Helen Berents
@hmberents.bsky.social
children & youth. peace & conflict.
feminist. academic. baker. probably in that order.
researcher @ Griffith Uni. she/her
www.hmberents.com | https://theYPSobserver.substack.com/
feminist. academic. baker. probably in that order.
researcher @ Griffith Uni. she/her
www.hmberents.com | https://theYPSobserver.substack.com/
Reposted by Helen Berents
The Albanese govt's failure to overturn the Morrison government's $50,000 arts degrees can only mean one of two things:
- they're happy with LNP higher ed policy, or
- they are far more interested in just holding power than doing anything useful with it. #auspol
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
- they're happy with LNP higher ed policy, or
- they are far more interested in just holding power than doing anything useful with it. #auspol
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
David Pocock condemns delay in establishing job ready graduates body to end $50,000 arts degrees
Senator accuses the government of not treating reform with ‘urgency it deserves’ – with no modelling done on the cost of reversing or replacing the JRG scheme
www.theguardian.com
November 15, 2025 at 1:51 AM
The Albanese govt's failure to overturn the Morrison government's $50,000 arts degrees can only mean one of two things:
- they're happy with LNP higher ed policy, or
- they are far more interested in just holding power than doing anything useful with it. #auspol
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
- they're happy with LNP higher ed policy, or
- they are far more interested in just holding power than doing anything useful with it. #auspol
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Reposted by Helen Berents
Can I quietly ask we stop talking about what "AI" *could* do in education and identify instead what's actually happening with AI in education? I'll start...
November 15, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Can I quietly ask we stop talking about what "AI" *could* do in education and identify instead what's actually happening with AI in education? I'll start...
Are you going to #BISA2026? @drswhite.bsky.social, @jmarshallbeier.bsky.social Katie Hodgkinson and I have two CPFs for your consideration:
Roundtable: "Integrating a youth lens across Intl Studies".
Panel: "Shaping the intl through a lens of accountability to children & young ppl"
Roundtable: "Integrating a youth lens across Intl Studies".
Panel: "Shaping the intl through a lens of accountability to children & young ppl"
October 20, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Are you going to #BISA2026? @drswhite.bsky.social, @jmarshallbeier.bsky.social Katie Hodgkinson and I have two CPFs for your consideration:
Roundtable: "Integrating a youth lens across Intl Studies".
Panel: "Shaping the intl through a lens of accountability to children & young ppl"
Roundtable: "Integrating a youth lens across Intl Studies".
Panel: "Shaping the intl through a lens of accountability to children & young ppl"
Read @yaguerika.bsky.social & I for @thediplomat.com on youth peace leadership in Southeast Asia & ASEAN’s complex role. If you love this short piece, dive into the open-access article it draws from in The Pacific Review here: doi.org/10.1080/0951...
August 11, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Read @yaguerika.bsky.social & I for @thediplomat.com on youth peace leadership in Southeast Asia & ASEAN’s complex role. If you love this short piece, dive into the open-access article it draws from in The Pacific Review here: doi.org/10.1080/0951...
Reposted by Helen Berents
“Allowing the crisis in Gaza to deepen with apparent impunity undermines our messaging about the rule of law — our adversaries use this to accuse us of double standards.”
A stark private warning in a DFAT document obtained under #FOI laws
www.crikey.com.au/2025/08/06/d...
A stark private warning in a DFAT document obtained under #FOI laws
www.crikey.com.au/2025/08/06/d...
‘Double standards': Confidential DFAT documents warn inaction on Gaza will cost Australia credibility
'Allowing the crisis in Gaza to deepen with apparent impunity undermines our messaging about the rule of law — our adversaries use this to accuse us of double standards.'
www.crikey.com.au
August 6, 2025 at 7:32 AM
“Allowing the crisis in Gaza to deepen with apparent impunity undermines our messaging about the rule of law — our adversaries use this to accuse us of double standards.”
