Keynote Speakers
Professor Alister McGrath is the Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at Oxford University. He is globally recognised for his work in historical theology, systematic theology, the relationship between science and religion, and his writings on apologetics.
Professor McGrath will be our after-dinner keynote speaker, live from England on Day 1 of COSAC (INSIGHTS).
Dr Jennifer Wiseman is an astrophysicist, author, and speaker. She studies the formation of stars and planets in our galaxy using radio, infrared, and optical telescopes. Dr. Wiseman studied physics for her bachelor’s degree at MIT, discovering comet Wiseman-Skiff in 1987. She is currently a senior astrophysicist in the USA, and enjoys giving talks on the excitement and wonder of science and astronomy.
Dr Wiseman will be speaking to us live from the USA on Day 2 of COSAC (INTEGRATE).
Tony Rinaudo, also known as the “Forest Maker” is the Principal Climate Action Advisor at World Vision Australia. He is known for pioneering of Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), a simple method that restores degraded landscapes without planting trees. FMNR has revolutionised reforestation across Africa and beyond. Tony is the winner of the 2022 Australian Christian Book of the Year Award with his biography “The Forest Underground: Hope for a Planet in Crisis”.
Tony will be speaking in-person on Day 2 of COSAC (INTEGRATE) on “Climate Change & Faith: What Can We Do and Why Should We Do It?”.
Dr Andrew Sloane is Senior Lecturer in Old Testament and Christian Thought, and Director of Research at Morling College. He teaches in the areas of integration of faith and work, OT exegesis (Genesis, Deuteronomy, 1&2 Samuel, Ezekiel, Psalms), OT interpretation, philosophy of religion and bioethics. Andrew qualified in medicine and practised briefly as a doctor before going into Baptist ministry.
Dr Sloane will be our second keynote speaker on Day 1 of COSAC (INSIGHTS) on “Enhancing Medicine: Is Human Enhancement a Proper Task for Medicine?”
A/Prof. Megan Best has over 30 years of experience in palliative care and medical ethics teaching, research and practice. She is currently an Associate Professor of Bioethics at the Institute for Ethics and Society at The University of Notre Dame Australia and an Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Sydney medical school. She is internationally known for her work in Christian bioethics. Her research has focussed on bioethics at the beginning and end of life, and in the areas of genomics and palliative care. She has also researched extensively in the areas of spirituality in healthcare, whole person care and psycho-oncology. She is the author of “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: Ethics and the Beginning of Human Life” (2012) and “A Life Already Started” (2013). Throughout her career she has engaged with evidence-based health policy development, making important contributions to palliative care strategy and health legislation.
Professor Best will be our first keynote speaker on Day 1 of COSAC (INSIGHTS).