These Inner Sydney Bars are Hosting Mind-Expanding Talks by the University of Sydney on One Night Only
Raising the Bar sees 20 of the university's academics and alumni hosting provocative talks in ten bars across the city.
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Some of the most satisfying and thought-provoking conversations happen over a drink or two at a bar. That's before we even factor in all the fascinating tidbits gleaned during a pub trivia night.
The University of Sydney's annual event Raising the Bar, proudly supported by the City of Sydney, ups the stakes on your typical after-dark D&M. Academics and alumni will deliver entertaining talks unpacking big topics ranging from AI to longevity and diversity. Gain deeper insight into the solutions being developed in real-time to pressing societal challenges, develop new perspectives on big questions, or simply enjoy having your brain tickled over a great glass of wine.
Block out your diary on Thursday, April 3, as Raising the Bar will take place on one night only across 20 free sessions (going down at 6.15pm and 7:30pm) at ten inner-Sydney bars. So where to first? Get to know our picks for the evening, including what to expect from the talks and the bars where they'll be taking place.
Hermann's, University of Sydney
Starting on home turf, Hermann's is one of the University of Sydney's top on-campus bars where drinks are well-curated and affordable. Arrive early to make the most of the beer garden before settling in for a talk on how astronomers are bad at naming things, including a look at the latest innovations in Australian astronomy tech, and what scientists are using right now to search for life beyond Earth. Stick around for the evening's second session and get an insight into how to make workplaces more welcoming for refugees, who make up some of Australian society's newest members.
Fortress Sydney, Central Park Mall
Part entertainment venue and part classic bar, Fortress Sydney is a mega-venue with a capacity of 1000 people. It's a good thing, too, because the two talks taking place here promise to be some of the evening's most topical. The night kicks off with a discussion of how to grow brains in a lab and what we can learn from them, before the conversation turns to how society gaslights climate anxiety and the emotional impacts of climate change.
The Harold, Forest Lodge
Located a stone's throw from the University of Sydney, Forest Lodge's local gastropub The Harold is the place to go if you're interested in learning why obesity persists, why the old adage 'eat less and move more' might not quite work, as well as a better way to potentially lose weight from a professor who is also a clinical trials director. Stick around to hear about fighting Australia's leading cause of death and learn about preventing a heart attack, as well as the surprising risk factors you should know.
The Barrie, Chippendale
Occupying the spot where Freda's used to be, The Barrie is a pub that's a true local's favourite — and it'll set the stage for talks on two topics that are just as popular. The night starts by pondering the morality of parenthood in a world impacted by climate change, as well as offering practical tools to navigate raising kids in said world. Then, settle in for a thought-provoking talk about making your personal life more experimental, where a data-driven toolkit might help you navigate major life choices such as relationships and career moves.
Explore the full Raising the Bar program to discover a talk or two that piques your interest. Or, if you simply need an excuse to visit Brix Distillers, Foundry 616, Bank Hotel, the Rose of Australia, The Toxteth or New Britannia, look no further.
Don't miss out and register for your free ticket now.
