Philosophy transforms our understanding of ourselves and the world we live in making fundamental contributions to our economy, society and culture. Philosophy anticipates major societal challenges of our time and provides the tools for thinking through and addressing these challenges. Research by Australasian philosophers has had a profound impact in assisting real-world change. Their research informs local, national and international policy approaches by both government and non-government bodies both nationally and internationally and provides insight into some of today’s most difficult ‘wicked’ problems. Each of these panels provides examples of real-world contributions that philosophical research has had, and continues to have, in society.