The Vice-Chancellor’s Centre of Public Ideas (CoPI) explores how historical analysis can inform and develop the practice of contemporary politics, and restore long-term thinking to policymaking for the national good.
Based in Canberra, Australia’s national capital, and devoted to applied politics and history with a contemporary Australian focus, CoPI recognises the critical role universities play as civil institutions and knowledge-creators, supporting an inclusive and engaged citizenship and well-informed, democratic decision-making.
CoPI works with students, academics, community, government, industry and civil society, providing opportunities for stimulating open debate on the most pressing questions facing Australia and the world.
Melbourne has long been at the forefront of social reform, from campaigns for workers' rights and women's equality to movements addressing poverty, housing, multiculturalism and social justice. This free one-day event brings together leading thinkers, researchers and practitioners to explore how social reform has shaped Melbourne's past, influenced its present, and may help guide its future.
The Salvation Army Melbourne, Level 1/69 Bourke Street
Friday, 04 September
9 am - 5.30 pm
CoPI is a non-partisan centre that generates historically informed perspectives, critiques and debates concerning the major challenges facing Australia today, including its role in the wider world.
The inaugural Director of the Vice-Chancellor’s Centre of Public Ideas is Frank Bongiorno AM FRHistS FASSA FAHA, who is Donald Horne Professor of History and Public Ideas. He can be contacted by email.
CoPI undertakes education, research and public engagement in the fields of politics and history, with a focus on Australian political history. We carry out original research and host public lectures, conferences, workshops, seminars and a podcast (CoPI That).
We partner with a range of organisations to engage with diverse publics, responsive to the most pressing problems of our contemporary world.
If you would like to connect with CoPI, keep an eye on this page and subscribe to CoPI Newsletter and CoPI Events Bulletin.
UC acknowledges the Ngunnawal people, traditional custodians of the lands where Bruce campus is situated. We wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of Canberra and the region. We also acknowledge all other First Nations Peoples on whose lands we gather.
