tag:theconversation.com,2011:/ca-fr/topics/the-year-that-was-2058/articlesThe year that was – La Conversation2014-12-25T19:40:20Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/354182014-12-25T19:40:20Z2014-12-25T19:40:20Z2014, the year that was: Education<p>While 2013 was all about schools and their funding (remember <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/gonski-review">Gonski</a>, anyone?), 2014 was the year of <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/fee-deregulation">higher education reform</a>. Or, at least, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/senate-torpedoes-pynes-university-deregulation-34926">proposed</a></em> higher education “reform”.</p>
<p>With cuts to higher education funding and the <a href="https://theconversation.com/higher-ed-bill-explainer-what-will-pass-and-what-will-be-blocked-31019">prospect of fee deregulation</a> being some of the most maligned aspects of the May <a href="https://theconversation.com/federal-budget-2014-education-experts-react-26649">federal budget</a>, it was surprising that as much attention was being paid to Australia’s institutes of higher learning as is usually paid to our schools, hospitals and transport.</p>
<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/facing-the-hard-questions-on-university-funding-25915">Most vice-chancellors</a>, albeit a few <a href="https://theconversation.com/stephen-parker-higher-education-changes-a-fraud-on-the-electorate-34909">glaring exceptions</a>, were in support of fee deregulation. They argued that the current funding system of unlimited student places (which was <a href="https://theconversation.com/demand-driven-system-review-experts-respond-23023">reviewed in April</a> and found to <a href="https://theconversation.com/demand-driven-university-funding-system-should-stay-25574">be a keeper</a>) and decreasing government support was unsustainable and universities needed to be set free.</p>
<p>However, many of <a href="https://theconversation.com/higher-education-the-age-of-pyne-the-destroyer-begins-26483">our experts</a> feared Australia’s politicians were unaware of the <a href="https://theconversation.com/three-misguided-beliefs-of-the-group-of-eight-universities-31334">drastic effect</a> this could have on our <a href="https://theconversation.com/more-expensive-more-elite-higher-education-in-five-years-26641">world-class system of higher education</a>, and especially <a href="https://theconversation.com/its-not-just-about-student-fees-its-about-institutionalised-inequity-27178">access to it</a> for all groups of Australian society.</p>
<p>After months of debate, negotiation and much hand-wringing, the Senate <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-tumultuous-year-in-higher-education-comes-to-a-close-another-soon-to-follow-34982">finally voted down</a> the bill in parliament’s last sitting week, only to have the bill’s champion, Education Minister Christopher Pyne, reintroduce it the very next day. </p>
<p>So, is another tumultuous year on the horizon in higher education? We’ll have to wait and see.</p>
<p>The debate separated <a href="https://theconversation.com/vice-chancellors-vs-the-collegiate-who-is-right-on-deregulation-33461">university staff from their leaders</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/regional-students-will-be-poorly-served-if-universities-compete-solely-on-price-29533">prestigious universities from middle-tier ones</a>. There was never a question that the prestigious Group of Eight would have more <a href="https://theconversation.com/trickle-up-only-the-elite-will-benefit-from-fee-deregulation-30218">pricing power</a> in a market system. One of our most-read pieces of 2014 outlined the worth of attending an elite university, which research found results in a <a href="https://theconversation.com/graduates-from-prestigious-universities-earn-more-over-their-lifetime-32832">slight salary increase</a> across a lifetime.</p>
<p>Paying for education was an important focus this year. We closely examined private schooling and whether the cost pays off. We found public school kids <a href="https://theconversation.com/state-school-kids-do-better-at-uni-29155">do better at university</a> than private school kids with the same tertiary entrance score, and post-university employment prospects and wages were <a href="https://theconversation.com/private-schooling-has-little-long-term-pay-off-30303">much the same</a>.</p>
<p>We didn’t only look at public and private schools, though. There’s been an increased interest in <a href="https://theconversation.com/principal-school-doesnt-work-for-most-kids-32733">doing education differently</a>, so we looked at alternative forms of education and options outside of public, private and Catholic schools.</p>
<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/for-creativity-capability-and-resilience-steiner-schools-work-24763">Steiner</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/kids-choose-their-own-work-in-a-montessori-classroom-26452">Montessori</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/democratic-schooling-teachers-leave-them-kids-alone-24669">Democratic</a> schools are on the rise, and we looked at how these work in our <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/alternative-schooling">alternative schooling series</a>.</p>
<p>While thinking about different ways of doing things, our authors challenged what we thought we knew works in education. Misty Adoniou asked if we should <a href="https://theconversation.com/homework-whats-the-point-of-it-24123">scrap homework altogether</a>, and Rebecca English asked if parents should <a href="https://theconversation.com/gentle-parenting-explainer-no-rewards-no-punishments-no-misbehaving-kids-31678">stop punishing and rewarding</a> their kids, and instead teach them to be good just for the sake of it.</p>
<p>The biggest news in schools this year was the government-commissioned review into the <a href="https://theconversation.com/national-curriculum-review-experts-respond-26913">national curriculum</a>. The review was just as controversial in its recommendations to have more of a focus on Australia’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/pyne-curriculum-review-prefers-analysis-free-myth-to-history-32956">“Judeo-Christian” heritage</a> as it was for its <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-spurr-to-abandoning-the-literary-canon-33529">appointments</a>. However, we’re yet to see changes actually reach our classrooms, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/will-the-curriculum-review-make-it-in-to-schools-its-a-political-waiting-game-33878">could be waiting for a while</a>.</p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/67063/original/image-20141212-6057-wat5fo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/67063/original/image-20141212-6057-wat5fo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/67063/original/image-20141212-6057-wat5fo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=535&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/67063/original/image-20141212-6057-wat5fo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=535&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/67063/original/image-20141212-6057-wat5fo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=535&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/67063/original/image-20141212-6057-wat5fo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=672&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/67063/original/image-20141212-6057-wat5fo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=672&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/67063/original/image-20141212-6057-wat5fo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=672&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">You guys sure do like spelling, or at least reading about it.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
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</figure>
<p>What you seemed to enjoy the most though was looking at language: <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-some-kids-cant-spell-and-why-spelling-tests-wont-help-20497">spelling</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/grammar-matters-and-should-be-taught-differently-25604">grammar</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/aussie-slang-is-as-diverse-as-australia-itself-27973">Aussie slang</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/hopefully-literally-begs-the-question-the-three-most-annoying-misuses-in-english-26595">annoying misuses in English</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/are-those-damned-americanisms-really-american-32566">Americanisms</a>, and whether your kids were using language in the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-most-important-thing-for-a-stutter-is-to-get-in-early-33402">way they should</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-tell-if-your-child-has-a-speech-or-language-impairment-31768">at the right ages</a>.</p>
<p>You also enjoyed our series on <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/bullying-in-schools">bullying in schools</a>, including <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-difference-between-bullying-and-everyday-life-27861">what is actually bullying</a> and what is just the argy bargy of everyday life. Our <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/exam-guide">exam guide</a>, which led up to end of year final exams, let you know <a href="https://theconversation.com/hsc-exam-guide-top-5-tips-on-how-to-blitz-your-humanities-exam-31789">how to study</a>, what to <a href="https://theconversation.com/hsc-exam-guide-what-to-eat-to-help-your-brain-31959">eat</a>, and how to <a href="https://theconversation.com/hsc-exam-guide-how-to-help-your-kids-through-this-stressful-time-31553">support loved ones</a> during this stressful time.</p>
