ABC announces the TOP 5 recipients for 2025
The five successful applicants from each of the three fields – Science, Humanities & the Arts, will be in residence at the ABC offices for two-weeks of media training and practical experience. They will be working alongside some of Australia's best journalists and broadcasters, to get a better understanding of how best to communicate their vital research with the world.
'Academia and news reporting are facing extraordinary challenges around the world', says ABC Chair Kim Williams. 'So, the ABC is proud to be partnering with four leading educational and cultural institutions, ensuring that important ideas and new research is discussed and disseminated to broader audiences - ensuring that the ABC delivers information that Australians can rely upon and trust'.
Dina Rosendorff is the Manager of ABC Radio National. 'The TOP 5 is a unique Radio National program that teams up early career researchers with some of the ABC's best storytellers. It's a chance for audiences to hear bold new ideas from rising stars in Australian research - and for those researchers to sharpen their skills in bringing their work to life for the public.'
THE 2025 ABC TOP 5 ARE:
SCIENCE
Dr Chantelle Blachut : Postdoctoral Fellow – UNSW, ADFA ACT. Uses mathematics to investigate unexpected behaviour in natural structures like bushfires on mountain-tops or blobs of cold air over Antarctica.
: Postdoctoral Fellow – UNSW, ADFA ACT. Uses mathematics to investigate unexpected behaviour in natural structures like bushfires on mountain-tops or blobs of cold air over Antarctica. Dr Amal Osman : Postdoctoral Research Fellow, FHMRI Sleep Health - Flinders University. Specialised physiology techniques to develop new, tailored treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea.
: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, FHMRI Sleep Health - Flinders University. Specialised physiology techniques to develop new, tailored treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea. Dr Howe Zhu : Lecturer in Interaction Design – USYD. Explores the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction and Cognitive Neuroscience, leveraging insights from cognitive computing and extended reality to design human-centred technologies that support perception, attention, and immersive interaction.
: Lecturer in Interaction Design – USYD. Explores the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction and Cognitive Neuroscience, leveraging insights from cognitive computing and extended reality to design human-centred technologies that support perception, attention, and immersive interaction. Dr Chantelle Doyle : Research Associate – UNSW. Pairing new methods, like genomics, with classic techniques to assess plant sterility, survival and reproduction.
: Research Associate – UNSW. Pairing new methods, like genomics, with classic techniques to assess plant sterility, survival and reproduction. Dr Patrick Finnerty: Postdoctoral Research Fellow – USYD. Conservation ecologist helping to bring wildlife back to improve ecosystems through rewilding and species reintroductions.
HUMANITIES
Dr Shauna Bostock: Indigenous Research Editor, Australian Dictionary of Biography – ANU. Multi-generational narrative history of the lived experience of Aboriginal people from colonisation to the present.
Indigenous Research Editor, Australian Dictionary of Biography – ANU. Multi-generational narrative history of the lived experience of Aboriginal people from colonisation to the present. Dr Intifar Chowdhury: Lecturer in Government – Flinders University. A researcher passionate about better the political representation of all young Australians in our democracy.
Lecturer in Government – Flinders University. A researcher passionate about better the political representation of all young Australians in our democracy. Dr Declan Humphreys: Lecturer, Cyber Security & Ethics – University of the Sunshine Coast. A philosopher exploring the ethics of emerging technologies such as AI.
Lecturer, Cyber Security & Ethics – University of the Sunshine Coast. A philosopher exploring the ethics of emerging technologies such as AI. Dr Tatiana Bur: Lecturer & Cultural Historian – ANU. Focus is Ancient Greece with particular interests in Greek and Roman technology, especially mechanics.
Lecturer & Cultural Historian – ANU. Focus is Ancient Greece with particular interests in Greek and Roman technology, especially mechanics. Dr Jac den Houling: Senior Research Fellow Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre - La Trobe University. Creating real-world change that benefits autistic people, in the areas that matter most to the autistic community.
ARTS
Lolita Emmanuel: Pianist/Doctor of Musical Arts candidate, Conservatorium of Music, USYD. Practice-based research with musicians in global Assyrian community, exploring how we use creative strategies to continue culture amid displacement.
Pianist/Doctor of Musical Arts candidate, Conservatorium of Music, USYD. Practice-based research with musicians in global Assyrian community, exploring how we use creative strategies to continue culture amid displacement. Dr Sarah Rhodes: Sessional lecturer, School of Creative Arts - University of Tasmania. Uses photography and video to explore how the natural environment can guide an understanding of one's inner world.
