How to think like a spy: the science of intelligence

On Wednesday 6 August, more than 200 in-person guests and 205 online viewers joined a Science at Melbourne Public Lecture on 'How to think like a spy: the science of intelligence'. The discussion explored how intelligence analysis and structured reasoning can be applied to some of today’s most complex global challenges – from geopolitical tensions and armed conflict to pandemics and environmental threats.

Moderated by cybersecurity expert Dr Suelette Dreyfus, the panel featured:

• Dr Chris Baker, Senior Research Fellow, School of Mathematics and Statistics
• Dr Ariel Kruger, Senior Research Fellow, Hunt Laboratory for Intelligence and Security Studies
• Hayley Van Loon, Deputy CEO, Crime Stoppers International and Founder, Magnolia Intelligence

^{Left to right: Dr Chris Baker, Haylen Van Loon, Dr Ariel Kruger and Dr Suelette Dreyfus}

Panellists discussed how intelligence analysts use mathematics and big data to monitor global and local populations, improve cyber and biosecurity, and apply structured analytic reasoning to forecast events, evaluate arguments, compare explanations and detect deception.

The panel also shared how structured analysis can help anyone think more critically, make better decisions, and systematically understand the world around them.

Watch the full event recording below.