<p><strong>But in case you missed them, here were our top five education stories for the year:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li><p><a href="https://theconversation.com/why-some-kids-cant-spell-and-why-spelling-tests-wont-help-20497">Why some kids can’t spell and why spelling tests won’t help</a></p></li>
<li><p><a href="https://theconversation.com/state-school-kids-do-better-at-uni-29155">State school kids do better at uni</a></p></li>
<li><p><a href="https://theconversation.com/private-schooling-has-little-long-term-pay-off-30303">Private schooling has little long term pay off</a></p></li>
<li><p><a href="https://theconversation.com/gentle-parenting-explainer-no-rewards-no-punishments-no-misbehaving-kids-31678">‘Gentle parenting’ explainer: no rewards, no punishments, no misbehaving kids</a></p></li>
<li><p><a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-tell-if-your-child-has-a-speech-or-language-impairment-31768">How to tell if your child has a speech or language impairment</a></p></li>
</ol>
<p>And finally, we realise the education section has bombarded you with close-ups of this man all year. So here we pay homage to that with a few of our favourites. We’ve called it “The Many Faces of Pyne”:</p>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/35418/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
While 2013 was all about schools and their funding (remember Gonski, anyone?), 2014 was the year of higher education reform. Or, at least, proposed higher education “reform”. With cuts to higher education…Alexandra Hansen, Deputy Editor and Chief of Staff, The Conversation AUNZLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/215992013-12-29T20:14:37Z2013-12-29T20:14:37Z2013, the year that was: Arts + Culture<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/38319/original/bfmdkjbs-1387489485.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Yeah – we're stoked. </span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">stoofstraat</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>It’s not been a long year for arts and culture – at least, not on The Conversation. We launched the section on October 28, sneaking in at the end of festival season like someone who sneaks in at the end of a festival (season). If you’re coming to this story through social media <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/arts">check out the look and feel of what we’re doing</a>.</p>
<p>Lou Reed, alas, ended as we began, affording us about three seconds of jittery post-launch calm before we <a href="https://theconversation.com/search?q=lou+reed">published reactions</a> to the singer’s death. </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/38089/original/j959mdkj-1387328556.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/38089/original/j959mdkj-1387328556.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/38089/original/j959mdkj-1387328556.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=388&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38089/original/j959mdkj-1387328556.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=388&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38089/original/j959mdkj-1387328556.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=388&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38089/original/j959mdkj-1387328556.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=488&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38089/original/j959mdkj-1387328556.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=488&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38089/original/j959mdkj-1387328556.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=488&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Mick Tsikas / AAP</span></span>
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<p>Quick responses matter, we think. If something breaks we want to be on it – not next week, but now. Which is not to say we don’t like more considered think pieces, <a href="https://theconversation.com/paola-antonelli-interview-design-has-been-misconstrued-as-decoration-21148">interviews</a> and essays. </p>
<p>Our <a href="https://theconversation.com/topics/arts-culture-foundation-essay">foundation essays</a> set something of a tone for the nascent section – their authors looked at big issues around <a href="https://theconversation.com/does-australia-get-culture-18327">culture</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/dont-stop-believing-religion-has-a-place-in-australias-future-18749">faith</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/youve-got-7-billion-so-how-will-you-fund-the-arts-18839">arts funding</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-indigenous-australia-in-2013-18951">Indigenous Australia</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/building-a-nation-the-state-of-play-in-australian-architecture-19308">architecture</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/global-shift-australian-fashions-coming-of-age-19237">fashion</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-book-in-the-digital-age-19071">books</a> and the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-creative-economy-could-fuel-australias-next-boom-19108">creative industries</a>. </p>
<p>(And in case you’re wondering what creative industries are – or have issues with the term – <a href="https://theconversation.com/go-on-then-what-are-the-creative-industries-18958">you should read this</a>.) </p>
<figure class="align-left zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/38099/original/4dr35vmw-1387329038.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/38099/original/4dr35vmw-1387329038.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/38099/original/4dr35vmw-1387329038.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=471&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38099/original/4dr35vmw-1387329038.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=471&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38099/original/4dr35vmw-1387329038.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=471&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38099/original/4dr35vmw-1387329038.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=591&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38099/original/4dr35vmw-1387329038.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=591&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38099/original/4dr35vmw-1387329038.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=591&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Matthew Hutchinson</span></span>
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<p>We launched with a number of (fantastic) columnists, covering (deep breath): <a href="https://theconversation.com/columns/elizabeth-dori-tunstall-105620">design anthropology</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/columns/michelle-smith-128">TV</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/columns/sean-cubitt-105606">cinema</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/columns/zoe-sadokierski-62627">book design</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/columns/peter-sherlock-1803">religion</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/columns/jason-potts-105412">economics</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/columns/adrian-north-64734">music</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/columns/jason-potts-105412">fashion</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/columns/brendan-keogh-8315">videogames</a>. </p>
<p>If you haven’t had a chance to read them yet, do so – they’re great. </p>
<p>We fell into Germanic raptures during <a href="https://theconversation.com/topics/richard-wagner">our coverage</a> relating to the <a href="https://theconversation.com/topics/richard-wagner">Melbourne Ring Cycle</a>. We sang loud and proud, asking:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://theconversation.com/should-we-fund-wagner-operas-or-statues-of-kyle-sandilands-19520">why should we fund such an epic work?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://theconversation.com/why-we-must-keep-talking-about-wagner-and-antisemitism-19717">why should we discuss Wagner’s antisemitism?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://theconversation.com/the-melbourne-ring-cycle-is-a-once-in-a-century-celebration-19519">why was The Ring performed in Melbourne 100 years ago?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://theconversation.com/wagners-ring-cycle-works-people-up-but-why-19485">why does Wagner annoy people?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-wagners-ring-cycle-der-ring-des-nibelungen-20475">what is The Ring Cycle?</a></li>
</ul>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/38101/original/b36486m6-1387329824.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/38101/original/b36486m6-1387329824.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/38101/original/b36486m6-1387329824.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38101/original/b36486m6-1387329824.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38101/original/b36486m6-1387329824.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38101/original/b36486m6-1387329824.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38101/original/b36486m6-1387329824.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38101/original/b36486m6-1387329824.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The Valkyries in Opera Australia’s Ring Cycle aren’t the only ones to feel emotional.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Jeff Busby </span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We’ve run reviews – among them of <a href="https://theconversation.com/melbourne-now-the-art-of-the-contemporary-city-20852">Melbourne Now</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/review-sydneys-newest-godot-is-a-bold-and-ambitious-success-19904">Waiting for Godot</a> and the <a href="https://theconversation.com/review-yirrkala-drawings-bring-luminous-revelations-21498">Yirrkala Drawings</a> – and hope to build on this in the new year. The idea is to have reviews/previews that offer more than opinion, that engage thematically or contextually with the work at hand, that offer a perspective or point of expertise readers wouldn’t expect to get anywhere else. </p>
