Upcoming event

Building Brain Capital: Designing Universities for Learning, Capability and a Changing World

Brain capital is an economic and societal asset that integrates brain health and brain skills - the cognitive, emotional, and social capabilities people need to learn, adapt and thrive. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, uncertainty, and changing professional identities, these capabilities are under pressure - with growing impacts on attention, confidence, connection, and how people learn and work.

This QUT Real Health Series panel will explore what it means for universities to respond intentionally: how brain capital can be built through curriculum and student experience, and how universities can design learning environments that strengthen the capabilities needed to learn, work, and thrive in complex and rapidly changing contexts.

Register in-person

Online

Subscribe to our newsletter to keep updated on upcoming events.

Sign up to our newsletter

Panelists

Professor Debbie Long, Professor of Nursing (Paediatrics) and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, QUT

Professor Debbie Long is a paediatric critical care nurse and research leader whose work focuses on brain health, trauma-informed care, and long-term outcomes for children and families. She leads national initiatives translating neuroscience into curriculum, workforce capability, and systems design to improve health, education environments, and societal outcomes.

Professor Selena Bartlett, Professor of Neuroscience, School of Clinical Sciences, QUT, Translational Research Institute and Honorary Professor, UQ

Professor Selena Bartlett is a neuroscientist and internationally recognised expert in neuroplasticity, brain health, and the impact of modern environments and AI on human behaviour, learning, and wellbeing. Over a three-decade career, she has published more than 110 scientific papers and received the Lawrie Austin Award for contributions to neuroscience. Her work focuses on translating neuroscience into practical tools for education, healthcare, leadership, and public policy, with an emphasis on resilience, adaptability, connection, and lifelong brain health.

Mr Michael Hogan, Executive Convenor, Queensland Kids Partnership, ARACY

Michael Hogan has over 40 years’ experience in public purpose work in the government and non-government sectors.  Michael is an Industry Fellow at the Child Health Research Centre, UQ; on the Board of the Torres Indigenous Health Corporation; and Vice-President of the Council of the Queensland Library Foundation.  Michael was previously a Director-General in the Queensland Government, an Adjunct Professor at QUT, and on the Board of Directors of Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service.

Mr David Norris, Clinical Director / Founder, Occupational Therapy Brisbane, CareLoom and The Brain Health Clinic

David Norris is a senior occupational therapist and founder of Occupational Therapy Brisbane, CareLoom and The Brain Health Clinic. His work spans clinical brain health, cognitive change, care-system design and AI-enabled support, with a current focus on how institutions shape the conditions for human agency, meaningful participation and ethical judgement.

Moderated by Professor Danielle Gallegos, Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics and Director Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, QUT

Professor Danielle Gallegos is a public health dietitian nutritionist whose work sits at the intersection of food, social justice and child wellbeing. As Director of the Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research at QUT, she leads research that tackles “wicked” real world problems, with a particular focus on food and nutrition security, food literacy and early childhood nutrition.

Register for updates

Join our mailing list to receive updates on upcoming panel events, expert speakers and conversations shaping the future of health.

Sign up

Hear from experts

Keep up to date with the latest health research and insights from leading health researchers and professionals.

Grow your network

Use our post-event networking session as an opportunity to discuss the big issues with QUT staff and industry colleagues.

Professional development

Learn more about QUT health's study options, professional development and short course offerings.

Previous event

Navigating trauma care: complexity, costs, and collaborative solutions

The panel discussion brought together clinicians, researchers, patients, rehabilitation engineers, and regulators to explore the complexities of traumatic injury care and rising costs. Experts examined clinical pathways for severe injuries, including advances in acute care, long-term rehabilitation, and emerging technologies. The conversation also addressed financial and operational pressures on health systems, highlighting broader societal impacts and opportunities for collaboration and innovation across the continuum of care.

Panellists

Professor Michael Schuetz, FRACS, FAOrth
Director, Jamieson Trauma Institute; Chair of Trauma, QUT; Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, RBWH
Ms Gaenor Walker
A/Insurance Commissioner, Motor Accident Insurance Commission; A/CEO, National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland
Professor Kirsten Vallmuur
Chair of Trauma Surveillance and Data Analytics, QUT / Jamieson Trauma Institute
Professor Dylan Flaws
Chair of Trauma-Related Mental Health, Jamieson Trauma Institute; Chair of Rehabilitation Services, QUT; Theme (co) Lead – Rehabilitation and Outcome Measurement
Dr Alejandro Melendez-Calderon
Principal Research Fellow, Jamieson Trauma Institute; Theme (co) Lead – Rehabilitation and Outcome Measurement
Associate Professor Frances Williamson
Emergency Physician Deputy Director RBWH Trauma Service

Moderated by Matt Jennings, Consumer Representative (Multiple Trauma and Rehabilitation) - Jamieson Trauma Institute and Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service

Explore the series

The QUT Real Health Panel Series unpacks the latest health issues affecting our communities. Each event features experts in their fields who share insights in current health challenges.

View previous events

Faculty of Health

Our vision is to empower people and communities to create a better future through health. We deliver on this vision through world-class teaching, practical learning and research innovation. The Faculty of Health provides high-quality learning and teaching experiences for students. Our courses are in high demand and provide graduates with job-ready, practical skills for the real world.

We undertake transformative research that contributes to the improvement of human health. Our researchers engage with community partners, industry and government through partnerships and collaboration to deliver research outcomes that have real impact.

Engage with us

Explore the faculty

Partner with us

Contact us to find out how we can work together.