Academic life is often portrayed as a magically linear path of success, publications, and high-powered impact. Yet the reality for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates and academics alike is much messier and more complicated. Many are juggling family life and caregiving alongside precarious employment, metrics-driven assessment, pressures to publish, and the mental and emotional toll of working in a bean counting culture. Universities in recent years have shifted from their historic role as public institutions for the civic good to corporatized, productivity-driven models dominated by KPIs, competition, and rankings. So how do we not just navigate but challenge these kinds of logics?

This panel invites four researchers at all stages of academic life from across the College of Design and Social Context to share candid reflections on the behind-the-scenes realities of academia — the challenges, stresses, and even failures that are rarely discussed openly in university life. Importantly, the discussion will also highlight strategies, practices, and cultural values that can help us recenter knowledge, critical debate, and collaborative modes of working.

Through conversation and Q&A, panellists will share how they have carved out spaces of humanity, joy, and intellectual nourishment within the everyday struggles of academic life, offering inspiration for HDRs as they navigate their own journeys.

Facilitators

Daniel X. Harris is a Professor in the School of Education, Director of Creative Agency research lab, and has published 22 books and 150 chapters/articles.

Sarah Robertson is a Research Fellow and Human Geographer in the Centre for Urban Research at RMIT focused on the social dimensions of climate resilient and safe housing and human-nature relations in cities.

Caitlin McGrane is a Research Fellow in the School of Media and Communication. Her research is focused on the intersection of technology, gender and everyday life.

Dr Pradip K. Sarkar is a Business IT academic and DJ/radio show host, undertaking a 2nd PhD in the School of Media & Communications. His research explores practices of technological tinkering amongst independent musicians in India.

This session will be catered.

Accessibility
This session will be recorded, but not live-streamed.
The venue is accessible via lift from street level.
For additional accessibility requirements please contact host.