<p>Does that sound appealing? Are you an academic working in the arts or humanities? <a href="mailto:paul.dalgarno@theconversation.edu.au">Get in touch</a> and ask us questions – we’d love to have you on board.</p>
<p>Philosophy has been very much in our thoughts – ranging from the ethical issues around ownership of <a href="https://theconversation.com/art-seized-by-the-nazis-should-go-to-holocaust-victims-families-20638">Nazi-confiscated art</a> to an imaginary tête-à-tête between <a href="https://theconversation.com/when-tony-abbott-met-socrates-20360">Socrates and Tony Abbott</a>. Philosophers, come forth – this is your home too. </p>
<p>Fashion’s been integral to our coverage, in <a href="https://theconversation.com/goodbye-australiana-hello-world-the-new-qantas-uniforms-21310">the air</a>, on <a href="https://theconversation.com/global-shift-australian-fashions-coming-of-age-19237">the streets</a>, in <a href="https://theconversation.com/fashion-cuts-a-dash-in-australian-galleries-but-is-it-art-19880">our museums</a>.</p>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/38102/original/2vqq98bc-1387330285.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/38102/original/2vqq98bc-1387330285.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/38102/original/2vqq98bc-1387330285.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=410&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38102/original/2vqq98bc-1387330285.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=410&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38102/original/2vqq98bc-1387330285.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=410&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38102/original/2vqq98bc-1387330285.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=515&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38102/original/2vqq98bc-1387330285.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=515&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38102/original/2vqq98bc-1387330285.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=515&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Any resemblance to actual people – living or dead – is coincidental.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Troy/jacqueline poggi</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>When not considering issues around <a href="https://theconversation.com/give-hoot-the-boot-lets-not-downsize-abcs-kids-offering-20696">children’s TV</a>, including <a href="https://theconversation.com/childrens-tv-is-political-even-peppa-pig-21495">Peppa the Communist Pig</a>, we’ve taken a side glance at <a href="https://theconversation.com/sydneys-intercultural-film-festival-is-new-and-brave-but-can-it-work-19893">film festivals</a>, the <a href="https://theconversation.com/gravity-lends-weight-to-cinema-and-always-has-19157">concept of gravity</a>, and the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-horror-at-the-heart-of-australian-cinema-19812">horror at the heart</a> of Australian cinema. </p>
<p>Naturally, we’ve looked at books – <a href="https://theconversation.com/tales-of-mystery-and-the-mundane-childrens-books-in-2013-20695">children’s</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/out-of-the-big-smoke-crime-fiction-in-2013-21512">crime</a> among them, as well as <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-book-in-the-digital-age-19071">the new</a> world of <a href="https://theconversation.com/when-books-go-digital-the-kills-and-the-future-of-the-novel-20098">enhanced books</a> – and have marked the passing of certain luminaries, such as <a href="https://theconversation.com/doris-lessing-was-a-radical-in-the-truest-sense-20425">Doris Lessing</a>. </p>
<p>We’d like to do a lot more around literature, books and reading. If that’s your bag, or intersects with your bag, we’d love to hear from you. </p>
<figure class="align-left zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/38104/original/fg842jb2-1387333178.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/38104/original/fg842jb2-1387333178.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/38104/original/fg842jb2-1387333178.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38104/original/fg842jb2-1387333178.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38104/original/fg842jb2-1387333178.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38104/original/fg842jb2-1387333178.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38104/original/fg842jb2-1387333178.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38104/original/fg842jb2-1387333178.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Language isn’t meant to be uniform.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">erin m</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The same goes for those working in and with language. We’ve published standout articles on <a href="https://theconversation.com/keatings-redfern-speech-is-still-worth-fighting-over-21118">Paul Keating’s Redfern Speech</a>, and whether to use the <a href="https://theconversation.com/its-time-to-recognize-and-internalize-the-us-suffix-ize-19828">“ize” or “ise” ending</a> – and would like to keep moving in that direction. </p>
<p>Likewise with history, especially – but not exclusively – Australian. We now know <a href="https://theconversation.com/australians-might-speak-dutch-if-not-for-strong-emotions-20080">why Australians don’t speak Dutch</a>, about <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-other-australia-day-november-11-throughout-history-19891">the “other” Australia Days</a>, and plans to mark the <a href="https://theconversation.com/brand-anzac-a-historic-past-or-mythic-present-19821">100-year Anzac anniversary</a>. What else do we need to know? I’m guessing plenty. </p>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/38320/original/m7hzqbkf-1387489878.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/38320/original/m7hzqbkf-1387489878.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/38320/original/m7hzqbkf-1387489878.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=428&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38320/original/m7hzqbkf-1387489878.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=428&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38320/original/m7hzqbkf-1387489878.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=428&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38320/original/m7hzqbkf-1387489878.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=538&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38320/original/m7hzqbkf-1387489878.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=538&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/38320/original/m7hzqbkf-1387489878.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=538&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">NGV</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Issues around gender and sexuality – <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-trouble-with-gay-marriage-19196">gay marriage</a>, the recent <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-playing-trans-people-for-laughs-at-tropfest-is-lame-21311">Tropfest winner</a>, the debate on the <a href="https://theconversation.com/buying-sex-should-be-banned-in-australia-21079">Nordic model</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/strong-diverse-and-controversial-queer-film-in-2013-21162">queer films of 2013</a> – have been, and will continue to be, a feature of our coverage. </p>
<p>What does 2014 hold? </p>
<p>Visual arts, design, fashion, performing arts, literature, language, philosophy, architecture, history, faith, sexuality, gender, music, innovation, music, new media, funding, policy, Indigenous Australia, cinema, TV … and plenty more. </p>
<p>Our intention is to showcase good writing, strong ideas and great visuals, and to encourage deeper and more fulfilling discussions. What would you like to see? <a href="mailto:paul.dalgarno@theconversation.edu.au">Let us know</a>. Are we doing things right/wrong? <a href="mailto:paul.dalgarno@theconversation.edu.au">Let us know</a>. Do you have a good tip for an article or review? <a href="mailto:paul.dalgarno@theconversation.edu.au">Let us know</a>. Would you like to write for us? <a href="mailto:paul.dalgarno@theconversation.edu.au">Let us know</a>. Publish photographs or artwork with us? <a href="mailto:paul.dalgarno@theconversation.edu.au">Let us know</a>. Provide video? <a href="mailto:paul.dalgarno@theconversation.edu.au">Let us know</a>. </p>
<p>Or maybe you’d like to republish some of the content above, or in the future, free of charge, with our blessing? You can do that too – <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/republishing_guidelines">the guidelines are here</a>. Seriously, take it – but credit the work that’s gone into it. </p>
<p>I’m really proud of what we’ve done, but I also think the best is yet to come. As a couple of beatnik woodworkers <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__VQX2Xn7tI">once said</a>, we’ve only just begun …</p>
<p><br>
<br></p>
<p><strong>Top ten Arts + Culture stories by readership in 2013.</strong></p>
