Breaking silos: Our conference theme

In a rapidly evolving higher education and research landscape, how can we embed systemic change, move beyond siloed responses and deepen our intersectional approaches to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI)?

Breaking Silos: Working together for equity highlights the need for us to work collaboratively both internally and across our sector to create systemic and sustainable progress in EDI.

It also reflects the need to set a shared agenda for the next 10 years of EDI in Australian higher education and research.

This conference is an excellent opportunity to draw inspiration from our expert community of practice, and to strengthen our sector by embedding innovative solutions to ensure ongoing progress in EDI.

Call for Abstracts

We are excited to invite professionals, practitioners, academics, researchers and everyone who is passionate about equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) to submit abstracts.

This transformative two-day event is dedicated to celebrating progress by exploring what works—and why.

We will confront the real challenges facing us and shape the sector’s EDI agenda into the future.

This event will also:

• bring together people to share best practice
• discuss emerging innovations
• exchange personal experiences in designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions and action plans.

Deadline extended!

We’ve extended the submissions period by an additional 2 weeks. Submissions now close 11.59pm AEDT Sunday 13 April 2025.

• Access the Abstracts Portal here

Subthemes: What we'll talk about

Through presentations, panels, workshops and other formats our speakers will explore the following subthemes:

1. Drawing on Trans-disciplinary approaches  
   Applying or combining knowledge from different fields to solve EDI challenges. Emphasising the benefits of methods and sources that promote a more holistic understanding of EDI challenges from diverse viewpoints (e.g. gender bias in AI).
2. Embedding intersectionality into practical application  
   Achieving broader inclusion beyond a single dimension by consulting widely and listening to diverse voices (meaningful co-design); decolonising governance practices and utilising intersectional data research design and analysis.
3. Disrupting the system  
   Engaging radical approaches that challenge or overturn mainstream processes/beliefs to achieve rapid, rather than incremental, change. Disrupting traditional mindsets, we elevate the maturity in EDI strategies, setting a bold, unapologetic tone for our work.
4. Engaging and networking for systemic change  
   Communicating and collaborating effectively within and between organisations to achieve a common goal. This involves instilling structural and systemic change by aligning diverse stakeholders around shared outcomes.
5. Widespread learning and collaboration 
   Approaching knowledge building/sharing and enabling opportunities through programs and initiatives that foster collaborations across faculties, organisations, sectors, industry, governments or countries.

Key information

Conference dates: Tuesday 26 – Wednesday 27 August

Location: Holme Building, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW

Awards Night: Join us for an evening celebration on Monday 25 August 2025

Registration prices are yet to be announced.

Sponsorship packages are now available. Please download the SAGE Conference Partnership Prospectus_ to learn more.

The SAGE Awards: Award Night

Join us for a very special evening celebrating 10 years of equity in higher education and research: the 2025 SAGE Awards.

In the decade since its inception, SAGE network has gone from strength to strength, taking strides towards a more equitable future in the higher education and research sector.

The Awards will honour extraordinary contributions and long-term dedication to Athena Swan.

Save the date for an unforgettable night, honouring inspiration, celebration, and impact:

Date: Monday 25th August 2025

Time: 6pm for a 7pm dinner

Location: Aerial Function Room, University of Technology, Sydney

Registration

Tickets will be available separately through the Conference registration portal.