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The Random Sample

MACSYS

Welcome to The Random Sample - a podcast from the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Mathematical Analysis of Cellular Systems (MACSYS).  In this podcast, we share stories about mathematics, statistics, data science and the people involved. The Random Sample is also proud to have the support of these supporting partners: the Australian Data Science Network (ADSN), the Statistical Society of Australia (SSA), the Australian Mathematical Society (AustMS), the OPTIMA ARC Training Centre, the MATRIX Mathematical Research Institute, and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers (ACEMS). ACEMS created the podcast in 2018. For further resources and show notes, visit therandomsample.com.au

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  • 23 episodes
  • Avg 45 min
  • English

Episodes 23

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  • S10 · E113
    Sep 10, 2025 · 45 min

    Patterns in Chaos: Exploring Complex Systems - with Professor Michael Small

    What does it really mean for something to be complex - and how can mathematics help us make sense of it? In this episode of The Random Sample, our guest is Professor Michael Small, leader of the Complex Systems Group at the University of Western Australia. Michael’s research uses mathematics to uncover hidden patterns in the chaos of the world around us - from social networks and pandemics to psychiatric illness and engineering problems. Michael also shares candid thoughts on the pressures of academic publishing. Plus, we also dive into the rise of artificial intelligence, where Michael argues AI won’t replace mathematics - but it will change it. It’s a wide-ranging discussion – hosted by Dr Mehwish Nasim, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at the University of Western Australia. Episode webpage: https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/complex-systems-michael-small/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • S10 · E112
    Jul 9, 2025 · 30 min

    Indigenous Data Governance & Sovereignty - with Levi-Craig Murray

    In today’s data-driven world, questions around who controls data, how it’s used, and who benefits from it are more pressing than ever. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, these questions carry even deeper significance—rooted in histories of exclusion, marginalisation, and misrepresentation. In this episode, we explore the vital issue of Indigenous data governance and sovereignty with Levi-Craig Murray, an Aboriginal man of Wakka Wakka and Kubi Kubi descent. Levi brings deep insight to this conversation, drawing on his experience as the former Strategic Manager of Indigenous Data with the Indigenous Studies Unit at the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health. Now undertaking full-time postgraduate study, he continues to advocate for reshaping how Indigenous data is understood, governed, and respected. Released during NAIDOC Week 2025, this episode invites listeners to reflect on the role of data in shaping futures—and how we can all contribute to more inclusive and culturally informed data practices. Our host is Dr Bernadette Hyland-Wood from the QUT Centre for Data Science. Episode webpage: https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/indigenous-data/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • S10 · E111
    Jun 25, 2025 · 55 min

    Bridging the Interdisciplinary Gap with Stats & Data Science - with Prof Galit Shmueli

    The Random Sample steps into the dynamic world of interdisciplinary research—viewed through the lens of data science and statistics. Our guest is a true leader in collaborative science: Professor Galit Shmueli. Galit is the Tsing Hua Chair Professor at the Institute of Service Science at National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan, the inaugural editor-in-chief of the INFORMS Journal on Data Science, and a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics. In this episode, she shares her insights on building meaningful connections across disciplines — and reflects on the role of artificial intelligence and large language models in shaping the future of research. Our host is Cynthia Huang. Episode webpage: https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/interdisciplinar…ch-galit-shmueli/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Showing 21–23 of 23 episodes