<p>• <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-trouble-with-gay-marriage-19196">The trouble with gay marriage</a>, by Annamarie Jagose at University of Sydney.</p>
<p>• <a href="https://theconversation.com/when-tony-abbott-met-socrates-20360">When Tony Abbott met Socrates</a>, by Graham Priest at University of Melbourne.</p>
<p>• <a href="https://theconversation.com/beyond-words-how-fonts-make-us-feel-18562">Beyond words: how fonts make us feel</a>, by Louise McWhinnie at University of Technology, Sydney.</p>
<p>• <a href="https://theconversation.com/does-australia-get-culture-18327">Does Australia get culture?</a> by Julian Meyrick at Flinders University.</p>
<p>• <a href="https://theconversation.com/stop-demonising-mcmansions-19887">Stop demonising McMansions</a>, by Steve King at University of New South Wales.</p>
<p>• <a href="https://theconversation.com/google-books-wins-fair-use-but-australian-copyright-lags-20351">Google Books wins ‘fair use’ but Australian copyright lags</a>, by Nicolas Suzor at Queensland University of Technology.</p>
<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/schoolies-toolies-and-foolies-in-the-market-for-a-rite-of-passage-20566">• Schoolies, toolies and foolies – in the market for a rite of passage</a>, by Andrew Hughes at Australian National University.</p>
<p>• <a href="https://theconversation.com/cultural-cringe-and-jamie-private-school-girl-20796">Cultural cringe and Ja’mie, Private School Girl</a>, by Michelle Smith at Deakin University.</p>
<p>• <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-australians-who-created-the-sonic-world-of-doctor-who-20096">The Australians who created the sonic world of Doctor Who</a>, by Liz Giuffre at Macquarie University.</p>
<p>• <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-book-in-the-digital-age-19071">What is a book in the digital age?</a> by Zoe Sadokierski at University of Technology, Sydney.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/21599/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
It’s not been a long year for arts and culture – at least, not on The Conversation. We launched the section on October 28, sneaking in at the end of festival season like someone who sneaks in at the end…Paul Dalgarno, EditorLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/47902011-12-29T19:21:45Z2011-12-29T19:21:45Z2011, the year that was: Science & Technology<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/6541/original/ryjb99x8-1324262038.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C2391%2C1573&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Time goes marching on, and we all get more jaded and cynical. I mean: hooray!</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">CyberCraft Robots</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>And so in March we <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QCIkh6pdiY">pushed the button</a> and away we went. Back then the big stories were:</p>
<p>Artificial intelligence, what with Watson, IBM’s supercomputer, taking on challengers in the US TV show Jeapordy. This led <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/toby-walsh-51">Toby Walsh</a> of NICTA to ask: <a href="https://theconversation.com/have-computers-finally-eclipsed-their-creators-10">Have computers finally eclipsed their creators?</a></p>
<figure class="align-right ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/68/original/robot.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/68/original/robot.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=360&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/68/original/robot.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=360&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/68/original/robot.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=360&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/68/original/robot.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=453&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/68/original/robot.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=453&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/68/original/robot.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=453&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">AAP</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Meanwhile nobel laureate <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-c-doherty-169">Peter C. Doherty</a> pondered <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-better-formula-for-science-communication-222">A better formula for science communication</a>; and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/george-dracoulis-250">George Dracoulis</a>, post-Fukushima, suggested: <a href="https://theconversation.com/nuclear-will-survive-because-it-has-to-344">Nuclear will survive, because it has to</a>. </p>
<p>Themes emerged throughout the year, as did great new voices. </p>
<p>Among these were <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rod-lamberts-60">Rod Lamberts</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/will-j-grant-623">Will Grant</a> – a formiddable, ANU-based tag-team, bringing righteous and riotous indignation to articles such as <a href="https://theconversation.com/gentlemens-rules-are-out-scientists-its-time-to-unleash-the-beast-729">Gentlemen’s rules are out, scientists: it’s time to unleash the beast</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/dont-preach-to-the-converted-on-carbon-tax-its-the-money-vote-that-matters-1472">Don’t preach to the converted on carbon tax: it’s the money vote that matters</a>.</p>
<figure class="align-left ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/416/original/flickr_image_2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=4%2C6%2C440%2C364&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/416/original/flickr_image_2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=813&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/416/original/flickr_image_2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=813&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/416/original/flickr_image_2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=813&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/416/original/flickr_image_2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1021&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/416/original/flickr_image_2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1021&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/416/original/flickr_image_2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1021&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Ion Chibzii</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>On a cosmic plane, we had University of Sydney’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/geraint-lewis-1876">Geraint Lewis</a> drawing us in, and making us feel wonderfully insignificant, with articles including <a href="https://theconversation.com/they-might-be-giants-a-mind-blowing-sense-of-stellar-scale-2153">They might be giants: a mind-blowing sense of stellar scale</a>.</p>
<p>Myself and deputy Sci-tech editor Matt de Neef realised pretty quickly that science and technology could be brought to bear on many issues, providing we had a suitable angle – and headline. </p>
<p>This revelation led to pieces such as <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/david-rouffet-2785">David Rouffet</a>’s excellent <a href="https://theconversation.com/cadel-evans-and-other-machines-the-science-of-the-tour-de-france-time-trial-2471">Cadel Evans and other machines: the science of the Tour de France time trial</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kevin-ball-1253">Kevin “I have the coolest job in the world” Ball</a>’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/centimetre-perfect-a-quest-for-flawless-goalkicking-in-the-afl-902">Centimetre-perfect: a quest for flawless goalkicking in the AFL</a>.</p>
<figure class="align-right ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/2436/original/AFP_PHOTO_PASCAL_PAVANI.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/2436/original/AFP_PHOTO_PASCAL_PAVANI.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/2436/original/AFP_PHOTO_PASCAL_PAVANI.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/2436/original/AFP_PHOTO_PASCAL_PAVANI.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/2436/original/AFP_PHOTO_PASCAL_PAVANI.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/2436/original/AFP_PHOTO_PASCAL_PAVANI.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/2436/original/AFP_PHOTO_PASCAL_PAVANI.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">AFP/Pascal Pavani</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Sex sells, of course. Evolution is full of it, and the following performed particularly well: </p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://theconversation.com/sex-why-do-we-bother-135">Sex: why do we bother?</a> by <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mark-elgar-131">Mark Elgar</a></li>
<li><a>Female orgasm: why O why?</a> By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brendan-zietsch-536">Brendan Zietsch</a></li>
<li><a href="Sex%20with%20our%20evolutionary%20cousins?%20What%E2%80%99s%20not%20to%20love?">Sex with our evolutionary cousins? What’s not to love?</a> by <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/darren-curnoe-2101">Darren Curnoe</a></li>
<li><a href="https://theconversation.com/seen-one-seen-them-all-more-to-genitalia-than-meets-the-eye-2046">Seen one seen them all? More to genitalia than meets the eye</a> by <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/leigh-simmons-827">Leigh Simmons</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paco-garcia-gonzalez-591">Paco Garcia-Gonzalez</a></li>
