Asking tough questions about the human rights implications of Australia’s border protection policy is how Dr Maria Giannacopoulos will contribute to the innovative Raising the Bar Adelaide event on 7 August, which is set to transform suburban pubs into classrooms.

Dr Giannacopoulos, Senior Lecturer in Socio-Legal Studies at Flinders, will ask the provocative question “Where is the Australian border?” and examine Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers in her free lecture, to be conducted in the front room of The Maid Hotel, Magill Rd, Stepney, at 6.30pm on Tuesday 7 August.

It’s part of an inaugural Raising the Bar event in South Australia, which involves The City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters hosting 20 leading academics who will deliver addresses in 10 bars for one night only, on August 7.

The Raising the Bar concept was founded in New York City by students of New York University and Columbia University, and has grown into a global, award-winning event series that turns pubs into classrooms by combining education and popular culture.

The idea is to connect a wider community audience with experts talking about topics ranging from art to culture, science to technology, sociology to philosophy, while enjoying a drink in a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Each venue throughout the Norwood area will host two sessions – at 6.30pm and 8.30pm – providing a total of 20 talks to choose from on the night. The event is free but tickets are essential, obtained via the Raising the Bar website.