ACDS 2026 Annual Conference
Description
The 2026 ACDS Annual Conference will bring together senior university science leaders from across Australia to consider the major issues shaping science teaching, research and engagement.
Across two days, delegates will hear from government, sector leaders and expert speakers; participate in panel discussions; and help identify priorities for university science in 2027. The program will explore developments in higher education policy, research and research translation, teaching and learning, strategic science communication and engagement, and First Nations partnerships and knowledges.
The conference will also provide valuable opportunities for delegates to connect with colleagues from across the sector.
Conference Program (draft)
- All day
Please note: a more detailed program will be available closer to the event.
The conference program will include keynote addresses from senior government, higher education, research and industry leaders. Confirmed speakers include: *Professor Barney Glover, Australian Tertiary Education Commission *Professor Ute Roessner, Australian Research Council *Jane O’Dwyer, Cooperative Research Australia *Simon Collier, Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority *Dr Craig Ritchie, Ngarra Group *Dr Janin Bredehoeft, Science in Australia Gender Equity, and *Brett Hall, Australian Industry Group. Presentations and discussions will cover areas including: *research and research translation *key issues for university science, institutionally and nationally *strategic science communication and engagement, and *science teaching and learning. The Conference Dinner will feature an address by Professor Bill Shorten, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra. Program details and speakers are subject to change. We also have two pre-conference activities you are welcome to register for as part of our conference attendance (see FAQs).
FAQs
- Who can attend the ACDS 2026 Annual Conference?
The conference is primarily intended for ACDS members and senior leaders from Australia’s university science community, including Deans, Associate Deans and people holding equivalent faculty leadership roles.
Each ACDS member university may initially register up to three delegates: the Dean or equivalent, together with up to two Associate Deans or equivalent leaders. Additional registrations from member universities may be available on request – please contact ACDS to enquire.
Invited guests and other stakeholders with a close interest in university science and higher education are also welcome. If you are unsure whether the conference is suitable for you, please contact ACDS before registering.
- Where and when is the Conference Dinner?
The Conference Dinner will be held at the recently renovated and reopened University House at the Australian National University on Tuesday 27 October, commencing at 6pm.
The evening will include dinner, drinks and an address by Professor Bill Shorten, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra.
To attend the dinner, please purchase a dinner ticket ($100). - What are the pre-conference events on Monday 26th?
Before the conference, you would be very welcome to join us on Monday, 26 October for:
An ACDS Satellite Workshop on how science faculties can use emerging digital tools and data-driven insights to strengthen research, teaching and workforce planning, with input from Google; this interactive workshop will showcase practical applications and strategic decision-making frameworks designed to help Deans in a rapidly evolving digital landscape;
A site visit to the ACT Education Directorate’s ACT Academy of Future Skills hands-on teaching centres, including an overview of its unique system-wide approach to strengthening STEM teaching and learning, engagement with teaching staff, and an opportunity to experience its approaches to science teaching and teaching support. (Transport provided.)
Timing of these events are TBC - however, we anticipate an 11am start for the Satellite Workshop and early-mid afternoon for the ACT Academy of Future Skills site visit. It will be possible to do both pre-conference events.
Please choose a ticket for each of the pre-conference events you wish to attend. - Dietaries or accessibility needs
If you have any dietary requests or accessibility needs, please let us know during registration (prompts/questions will come up during the process for you to do so).
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