<li><a href="https://theconversation.com/time-trial-is-premature-ejaculation-really-a-medical-condition-2722">Time trial: is premature ejaculation really a medical condition?</a> by <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/patrick-jern-3595">Patrick Jern</a></li>
</ul>
<figure class="align-left ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/2098/original/Ozchin.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/2098/original/Ozchin.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/2098/original/Ozchin.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/2098/original/Ozchin.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/2098/original/Ozchin.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/2098/original/Ozchin.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/2098/original/Ozchin.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Ozchin</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This flurry of hot-collared copy climaxed in me being renamed by Andrew Jaspan, our commando in chief, as Sex and Technology editor. I took this as a warning sign, training my attention instead on ornithology articles, such as <a href="https://theconversation.com/great-tits-give-insight-into-personality-4514">Great Tits give insight into personality</a> by Macquarie University’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/simon-griffith-2555">Simon Griffith</a> – a beautiful piece of writing that showed stories can do very well without resorting to crude innuendo in the headline.</p>
<figure class="align-right ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/6061/original/61b3ee79e9ca286e-1322712951.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/6061/original/61b3ee79e9ca286e-1322712951.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/6061/original/61b3ee79e9ca286e-1322712951.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/6061/original/61b3ee79e9ca286e-1322712951.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/6061/original/61b3ee79e9ca286e-1322712951.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/6061/original/61b3ee79e9ca286e-1322712951.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/6061/original/61b3ee79e9ca286e-1322712951.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">simondbarnes</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We had our fair share of drugs in 2011, notably <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/olivia-carter-4808">Olivia Carter</a>’s fabulous <a href="https://theconversation.com/drugs-to-enhance-us-will-enchant-us-especially-if-there-are-no-side-effects-3790">Drugs to enhance us will enchant us … especially if there are no side effects</a> and a terrific Hunter-S-Thompson-esque article by <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/iain-s-mcgregor-2938">Iain S. McGregor</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/craig-motbey-3065">Craig Motbey</a>: <a href="https://theconversation.com/meow-hear-this-mephedrone-is-a-curious-khat-2164">Meow hear this: mephedrone is a curious khat</a>.</p>
<p>In the first (and only) piece in what was to be a series called Things to do in Australia when you’re dead, <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/chris-briggs-1905">Chris Briggs</a> gave us some answers to a fairly pertinent question: <a href="https://theconversation.com/you-donate-your-body-to-science-you-die-what-happens-next-1481">You donate your body to science, you die … what happens next?</a></p>
<figure class="align-left ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/1428/original/Stacie_Bee.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/1428/original/Stacie_Bee.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=600&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/1428/original/Stacie_Bee.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=600&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/1428/original/Stacie_Bee.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=600&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/1428/original/Stacie_Bee.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=754&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/1428/original/Stacie_Bee.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=754&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/1428/original/Stacie_Bee.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=754&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Stacie Bee</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Continuing this post-mortem trip, we had a stomach-churningly entertaining piece by UWA’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ian-dadour-1238">Ian Dadour</a>: <a href="https://theconversation.com/forensic-entomology-the-time-of-death-is-everything-2037">Forensic entomology: the time of death is everything</a>. </p>
<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matthew-bailes-4276">Matthew Bailes</a>’s article <a href="https://theconversation.com/diamond-planets-climate-change-and-the-scientific-method-3329">Diamond planets, climate change and the scientific method</a> went gangbusters in September. The theme – how astronomers get an easier ride in the press than climate scientists, particularly when the discovery in question is a “diamond planet” – struck a big chord. </p>
<p>Matthew pointed out, with great eloquence, how the media had fallen over themselves to cover – often unquestioningly – the findings his team <a href="http://www.sciencemag.org/content/early/2011/08/19/science.1208890.abstract">had reported in Science</a> a month earlier, with ever-more extravagant, diamond-encrusted headlines. </p>
<figure class="align-right ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/3162/original/aapone-20080211000077864970-us-grammys-show-beyonce-original.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=15%2C345%2C2236%2C1702&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/3162/original/aapone-20080211000077864970-us-grammys-show-beyonce-original.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=805&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/3162/original/aapone-20080211000077864970-us-grammys-show-beyonce-original.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=805&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/3162/original/aapone-20080211000077864970-us-grammys-show-beyonce-original.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=805&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/3162/original/aapone-20080211000077864970-us-grammys-show-beyonce-original.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1012&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/3162/original/aapone-20080211000077864970-us-grammys-show-beyonce-original.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1012&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/3162/original/aapone-20080211000077864970-us-grammys-show-beyonce-original.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1012&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Robyn Beck/ADP</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As an editor, it was good to know our own coverage of the diamond planet story, by <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/duncan-galloway-3960">Duncan Galloway</a> of Monash, had been restrained, with a photograph of Beyoncé doing the grind, and the headline: <a href="https://theconversation.com/diamond-planet-found-if-you-like-it-then-you-should-have-put-a-ring-on-it-3069">Diamond planet found (if you like it then you should have put a ring on it</a>).</p>
<p>As well as some ace “explainer” articles, such as <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jonathan-carroll-877">Jonathan Carroll</a>’s hugely successful <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-einsteins-theory-of-general-relativity-3481">Explainer: Einstein’s theory of general relativity</a>, we ran popular In Conversation articles with Chief Scientist of Australia <a href="https://theconversation.com/ian-chubb-this-is-not-the-office-of-the-chief-climate-change-scientist-1982">Ian Chubb</a> and NASA astronaut <a href="https://theconversation.com/nasa-astronaut-greg-chamitoff-disneyland-rides-are-much-worse-than-the-shuttle-launch-2624">Greg Chamitoff</a> – the latter of which featured our first in-house podcast. </p>
<p>Big hitters came out swinging for our <a href="https://theconversation.com/topics/the-state-of-science">The State of Science</a> series – curated with much graft, tears and aplomb by temporary (lest we forget) sci-tech deputy Megan Clement.</p>
<figure class="align-left ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/5252/original/3447971905_27bd029344_z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C619%2C640&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/5252/original/3447971905_27bd029344_z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=620&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/5252/original/3447971905_27bd029344_z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=620&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/5252/original/3447971905_27bd029344_z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=620&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/5252/original/3447971905_27bd029344_z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=780&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/5252/original/3447971905_27bd029344_z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=780&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/5252/original/3447971905_27bd029344_z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=780&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Beni Ishaque Luthor</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>On the tech front, RMIT’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mark-gregory-619">Mark Gregory</a> told us <a href="https://theconversation.com/youve-got-mail-how-to-stop-spam-and-reduce-cyber-crime-2029">how to stop spam and reduce cyber crime</a>, and asked: <a href="https://theconversation.com/are-australian-international-roaming-charges-the-greatest-rip-off-in-history-4340">Are Australian international roaming charges the greatest rip-off in history?</a>. (We’re pretty sure the answer is: yes).</p>
