“What a year 2023 has been. We hope you enjoy a well deserved and relaxing break. To help you on your way, we at ACOLA wanted to share some fun, thought-provoking and interesting research-based reading, watching and listening for wherever your holidays take you. Enjoy, and congratulations for getting to the finish line. We look forward to seeing you in 2024.”
Ryan Winn, CEO of ACOLA
At the end of each year, ACOLA develops a summer reading list to promote interesting, insightful and provocative interdisciplinary research and thinking, as well as inspire and entertain us as we all take some well-needed rest. We also aim to promote high-quality and engaging research and science writing for a non-specialist audience. For 2023, ACOLA is pleased to collaborate with The Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS) at the ANU to create the list.
The list is the culmination of the listening and reading habits of many of Australia’s research leaders and science communicators over the last 12 months. It includes a mix of fiction and non-fiction books, interesting articles and podcast episodes and series for you to enjoy on the couch, as you drive, walk the dog, cycle or laze by the beach.
Books – non fiction
A fascinating exploration of three modern forces – low interest rates, mobile money, and cryptocurrencies – and how they have redefined what money means. Who controls our money, and what could the future of finance could look like? Through the stories of influential economic figures, Holden investigates the impact on our politics, currencies, and global monetary systems. The book ultimately asks if governments can maintain control of these tectonic forces in a rapidly evolving digital age.
A thought-provoking book that examines the significance of mathematical models in shaping our world from economics to climate change. Thompson emphasizes the need to critically understand the construction and assumptions of these models to make informed decisions. Essential reading for those interested in the impact and implications of modelling in various fields.
A compelling and insightful memoir by Gillian Triggs, the former President of the Australian Human Rights Commission. Triggs candidly recounts some of her most challenging experiences in public service, including the controversial 2014 Children in Detention report that created a national uproar, and the equally contentious appointment of Ratko Mladic’s lawyer as a judge on the UN mechanism of the International Criminal Tribunal. While the memoir offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of Australia’s most pressing human rights issues, it is also an inspiring testament to Triggs’s unwavering commitment to justice and her fearless advocacy for the most vulnerable in society.
Ben Smith delves into the fascinating origin story of the ‘Age of Disinformation’ in a gripping and insightful exploration of the internet’s journey and impact to date. Through the candid inside tales of media rivals Jonah Peretti of HuffPost and BuzzFeed, and Nick Denton of Gawker Media, Smith uncovers how their pursuit of attention at scale unleashed the dark forces that would overtake the internet. With dark wit and lucidity, Smith navigates the complex landscape of tech’s age of innocence, exploring the unintended consequences and the transformation of the internet from a platform of truth to one that fueled right-wing populism.
An exploration of democracy during the rise of fake news and disinformation in our society, giving historical context with powerful examples of fringe conspiracy theories and shocking events. Coper’s expertise as a communications expert and his experience in combating disinformation make this book an essential read for anyone looking to understand and counteract the spread of falsehoods in our digital age.
A must-read novel on the Israel Palestine conflict, “Apeirogon” is a captivating and critically acclaimed novel that explores the power of empathy and the enduring connection between two fathers. Set in Jerusalem, Rami and Bassam come from opposing sides of conflict but share the profound bond of being fathers to daughters. McCann’s poignant narrative delves into their lives, offering a poignant and hopeful perspective on humanity, love, and the ability to find common ground amidst devastating circumstances.
An engaging look at how animals you (think you) know about, and some you’ve (or at least we’ve) never heard of, experience the world through their five senses. From fire-attracted beetles to turtles tracking magnetic fields, this book showcases a rich tapestry of perception. Ed Yong broadens our horizons, inviting us to see the world through the extraordinary eyes, ears, and noses of other beings.
An accessible insight into the process of research, following Whittaker’s journey as an academic and the curiosity that drove her research. Combining scientific exploration, intellectual history, and personal memoir, this book unravels the mysteries of how scents play a crucial role in birds’ behaviour. Science, humour, and captivating storytelling in one, this book invites readers to reconsider the role of scent in all our lives.
Muller explores the detrimental effects of our obsession with quantifying and measuring human performance, and how this fixation can undermine the quality of our organizations and lives. Juxtaposed with insight on how metrics can be beneficial when used in conjunction with personal judgment and experience, this thought-provoking book provides a necessary corrective to the harmful trend of overreliance on metrics in modern society.
Higher Imagination: A Future for Universities provides new insights for leading the contemporary university to achieve successful outcomes for stakeholders. Drawing on experience of the marketised systems in the UK and Australia, the book offers solutions to the seemingly intractable problems facing universities. Carefully balancing the social heart with the need for financial security and organisational efficiency, the solutions proposed keep the mission of the public university alive while growing universities’ impact.
A powerful exploration of the biases and misconceptions surrounding women’s abilities and worth, Saini challenges long-held beliefs about women’s intellectual capabilities by delving into groundbreaking research that reveals the strength, intelligence, and strategic prowess of women. This book dismantles gender stereotypes and highlights the necessity for a more inclusive and accurate understanding of women’s contributions to science and society.
