Sydney Southeast Asia Research Innovation Symposium

Join us at this year’s SSEAC Research Innovation Symposium themed From Ideas to Impact: Tackling Grand Challenges through Collaboration. 

The 2025 Sydney Southeast Asia Research Innovation Symposium explores how collaborative research can effectively tackle the complex and interconnected grand challenges facing Southeast Asia. From climate change, gender inequality, public health crises, and economic transformation to digital governance and sustainable development, the region’s challenges are wicked problems that transcend single disciplines and demand integrated solutions.  

We are pleased to feature our Keynote Speakers: 

Bill Costello, Australia’s Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia Development and Programs at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). With over two decades of diplomatic experience, he leads Australia’s engagement with the region, including trade, investment, and development programs that advance sustainable and inclusive growth. 

Eleanor Keppelman, Director for Impact Investing at Investing in Women Asia, a multi-country initiative funded by the Australian Government that promotes women’s economic empowerment. She has extensive experience in development finance, gender equity, and public–private sector partnerships across Southeast Asia. 

This year’s symposium will convene academics, practitioners, and partners from across Australia and Southeast Asia to showcase how the University of Sydney’s world-class research can create tangible, positive impact when guided by collaboration, co-design, and contextual understanding. It will highlight opportunities for cross-faculty and cross-sector partnerships that align with Australia’s strategic priorities in the region.  

Participants will engage in dialogue and co-creation to identify innovative approaches that can drive measurable social, environmental, and economic change in the region. Ultimately, the symposium aims to inspire and empower researchers to turn ideas into impactful outcomes — to harness areas of expertise and invest in partnerships that help pave the way towards sustainable futures. 

Details
Date: 10:30a.m. - 4:00p.m., November 2025
SSEAC Symposium 10:30a.m. - 1:00p.m.
Research Program 1:00p.m. - 4:00p.m.

Venue:
In person: The Refectory, Holme Building, Science Road, The University of Sydney
Online: To register for the online webinar, click here.

When registering please select which of the programs you would like to attend. If you are attending both, please select both options.

As this event is catered, registration is essential. Please only register if you plan to attend.