Sessional lecturer, School of Creative Arts - University of Tasmania. Uses photography and video to explore how the natural environment can guide an understanding of one's inner world. Shirin Barghnavard : Documentary Filmmaker & PhD Candidate - Edith Cowan University. Investigates the politics of representation in the documentary films of Iranian women, both within Iran and across the diaspora.
: Documentary Filmmaker & PhD Candidate - Edith Cowan University. Investigates the politics of representation in the documentary films of Iranian women, both within Iran and across the diaspora. Sabrina Mackenzie: PhD candidate in Music Psychology - University of Melbourne. How music can be tool for cultivating self-compassion and improving emotional well-being.
PhD candidate in Music Psychology - University of Melbourne. How music can be tool for cultivating self-compassion and improving emotional well-being. Jordan Alice Fyfe: PhD Candidate, School of Media, Creative Arts & Social Inquiry - Curtin University Working alongside disabled artists in WA to understand current barriers and co-create recommendations for transforming the disability arts sector.
The ABC TOP 5 is presented with the crucial support our project partners: Creative Australia, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney and Australian National University.
Leisa Bacon is the Executive Director Development & Strategic Partnerships at Creative Australia, which supports Australian Arts and Culture, and the ABC TOP 5 Arts. 'We're thrilled to partner with the ABC to empower research and creative practitioners to increase their impact through media training and skills development. This residency program enables the participants to better communicate their ideas to broad and diverse audiences, setting them up for the future.'
Also essential for the ABC TOP 5 Arts is the support of the University of Melbourne. Professor Marie Sierra is the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music. 'It's great to see this year's TOP 5 cohort – congratulations to all who have been selected from amongst the most diverse and talented artist-researchers in Australia. Time and again, the Residency has proven to be a focussing lens on the communication skills needed to advance the value and impact of creative arts research. We all look forward to seeing what new audiences, discoveries and innovations your time in the program will bring.'
Professor Julie Cairney is the Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research at the University of Sydney, which proudly supports the ABC TOP 5 Humanities. 'In an era of rapid change and increasing complexity, it's essential that research and public dialogue go hand in hand. The ABC TOP 5 program empowers early career researchers to step into the media space with confidence, clarity, and purpose. By equipping them to share their insights with broad audiences, we're not only strengthening public understanding, but also ensuring that evidence-based perspectives remain central to national conversations.'
The ANU supports the ABC TOP 5 Science, and Professor Kiaran Kirk, is the Dean of the ANU College of Science. 'This program is a fantastic way to celebrate some of our country's best early-career scientists, giving them a unique opportunity to hone their skills in explaining the importance of scientific research in addressing some of our biggest global challenges. Congratulations to this year's cohort.'
For more information about the ABC TOP 5 head to: abc.net.au/top5
For media inquiries:
Jonathan Webb: ABC TOP 5 Science Manager & Editor Science webb.jonathan@abc.net.au
Simon Nicholas: Project Coordinator Nicholas.simon@abc.net.au
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
8 hours ago
- News.com.au
Queensland deputy premier satisfied with low flu vaccination rates as cases soar
Health authorities are urging Australians to still get a flu shot but Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie says he is satisfied with his state's flu vaccine rates, which have toppled to new lows amid increasing flu-related hospitalisations. The state is facing a surge in infections this flu season, with more than 44,000 lab-confirmed cases confirmed in the state this year – 20 per cent higher than the year before. Queensland Health reported 106 flu-related deaths this year until August 9, which is 12 more than the same time last year. Pharmacy Guild of Australia president Chris Owen said 86 per cent of people hospitalised with the flu had not been vaccinated. 'You can't argue with the numbers,' he said in a statement, adding '86 per cent of people hospitalised with flu weren't vaccinated and 90 per cent of reported cases hadn't had the vaccine'. 'The message is clear: get to your community pharmacy and get vaccinated.' However, when asked about the hospitalisation and flu rates, Mr Bleijie said he was comfortable with current vaccination rates and would 'deal with' the increasing number of hospitalisations as they came. On Tuesday, Mr Bleijie told reporters his vaccination status was a 'private matter between me and my doctor'. 'We're not going to be a government, like former governments, dictating what people do in their own homes, their own lives or with their doctors,' he said, referring to Covid-19 restrictions and vaccination mandates. 'If people want to get the flu vaccination they are entitled to do that, I'm not going to dictate whether they should do it or not. 