Our conference theme

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

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.

Why attend?

Practical solutions for complex challenges

Learn what’s working across the sector—and how others are navigating similar barriers—through case studies, honest reflections, and emerging good practice.

Professional renewal

A low-cost investment that helps EDI staff reconnect with purpose, draw fresh energy from their peers, and return with renewed motivation to lead change.

Skills uplift

Learn from a world-class program of workshops and sessions designed to build capability and skills in areas like change leadership, intersectional practice, data use, and evaluation.

Peer problem-solving

Bring live challenges for confidential discussion in facilitated spaces — supporting progress on projects that matter, and reducing the isolation of “doing EDI” alone.

A strong professional community

Tap into a national and international support network of like-minded professionals who share the load, challenge thinking, and help sustain energy over the long haul.

What we'll explore

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

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.