Science communication and trust in the age of AI

Dr Bobby Cerini is the Deputy Director and General Manager of Science and Learning at Questacon – Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre. She leads and shapes the creative direction of exhibitions, programs and partnerships. With expertise leading STEM initiatives in diverse contexts, she is a member of the Executive Committee for ASPAC, the Asia Pacific network of science centres.

Professor Tony Haymet was appointed as Australia’s Chief Scientist in January 2025. In this role, he will provide authoritative and independent evidence-based advice on whole-of-government science and technology priorities.

Professor Haymet is an experienced scientist and leader who has strengthened national and global research partnerships. He has a long history with Japan, first visiting in 1994 with the support of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) to deliver talks at Kyoto University. In October 2024 he lectured at Hiroshima University and held discussions with the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC).

Enrico Palermo has led the Australian Space Agency since January 2021, achieving several milestones including an agreement with NASA for an Australian rover mission to the Moon and the first commercial spaceflights from Australia.

Before joining the Agency, Enrico spent 14 years at Virgin Galactic working on crewed commercial spaceships and achieved the position of Chief Operating Officer. Enrico studied at the International Space University in Strasbourg and holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, and Applied Mathematics from the University of Western Australia, as well as an Honorary Doctorate from the same University.