Explore the astounding work of Western researchers in our Thought Leadership series.
Our series highlights research supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are proud to have been globally ranked in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings for Sustainability since 2022, reflecting our ongoing commitment to sustainability. This series is part of the Western Sydney University Sustainability and Resilience Decadal Strategy 2030.
These free public events are open to everyone. Register to attend in person or via Zoom.
Browse our Event Archive for recordings of past events.
If you would like to get involved with presenting, please contact the Library Research Engagement team.
Upcoming Events
October
Breast cancer screening with mammography: it is worth the squeeze in the AI era?
For decades, mammography has been the cornerstone of breast cancer screening, helping to detect cancers early and save lives. But as artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly enters healthcare, can we do even better? This talk explores how AI is transforming breast screening by assisting radiologists to find cancers earlier, reduce unnecessary recalls, and improve efficiency in busy screening programs. Drawing on real-world research and clinical studies, this talk examines the benefits, challenges, and future of AI-enabled screening. For women, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike, the question is no longer whether AI belongs in breast screening, but how best to harness its potential."
Professor Lewis is a senior career academic and researcher, a registered diagnostic radiographer, and the inaugural Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health at Western Sydney University. Previously, she had a distinguished academic career in the Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, as Associate Dean Research Performance and Head of Medical Imaging Sciences. Professor Sarah Lewis holds research, education and health practitioner qualifications, with a PhD in Medical Imaging, a Master of Education with Distinction and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) Honours. A passionate clinician and educator, her work has contributed significantly to the advancement of national health workforce systems, particularly in areas of accreditation and registration standards. Her work is cited in more than 50 countries, she has published over 210 peer-reviewed manuscripts and attracted over $17 million dollars in competitive research funding through prestigious schemes like the NHMRC, the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Australian Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. A breast cancer survivor herself, she is a regular media commentator and advocate for cancer research.
Location: PC-01.7.78 (LS) Peter Shergold Building
From: 12:00pm Thursday, 29 October 2026
To: 1:00pm Wednesday, 29 October 2026
Registration: link
September
Sur-Sur Southern knowledges: Education, sustainability and social transformation
Join us to celebrate the online launch of Sur-Sur Southern knowledges, a new open book examining how Global South perspectives can shape education, sustainability, and social change. This event is on Wednesday, September 2, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
Edited by Loshini Naidoo, Susanne Gannon, Christine Woodrow, Claudio Díaz Larenas, Verónica López, and Juan Salazar, the book reflects long-standing collaborations between Western Sydney University and universities and institutions in Chile. Emerging from the Diálogos SUR SUR – Southern Knowledges symposia, it explores epistemic justice, resistance and collective action, and regenerative education for sustainable futures.
Speakers will discuss the development and publication of the book through Western Open Books, the relationships between Chile and Australia that have informed the work, and the origins and context of the Sur-Sur initiative. The event will also feature author perspectives and reflections on the book's significance for the School of Education and the Faculty of Social Science, Arts, Business, Law, and Education (SABEL).
Book link: https://westernsydney.pressbooks.pub/sursurknowledgesen/
From: 10:00am Wednesday, September 2, 2026
To: 11:00am Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Registration: link
Tai Chi for Health and Happiness: Research, Practice and Real-World Impact
Discover how the ancient practice of Tai Chi is transforming modern approaches to health, wellbeing, and healthy ageing.
Join Dr Guoyan (Emily) Yang, Adjunct Research Fellow at NICM Health Research Institute, and Alexander Aslan, psychologist and Western Sydney University alumnus, as they explore the growing body of evidence supporting Tai Chi for physical health, mental wellbeing, stress reduction, cognitive function and quality of life.
Combining cutting-edge research with real-world experience, this engaging session will examine how gentle movement, mindfulness, and evidence-based practice can contribute to healthier individuals and more resilient communities.
As part of the Western Sydney University Library Thought Leadership Event Series, this event showcases research that supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advances the University's commitment to sustainability, wellbeing and community resilience.
From: 12:00pm Tuesday, September 15, 2026
To: 1:00pm Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Registration: link