Taking a look at green energy at a local level, Griffith offers an inspiring vision of a sustainable future and the opportunity to rejuvenate regional Australia. The inventor’s discussion of the potential of electrification for community renewal is explored through the lenses of equity and security, noting the intricate connections of energy infrastructure and its impact on communities. This essay provides valuable insights into the world of green energy and its potential to transform our communities, making it a must-read for those interested in the future of sustainable energy
A groundbreaking exploration of the astronomical knowledge held by Indigenous peoples worldwide, offering a unique perspective on the stars and planets. Guided by First Nations Elders, the book delves into the rich traditions of Indigenous astronomy, providing a detailed account of the scientific insights behind their star knowledge. This compelling work not only sheds light on ancient wisdom but also emphasizes the importance of respectful collaborations and innovative solutions to global challenges. A truly enlightening and impactful read.
As a feminist scholar of Latin and Rome, she is a wry retort to social media where apparently men are obsessed by ancient Rome. This book is about all the gossip that surrounds the emperors…the gossip that got Julius Caesar killed, the gossip about Nero—was he really as bad as all that? Great read. Great writer who is generous and makes you feel smart as a reader. It’s nice to think about politics from 2000 years ago…
A hilarious, heartfelt memoir about one woman’s midlife obsession with Benedict Cumberbatch, and the liberating power of reclaiming our passions as we age, whatever they may be.
Articles
An accurate exploration of psychological science, presented in a literary and informative way that makes for a deeply compelling piece. Carol Lefevre writes that “disbelief at the distance between the young self and the old self is one of the factors in this late-life grieving. At its root, perhaps, is an internalised ageism: innate, or else massaged into us by the culture we spring from.”
In an unprompted survey of 1,000 adults aged 18 to 85 across the nation, participants consistently highlighted three major issues: the mental health service system, financial stress, and social disconnection. High costs, wait-lists and inaccessibility are causing people to fall behind and action is needed.
How do you know if your teen is experiencing what health professionals call “major depression”? And when should you seek help? Knowledge, understanding, and listening, are key steps in helping and making progress together.
While using a fake name to order coffee can prevent misunderstandings in a clamorous cafe, O’Shannessy highlights the potential personal cost of assuming another identity. Sharing her experience of using an alias due to the difficulty of her name’s pronunciation, the article also discusses the potential impact on immigrants, who might face pushback or discrimination due to their names, emphasizing the need to take this issue seriously, even if it may seem lighthearted on the surface.
A delightful meditation on photography, nostalgia and colonial history. “The more I look at the photograph, the deeper I fall into a liminal state between connection and disconnection. I know this place, and yet I don’t. I belong and yet I don’t.”
This is a very accessible paper that gives a great overview on the intersection, impact, and issues surrounding space and technology development and how it relates to Indigenous knowledge and connection to the skies.
In this essay, Jennifer Brandel prompts reflections on how the discovery of the “interstitium” – an intricate network of fluid channels enveloping our organs – could challenge our established understandings of science and societal structures.
Just an amazing essay looking at what’s really going on in AI (spoiler, it’s capitalism)
Seven writers delve into the complex nature of persuasion and its impact on our lives. From the mechanics and ethics of persuasion in religion, politics, and foreign policy, to examining the channels through which it operates like music, protest, and technology, the writers question how we can effectively persuade others and navigate the balance between compromise and resistance. A look at the intricate ways in which our beliefs, perceptions, and personal experiences shape our ability to change our own minds and influence those around us.
A discussion on the current state of quantum computers and the optimism surrounding their potential applications. While researchers acknowledge the challenges in building quantum computers and achieving useful computations, progress is being made on improving performance and mitigating errors. The promise of quantum computing in fields such as drug discovery and materials science is is significant, with some companies predicting practical commercial applications within the next few years.
A discussion on the dynamic nature of gender for all people and how it changes over time and across cultures. The authors- interdisciplinary scientists, artists, and community advocates- argue that psychology’s traditional foundations may limit the discipline’s ability to accurately reflect the dynamic experiences of gender in the real world and call for a more deliberately dynamic understanding of gender within knowledge systems and structures. A call to action for new ways of thinking and behaving in relation to gender.
The renewable revolution is plainly gaining speed and impact. So why are so many analysts so wrong about the pace and scale of innovation?
Podcasts – episodes and series
Hosted by historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, “The Rest is History” delves into the past, unravels the present, and questions the concept of greatness. With episodes exploring everything from the absence of civil wars in the West, to drawing intriguing comparisons between figures like Richard Nixon and ancient Roman emperors, they distil the human journey into engaging snippets for anyone history-curious.
The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens is a podcast that explores the systems science underpinning the human predicament. Conversation topics will span human behaviour, monetary/economic systems, energy, ecology, geopolitics and the environment. The goal of the show is to inform more humans about the path ahead and inspire people to play a role in our collective future. Guests will be from a wide range of scientists, leaders, activists, thinkers, and doers.
If you love history, the understated yet powerful narratives that Nate Di Meo weaves about moments, objects and people of the past is hard to beat. This long-standing podcast which wears its learning lightly is a perennial favourite, and drops short, fascinating episodes every month or so.