A stark private warning in a DFAT document obtained under #FOI laws
www.crikey.com.au/2025/08/06/d...
A stark private warning in a DFAT document obtained under #FOI laws
www.crikey.com.au/2025/08/06/d...
Reposted by Helen Berents
“In short it would be a hammer blow to independence of research and inquiry. We entirely reject that proposal.”
Read the full statement: nteu.info/envoy
Read the full statement: nteu.info/envoy
August 4, 2025 at 6:56 AM
“In short it would be a hammer blow to independence of research and inquiry. We entirely reject that proposal.”
Read the full statement: nteu.info/envoy
Read the full statement: nteu.info/envoy
Reposted by Helen Berents
At my institution we all talk in circles around each other because the AI boosters and the AI critics aren't even speaking the same language and don't have the same worldviews. And none of the conversations matter because admin has already decided that the AI critics are cranks
August 1, 2025 at 4:54 PM
At my institution we all talk in circles around each other because the AI boosters and the AI critics aren't even speaking the same language and don't have the same worldviews. And none of the conversations matter because admin has already decided that the AI critics are cranks
Reposted by Helen Berents
I'm so tired of hearing that we need to "teach our students how to use AI" when the thing they most need to use it is a critical-thinking skill set that can only be acquired by NOT using it. I'm tired of hearing that it's inevitable. I'm tired.
August 1, 2025 at 4:52 PM
I'm so tired of hearing that we need to "teach our students how to use AI" when the thing they most need to use it is a critical-thinking skill set that can only be acquired by NOT using it. I'm tired of hearing that it's inevitable. I'm tired.
Yesterday I joined Austin Pollock on 6 News' Newswire podcast to talk about the UK's decision to lower the voting age to 16 before the next general election, and what it might mean for Australia. 6 News is largely run by young people themselves, so great to speak w Austin! youtu.be/PuB8yIhUpck?...
EPISODE 4: Should 16-Year-Olds Be Allowed to Vote?
YouTube video by SIX News Australia
youtu.be
July 30, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Yesterday I joined Austin Pollock on 6 News' Newswire podcast to talk about the UK's decision to lower the voting age to 16 before the next general election, and what it might mean for Australia. 6 News is largely run by young people themselves, so great to speak w Austin! youtu.be/PuB8yIhUpck?...
Reposted by Helen Berents
Here a video of my keynote at the recent 50th Anniversary #BISA2025 conference in Belfast. I am more writer than speaker, so this was a challenge. But I am grateful for the invitation and glad I did it for - and with - Emma Hutchison. www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBWg...
#BISA2025 keynote: Professor Roland Bleiker - Seeing and sensing world politics
YouTube video by MyBISA
www.youtube.com
July 30, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Here a video of my keynote at the recent 50th Anniversary #BISA2025 conference in Belfast. I am more writer than speaker, so this was a challenge. But I am grateful for the invitation and glad I did it for - and with - Emma Hutchison. www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBWg...
Reposted by Helen Berents
University friends, please read, sign and share this open letter: overland.org.au/2025/07/open...
Open letter against the adoption of the Australian Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism's Plan - Overland literary journal
We, the undersigned university researchers, educators, students and professional staff, call on the Australian Government to reject the unprecedented attack on academic freedom and the autonomy of uni...
overland.org.au
July 30, 2025 at 4:24 AM
University friends, please read, sign and share this open letter: overland.org.au/2025/07/open...
⬇️ this.
A reminder that no parts of an F35 are non-lethal. The whole damn plane is lethal. All parts of it enable that lethality.
A reminder that no parts of an F35 are non-lethal. The whole damn plane is lethal. All parts of it enable that lethality.
Did you catch @senatorpennywong in Parliament yesterday saying Australia exports “non-lethal components and parts” for F35 bombers? F35 have been used by Israel to bomb Palestinians in Gaza, and Australia is aiding that by exporting F35 parts.
