganda as “unprecedented”, warning this proliferation risks eroding public trust in what audiences see online.

The NSW Government's new $100m gifted education program is prompting debate over how students are selected, with schools using varied criteria. Experts endorse multiple measures but caution against bias. Professor Jae Jung from the School of Education says "greater attention" should be placed on ability over high achievement.

While horror films can leave some viewers feeling anxious, others find they offer a kind of emotional release. Scientia Professor Jill Bennett from the Big Anxiety Research Centre says horror can “give symbolic form to what would otherwise be unthinkable,” helping work through fears or anxieties in a controlled and contained way. 

PhD candidate Seamus Byrne from the School of Art & Design discusses job losses linked to AI in the tech sector. While he describes AI as “a huge moment in the history of technology,” Byrne cautions that some layoffs may reflect “AI‑washing” and says companies should be clearer about their reasoning when citing AI‑driven cuts. [Timestamp 22:21]

Scientia Professor Dennis Del Favero from the Centre for Interactive Cinema discusses iFire, an AI‑driven VR training program for firefighters. He says its immersive 3D simulations provide a way for crews to safely experience "highly realistic" and dynamic weather conditions before facing them in real life. [Timestamp 0:38:17]

Thousands of RedNote users have adopted Kris Jenner as their profile photos, with some believing it will bring them good luck. Associate Professor Pan Wang from the School of Humanities & Languages says using images of “idols of the generation” allows users to gain a sense of “power and confidence through the attention that comes with the image.”

As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, 42 health workers have been killed in Lebanon, raising concerns about breaches of international humanitarian law. Associate Professor Srinjoy Bose from the School of Social Science says enforcing compliance is critical to prevent the “normalisation of violations,” which could have wider ramifications.

A public debate over housing as an investment has highlighted wider concerns about affordability and supply. Associate Professor Chris Martin from the City Futures Research Centre says “it is abundantly clear we need more social housing,” noting that demand continues to outpace supply.

A new eSafety Commissioner report shows nearly 80% of Australian children and teens use AI chatbots, raising safety concerns. Professor Michael Salter from the School of Social Sciences warns the technology may exacerbate mental health issues and leave sexual development “warped” through sexualised interactions, urging prompt government action.

Adults can face significant emotional strain when caring for ageing parents with whom they've had complex or troubled relationships. Professor Emma Kirby from the School of Social Sciences notes such situations are often overlooked, saying “we carry this assumption that caring for your parents is the most normal, safe dynamic”.

Dr Mike Harris from the School of Built Environment says Sydney’s inner west should be ideal for cycling, but a fragmented and poorly designed bike lane network is holding it back. He notes that “until you provide safe, separated infrastructure, most people feel too unsafe to ride.”

Professor Sandra Hale from the School of Humanities & Languages discusses the challenges faced by court interpreters in Australia. She emphasises that improving pay and working conditions, alongside courts adhering to key recommendations in the national interpreting standards, is “crucial” to ensuring accurate and reliable interpretations.

Professor Chris Pettit from the City Futures Research Centre discusses the NSW government’s proposed planning policy to address climate risks and natural hazards. He says the reform is a “positive move” that will help shape cities and regions to be more resilient in a changing climate. [Timestamp 1:10:50]

Proposed changes to NSW planning laws aim to reduce urban heat by phasing out dark roofs and requiring climate‑resilient design. As the policy weighs where housing can safely grow, Professor Chris Pettit from the City Futures Research Centre warns that “some areas should be a no‑go zone for future urban expansion” due to rising climate risks.

As strikes escalate in the Middle East, experts have raised concerns about a broader regional conflict. Associate Professor Srinjoy Bose from the School of Social Sciences explains that the tensions reflect long-standing geopolitical pressures, noting “we are witnessing what is effectively the third Gulf War”.

As tensions rise between Iran, the US and Israel, some Australians are increasingly worried about relatives working in Gulf countries. Dr Ayesha Jehangir from the School of the Arts & Media says many migrants cannot easily leave, noting "travel costs money, visas are tied to employment, and families back home depend on their income.”

Professor Erin Brannigan from the School of the Arts & Media explores how dance crazes – from the Charleston to the Nutbush – captured the public imagination, and what helped them cross over into mainstream culture.