Foreign Policy economics columnist Adam Tooze, a history professor and a popular author, is encyclopedic about basically everything: from the COVID shutdown, to climate change, to pasta sauce. On our new podcast, Tooze and FP deputy editor Cameron Abadi will look at two data points each week that explain the world: one drawn from the week’s headlines and the other from just about anywhere else Tooze takes us.
Books – Fiction
A captivating and genre-defying masterpiece by Anna Funder, the story follows Funder’s journey as she delves into George Orwell’s life and discovers his forgotten wife, Eileen O’Shaughnessy, whose literary brilliance and practicality shaped Orwell’s work and saved his life. Through newly discovered letters, Funder recreates the Orwells’ marriage, shedding light on the untold stories of women’s work and offering an intimate perspective on one of the most important literary unions of the 20th century.
A modern reimagining of 1984, Elton conjures a dystopian world where everyone’s personal life is on full display and privacy is considered a punishable offense. Against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic society, themes of religious intolerance, endless content creation and narcissism are explored, creating a chillingly plausible vision of what could happen in a world where ignorance and unbridled power take precedence over facts and reason. Elton’s gripping and darkly comic novel is a thought-provoking commentary on our own society, and what a future soaked in science denial could hold.
A powerful account of social connection in adversity. The story follows Natsuko, her older sister Makiko, and Makiko’s daughter Midoriko as they navigate their own anxieties, relationships, and societal pressures in Tokyo. With beautiful prose and heart-wrenching storytelling, Kawakami delves into themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the struggle against societal expectations, creating a powerful and unforgettable debut from a remarkable talent.
Durrell’s delightful and humorous autobiographical novel chronicles his eccentric family’s move to Corfu to escape the gloomy British climate. This charming book is a love letter to nature, family, and the joys of a carefree childhood filled with with warmth and humor.
Mind-bendingly good at bringing together art, religion, morality and war through the lens of the afterlife, Karunatilaka’s Booker Prize-winning novel is a stunning whodunnit set during Sri Lanka’s civil war. Filled with wit, surrealism, and a deep exploration of truth in the midst of turmoil – a must-read.
A sprawling novel centred on the family of Abraham Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth, told in parallel with the life of the enslaved Hall family, in the context of nineteenth-century US history, and the US Civil War. Captivating and offering a wealth of commentary on the past and present, making it a highly recommended and thought-provoking literary work.
In a future world dominated by the technological, people will still be entangled in relationships—in romances, friendships, and families. This volume in the Twelve Tomorrows series considers the effects that scientific and technological discoveries will have on the emotional bonds that hold us together. The strange new worlds in these stories feature AI family therapy, floating fungitecture, and a futuristic love potion; a co-op of mothers attempts to raise a child together, lovers try to resolve their differences by employing a therapeutic sexbot, and a robot helps a woman dealing with Parkinson’s disease.
Other
A documentary that is as much about male friendship as it is about the 1980s phenomenon Wham!, this fascinating insight into the rise and creative partnership of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley is enriched by archival footage and the scrapbooks of ephemera so lovingly curated by Ridgeley’s mother. This is history meets pop music, and it’s great.
To celebrate a new ACOLA baby this year we have included this lovely children’s book! With rhyming text ideal for reading aloud and tons of tractor facts and trivia, this charming little story offers young construction-vehicle fans everything they could ever want to know about what they love the most. Follow along with Frankie McGee as he tries to convince his mom of his tractor obsession and shows the power of imagination and individuality.
A discussion on the fundamental flaws in the idea of measuring impact to understand performance in complex environments. Impact is not something that can be delivered or identified without a reliable counterfactual, thus using impact for accountability, governance, and performance management purposes can be damaging – and Lowe offers useful alternatives.
In this interview with science writer David Quammen, The Atlantic delves into his latest book, “Breathless: The Plague That Came to Earth”, exploring the origins and complexity of COVID-19 as only he can. Quammen’s unique ability to attach complex scientific concepts to sociopolitical issues and the human characters that help explain them makes this a must-read for anyone interested in how to tell a scientific story in a compelling way.
Acknowledgments and thanks
Firstly, thank you for all the Fellows, experts and other research leaders who contributed ideas and suggestions to the 2023 reading list, including, but not limited to Prof Richard Holden FASSA, Prof Hugh Bradlow FTSE, Prof Kevin McConkey FASSA, Prof Karen Fisher FASSA, Craig Ritchie FAHA, Christina Twomey FASSA FAHA, Maree Teesson AC FAAHMS FASSA, Prof Linda Boterill FASSA, Jonathan Curtis, Eden Whitlock, Dr Will Grant, Ella Relf and Dr Lauren Palmer.
Importantly, ACOLA very much welcomes the collaboration with the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS). As Australia’s first science communication centre, they play an important role in training and supporting new research and science communicators, in addition to the Centre’s own research and activities. This work builds on previous activities with CPAS, with a number of their graduates now having worked with ACOLA on its research and policy outputs.
The Centre’s mission is to encourage a confident democratic ownership of modern science nationally and internationally by increasing science awareness in the community, fostering public dialogue about science, and improving the communication skills of scientists.