July 30, 2025 at 4:53 AM
⬇️ this.
A reminder that no parts of an F35 are non-lethal. The whole damn plane is lethal. All parts of it enable that lethality.
A reminder that no parts of an F35 are non-lethal. The whole damn plane is lethal. All parts of it enable that lethality.
Reposted by Helen Berents
Young refuseniks burn their IOF draft papers in the middle of Tel Aviv
They refuse to serve in the Israeli Occupation Forces, and are willing to go to military jail for their position. The new generation of refuseniks is supported by the older, many of them spent months in jail already
They refuse to serve in the Israeli Occupation Forces, and are willing to go to military jail for their position. The new generation of refuseniks is supported by the older, many of them spent months in jail already
July 16, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Young refuseniks burn their IOF draft papers in the middle of Tel Aviv
They refuse to serve in the Israeli Occupation Forces, and are willing to go to military jail for their position. The new generation of refuseniks is supported by the older, many of them spent months in jail already
They refuse to serve in the Israeli Occupation Forces, and are willing to go to military jail for their position. The new generation of refuseniks is supported by the older, many of them spent months in jail already
Reposted by Helen Berents
"The burden is falling disproportionately on the next generation. ... These are just highly talented & idealistic young people seeking knowledge ... & prepared to endure precarious employment conditions & increasingly uncertain career paths to pursue that mission."
graemeturner.org/2025/07/20/w...
graemeturner.org/2025/07/20/w...
Why do they hate us? That’s the question academics in the humanities are asking. - Graeme Turner
This is the question I was asked last week. Why are government, the media, even university administrations, so carelessly participating in the gradual demolition of one of the foundation stones of our...
graemeturner.org
July 20, 2025 at 3:36 AM
"The burden is falling disproportionately on the next generation. ... These are just highly talented & idealistic young people seeking knowledge ... & prepared to endure precarious employment conditions & increasingly uncertain career paths to pursue that mission."
graemeturner.org/2025/07/20/w...
graemeturner.org/2025/07/20/w...
Cautiously pleased that the ARC seems to have listened to an overwhelming number of submissions and added a specific scheme for ECRs to their proposed changes. This was a significant concern I held with the initial announcement of changes. Will be important to see how they do this in practice …
The ARC has “announced” an update on the proposed changes to its grant schemes.
Key changes, in response to “nearly 350” submissions” (!) on their proposal, are 👇
More here: www.arc.gov.au/news-publica...
Key changes, in response to “nearly 350” submissions” (!) on their proposal, are 👇
More here: www.arc.gov.au/news-publica...
July 15, 2025 at 6:04 AM
Cautiously pleased that the ARC seems to have listened to an overwhelming number of submissions and added a specific scheme for ECRs to their proposed changes. This was a significant concern I held with the initial announcement of changes. Will be important to see how they do this in practice …
Reposted by Helen Berents
Excellent from the routinely clear and courageous Louise Adler.
July 12, 2025 at 3:53 AM
Excellent from the routinely clear and courageous Louise Adler.
Reposted by Helen Berents
Yeah, it's quite the paradox that the people who understand AI aren't impressed by it. A real head scratcher.
Why Understanding AI Doesn’t Necessarily Lead People to Embrace It
New research has uncovered a paradoxical relationship between AI literacy and receptivity: Individuals with lower AI literacy are more likely to embrace AI, despite perceiving it as less capable and m...
hbr.org
July 11, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Yeah, it's quite the paradox that the people who understand AI aren't impressed by it. A real head scratcher.
Reposted by Helen Berents
If you believe your social rights are being threatened by this egregious overreach of public censorship, here is the contact link to let ASECA know what you think
Keep it civil. Use your voice
Your taxes are funding this - you have a right to be heard
👇🏽 #share
www.aseca.gov.au/form/get-in-...
Keep it civil. Use your voice
Your taxes are funding this - you have a right to be heard
👇🏽 #share
www.aseca.gov.au/form/get-in-...
