Early Career Researcher Conference - Early Career Researcher Conference

Be part of a movement shaping the future of research and academia

Join us for the inaugural Early Career Researcher Conference

We are excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Early Career Researcher Conference to be held at the University of Wollongong (Wollongong Campus).

The conference is committed to championing and elevating the next generation of academics and researchers. It offers a space for cutting-edge discussions, recognition of outstanding research contributions, and researcher development through expert-led workshops, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities with peers, senior academics, and industry professionals.

Early career researchers and academics from all Australian institutions are invited to come along and participate in the conference.

In 2025, the University of Wollongong, nestled under Mt Djeera (Mt Keira) Grandmother Mountain, celebrates 50 years as an independent institution. Over the past five decades, it has built a strong reputation for creating a positive impact in both local and global communities, while also fostering generations of researchers and academics.

Key dates

Abstract submissions open Monday, 2 June - Thursday, 14 August 2025
Early bird registrations open Monday, 2 June - Wednesday, 27 August 2025

Conference sub-themes

Abstracts submissions NOW OPEN for the following sub-themes:

Sub-theme 1: Health, Social, Emotional and Cultural Wellbeing

Sub-theme 1: Health, Social, Emotional and Cultural Wellbeing focuses on research in health, social, emotional and cultural wellbeing, specifically the factors that shape physical, mental and social health, as well as interactions between them. This sub-theme invites presentations, posters and roundtable discussions that address areas such as:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health,
Key determinants of health like food security, mental health stigma, healthcare access, nutrition education, lifestyle behaviours, social connectedness, political, historical and cultural factors, substance use, aging challenges, and workplace wellbeing,
Communicable and non-communicable diseases,
Research that fosters a healthier, more resilient and connected society, and;
Research that explores diverse perspectives and fosters cross cultural understanding.

Keynote Speakers

Dr Darren Saunders, NSW Deputy Chief Scientist & Engineer
Professor Martina Sanderson-Smith, Director, Molecular Horizons Research Institute

Sub-theme 2: Future Industries, Education and Governance for Tomorrow's World

Sub-theme 2: Future Industries, Education and Governance for Tomorrow's World focuses on research supporting future industries, education and policies that shape tomorrow's world in an ethical and responsible way. This sub-theme invites presentations, posters and roundtable discussions that address areas such as:

First Nations Histories and Futures: Weaving Healing, Knowledge and Country,
Education that promotes life-long and practical learning to respond to evolving industry needs,
Resilient infrastructure and inclusive, sustainable industrialisation, boosting economic growth and societal development,
The Impact of Technology on Society and Industry (including areas such as Generative AI, Cybersecurity, and related fields),
Diversity in gender, ethnicity, and sexuality, especially in social contexts and employment,
Refugee and migrant experiences to improve mobility and policy support, and;
Research that drives policy development and innovation in teaching and learning across all levels of education to prepare students for future challenges.

Keynote speakers

Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo, Director, Institute of Cybersecurity and Cryptology
Another exciting speaker will be announced soon

Sub-theme 3: Planet Health, Environment and Sustainability

Sub-theme 3: Planet Health, Environment and Sustainability focuses on knowledge relationships through research with Country, planetary health, environmental sustainability, and global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and natural resource and biodiversity loss. This sub-theme invites presentations, posters and roundtable discussions that address areas such as:

Enhancing knowledge relationships between Indigenous and western knowledge systems to care for Country and planet,
Identifying solutions that address known and emerging problems that lead to a healthy Country and planet, and:
Practical climate actions, policies and innovations by people to care for Country and planetary health, now and in the future.

Keynote speakers

Distinguished Professor Sharon Robinson AM, Deputy Director Science Implementation, ARC SAEF Program
Another exciting speaker will be announced soon

Submit an abstract

Speakers

We are proud to present an exceptional lineup of distinguished speakers who are leaders and innovators in their fields. Each brings unique insights and expertise to our conference, promising thought-provoking discussions and inspiring ideas.

More about our speakers