Speakers

• Prof. Kate Darian-Smith
• Dr Naoki Odanaka
• Prof. Adam Possamai

Abstract

The Asia-Pacific region is home to around 60% of the world’s population and encompasses extraordinary social, cultural, political, linguistic and environmental diversity. Increasingly influential in shaping responses to global challenges, the region also remains particularly exposed to their impacts. Locally, governments and communities are navigating the devastating impacts of climate change and multifaceted technological and social transformations, requiring responses grounded in the region’s own expertise, contexts and knowledge traditions.

In this year’s Palgrave Lecture, Kate Darian-Smith, President of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia, will expose the complex contemporary challenges facing Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region, arguing that social science and humanities research is critical to developing practical real-world solutions. Kate will discuss the findings of the Social Sciences for Australia’s Future report, launched in August 2026. Drawing on data analysis and consultation with experts and stakeholders, the report examines the state of social science in schools, vocational education and training, higher education and the research sector. It highlights areas of excellence, identifies limitations, and sets out priorities for strengthening Australia’s social science capability.

Despite Australia’s unique geopolitical position, Kate argues that the wider Asia-Pacific region faces similar challenges. She will be joined for a panel discussion by Naoki Odanaka, Professor of Economics at the University of Tokyo, Japan, and member of the Science Council of Japan, and Adam Possamai, International Secretary of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and Professor of Sociology of Religion at Western Sydney University, Australia. The discussion will explore the critical role of social science and Indigenous knowledges in building more sustainable futures. Touching on critical issues including climate change, democracy, mis- and dis-information, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of work, the panel will also reflect on the policy settings needed to support sustainable social futures across the region.

The talks will be followed by a live Q&A.

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