'We will deal with the influx of people in the hospitals, just as the health minister has been doing, with our wonderful doctors and nurses on the frontline.' Queensland Premier David Crisafulli offered a similar answer when asked about his own vaccination status, saying it was 'between me and my doctor'. Australian Medical Association president Nick Yim said the increased flu-related cases were adding to the already overrun healthcare system. 'The cases are rising, hospitalisations are rising due to influenza and that's due to the fact that many people aren't vaccinated,' Dr Yim told Weekend Today. 'And that, unfortunately, is putting pressure on our healthcare system.' He said hospitals were forced to postpone elective surgeries due to the increasing number of flu cases. 'The reason why we had to postpone elective surgery was to give a bit of breathing space due to the fact that many people were coming into hospital needing beds due to influenza and other respiratory conditions,' he said. It comes as flu vaccine rates across the country remain low, with more than 8200 people in NSW testing positive for the flu in the week ending August 2. NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant said because the majority of people do not test for the flu, the figures are likely to be significantly higher. 'Everyone aged six months or older is recommended to get their flu vaccine, even previously healthy children and adults can experience severe complications from influenza,' she said. 'It's not too late to get vaccinated, getting the flu vaccine is quick, easy and recommended for everyone aged six months or older.' Dr Chant said despite the flu season nearing an end, she still urged everyone to get vaccinated. 'Influenza is a serious illness that can cause pneumonia, make chronic underlying medical conditions like diabetes, lung and heart disease much worse requiring hospital admission, and cause death,' she said. 'Complications can occur in anyone but are more likely in those at higher risk of severe illness.' In Queensland all residents are able to access the flu vaccination for free. 'Getting vaccinated not only protects individuals but also helps prevent the spread of influenza within the community,' Mr Owen said. The flu vaccine is free for NSW, WA, South Australian and Victorian residents aged six months to five years, pregnant women, Aboriginal people aged six months and over, residents over 65 and those with chronic health conditions.
ABC News
8 hours ago
- ABC News
Should Books Have Age Classifications?
MICHELLE WAKIM, BTN REPORTER: We classify films and we classify video games, but should we have an age classification system for books? VOX: I definitely agree with that. I know my little sister, she was reading some books that she shouldn't have been. VOX: Hard ratings like 'you can't read this until you're 'X' age,' I think that that's limiting the, people being able to share ideas with each other. VOX: Each book is different. The way it's written is different. So the way the themes presented are different as well. So I think it would be…it's a bit nuanced. It's a bit hard to make a definitive classification. VOX: We have the young adult section, things like that, that's a great example that I think works well. VOX: It's sometimes people are reading books that they probably shouldn't be reading just for like their health and wellbeing. DR. EMMA HUSSEY, AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY: It's really important not to sanitise what we're going to be reading, it's just about increasing that awareness so that we can all be emotionally safe. With the rise of book talk Booktube and Bookstagram, some experts like Doctor Emma Hussey from the Australian Catholic University are calling for an industry wide book rating classification system. Doctor Hussey's research looked at 20 books that are popular on BookTok, analysing them for domestic violence behaviours, other violence, including torture, murder and destruction of property, and sexually explicit scenes. DR. EMMA HUSSEY: Of those books, 65% of them had these domestic violence adjacent behaviours on the page, so it really is about don't judge a book by its cover. There are cartoons on the front, doesn't necessarily mean that it's going to be developmentally appropriate for a 12 to 17 year old. UPSOT: We are different nonetheless Doctor Hussey says part of the problem is the algorithm on these platforms is often based off popularity rather than reader safety, so it sometimes pushes adult fiction recommendations to young adult or YA readers. Young adult fiction is a category of its own in publishing. It's generally aimed at readers between the ages of 12 and 18, and focuses on the stuff many teenagers are going through, like themes around identity, self discovery, relationships, and the transition into adulthood. YA also has subcategories within it with lower young adult from 12 to 14 years old, which might include texts like the early Harry Potter books and upper Young Adult, which includes books like Wicked and the Fault in our Stars. DR. EMMA HUSSEY: I know that there's a system that authors use to know whether their books are marketed to a younger young adult audience or an older young adult audience that's not made explicit or clear in bookstores or libraries. In bookstores, do you find it easy to, like, differentiate between young adult fiction and adult fiction? VOX: I do, but I'm like in there all the time. TRACY GLOVER, DILLONS BOOKSHOP: Okay. So our YA collection is independent of hte rest of our collection, so it's standalone. I paid a visit to a bookstore in Adelaide to chat with Tracy, who's worked in the area of children and young adult literature for decades. TRACY GLOVER: We have a couple of elements. I think within the bookshop we have a fairly clear