Pub etiquette says to steer clear of the difficult topics. On Tuesday, 27 October, Raising the Bar Perth 2026 will do the opposite. The University of Western Australia is moving 10 researchers from the lecture theatre into five city bars. The reason? A night of talks on subjects many of us are curious about but rarely raise over a drink.
Each venue will host two sessions: from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm and from 7 pm to 8 pm. There is no exam at the end, and the talks are free. However, you need to register for a spot, and you can pick individual talks.
Raising the Bar: What’s on and where
The Shoe Bar.
At 5.30 pm, Associate Professor Abbie Rogers asks whether WA should build stronger coastal defences, turn to nature-based solutions or learn to move with a changing coastline as sea levels rise and storms intensify. Meanwhile, Wesley Moss looks at how autonomous machinery, precision sensors and AI crop monitoring could help agriculture produce more with less at 7 pm. Register for the talks with Abbie Rogers (free registration) or Wesley Moss (free registration).
The Aviary.
At 5.30 pm, Associate Professor Kate Hammer explains how honey kills bacteria, why honeys from different plants behave differently and where WA’s Jarrah honey fits in. At 7 pm, Winthrop Professor Danny Green shares world-first results from UWA’s T-REX study on what blockbuster weight-loss drugs do to body composition, muscle mass, strength, and heart and artery health. Register for Kate Hammer or Danny Green.
Lil’s Hideout.
At 5.30 pm, Dr Kristin Barry explores tinnitus, phantom perceptions and how the brain fills in missing sensory information. At 7 pm, Professor Katie Attwell analyses vaccination governance in the United States and what recent developments could mean for Australia. Register for Kristin Barry or Katie Attwell.
Universal Bar.
At 5.30 pm, Associate Professor Ronnie Das tests whether you can spot a deepfake, explains why even experts struggle, and offers practical ways to protect yourself. At 7 pm, Associate Professor Paul Maginn looks at online porn viewing trends across Australia, at national, state and local levels, and at why something so widely consumed is still hard to discuss openly. Register for Ronnie Das or Paul Maginn.
Pirate Life Bar.
At 5.30 pm, Professor Hilde Tubex examines WA’s use of imprisonment, including repeat imprisonment, costs, effectiveness and alternatives. At 7 pm, Dr Craig Cumming asks whether it is the person with “complex mental health needs” who is too complex, or the system they have to navigate, and whether a more human-focused approach could stop people from falling through the cracks. Register for Hilde Tubex or Craig Cumming.
Event details: Raising the Bar Perth 2026, Tuesday 27 October 2026, sessions at 5.30 pm–6.30 pm and 7 pm–8 pm. Free, with registration required. Check out the full program.
