March 21, 2023

UOW expert commentary (21 March)

UOW academics provide expert comment, opinion and analysis on a range of ongoing and breaking news stories

Vaping

Dr Jody Moller can provide expert commentary on vaping in Australia. She said while all vapes contain low levels of toxic chemicals, the biggest concern is young people risking addiction by using vapes containing nicotine. Dr Moller and her colleague, Dr Celine Kelso, say most vapes are falsely marketed as nicotine-free, or conceal the fact they contain it to avoid importation bans. Dr Moller is a senior lecturer in the School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience.  

World Water Day - Wednesday 22 March

Dr Marian Wong can provide expert commentary on World Water Day (Wednesday 22 March). Dr Wong is a behavioural ecologist who studies social behaviour in marine and freshwater fishes. She is a senior lecturer in the School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences.  

ICC arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin

Associate Professor Phil Orchard can discuss the international criminal court arrest warrant that has been issued for Russian president Vladimir Putin in relation to the forced deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia, where many have been adopted by Russian families. Associate Professor Orchard’s research and teaching interests focus on international efforts to provide legal and institutional protections to internally displaced persons, refugees, and war-affected civilians. The international relations expert is from the School of Humanities and Social Inquiry.  

Overhauling food systems

Professor Karen Charlton can talk about the Vote for Food Scorecard recently released by Sustain, Food  Fairness Illawarra, Australia’s Right to Food Coalition, Community Gardens Australia and Young Farmers Connect. Professor Charlton says urgent action is needed to change the way food is produced, processed, sold and consumed in Australia. In a new opinion piece Professor Charlton writes that the current food system is contributing to climate change and malnutrition in all its forms. Professor Charlton is a research dietician in the School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences.  

NSW election

Professor Greg Melleuish is an election analyst who can discuss the upcoming NSW state election. He is a lecturer and researcher with expertise in political theory, Australian politics, ancient history and world history. Professor Melleuish is from the School of Humanities and Social Inquiry.   

UOW academics exercise academic freedom by providing expert commentary, opinion and analysis on a range of ongoing social issues and current affairs. This expert commentary reflects the views of those individual academics and does not necessarily reflect the views or policy positions of the University of Wollongong.