One Big Idea: Tenth Anniversary Special
It can take just one idea to change the world.
Adam Bayes | Rosalind Dixon | Alison Goldingay | Michael Richardson | Adriana Vergés
For 10 years, One Big Idea has showcased UNSW academics, researchers and PhD students and their world-changing epiphanies.
This 3 November, One Big Idea will celebrate its 10th anniversary by inviting program luminaries back to share the profound, the pressing, and the provocative updates to their original talks.
From malingering political leaders to magic mushrooms for mental health. From quantum computing powered by light to AI in warfare. From the threats humanity poses to itself, to saving oceans from the brink of extinction. This evening is sure to cover all corners of humanity.
The 2026 program
- Adam Bayes | A Trip Out of Depression? The Science of Psychedelic Medicine
- Rosalind Dixon | Saving Democracy: From Canberra to Washington
- Alison Goldingay | The Power of Light
- Michael Richardson | Who Witnesses War Now?
- Adriana Vergés | Helping the Ocean to Heal
LIVE EVENT & VENUE INFORMATION
The Playhouse is located inside the Sydney Opera House at Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW. Please note this is a live event only and will not be available via livestream.
TICKETS
You can purchase tickets on the Sydney Opera House website.
ACCESS
Wheelchair Access
The Playhouse has wheelchair and companion seating and is best accessed through the Western Foyers at street level.
Visitors arriving by taxi or private vehicle may be dropped off at the designated area near the Macquarie Street Gatehouse. An accessible buggy service is available to transport visitors from the Gatehouse to the Opera House building. Accessible parking is available in the Sydney Opera House Car Park for Mobility Parking Permit holders.
Further information on accessibility at the Sydney Opera House can be found here.
Assisted Listening
The Playhouse has full hearing loop coverage. Patrons with hearing devices featuring a telecoil function can connect directly to the loop.
Auracast is also available throughout the Opera House, with receivers available from the cloakroom.
Accessibility at the Sydney Opera House
Please visit the Sydney Opera House website for further information on accessibility.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT & PARKING
The Playhouse at the Sydney Opera House is a 7–10 minute walk from Circular Quay, which is regularly serviced by trains, buses and ferries. For more information, please call the Transport Infoline on 131 500 or visit transportnsw.info.
For further information on getting to the Sydney Opera House, please click here.
The Sydney Opera House Car Park, operated by Wilson Parking, is located beneath the Opera House, with entry via 2 Macquarie Street. Accessible parking spaces for Mobility Parking Permit holders are available on Levels 1 and 6. Information on parking can be found here.
CONTACT
For all venue-related enquiries, please contact the Sydney Opera House on 1300 764 849.
For all event related enquiries, please email centreforideas@unsw.edu.au or call the Centre for Ideas on 02 9065 0485.
The Centre for Ideas is happy to receive phone calls via the National Relay Service. TTY users, phone 133 677, then ask for 02 9065 0485. Speak and Listen users, phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 02 9065 0485. For more information on all other relay calls visit here.
Adam Bayes
Senior research fellow, UNSW; Senior research fellow, Black Dog InstituteDr Adam Bayes is a clinical academic psychiatrist with a special interest in mood disorders (depressive and bipolar conditions) including their diagnosis, classification and treatment – with the latter focusing on interventional psychiatry (e.g. rapidly acting antidepressants) and novel neurostimulation (transcranial magnetic stimulation; TMS). He is a senior research fellow at UNSW Sydney and at the Black Dog Institute. Adam works at the interface of research and clinical application, and has an interest in developing models of care most recently establishing the BDI Ketamine Treatment Program which arose out of a clinical trial.
Rosalind Dixon
Anthony Mason Professor and Scientia Professor of Law, UNSW; Co-Director, UNSW Resilient Democracy LabRosalind Dixon is Anthony Mason Professor and Scientia Professor of Law at UNSW Sydney and Co-Director of the UNSW Resilient Democracy Lab. She is a global expert on constitutional law and democracy, and has taught at universities around the world, including Harvard, Chicago and Columbia Universities and the National University of Singapore as well as UNSW. She is a member of the Australian Academy of Arts and Social Sciences, and Academy of Law, and former Co-President of the International Society of Public Law. She has written for the New York Times, Sydney Morning Herald, Australian Financial Review and the Atlantic. Her most recent book, co-authored with Will Partlett, is A People’s Guide to the Australian Constitution (UNSW Press, 2026).
Alison Goldingay
Postdoctoral Fellow, UNSW; CEO and Founder, QuantaLumiDr Alison Goldingay is a Postdoctoral Fellow at UNSW in the School of Physics as well as the CEO and Founder of QuantaLumi. Her work aims to illuminate the mysteries of the nanoscale by controlling light at the smallest possible scale. This research contributes toward the development of quantum computing, enhanced data security, and highly precise measurement technologies. Prior to her current role at UNSW, Alison earned a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Sydney for her work on carbon-based solar panels. Alongside her work, Alison loves to engage with the public through science communication to share her passion for science.
Adriana Vergés
Professor in marine ecology, UNSW; Professor, Sydney Institute of Marine Science (Australia)Adriana Vergés is a Professor in marine ecology at UNSW Sydney and the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (Australia). Her research focuses on climate change impacts and integrates rigorous science with novel ways of regenerating marine ecosystems. Her work is well known for involving the public hands-on in marine restoration and for collaborating with public artists in innovative participatory art-meets-science exhibitions and festivals to raise awareness about marine ecosystems.
Michael Richardson
Professor of Media, UNSW; Co-Director, Media Futures Hub; Chief Investigator, ARC Centre of Excellence on Automated Decision-Making + SocietyMichael Richardson is a writer, researcher, and teacher living and working on Gadigal and Bidjigal country. He is a Professor of Media at UNSW Sydney, where he co-directs the Media Futures Hub, and a Chief Investigator with the ARC Centre of Excellence on Automated Decision-Making + Society. His research examines technology, power, witnessing, trauma, and affect in contexts of war, security, and surveillance. His latest book is Nonhuman Witnessing: War, Ecology, and Data After the End of the World.