<p>UWA’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/david-glance-148">David Glance</a> built a dedicated following with considered articles covering everything from <a href="https://theconversation.com/10-reasons-why-google-will-never-be-facebook-2073">10 reasons why Google+ will never be Facebook</a> to <a href="https://theconversation.com/anonymous-versus-los-zetas-drug-cartel-a-merry-mexican-dance-4183">Anonymous versus Los Zetas drug cartel</a> to <a href="https://theconversation.com/qantasluxury-a-qantas-social-media-disaster-in-pyjamas-4421">#QantasLuxury: a Qantas social media disaster in pyjamas</a>.</p>
<p>He was also the fist Conversation author to be <a href="http://slashdot.org/">Slashdotted</a> (don’t worry, that’s a good thing!).</p>
<figure class="align-right ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/4168/original/Jobby.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/4168/original/Jobby.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=425&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/4168/original/Jobby.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=425&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/4168/original/Jobby.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=425&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/4168/original/Jobby.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=534&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/4168/original/Jobby.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=534&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/4168/original/Jobby.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=534&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Apple</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Not surprisingly, the passing of Apple CEO Steve Jobs in October elicited many moving tributes from our authors in <a href="https://theconversation.com/rip-steve-jobs-the-ceo-we-felt-we-knew-3733">Steve Jobs: the CEO we felt we knew</a>.</p>
<p>Performing some much needed triage in the bloody Tablet/Patent Wars, we had <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/srikumar-venugopal-1608">Srikumar Venugopal</a> – <a href="https://theconversation.com/google-buys-motorola-mobility-to-bruise-apple-must-be-the-patent-wars-2879">Google buys Motorola Mobility to bruise Apple? Must be the patent wars</a> – and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bruce-arnold-1408">Bruce Arnold</a>: <a href="https://theconversation.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-an-early-christmas-present-for-consumers-but-still-not-crunch-time-for-apple-4543">Samsung Galaxy Tab – an early Christmas present for consumers</a>.</p>
<figure class="align-left ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/6437/original/j7z754vc-1323833883.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/6437/original/j7z754vc-1323833883.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/6437/original/j7z754vc-1323833883.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/6437/original/j7z754vc-1323833883.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/6437/original/j7z754vc-1323833883.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/6437/original/j7z754vc-1323833883.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/6437/original/j7z754vc-1323833883.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">reway2007</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michael-fry-107">Michael Fry</a> told us everything we needed to know about <a href="https://theconversation.com/zombie-computers-cyber-security-phishing-what-you-need-to-know-1671">Zombie computers, cyber security and phishing</a>, while Melbourne University’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/daniel-golding-2564">Daniel Golding</a> explored the changing face of videogames and videogaming with <a href="https://theconversation.com/gamers-tag-is-a-poor-fit-whichever-way-you-foldit-3519">‘Gamers’ tag is a poor fit, whichever way you Foldit</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/caught-in-the-red-cross-hairs-gamers-and-the-geneva-convention-4748">Caught in the Red Cross-hairs: gamers and the Geneva Convention</a>. </p>
<p>The ever-changing tea leaves of social media were interpreted deftly by UQ’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sean-rintel-1456">Sean Rintel</a>, who also shone light on the anarchic world of crisis memes with <a href="https://theconversation.com/obama-norway-killings-london-riots-you-can-has-a-meme-for-that-2328">Obama? Norway killings? London riots? You can has a meme for that …</a>.</p>
<figure class="align-right ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/2927/original/Screen_shot_2011-08-15_at_2.02.22_PM.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/2927/original/Screen_shot_2011-08-15_at_2.02.22_PM.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=451&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/2927/original/Screen_shot_2011-08-15_at_2.02.22_PM.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=451&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/2927/original/Screen_shot_2011-08-15_at_2.02.22_PM.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=451&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/2927/original/Screen_shot_2011-08-15_at_2.02.22_PM.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=567&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/2927/original/Screen_shot_2011-08-15_at_2.02.22_PM.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=567&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/2927/original/Screen_shot_2011-08-15_at_2.02.22_PM.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=567&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Paul Dalgarno & Matt de Neef</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>I’m glad to say it’s rarely felt anarchic at Conversation HQ, and the crises have been – for the most part – manageable. Here’s to more new voices, and more great ideas, in the new year.</p>
<h2>On the horizon</h2>
<p>I’m hoping 2012 sees the discovery of the <a href="https://theconversation.com/topics/higgs-boson">Higgs boson</a> at the Large Hadron Collider. The news released by CERN operatives of late – that the elusive particle, predicted to exist by the <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-standard-model-of-particle-physics-2539">Standard Model of Particle Physics</a>, has “almost” been found – was both tantalising and, erm, a bit confusing. I hope someone finds it – it would really tie the universe together. </p>
<p>At some point early in the year, I hope to hear that Australia has won its bid to build and host the <a href="https://theconversation.com/hip-hip-hooray-for-the-aussie-square-kilometre-array-514">Square Kilometre Array telescope</a> in Boolardy, Western Australia. The project’s aim – to provide answers to fundamental questions about the origin and evolution of the universe – is worthy; its scope – thousands of small antennas collecting truly mind-boggling torrents of data – is, for want of a better phrase, out of this world. </p>
<p>I’ve got a feeling The Conversation will be looking at the future more than once in the new year, what with the series that’s been commissioned on futurism. We won’t just be guessing about what’s going to happen, but employing all sorts of cutting-edge tools to give realistic predictions for worst- and best-case scenarios. </p>
<p>I’ve also got a feeling the London Olympics will insinuate themselves in the Science and Technology section. Wherever there are elite athletes, ripped to within an inch of their lives, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/high-end-bikes-for-sale-but-what-are-you-really-buying-3502">technology that makes the recreational sports enthusiast cry in self-hating despair</a>, we’ll be there, boldly doing what we do, going for gold.</p>
<p>Incidentally, I remember reading earlier this year about a chap in New Zealand who was about to launch the world’s first ever commercial jetpack, firstly to the military, who would deploy (flaming) flying doctors to the frontline in battles, no doubt lulling the open-mouthed enemy into a stupor of childhood wonder.</p>
<p>I have a personal interest in those jetpacks. I want one. I hope to see them in Bunnings some time soon. </p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/4790/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
