Disrupted Panel Series
Disrupted is a panel series launched in 2025 in response to a world where disruption is constant and systemic change is reshaping how we live, work, and build. Presented by UNSW Engineering and UNSW Founders, the series asks a simple but essential question: if we’re asking founders to build the future, what world are they building in? Each edition brings together experts from industry, policy, and a founder’s perspective to explore the global forces shaping our economy, technology, and society, while also showcasing the critical work of UNSW’s Centres and Institutes across key industries. Disrupted creates an open, accessible space for informed debate—where ideas are tested, assumptions challenged, and the future discussed in public.
If you’re a founder, policy researcher, part of a UNSW Engineering Centre or Institute, or simply passionate about a topic shaping our future, we invite you to get involved—reach out to submit your idea, suggest a theme, or propose a conversation you think needs to happen.
Potential 2026 Topics
Potential topics we’d love to dive into include:
Water & AI — are we in over our heads? Is the concern around data centres and water use just clickbait, or are we genuinely in the drink when it comes to powering AI at scale? Who’s accountable, what needs to change, and how do we keep innovation flowing without draining critical resources?
Trust, but verify (and then verify again). In a world of fake news, deepfakes, and algorithmic amplification, trust is at an all-time low. How did we get here—and more importantly, how do we rebuild trust in information, institutions, and each other?
Know someone who’d be perfect for these conversations, or have a topic you’re passionate about? Let us know—we’re always open to bold ideas and fresh voices.
Explore Past Events from the Disrupted Panel Series
