AI, Space Food and Storytelling: Trans-Tasman Collaboration Inspires Next-Gen Innovators

four panellists speak at a forum in front of an artwork in a gallery space
L-R: Science Gallery Melbourne Future Careers Forum Melbourne panellists: Moderator Dr Jess Vovers and speakers Dr Morley Muse, Dr Lea Frermann and Dr Claudia Gonzalez Viejo.

Science Gallery at the University of Melbourne collaborated with Auckland University of Technology (AUT) to deliver a visionary Future Careers Forum, connecting over 3,500 high school students across Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and China to leading thinkers in technology, science and creativity.

Streamed across the Asia-Pacific, the forum featured a compelling panel of researchers, artists and industry leaders – including acclaimed game designer Maru Nihoniho (NZOM, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Porou, Te Whānui-ā-Apanui), whose video game Guardian Maia featured in Science Gallery Melbourne’s exhibition SCI-FI: Mythologies Transformed.

Students also heard from Dr Lea Frermann, who builds fairer AI systems based on how humans understand narratives, and Dr Claudia Gonzalez Viejo, who develops AI tools to improve astronaut wellbeing – advancing food systems in space and on Earth. Students posed questions to the panel on the future of AI and industry.

“Collaborating with AUT on our global classroom initiative has enabled us to reach thousands of students across the region with transformative interdisciplinary and intercultural learning experiences online,” said Dr Ryan Jefferies, Director of Science Gallery Melbourne.

“Hearing from experts like Maru, Lea, and Claudia helps young people discover new pathways and imagine careers that haven’t even been invented yet.”

This marks Science Gallery Melbourne’s first collaboration with a New Zealand university.

“This trans-Tasman collaboration with the University of Melbourne is a strong example of how partnerships across science, technology, art, and design can drive opportunities for meaningful impact,” said Professor Damon Salesa, Vice-Chancellor of AUT.

Based in Melbourne Connect, Science Gallery Melbourne translates university research into exhibitions and programs that connect science and art for young people. The Future Careers Forum: AI Revolution is available online. The next Forum will livestream on Tue 25 Nov 2025.