Cordelia Fine Keynote Speaker

Royal Society Science Book Prize winner (2017)
Edinburgh Medal for contributions to gender equality (2018)
Named a research “living legend” by The Australian (2023)

Cordelia Fine's Biography

Cordelia Fine is an acclaimed writer and influential scholar of science. As a Professor in the History & Philosophy of Science Program at the University of Melbourne, Cordelia brings a unique blend of academic rigor and humour to her presentations.

Cordelia’s work challenges familiar misconceptions about brains, evolution, gender, and diversity, offering a “witty corrective” (Nature) and “keen precision and sharp humor” (New York Times). Her critically acclaimed books, including “Delusions of Gender,” “Testosterone Rex,” and “Patriarchy Inc.,” have been hailed as “essential reading” (Financial Times), “provocative and often fascinating” (Economist), and “important” (The Australian).

Cordelia’s work has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious Royal Society Science Book Prize. She has been named a “living legend” of research by The Australian newspaper and was awarded the Edinburgh Medal for her contributions to public debates about gender equality.

Her writing has been featured in top publications such as the New York Times, Financial Times, Times Literary Supplement, Scientific American, Science, and The Lancet. Her most recent book, “Patriarchy Inc.,” was listed in the Financial Times’ “What to Read in 2025 non-fiction” and “Best Summer Books of 2025: Business.”

Cordelia is also an experienced educator, who has taught ethical leadership in the Executive and Senior Executive MBA programs at the University of Melbourne, and the Vincent Fairfax Fellowship program for senior leaders. She is currently a Visiting Professor at King’s College London.

Beyond the business case

Why traditional arguments for gender diversity fall short, and what’s needed for genuine change

The future of DEI

Understanding the limitations of current DEI efforts and exploring new approaches to making work fairer

The hidden science of gender gap debates

Unpacking the fascinating scientific disagreements underlying our debates about gender gaps and what to do about them

When politics and science collide

Science is never ‘value free’. When and why should that concern us?

She operates at the forefront of science and public debate, challenging assumptions about gender, behaviour and human biology through her academic work and writing.
She translates complex research into sharp, accessible insight that helps audiences rethink bias, diversity and decision-making.
She brings authoritative perspective as an award-winning author, with books recognised globally for their impact on science and society.
She is an engaging speaker who combines intellectual rigour with wit to tackle complex and often controversial topics.
Her insights equip organisations to think more critically, challenge bias and build more informed, inclusive cultures.