UQ Talks: Are We Overcomplicating Happiness?

We hear it from every angle—endless advice on optimisation, self-improvement and ways to 'build a better you'.

But what do we fundamentally need to be happy, and is the life our algorithms sell us really achievable?

Join us for this UQ Talks as we explore what truly matters for human flourishing and what it means to live a 'meaningful life'.

Rather than adding another checklist to your day, this conversation will explore how purpose and contentment can be found in the life you already have.

Date: Wednesday 18 November 2026
Time: 6–7pm AEST
Cost: Free, studio-broadcast webinar

Can't make it this time? Register anyway and we'll send you the event recording.

Series moderator

Tegan Taylor
Master of Arts '11, Graduate Certificate in Arts '08, Bachelor of Business Management '05, Bachelor of Journalism '05

Taylor is host of ABC Radio National's Life Matters and the health podcast What's That Rash? 

Panellists

Dr Roger Bitencourt Varela
Queensland Brain Institute 

As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Queensland Brain Institute, Dr Varela's research explores the neuroscience of motivation, reward processing and how the brain processes effort and mood under stress.

Dr Tarli Young
Doctor of Philosophy '23, Graduate Certificate in Applied Law '13, 
Bachelor of Arts '03
School of Psychology 

Dr Young is a Research Fellow at UQ's Social Identity and Groups Network (SIGN). Her research focuses on the science of happiness and wellbeing, exploring how social connections, group memberships and psychological processes help people thrive. 

Associate Professor Felix Septianto
Business School

Associate Professor Septianto's research explores how emotions and subjective experiences influence consumer behaviour, particularly in response to technological and societal change.