Sparking ‘The Conversation’ in December

And just like that, a new year is here...

But don’t fear, here’s one last reading fix to help you settle into 2026!

Our University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) researchers and academics had another great month in December, with nine articles published in The Conversation.

• Professor Jessica Gildersleeve l Christmas capers, a creepy clown and war-time stories: what we’re watching in December.
• Professor Jonti Horner l The year’s best meteor shower is about to start – here’s how to see it.
• Dr Matthew Thompson l An expert’s pick of the best board games to play (and gift) this summer.
• Dr Kate Cantrell and Dr Alison Bedford l Who really photographed Napalm Girl? The famous war photo is now contested history.
• Dr Kate Cantrell l Olivia Nuzzi didn’t report what she knew. Did that help RFK Jr become health secretary?
• Professor Polly Burey l How do I make clear ice at home? A food scientist shares easy tips.
• Dr Fabiane Ramos l It’s hard to describe what it feels like to become a mum, but it has a name: matrescence.
• Dr Kate Cantrell l What’s on your summer reading list? We asked 6 dedicated readers.
• Professor Jonti Horner l What was the ‘Christmas Star’? Astronomy might hold the answer.

Check out their articles from July, August, September, October and November.