About This Event

Join us at the University of Newcastle Hunter Industry Open Day for a day of connection, innovation, and collaboration as we explore opportunities to grow our region together.

As the Hunter continues to evolve and thrive, partnerships between industry, research and education become increasingly vital. Our Hunter Open Day is your opportunity to discover how we can work together to drive regional growth, innovation, and success. Whether you're interested in research collaborations, developing future talent, or building professional networks, come along and explore how we can shape an even brighter future for our communities.

Registration closes 28 April 2026, or when capacity is reached.

Why Attend?

Find your next innovation partner - Meet researchers and educators and discover how we can help solve your challenges through research collaboration and education innovations
Access future talent - Learn how to engage with our talent pipeline and bring skilled students into your workplace before they complete their degree.
Expand your network - Connect with other industry leaders and university partners

Event Schedule/Agenda

Time	Activity
9:00am	Guests arrive Research and Innovation Capability Expo commences
9:30am	Welcome – by Nathan Towney, DVCEE
9:40am	Mayoral Muster – Panel facilitated by Nathan Towney, DVCEE
10:10am	Hunter Insights Session
10:40am	Future Made – Panel facilitated by Laura Eadie, IRF Director
11:10am	Morning tea break – Research and Innovation Capability Expo
11:30am	PD workshops – Practical Gen AI, Cultural Capability Taster, Building Workforce Capability
12:45pm	Closing address – Patricia Forsythe, Chancellor
1:00pm	Networking lunch and Research and Innovation Capability Expo
2:00pm	Event end

About the sessions

Mayoral Muster

Kicking off the event will be the mayoral muster – bringing together Mayors and Deputy Mayors from local shire councils to set the scene for the future of the region. Hear from:

Cr Jeffrey Drayton, Mayor Muswellbrook Shire Council
Cr Sue George, Deputy Mayor, Singleton Council

Hunter Insights Series

Delivered by the Institute for Regional Futures and Hunter Medical Research Institute, this session will draw upon national and regional data to provide details on economic conditions, health insights and predictions for the Upper Hunter region.

Future Made Panel

The Future Made panel includes a mix of University representations and industry to discuss key themes around planning and investment in our local regions. Hear from:

Jane Callinan, Engagement Manager, Energy Hubs, AGL
Christopher Sampson, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Tiliter Technology
Ivan Waterfield, CEO from HunterNet
Professor Kathleen Butler, Director of Indigenous Research, from the University of Newcastle
Professor Peter Lewis, Research and Development Director at Ethtec

Professional Development Workshops

Choose from any of the below professional development workshops:

Cultural Capability Taster: Learn about Indigenous culture and how to build a culturally responsive environment.
Practical Gen AI Workshop: Learn about the big changes in Gen AI from 2025 to 2026, outline the best use-cases for small business, and discuss the future ramifications of this ambiguous technological frontier.
Building Workforce Capability: Learn how to enhance your organisation’s brand presence and attract top emerging talent.

Research, Teaching & Innovation Expo and networking lunch

Discover cutting-edge research, innovative teaching approaches, and learning innovations from across the University. Meet the creative minds behind these initiatives and connect with researchers and educators.

Contact the host of University of Newcastle Hunter Industry Open Day

There were 0 errors found in the information you submitted: