Raising the Bar Melbourne

Raising the Bar Melbourne

In May 2026, the Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne hosted a special health edition of Raising the Bar Melbourne, featuring 20 free talks by some of Melbourne’s leading healthcare experts across 10 pubs and bars all in one night. Positioned as part of the Faculty’s 150th anniversary celebrations, the talks – and this podcast series - feature topics ranging from AI and cancer research to health disinformation, ADHD, helping kids sleep, the future of robotic surgery and much more.

Episodes

June 15, 2026 55 mins

In this talk, Professor Dave Coghill, explores the science behind ADHD and neurodivergence and moves beyond the buzzwords to offer deeper understanding around why nuance is important.

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In this talk, Professor Garron Dodd discusses how drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro reshaped weight-loss medicine, and shares what the next decade of smarter therapies and treatment options might look like.

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In this talk, A/Prof Leo Chen, a psychiatrist and researcher, explores how breakthroughs in brain‑network therapies offer safer, targeted and personalised treatments for depression and chronic pain.

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In this talk, Professor Justin Yeung was joined by patient, Rebecca Eastwood, to share how AI is reshaping cancer care through smarter technology, personalised treatment, and better patient experiences and outcomes.

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In this talk, Professor Lauren Ayton co-presented with her patient Cameron, to discuss the basics of vision, what can go wrong, and how new technologies are reshaping the future for people with vision loss.

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In this talk, Associate Professor Mihiri Silva discusses how healthy oral habits in children set them up for life, and why common conditions like tooth decay are entirely preventable.

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In this talk, Dr Shaminka Mangelsdorf and Rory Sorenson explore how social media shapes youth wellbeing, from online risks to positive digital spaces and healthier, more balanced habits.

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In this talk, Professor Andy Perfors explains how disinformation exploits human psychology, and what we can do to resist manipulation in an increasingly complex digital world.

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In this talk, Associate Professor Michelle Peate explores how to navigate menopause information in an era of overload. Drawing on research in decision science and women’s health, Michelle unpacks why conflicting advice can feel overwhelming, how marketing and algorithms shape what we see, and what “evidence-based” really means.

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In this talk, Hannah Joshi-Sharma, a physiotherapist and University of Melbourne PhD candidate, explores the links between ageing and practical ways to stay active, safe, and independent.

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In this talk, Professor Sean Taylor and indigenous chef Nornie Bero, explore evidence‑based, community‑driven initiatives that strengthen food systems and support the Closing the Gap commitments.

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In this talk, Professor Ben Dixon and Dr Renu Eapen, have an eye opening conversation about the future of surgery – where human expertise and intelligent machines work hand in hand to improve outcomes and save lives.

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In this talk, Professor Margie Danchin explores why vaccine confidence is declining worldwide, and how rebuilding trust can boost uptake and protect those most at risk.

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In this talk, Professor Jason Trubiano shares why most penicillin allergy labels are wrong, how this fuels antibiotic resistance, and what it means for safer care.

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In this talk, Professor Harriet Hiscock delves into common childhood sleep problems, their root causes, and offers practical strategies to improve sleep for kids and parents alike.

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In this talk, Associate Professor Laura Hart explores how adults can recognise and respond to children’s mental health challenges and support them without stigma or harm.

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In this episode, Professor Michelle Jongenelis talks about how children and young people are targeted by harmful industries like tobacco and gambling for profit.

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In this episode, Enterprise Professor Eugenie Kayak talks about how climate change is shaping human health, and why tackling it may be this century’s greatest public health opportunity.

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In this episode, Professor Ada Cheung leads a discussion with a panel of trans people with lived experience to help improve your understanding of transgender health and the everyday realities of trans and gender diverse people in Australia.

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