July 12, 2025 at 7:59 AM
If you believe your social rights are being threatened by this egregious overreach of public censorship, here is the contact link to let ASECA know what you think
Keep it civil. Use your voice
Your taxes are funding this - you have a right to be heard
👇🏽 #share
www.aseca.gov.au/form/get-in-...
Keep it civil. Use your voice
Your taxes are funding this - you have a right to be heard
👇🏽 #share
www.aseca.gov.au/form/get-in-...
Reposted by Helen Berents
"This is nearly 800 people who have been killed while trying to access aid," she said, adding that "most of the injuries are gunshot injuries", UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07...
UN says almost 800 people killed near Gaza aid hubs in in six weeks
The United Nations says most of those killed had been close to aid sites managed by the US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
www.abc.net.au
July 11, 2025 at 10:57 PM
"This is nearly 800 people who have been killed while trying to access aid," she said, adding that "most of the injuries are gunshot injuries", UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07...
Hello to anyone else going to #OCIS2025 this week in Sydney! I’ll be there and keen for hellos, hugs, awkward waves, coffees, whatever other kind of interaction you’d prefer 🎉
July 9, 2025 at 3:32 AM
Hello to anyone else going to #OCIS2025 this week in Sydney! I’ll be there and keen for hellos, hugs, awkward waves, coffees, whatever other kind of interaction you’d prefer 🎉
Reposted by Helen Berents
“That the government’s case for proscribing Palestine Action is both threadbare and blatantly political was on full view in the House of Commons this week.”
www.opendemocracy.net/en/palestine...
www.opendemocracy.net/en/palestine...
Palestine Action ban: We must learn from university protests
Government’s proscription of the group follows months of similarly chilling repression on campuses across the UK
www.opendemocracy.net
July 4, 2025 at 7:30 PM
“That the government’s case for proscribing Palestine Action is both threadbare and blatantly political was on full view in the House of Commons this week.”
www.opendemocracy.net/en/palestine...
www.opendemocracy.net/en/palestine...
Reposted by Helen Berents
Reposted by Helen Berents
Students and citizens in #Serbia are being arrested, beaten, and declared enemies of the state for opposing Vučić's authoritarian regime.
Academic colleagues anywhere in the world, please sign this petition in solidarity with them & spread the message.
Academic colleagues anywhere in the world, please sign this petition in solidarity with them & spread the message.
International Academic Appeal Against Repression in Serbia
We, members of the Serbian academic diaspora and our colleagues from the international academic community, are raising our voices in strong condemnation of the escalating violence, repression, and int...
docs.google.com
July 4, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Students and citizens in #Serbia are being arrested, beaten, and declared enemies of the state for opposing Vučić's authoritarian regime.
Academic colleagues anywhere in the world, please sign this petition in solidarity with them & spread the message.
Academic colleagues anywhere in the world, please sign this petition in solidarity with them & spread the message.
Reposted by Helen Berents
The governance crisis at ANU is a national scandal. Julie Bishop must go. We need sector-wide reform. www.afr.com/politics/fed...
Jason Clare on hunt for Julie Bishop’s replacement as ANU chancellor
Education minister Jason Clare is looking for a Julie Bishop’s replacement as ANU chancellor, 18 months before her term finishes.
www.afr.com
July 4, 2025 at 7:58 AM
The governance crisis at ANU is a national scandal. Julie Bishop must go. We need sector-wide reform. www.afr.com/politics/fed...
Reposted by Helen Berents
ANU executives spent $11M on travel, in the latest available reporting year. This year, ANU college of arts and social sciences is being forced to cut $6.1M. Make this make sense. vimeo.com/1098376260/f...
July 4, 2025 at 9:36 AM
ANU executives spent $11M on travel, in the latest available reporting year. This year, ANU college of arts and social sciences is being forced to cut $6.1M. Make this make sense. vimeo.com/1098376260/f...