And so in March we pushed the button and away we went. Back then the big stories were: Artificial intelligence, what with Watson, IBM’s supercomputer, taking on challengers in the US TV show Jeapordy…Paul Dalgarno, EditorLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/47282011-12-28T20:49:55Z2011-12-28T20:49:55Z2011, the year that was: Energy & Environment<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/6566/original/7g9c4vfb-1324274597.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption"></span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Vattenfall</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>2011 was the year everyone suddenly developed an opinion on the environment, because all of a sudden the environment was out to take their air-conditioner, their TV, their right to a comfortable suburban life, and their trip to <a href="https://theconversation.com/rainbow-toad-reappears-after-87-years-2359">Borneo</a> to see the environment. The <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-australias-carbon-price-mechanism-in-six-dot-points-4230">Great Big New Tax</a> (which <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/david-pannell-223">David Pannell</a> explained is not actually a tax but a <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-the-difference-between-a-carbon-tax-and-an-ets-1679">fixed-price emissions trading scheme</a>) took the environment from “that thing out there that Sting used to <a href="http://scp.photoshelter.com/image?&_bqG=0&_bqH=eJwz8U1MiY8McAzOyAvNdI4KqcyKyA53zLc0sCy3MrQyNDAAYSDpGe8S7GwLZBubmhuqFZcm5WaW2Lr7a6sau6qB5eId_VxsS9TiHZ1DbItTE4uSM4DiocGuQfGeLrahIDOikov0ArNC0o1DTNQKCtJBhgEAOKwk7Q--&GI_ID=">bang on about</a>” to a threat to our very way of life. It was no wonder people wished the whole climate change thing wasn’t happening (in fact, <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ben-newell-46">Ben Newell</a> looked at why people have trouble <a href="https://theconversation.com/climate-change-personal-experience-and-the-vagaries-of-memory-2396">dealing with the concept</a>).</p>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/1869/original/aapone-20081127000133121559-germany_greenpeace-original.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/1869/original/aapone-20081127000133121559-germany_greenpeace-original.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/1869/original/aapone-20081127000133121559-germany_greenpeace-original.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/1869/original/aapone-20081127000133121559-germany_greenpeace-original.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/1869/original/aapone-20081127000133121559-germany_greenpeace-original.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/1869/original/aapone-20081127000133121559-germany_greenpeace-original.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/1869/original/aapone-20081127000133121559-germany_greenpeace-original.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="attribution"><span class="source">AAP</span></span>
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<p>But unfortunately, as <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/karl-braganza-1945">Karl Braganza</a> so compellingly showed, <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-greenhouse-effect-is-real-heres-why-1515">climate change is happening</a>. This was a year where <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michael-raupach-5876">Michael Raupach</a> revealed emissions are rising <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-emissions-juggernaut-rolls-on-and-everybody-is-on-board-4565">faster than ever</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/roger-dargaville-1832">Roger Dargaville</a> explained why the chance to stop warming at 2 degrees <a href="https://theconversation.com/international-energy-agency-warns-weve-nearly-lost-our-chance-to-limit-warming-4255">has slipped away</a>; and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-christoff-2050">Peter Christoff</a> pointed out even a gathering of <a href="https://theconversation.com/after-durban-is-an-agreement-to-agree-better-than-no-agreement-at-all-4682">thousands of bureaucrats</a> (even that!) can’t save us from ourselves. You’d be forgiven for deciding it’s time to <a href="https://theconversation.com/beyond-two-degrees-celsius-sulphur-wont-save-us-for-long-1885">give up</a>. But here at The Conversation we’ve <a href="https://theconversation.com/stop-worrying-about-the-environment-it-isnt-helping-172">bravely soldiered on</a> (thanks to some good advice from <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/megan-bissing-olson-147">Megan Bissing-Olson</a>), providing megatonnes of coverage of climate science and climate policy.</p>
<figure class="align-right ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/6120/original/d17d525c7866cac8-1323041090.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/6120/original/d17d525c7866cac8-1323041090.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=441&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/6120/original/d17d525c7866cac8-1323041090.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=441&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/6120/original/d17d525c7866cac8-1323041090.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=441&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/6120/original/d17d525c7866cac8-1323041090.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=554&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/6120/original/d17d525c7866cac8-1323041090.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=554&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/6120/original/d17d525c7866cac8-1323041090.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=554&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
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<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Joost J Bakker IJmuiden</span></span>
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<p>Were you tempted to listen to those seductive voices telling you climate change is actually a Communist plot to destroy the economy and keep scientists in the <a href="http://www.indeed.com/salary/Environmental-Scientist.html">luxurious lifestyle</a> they’ve become so disgustingly used to? With a lot of help from <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stephan-lewandowsky-685">Stephan Lewandowsky</a>, we brought you a (rather shockingly well-read) series on why climate denial happens and <a href="https://theconversation.com/clearing-up-the-climate-debate-2078">what’s really going on in the climate debate</a>. We also lifted the slightly grotty lid on <a href="https://theconversation.com/topics/selling-climate-uncertainty">media coverage of climate change</a> and asked, “climate denial: what’s in it for the journos?” We must have done something right, because these series were picked up by papers in <a href="http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/14/an-effort-to-clarify-the-climate-conversation/">New York</a> and <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/sep/01/australia-climate-scientists?INTCMP=SRCH">London</a>.</p>
<figure class="align-left ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/1756/original/gillard_carbon_AAP.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/1756/original/gillard_carbon_AAP.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=371&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/1756/original/gillard_carbon_AAP.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=371&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/1756/original/gillard_carbon_AAP.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=371&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/1756/original/gillard_carbon_AAP.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=466&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/1756/original/gillard_carbon_AAP.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=466&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/1756/original/gillard_carbon_AAP.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=466&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">AAP</span></span>
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<p>Of course, it’s not just academics who think climate change is a real thing. Even some politicians have decided it’s time to pay attention to science, and we talked with <a href="https://theconversation.com/will-steffen-phoney-debate-is-over-now-for-the-carbon-policy-2015">Will Steffen</a> about how scientists and policy makers work together. Thanks to the <a href="https://theconversation.com/barry-jones-in-climate-change-everything-old-is-new-again-1914">unlikely combination of politics and science</a>, 2011 was the year we pulled together a bevy of experts to analyse Australia’s decision to <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-carbon-tax-the-experts-respond-2254">make people pay</a> when they pollute the atmosphere with excess carbon dioxide. Remember when the carbon tax solved the environment problem once and for all? Phew.</p>
<p>It’s easy to forget there is a whole lot more to the environment and to energy than climate change. Climate change has been the big story of the year and probably of at least the last five years. As <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-abraham-2014">John Abraham</a> explained, here’s nothing like a <a href="https://theconversation.com/very-worried-about-escalating-emissions-you-should-be-1601">coming apocalypse</a> to really focus people’s attention. </p>
<figure class="align-right ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/191/original/happy_bins_dunkr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/191/original/happy_bins_dunkr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/191/original/happy_bins_dunkr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/191/original/happy_bins_dunkr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/191/original/happy_bins_dunkr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/191/original/happy_bins_dunkr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/191/original/happy_bins_dunkr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="attribution"><span class="source">dunkr</span></span>
