The University of Tasmania’s Island of Ideas is a flagship public engagement initiative that translates research into accessible knowledge and fosters informed community dialogue. Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals, the program delivers free, hybrid public events that connect researchers, policymakers, industry leaders and community voices to explore complex societal challenges.

Created in 2020, the program responds to barriers such as geographic isolation, regional access constraints and limited access to expert information. Through in-person events, livestreams, recordings and podcasts, Island of Ideas has reached nearly 90,000 live and virtual participants, with 89% of attendees sharing insights within their networks.

By strengthening community capability, supporting evidence-informed discussion and enabling civic participation, Island of Ideas demonstrates how universities can act as trusted civic convenors. The program provides a scalable model for delivering measurable societal benefit through public knowledge sharing, policy dialogue, community decision-making and ongoing partnerships.