Universities Australia Conference 2021 Program
| Wednesday 2 June 2021 | |||
| 1.00- 7.00pm | Registration | ||
| 2.00- 3.15pm | Leadership Masterclasses Facilitated by Vice-Chancellors Stream 1 - 4 sessions* *limited numbers per session, delegates must register to attend | ||
| 3.15- 3.45pm | Afternoon tea | ||
| 3.45- 5.00pm | Leadership Masterclasses Facilitated by Vice-Chancellors Stream 2 - 4 sessions* *limited numbers per session, delegates must register to attend | ||
| 5.30- 7.30pm | Welcome Reception* Exhibition Hall, National Convention Centre Canberra *open to all delegates registered to attend in person | ||
| Thursday 3 June 2021 | |||
| 8.15- 8.25am | Welcome by Universities Australia Chief Executive Royal Theatre Catriona Jackson Welcome to Country Dr Aunty Matilda House | ||
| 8.25- 8.45am | Ministerial Address Royal Theatre We welcome the Hon Alan Tudge MP to his first Universities Australia Conference as Minister for Education.
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| 8.45- 9.45am | Opening Keynote Session Royal Theatre Australia’s Ambassador to the United States of America, the Hon Arthur Sinodinos AO, will provide an overview of key developments in US higher education and research under the new Biden administration and what it could mean for universities in Australia. He’ll also touch on how the US plans to open up again as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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| 9.45-10.45am | Keynote Panel Session - Flow on effect: how universities support economies Royal Theatre As we begin to focus on building the nation’s economic recovery, our universities are set to play a central role. They educate skilled graduates and conduct the research that will lead to new products and industries that Australia needs to create a prosperous and successful nation. Danielle Wood, Richard Holden and Warwick McKibbin will examine interaction between universities and the Australian economy.
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| 10.45-11.10am | Morning Tea | ||
| 11.10am- 12.10pm | Concurrent Stream A Royal Theatre Countering Foreign Interference A discussion of the complex geopolitical framework in which universities currently operate and the measures currently being developed by the sector and Government to safeguard against foreign interference. Chair: Professor John Dewar AO Vice-Chancellor & President La Trobe University Speakers: Professor Tanya Monro Chief Defence Scientist Department of Defence Professor Alex Zelinsky AO Vice-Chancellor & President The University of Newcastle Professor Bronwyn Harch Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) The University of Queensland Mr Patrick Hallinan A/g Deputy National Counter Foreign Interference Coordinator Department of Home Affairs | ||
| 11.10am- 12.10pm | Concurrent Stream B Ballroom Local ties: universities in their communities Universities make enormous contributions to their local communities. Our panellists in this session explore universities’ vital ties to their communities. Chair: Professor Geraldine Mackenzie Vice-Chancellor University of Southern Queensland Speakers: Professor Barney Glover AO Vice-Chancellor and President Western Sydney University Professor Brigid Heywood Vice-Chancellor University of New England Professor Iain Martin Vice-Chancellor Deakin University Professor Andrew Harvey Executive Director, Student Equity La Trobe University | ||
| 11.10am- 12.10pm | Concurrent Stream C Bradman Theatrette Learning from COVID-19: the student experience In 2020, universities, their staff and students made a rapid transition to online teaching and learning. Everything, including student support services, moved online. During this session, participants will take stock and reflect on what we can all learn from these experiences. Chair: Professor Pascale Quester Vice-Chancellor & President Swinburne University of Technology Speakers: Ms Zoe Ranganathan President National Union of Students Ms Belle Lim National President Council of International Students Australia Ms Stephanie Taylor Vice-President Australia and New Zealand Student Services Association | ||
| 12.10- 12.15pm | Session break | ||
| 12.15- 1.15pm | Concurrent Stream D Ballroom Universities, industry and government: working better together As a nation, we have a proud history of invention. Australian universities were the birthplace of world-leading breakthroughs such as IVF, the cervical cancer vaccine, shatter-proof car wing mirrors and the bionic ear. Yet, not enough of our inventions are being commercialised in a way that creates new industries and jobs here in Australia. Panellists in this session will explore how universities, business and governments can scale up our commercialisation efforts. Chair: Professor Peter Høj AC President & Vice-Chancellor The University of Adelaide Speakers: Professor Attila Brungs Vice-Chancellor & President University of Technology Sydney Mr Jeff Connolly Chairman and CEO Siemens Australia and New Zealand Dr Joanna Batstone Professor and Director Monash Data Futures Institute Monash University Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM Australia’s Chief Scientist | ||
