The art and science of connection: how humans and technology shape communication

Saturday, June 14, 2025
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Hall L, Ground Level

Overview

Dr Fiona Kerr

Details

⏫ Keynote address
⏲️ 9.00am - 10.00am
⌛ 60-minutes
📚 Assumed knowledge of attendees:

Presenter

Agenda Item Image
Dr Fiona Kerr
The Neurotech Institute

The art and science of connection: how humans and technology shape communication

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Presentation summary

Humans are built to communicate and connect in hugely diverse ways that allow our words, thoughts and emotions to be conveyed and understood. Speech, and communication, can be impacted not only by our senses but also the electrochemical synchronization of our brains and bodies – all change not only how we think and feel, but how our brains are wired. We will explore the unique advantages offered by both human interaction and enabling technologies, and when to combine both to improve speech and communication at all stages of life. We will also consider the challenges AI brings; what that means for you as practitioners, and how you can offer practical ways for your patients' communication skills to bloom.

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Dr Fiona Kerr is founder of the NeuroTech Institute, and consults globally in building adaptive organizations, the science of human connectivity and partnering with technology. She combines neuroscience, psychology, systems engineering and anthropology to expand our understanding of the unique capabilities of humans and how to combine this with effective AI to create and lead the hybrid work system that matches both your business and people needs. Fiona works with organisations ranging from US Defence to Cirque du Soleil, holds international advisory and board roles in health ageing, education, robotics and AI, honorary roles with universities here and overseas, and is a fellow of ATSE (the Australian academy of technological sciences and engineering.

Session chair

Lyn Brodie
Chief Executive Officer
Speech Pathology Australia

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Lucy Sutherland

The information contained in this program is current at of the time of publishing but is subject to changes made without notice.

Disclaimer: © (2024) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited ("the Association"). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this presentation. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this presentation including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this presentation.

 

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