boundary just by geographically where the books are. So I think that there's a fairly clear delineation there about where our young adult sits against, where our adults sit. Tracy says she has noticed a shift in the reading habits of young people since the rise of social media. TRACY GLOVER: And the local students from the local schools, often when they come in, they come in with a specific request. So it might be something they've talked about or someone's mentioned. It might be something that's very current on Netflix or TikTok. She also says that this bookshop, like many, has age recommendations on a lot of their YA fiction. These are based off staff discretion and databases such as common-sense media, which are designed with young people's reading and safety in mind. TRACY GLOVER: It's very rare that we have to say to a reader "we're just not sure that that's going to be suitable for your age level." But if we felt strongly enough, we would just give that warning. The 12 to 14 year olds, we're very mindful with what they choose and what we would recommend for them. Once they hit about 15, then it is their decision. They're probably doing, you know, exposed to a lot of those things already, if not in literature in often, sadly, what they're watching. DR EMMA HUSSEY: We don't actually have to look too far to see that we have implemented these sorts of classification systems across streaming websites across movies that you purchase in store. So it's not a new system. It's just about bringing that to this new medium that we've not previously considered before. If there is classification similar to movies, do you see that as being a restriction on sale or borrowing? DR EMMA HUSSEY: What I want to acknowledge is that for me, this is not about banning. VOX: If it was enforced the same way that MA 15 plus is or something like that I'm not sure how great of an idea that would be. VOX: Movies is a bit different cause it's very because obviously you're watching it play out, reading it's your imagination and you can just close the book if it's too much for you. WILL KOSTAKIS, AUTHOR: I'm against this classification system because it's slapping the classification system of games and movies onto a different medium. This is Will Kostakis, a young adult fiction author. WILL KOSTAKIS, AUTHOR: The thing about books is you can actually go into the emotions of an action. You have a character's thoughts throughout, right? You would have the character reckoning with consequences afterwards. Thinking about it living in it. Will says the way we experience books is very different to other forms of media and he's more concerned a classification system would lead to wider censorship. WILL KOSTAKIS, AUTHOR: So who would choose? Would it be parents? Would it be politicians? Would it be booksellers? Would it be, you know, publishers? The thing is, publishers and booksellers already choose and engaged parents already choose. They are talking to their kids, so we already have rules in place to protect kids, but that can be exploited and so when we talk about classifications, I'm always worried about not just the next step, but the step 4 points down the road where it's like how can this be exploited? A lot of the authors that I've been talking to in librarians, the big thing they worry about is censorship. VOX: I think it stretches, yeah, to a level of potential censorship. Whether it be unintentional or not. With films you have to pay to get it tested and see whether or not it's appropriate or not. So I think for like young independent authors that might stop them from being able to publish their books, which I don't think that's a great thing either. VOX: When you classify anything into different ages, you are almost saying that some things are inherently inappropriate for kids, which I don't agree is true. Could this lead to censorship in a way? DR EMMA HUSSEY: So I think what's really important to understand is that censorship is about the denial of access, the stopping of access. This does not push or advocate for or the removal of access to content. It's more about giving respect to young adult readers, flagging content that may not be developmentally appropriate for them at that stage, or they may not be ready for. But is the content in books causing that much harm that we need a new system of classification? DR EMMA HUSSEY: I think it's more about making sure that your young adult readers know what's in that book before they pick it up, and whether it's something that they feel ready to explore. TRACY GLOVER: I think it would be very difficult. I think it's more about educating the reader. Let's expect more of our readers here. I grew up in the era of twilight, all the teen girls in my life weren't like "wow, I can't wait for a 108 year old who's posing as a teenager to sweep me off my feet." They are getting the feels and all of the tropes and being like "cool. This is a bit romantic. This is a bit spicy," but I don't think they're looking at these books as manuals on how to live their romantic lives. VOX: I think, also parents need to play a role in that and like, okay, what are my kids actually reading? VOX: When I was like 15 16 there wasn't any books, that I felt like the content would be super like different from what you just experienced in like your daily life. You're becoming an adult, so you should be exposed to like everything.
ABC News
8 hours ago
- ABC News
Could Australia benefit from the revolution in AI?
The chair of the Tech Council of Australia, Scott Farquhar, speaks to Sarah Ferguson about the benefits of AI and the possible opportunities for Australia.
