She established Bridge8 in 2004 following careers in engineering, human resources and product development across sectors including mining, R&D, aviation, agriculture and nanotechnology.

Kristin holds a PhD in process engineering and a Masters of Management in Strategic Foresight. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Governor’s Leadership Foundation. She is on the board of the Australian Network for Art and Technology and is a member of the Australian Government’s Expert Forum on Enabling Technologies.

He has been involved with factual television and online media for over 14 years having started as a researcher with Beyond 2000 in 1997.

During this time he has researched, written, designed or developed factual content for domestic and international broadcasters and websites including Discovery, TLC, Animal Planet, National Geographic and the ABC.

Somewhat surprisingly, James has trained as a lawyer (LLB, GDLP), animator (MA animation and interactive media), molecular biologist and computer programmer (BSc).

His most recent project was a set of critical thinking animations for DIISR.

The Expert Forum’s program of work in 2011 included industry foresight workshops, the second of which focused on enabling assistive technologies for the aged care sector. This sector represents a major area of market opportunity due to growing demand for aged care health and support services and a reduced available pool of potential carers. Furthermore, the health care system has recognised the need to adapt to the treatment and management of increasingly common chronic diseases.

The Enabling Assistive Technologies Foresight Workshop was held in Brisbane on 6 June 2011 and co-facilitated by Kristin and Expert Forum Chair Prof Ron Johnston from the Australian Centre of Innovation.  The event was held in partnership with the Council on the Ageing (COTA), the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI) at QUT, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) and Queensland Health. The aims of the workshop were to:

• Bring together researchers from universities and technology companies, aged care service providers, groups representing the interests of older Australians and government agencies involved in policies and funding programs affecting the health and lifestyle of older Australians;
• Develop a more effective interdisciplinary understanding of the range of factors affecting the aged care sector, and the potentially revolutionary role that enabling assistive technologies can play in this sector;
• Explore the challenges that need to be addressed to realise the opportunities for an ageing society; and to
• Develop a more active network among the key stakeholders across the sector in order to promote an interdisciplinary approach to relevant programs and policies.

The key question explored in the workshop was “how might the potential of bio and nano enabling technologies help older Australians live more independently in their own homes and neighbourhoods with better health care and social support.” To obtain a copy of this report, or the previous industry foresight workshop report for the Building Products Industry, contact the NETS Policy Section at enablingtechnologies@innovation.gov.au.

After the 2011 Inspiring Australia conference, interesting conversations -unfinished in person- spilled out on to blogs and Twitter. Bridge 8 and Heather Bray wanted to keep theses conversations going.

Through colleagues, we’re aware of two successful twitter forums #agchatoz (AgChatOZ) and #hcsmanz (Health Care Social Media Australia and New Zealand). We’d like to borrow their model and encourage science and other systems communicators in a similar endeavour. A conversation on what’s new and interesting for communicating science. On Twitter.

Our first discussion was held on 14 April 2011 and have been held roughly once a month since at 9-10pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (GMT+10).

To be involved simply:
1. be on twitter
2. follow the #onsci hashtag and
3. tweet using the #onsci hashtag

Annoucements via the @onsci twitter account.