Youth mental health researchers present at ABC science talk

Telethon Kids Institute researchers shined the spotlight on youth mental health at a live recording of ABC’s Ockham’s Razor podcast on Wednesday 22 February.

Embrace senior researcher Dr Alix Woolard presented on her research into interventions and treatments for people dealing with childhood trauma.

“The crowd was so engaged, they were hanging onto every word of the eight presenters,” Dr Woolard said.

“It was really humbling to be among such talented scientists, on what was a showcase of some of the brightest sparks WA has to offer.”

Another presentation was given by Telethon Kids Institute PhD student James Hill, who asked the audience of over 150 people to reconsider the characterisation of a researcher with lived experience as a biased perspective in need of minimisation.

“At the end of the day, we are humans doing research with humans,” Mr Hill said. “That means it is impossible to entirely take the human out of the equation. Especially when you’re doing psychological science, in which case we are humans doing research with other humans.”

“Far from the goal of producing quality knowledge by reducing bias, we’re reducing it by eliminating knowledge.”

Other scientists discussed the impact of climate change on tic populations, using thermotolerant corals off the coast of northern WA to inform adaptation and restoration of coral prone to bleaching and why Australian murders so often involve wheely bins and suitcases.

The speeches, which lasted approximately 10 minutes each, will be on the Ockham’s Razor podcast in coming months.

The event was hosted at WA Museum Boola Bardip.

 

Dr Alix Woolard presents for the ABC's Ockham's Razor at WA Museum Boola Bardip.

 

Telethon Kids