Sydney Pubs Turn Into Lecture Halls for a Night – Raising the Bar 2025 is Here!

Sip, Socialise, and Soak Up Big Ideas – All for Free

Forget your typical night out—Sydney’s Raising the Bar 2025 is back, turning local pubs into mini universities for one exciting evening! On Thursday, April 3, some of the city’s best and brightest minds from the University of Sydney will be swapping lecture halls for bar stools, serving up 20 free talks that promise to challenge, inspire, and entertain.

Whether you’re curious about lab-grown brains, the housing crisis, climate change, or even needle-free insulin, there’s something to whet every intellectual appetite. And the best part? You can sip your drink while expanding your mind!

Brains and Beers? Yes, Please!

Professor Mark Scott, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sydney, believes Raising the Bar is about connecting groundbreaking research with the wider community in a fun and engaging way.

“Raising the Bar is a wonderful way for the community to connect with our academics and their vital work towards solving some of the world’s greatest challenges. I hope attendees leave the talks feeling hopeful and inspired,” he said.

And with topics ranging from the mysteries of the human brain to the power of music in ageing, there’s no doubt this event will leave audiences with plenty to talk about (and tweet about!).

What’s On Tap? A Taste of the Talks

From Fortress Sydney to The Barrie, some of Sydney’s favourite watering holes are getting a scholarly makeover for the night. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the must-see talks:

🍻 How to Grow a Brain – Dr Ann-Na Cho explains how biofabricated brains are shaping the future of neuroscience. (6:15 PM, Fortress Sydney, Chippendale)

🌏 From Crisis to Conservation – Professor Carolyn Hogg dives into the biodiversity crisis and how science is fighting back. (6:15 PM, New Brittania, Camperdown)

🏠 Housing Essentials for Equitable Cities – Dr Catherine Gilbert tackles Sydney’s housing affordability crisis. (7:30 PM, New Brittania, Camperdown)

💉 Oral Insulin: A Needle-Free Future – Dr Nick Hunt explores how nanotechnology could make insulin injections a thing of the past. (The Toxteth, Glebe)

🌍 What to Expect When You’re Expecting… Climate Change – Associate Professor Luara Ferracioli unpacks the realities of climate adaptation. (The Barrie, Redfern)

💡 Making AI Sustainable – Professor Albert Zomaya breaks down the environmental impact of artificial intelligence. (Brix Distillers, Surry Hills)

And many more thought-provoking sessions!

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

🆓 It’s free! All you need to do is book your spot.
🍹 Great venues, great vibes – no formal lecture halls, just laid-back learning.
💡 Fresh perspectives from top researchers – no boring textbooks, just big ideas in bite-sized talks.
👥 Meet like-minded knowledge-seekers – and maybe even a future study buddy!

So, whether you’re a science buff, policy wonk, climate crusader, or just someone who loves a good chat over a cold drink, Raising the Bar 2025 is your chance to soak up knowledge in the most relaxed setting possible.

🎟️ Spots are limited—book your free ticket now and raise the bar on your night out!