RMIT’s Master of Design Futures turns 10 this year. To mark the occasion, we’re gathering leaders across design, industry, and policy to:
1. Launch the M*DF Papers, and
2. To explore the role of design in shaping Australia’s society, economy, and future. Specifically, we will consider our recent submission to the Treasurer’s Economic Reform Roundtable: Design is the Missing D in R&D.

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Australia produces world-class research but struggles to translate discoveries into commercial success. The gap isn’t scientific capability—it’s bridging breakthrough and application. Design provides that bridge. Fundamentally, design is a framework for innovation and change: it offers a common language across disciplines, prototypes ideas in practice, and reveals opportunities for impact.

Design builds the critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving capabilities essential for driving future industries and solutions. Design mitigates the risk of failure at the implementation and maintenance stages of any given project—be that project social, technological, or environmental. It doesn’t just respond to national challenges—it actively shapes Australia’s competitive future.

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The Missing D in R&D: A Panel Discussion marking 10 Years of RMIT’s Master of Design Futures

THURSDAY 13 NOVEMBER: 3:00–4:30 pm AEDT (onsite at RMIT + live stream and online)

· 3pm - Professor Andrea Siodmok will launch M*DF Papers a compilation of final work by M*DF Graduates

· 3.30pm - Our Panel — Andrea Siodmok, Amanda Good, Tom Bentley, Laura Kostanski, Melanie Rayment — will explore the proposition that Design is the missing D in R&D from educational. Corporate and social innovation and policy and governance perspectives.

· 4.30-6pm - Networking on the Balcony and tours of the Gradshow Exhibitions

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NB: Bookings are essential for the onsite event to help us determine the size of the venue. Online bookings are also useful. Please select 'Ticket Types' on this Humantix Booking Form to indicate your choice.

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PANEL:

Professor Andrea Siodmok OBE, Dean RMIT School of Design

Amanda Good, Director, Innovation and Futures, Aurecon

Tom Bentley, Vice President, Strategy and Community Impact, RMIT University

Melanie Rayment, Social Cohesion & Democratic Resilience Lead, Premier's Department NSW

Laura Kostanski, Principal, Strategic Design, CSIRO

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VENUE:

Onsite
RMIT City Campus, Swanston Street CBD. Building 12 Level 5 Lecture Room 002. Enter off Swanston Street to the RMIT Library entrance on Level 5. Turn towards Swanston St then right, through the MCD Exhibition to the Lifts. The Lecture is on your left, up 4 stairs. An accessible entrance is on the right, looking at the doors.

Online: Link will be posted closer to the date

PLEASE CIRCULATE THIS INVITATION THROUGH YOUR VIBRANT NETWORKS

Contact the host of MDF 10 YEARS - DESIGN IS THE MISSING 'D' IN R&D PANEL