Conference explores professional futures

The challenges and opportunities facing today’s professions will be examined at a Griffith University conference at South Bank on February 6 & 7.

“Professions are among the oldest institutions in the world and are changing radically in response to 21st century demands,” says conference convenor Professor Charles Sampford.

“This decade has seen many criticisms of the commercialisation and corporatisation of professions as well as continued attempts to create new professions — most recently with financial planning.

“The Professional Futures Conference brings together practitioners, academics and regulators from 15 professions to explore ethical questions, analyse challenges and opportunities and identify emerging trends,’’ Professor Sampford said.

Professions taking part in the conference include law, medicine, engineering, architecture, nursing and midwifery, journalism, engineering, architecture, finance, the military and police.

The 60-plus speakers include:

  • Professor Carolyn Evans — Griffith University Vice Chancellor Elect
  • Professor Carrie Menkel-Meadow — University of California Irvine School of Law
  • Commissioner Ian Stewart — Queensland Police Service
  • Dr Roxanne Marcelle-Shaw — CEO Professional Standards Council
  • Professor Stan Grant — Griffith University and ABC
  • Ms Christine Cupitt — Executive Director, Policy, Australian Bankers’ Association