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<p>But meanwhile, thousands of researchers have continued slogging away at their non-climate-change fields, bringing us all kinds of fascinating research and doing their bit to make a difference. This year we’ve looked at whether there are plenty more <a href="https://theconversation.com/tuna-or-not-tuna-the-real-cost-of-taking-a-fish-out-of-water-2825">fish in the sea</a>, why people are <a href="https://theconversation.com/driven-to-despair-in-australias-outer-suburbs-1435">driving less</a>, what to do about <a href="https://theconversation.com/cull-or-be-killed-is-this-really-the-solution-to-stop-shark-attacks-3961">shark attacks</a>, why India <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-do-you-power-a-billion-lives-4596">needs nuclear power</a>, how to feed humans and <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-global-juggling-act-feeding-the-world-saving-species-3284">still protect biodiversity</a>, whether the <a href="https://theconversation.com/saving-the-tasmanian-devil-if-not-by-selective-culling-then-how-3714">Tassie devil can be saved</a>, how to <a href="https://theconversation.com/planning-to-fail-the-worst-of-urban-worlds-1005">cram more people</a> into our cities, why state governments are <a href="https://theconversation.com/will-nsw-renewables-be-blown-off-course-by-victorias-winds-of-change-3128">turning against wind power</a>, whether <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-the-evolution-of-biofuels-3180">biofuels</a> will ever work, Australia’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/bigger-than-cadel-australias-century-old-love-affair-with-cycling-3584">love affair</a> with cycling, putting <a href="https://theconversation.com/could-oil-rigs-be-used-to-protect-the-deep-sea-786">oil rigs</a> to good use, getting <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-ignores-energy-efficiency-burns-money-12">energy efficient</a>, if bats will <a href="https://theconversation.com/culling-bats-isnt-the-way-to-control-hendra-virus-3253">kill us all</a>, the realities of <a href="https://theconversation.com/rhetoric-to-the-south-reality-to-the-north-realigning-the-conflict-over-whaling-4635">stopping whaling</a> and why <a href="https://theconversation.com/getting-public-transport-right-means-less-emphasis-on-rail-45">buses rule</a>. </p>
<figure class="align-left ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/4449/original/devil_aap.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/4449/original/devil_aap.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=404&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/4449/original/devil_aap.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=404&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/4449/original/devil_aap.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=404&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/4449/original/devil_aap.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=508&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/4449/original/devil_aap.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=508&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/4449/original/devil_aap.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=508&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">AAP</span></span>
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<p>And of course in the world of energy, 2011 has been <a href="https://theconversation.com/topics/coal-seam-gas">all coal seam gas</a> all the time, and we’ve brought you the evidence-based opinions of a host of academics, whose CSG work you probably haven’t seen in any other media. As coal seam gas mining took off in Queensland and NSW, trying to stop it brought farmers and environmentalists together. Crusty old blokes who once would have yelled “get a job” at <a href="https://theconversation.com/deal-or-no-deal-reflections-on-tasmanias-forest-agreement-2023">greenie blockaders</a> began D-locking themselves to bulldozers to keep the miners out (and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/samantha-hepburn-5327">Samanthan Hepburn</a> explained why the law says they may as well <a href="https://theconversation.com/not-quite-the-castle-why-miners-have-a-right-to-whats-under-your-land-4176">give up</a>). </p>
<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tina-hunter-1909">Tina Hunter</a> discussed whether CSG is important enough to let it threaten <a href="https://theconversation.com/food-or-fuel-how-will-governments-solve-the-coal-seam-gas-dilemma-2887">agricultural land</a>, while <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bryce-kelly-5308">Bryce Kelly</a> outlined the risk to <a href="https://theconversation.com/csg-conflict-we-know-what-we-dont-know-lets-do-something-about-it-4166">water</a>. </p>
<figure class="align-right ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/5467/original/lock_the_gate_kateausburn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/5467/original/lock_the_gate_kateausburn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/5467/original/lock_the_gate_kateausburn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/5467/original/lock_the_gate_kateausburn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/5467/original/lock_the_gate_kateausburn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/5467/original/lock_the_gate_kateausburn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/5467/original/lock_the_gate_kateausburn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">kateausburn</span></span>
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<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dennis-cooke-59">Dennis Cooke</a> said CSG is a <a href="https://theconversation.com/switching-to-coal-seam-gas-could-drastically-reduce-emissions-so-whats-the-fraccing-problem-16">low-emissions fuel</a> that would help us get off coal. The debate is still far from over: local research on emissions is just kicking off, but <a href="https://theconversation.com/coal-gas-seams-good-until-you-measure-the-methane-4490">Colin Hunt</a> assures us the climate change benefits look <a href="https://theconversation.com/coal-gas-seams-good-until-you-measure-the-methane-4490">far from certain</a>. </p>
<p>For me, though, the most interesting discovery has been how much people care about the treatment of animals. It may have been a surprise to the producers at <a href="https://theconversation.com/live-animal-export-when-others-do-the-killing-for-us-1562">Four Corners</a>, too. Of course, <a href="https://theconversation.com/topics/live-exports">live animal exports</a> was the biggest of these stories, but <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/clive-phillips-2048">Clive Phillips’</a> article on <a href="https://theconversation.com/dont-get-eggs-cited-about-free-range-the-realities-of-poultry-production-3895">how chickens are treated</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/siobhan-osullivan-1648">Siobhan Sullivan’s</a> persuasive argument that racehorses should <a href="https://theconversation.com/bart-cummings-has-never-won-a-melbourne-cup-because-he-hasnt-run-in-one-4093">get a bigger share</a> of Melbourne Cup winnings, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ian-colditz-5659">Ian Colditz’s</a> guide to measuring the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-value-of-an-animals-life-4412">value of an animal’s life</a> have been among our most-read. And while it wasn’t the section’s most popular story, I thought John Hadley’s look at why animals should <a href="https://theconversation.com/want-to-stop-biodiversity-loss-give-animals-property-rights-582">have a legal right</a> to the habitat they live in was one of the more thought-provoking stories we’ve run.</p>
<p>Climate change, CSG, live animal exports and the <a href="https://theconversation.com/topics/murray-darling">Murray-Darling Basin Plan</a> may have been 2011’s biggest energy and environment news stories according to the media. But the Conversation’s readers have different ideas. Our most popular stories for the year? You guessed it: <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ashley-franks-4669">Ashley Franks’</a> how-to on making <a href="https://theconversation.com/mud-power-how-bacteria-can-turn-waste-into-electricity-3677">electricity from mud</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mike-archer-am-5995">Mike Archer’s</a> investigation of how <a href="https://theconversation.com/ordering-the-vegetarian-meal-theres-more-animal-blood-on-your-hands-4659">vegetarians kill more animals than meat eaters</a>.</p>
<h2>On the horizon</h2>
<p>I certainly didn’t predict how interested people would be in bacteria’s ability to make power, so the chances of me successfully predicting 2012’s big stories are less than slim.</p>
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<p>I do know that the Murray-Darling Basin Plan is now open for consultation and that submissions will close in April 2012. We’re hoping to make a bit of a splash with a submission of our own. </p>
<p>The carbon price will come into force on 1 July 2012, so we can expect to see the economy collapse by August and a new ice age set in around October. Funding should begin flowing to more renewable energy projects and to carbon farming and biodiversity initiatives, so we’ll be assessing how much difference the cash can make.</p>
<p>Towards the end of the year the climate parties will once more meet in conference (COP18) to come up with a replacement for the Kyoto Protocol. This time around the meeting is in Qatar, though December’s chilly weather might not provide the object lesson offered by the 50°C maxima of Doha’s sweltering summer. And maybe this time we’ll get to report a massive breakthrough.</p>
<p>Until then, enjoy the holidays by turning off your phone and getting out into nature. </p>
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2011 was the year everyone suddenly developed an opinion on the environment, because all of a sudden the environment was out to take their air-conditioner, their TV, their right to a comfortable suburban…Jane Rawson, Editor, Energy & EnvironmentLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.