States of Solidarity: How to Build a Society
Book launch with Professor Barbara Prainsack, University of Vienna
The Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies invites you to attend a book launch for Professor Barbara Prainsack, visiting from the University of Vienna.
States of Solidarity: How to Build a Society
In her 2026 book States of Solidarity: How to Build a Society, Barbara Prainsack shows why solidarity—people supporting one another as equals—is essential for tackling today’s biggest challenges, from climate change to growing inequality and the rise of AI. While we often talk about justice and fairness, we’ve forgotten how much we depend on everyday connections and mutual trust. Barbara's book explains how rebuilding those ties can strengthen democracy, restore hope, and help societies act together for the common good. It offers real-world examples and a hopeful vision for a future where care and shared responsibility replace division, isolation, and running after short-term profits.
During this event, Barbara Prainsack will provide an introduction to her book. This will be followed by a panel discussion from University of Sydney scholars reflecting on core themes and connections to their own work, before an open Q&A from audience members.
About Professor Barbara Prainsack
Barbara Prainsack is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Vienna where she directs the Centre for the Study of Contemporary Solidarity (CeSCoS) and co-directs the Vienna Centre for Advanced Studies (ViCAS). She is also Honorary Professor at the Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies where she co-leads the research theme on Politics and Economies of Health and Wellbeing. Her work explores how social, regulatory, and ethical factors shape science, technology and medicine.
Discussants
The event will be chaired by Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies Deputy Director A/Prof Katherine Kenny and will feature discussant contributions by:
Time and Location
12:30pm, Friday 27 February 2026
Seminar Room 203, RD Watt Building (A04), Science Road, The University of Sydney, NSW 2050.
Online Attendance
Please note, this is a hybrid event. If you wish to attend online please join via the Zoom link here - https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/j/82114801671.
Book launch with Professor Barbara Prainsack, University of Vienna
The Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies invites you to attend a book launch for Professor Barbara Prainsack, visiting from the University of Vienna.
States of Solidarity: How to Build a Society
In her 2026 book States of Solidarity: How to Build a Society, Barbara Prainsack shows why solidarity—people supporting one another as equals—is essential for tackling today’s biggest challenges, from climate change to growing inequality and the rise of AI. While we often talk about justice and fairness, we’ve forgotten how much we depend on everyday connections and mutual trust. Barbara's book explains how rebuilding those ties can strengthen democracy, restore hope, and help societies act together for the common good. It offers real-world examples and a hopeful vision for a future where care and shared responsibility replace division, isolation, and running after short-term profits.
During this event, Barbara Prainsack will provide an introduction to her book. This will be followed by a panel discussion from University of Sydney scholars reflecting on core themes and connections to their own work, before an open Q&A from audience members.
About Professor Barbara Prainsack
Barbara Prainsack is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Vienna where she directs the Centre for the Study of Contemporary Solidarity (CeSCoS) and co-directs the Vienna Centre for Advanced Studies (ViCAS). She is also Honorary Professor at the Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies where she co-leads the research theme on Politics and Economies of Health and Wellbeing. Her work explores how social, regulatory, and ethical factors shape science, technology and medicine.
Discussants
The event will be chaired by Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies Deputy Director A/Prof Katherine Kenny and will feature discussant contributions by:
Time and Location
12:30pm, Friday 27 February 2026
Seminar Room 203, RD Watt Building (A04), Science Road, The University of Sydney, NSW 2050.
Online Attendance
Please note, this is a hybrid event. If you wish to attend online please join via the Zoom link here - https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/j/82114801671.
Accessibility
We are committed to ensuring our spaces are safe, accessible and enjoyable for all. The RD Watt building is fully accessible for people who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids and service animals are welcome. Enter via the rear door of the RD Watt Building, near the entrance to the Social Sciences Building at the University of Sydney. Our meeting and events space is equipped with PA and assistive listening systems.
If you have any other access requirements, please do let us know when you register.
Good to know
Highlights
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- In person
Location
Room 203, RD Watt Building (A04)
RD Watt Building (A04)
Science Road Camperdown, NSW 2006
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