AI, Space Food and Storytelling: Trans-Tasman Collaboration Inspires Next-Gen Innovators
Science Gallery Melbourne at the University of Melbourne has collaborated with Auckland University of Technology (AUT) to deliver a visionary Future Careers Forum, connecting more than 3,500 high school students across Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and China, to leading thinkers at the intersection of technology, science, and creativity.
Streamed across the Asia-Pacific, the forum featured a compelling panel of researchers, artists, and industry leaders – including internationally acclaimed game designer Maru Nihoniho (NZOM, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Porou, Te Whānui-ā-Apanui), whose Indigenous Māori culture-based video game Guardian Maia featured in Science Gallery Melbourne’s exhibition SCI-FI: Mythologies Transformed. The topic explored how artificial intelligence, digital storytelling, and future-focused design are shaping the careers of tomorrow.
Participants also heard from University of Melbourne researchers Dr Lea Frermann and Dr Claudia Gonzalez Viejo, whose cutting-edge work embodies the University’s commitment to inclusive, interdisciplinary innovation.
Dr Lea Frermann, Senior Lecturer and DECRA Fellow in the School of Computing and Information Systems, investigates how humans understand complex narratives—both real and fictional – and applies this to build fairer, more robust AI systems. Drawing on techniques from natural language processing, machine learning, and computational cognitive modelling, her research enhances how AI interprets stories in novels, films, and even biased media coverage.
Dr Claudia Gonzalez Viejo, Research Fellow at the University’s School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, is pioneering the development of AI-driven technologies to improve astronaut wellbeing in space. Her work integrates computer vision, robotics, and biometrics to improve sensory experiences and menu design in long-duration space missions – while also delivering real-world benefits for improving food systems on Earth.
Dr Lea Frermann answers a student question
Dr Claudia Gonzalez Viejo describes her career journey
Dr Ryan Jefferies, Director of Science Gallery Melbourne said:
“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.”
”Hearing from experts like Maru, Lea, and Claudia offers young people new pathways into the careers of the future, where creativity and collaboration are crucial in an ever-changing world.”
This forum marks Science Gallery Melbourne’s first collaboration with a New Zealand university, and Professor Damon Salesa, Vice-Chancellor of AUT said the university of technology is proud to partner on initiatives that harness the power of technology to shape a better future.
“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.”
“AUT is committed to ensuring that technologies like AI are developed inclusively and ethically. Working alongside Maru Nihoniho, Science Gallery Melbourne, and our own AUT experts strengthens our ability to have impact for our communities in this space.”
Students watched on-site and online
Visiting students played Maru Nihoniho’s Guardian Maia
Student digitally submitted questions to panellists
Located in the University of Melbourne’s Melbourne Connect innovation precinct, Science Gallery Melbourne presents an annual program of exhibitions, learning initiatives, public programs and research that showcases interdisciplinary and experimental practice. One of five global nodes in an international network of galleries linked to universities, Science Gallery Melbourne plays a key role in translating research to involve, inspire and transform young people through art and science.
Participating high school students had the opportunity to ask questions of the panellists in both countries, with a focus on the use of AI and integration in industry.
Questions included:
How can we better prepare ourselves for an AI world?
What is one cool way AI has changed your industry?
Are creative jobs at risk because of AI, or can they exist together?
Will AI make certain skills seem unnecessary to learn?
It was mentioned that AI is built off preexisting systems, and will need historic data. How will long-term prejudice be prevented within industries?
Do you believe AI could take over the video game industry by creating its own games in the future?
“We’re building more than an education experience – we’re creating a global classroom,” said Dr Jefferies. “These programs help young people discover new pathways and imagine careers that haven’t even been invented yet.”
The Future Careers Forum: AI Revolution is available to view online. Register here to view.
Register now to watch the next Future Careers Forum - Disrupting Disinformation, live-streaming on Tuesday 25 November 2025. Sign up for our Schools enewsletter for speaker updates.