| 12.15- 1.15pm | Concurrent Stream E Bradman Theatrette International education: what next? An exploration of the impact of COVID-19 on Australia's international education sector – including the strategies we should consider to reposition Australia as a destination of choice while working within the complexities of the current landscape. Chair: Professor Margaret Gardner AC Monash University Speakers: Mr Andrew Barkla Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director IDP Kwok Fook Seng High Commissioner High Commission of the Republic of Singapore Ms Nicole Brigg Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) Macquarie University | ||
| 12.15- 1.15pm | Concurrent Stream F Royal Theatre Building resilient leadership in a time of crisis The past 18 months have challenged all of us personally and professionally. Throughout drought, bushfires, flooding and the COVID-19 global pandemic, universities have shown extraordinary resilience and grit, working with staff and students to tackle the most complex challenges. During such periods of crisis and uncertainty, safeguarding the wellbeing of our community is more important than ever. Chair: Professor Helen Bartlett Vice-Chancellor & President University of the Sunshine Coast Speakers: Major General Andrew Hocking CSC Deputy Coordinator for the Engagement and Operations Division National Recovery and Resiliency Agency Ms Christine Morgan CEO National Mental Health Commission | ||
| 1.15- 2.15pm | Lunch | ||
| 2.15 - 3.15pm | Concurrent Stream G Royal Theatre Strategies for Indigenous student success Through the continued commitment of Universities Australia and its 39 member universities to the UA Indigenous Strategy we have made significant progress and learnt much about how our collective efforts can support Indigenous advancement. Panellists in this session will explore what we can all do to improve Indigenous student completion rates. Co Chairs: Professor Adam Shoemaker Vice-Chancellor Victoria University Professor Bronwyn Fredericks Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) The University of Queensland Speakers: Ms Inala Cooper Director Murrup Barak, Melbourne Institute for Indigenous Development The University of Melbourne Professor Reuben Bolt PVC Indigenous Leadership and Regional Outreach Charles Darwin University Professor Braden Hill Pro Vice Chancellor (Equity and Indigenous) Head of Centre Kurongkurl Katitjin Edith Cowan University | ||
| 2.15 - 3.15pm | Concurrent Stream H Bradman Theatrette Future universities: equipping students for the changing world of work Universities are starting to re-calibrate their educational programs for a post-pandemic world. Panellists will discuss how best to equip students with the skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing workplace, including balancing disciplinary knowledge and transferrable skills and supporting lifelong skill attainment. Chair: Professor Iain Martin Vice-Chancellor Deakin University Speakers: Professor Pascale Quester Vice-Chancellor & President Swinburne University of Technology Professor Gregor Kennedy Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Professor of Higher Education, Melbourne CSHE The University of Melbourne | ||
| 2.15 - 3.15pm | Concurrent Stream I Ballroom Leading on gender equality Australia’s universities have a longstanding commitment to improving gender equality. During this session, leaders from other industries will share their experiences in advancing gender equality – including building momentum and dealing with resistance. Chair: Professor Sandra Harding AO Vice-Chancellor James Cook University Speakers: Ms Patty Kinnersly Chief Executive Officer Our Watch Ms Julie McKay Chief Diversity Inclusion and Wellbeing Officer, PWC Mr James Fazzino Chair, Osteon Medical and Chair, Manufacturing Australia | ||
| 3.15 - 3.20 pm | Session break | ||
| 3.20 - 3.40pm | Opposition Address Royal Theatre The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP was appointed Shadow Minister for Education and Training in June 2019. We are pleased to welcome her back to the Universities Australia Conference.
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| 3.40 - 4.40pm | Closing Plenary Address - Caught in the middle: How universities can navigate a polarised world COVID-19 has changed the political and operating landscape for universities. Professor Ngaire Woods will explore how universities can effectively navigate an increasingly politically and geopolitically polarised world – where they are often stuck in the middle.
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| 4.40 - 4.50 pm | Conference Close Professor Geraldine Mackenzie Vice-Chancellor University of Southern Queensland | ||
| 4.50 - 5.15pm | Afternoon tea on departure | ||
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