CAETS 2025 Generations

ATSE is delighted to host the 2025 annual conference of the International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences (CAETS).

Under the theme of Generations, CAETS 2025 will delve into how we can collectively shape a sustainable future over the next 50 years through STEM. Join us from Monday 8 September – Thursday 11 September 2025 in the vibrant city of Brisbane, in Queensland Australia, as we embark on a journey to envision the technology and sustainable systems needed for a thriving 2075.

CAETS 2025 coincides with our 50th anniversary and will bring together global technologists and innovators, in a gathering of over 30 countries for a special event that looks back to move forward.

Program

The program for CAETS 2025 Generations is carefully curated to facilitate meaningful discussions, foster collaboration across generations, and cultivate partnerships that will drive positive change. CAETS 2025 features several days of discussions between international Academies of engineering and technological sciences and technical tours in the city, as well as the 1-day symposium on 10 September. 

With renowned speakers, engaging plenary sessions, and interactive concurrent streams, attendees to the symposium will have numerous opportunities for learning, networking and situating themselves in the global move towards a sustainable future in 50 years.

We are also thrilled to offer opportunities for attendees to immerse themselves in Brisbane's vibrant culture, including through our CAETS Gala Dinner at the historic City Hall and site tours of the city’s STEM innovation centres.

Speakers

Hear from our exciting and inspirational speakers from around Australia and the world, including:

• Sir Peter Gluckman, President of the International Science Council
• Professor Tony Haymet, Australia's Chief Scientist
• Anika Molesworth, Founding Director of Farmers for Climate Action
• Elizabeth Walker, Event MC and Project Manager for Indigenous Science and Engagement at CSIRO.

Learn about all our speakers on the event website: https://caets2025.org/speakers/.

Generations by Sid Domic, 2024

“This artwork has been created for the International STEM symposium shaping a sustainable future in 50 years. The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering will gather their network of partners in Brisbane in 2025.

The theme of the gathering is called ‘Generations’ pointing out the importance of considering the past, in the present when creating for the future. As with each generation we evolve, technology is also evolving.

With this painting I like to acknowledge our Aboriginal ancestors and how they were connected with and understood country with intimate detail. As they cared for country, how they studied country and how they were a part of country. Their knowledges expanded to environmental sciences, engineering, marine biology, astronomy, health/healing, teaching/education.

Symbolised is the Brisbane river as the Academies’ meeting place in Meeanjin, Brisbane.

The sand goanna prints signify the totem animal of the traditional custodians of the Brisbane area, and their connection to country is depicted by the kangaroo prints. The Dari, a traditional headdress of the Torres Strait islander people represents their culture and different tribes. The turtle stands for the great significance of the ocean to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The sun and the Southern Cross are acknowledging Sky country above with the links to songlines here on land and the seasonal knowledge and understanding of country. The three circles are past, present and future timelines with the U-shapes representing our Elders and knowledge holders. The feature of the windmill is a signpost of change in the landscape representing the switch from fossil fuels to renewable energies. The digital circuit background layer was inspired by the different connectors which all meet up in the central console.

It reminds me of all the participants attending the conference. Coming from all corners of the world, each and everyone with their own stories, knowledges and experiences, gathered in the one place, engaging collectively to create action for a better future. Because only by acknowledging the past in the present, can we build this better future.”

Sid Domic, Kalkatungu man