RMIT WRN and SWAN Symposium

Hosted by the RMIT Women Researchers’ Network (WRN) and Swinburne Women’s Academic Network (SWAN), the event will explore what constitutes a good connection between researchers and external organisations, what external partners seek when collaborating with academics, and how researchers can initiate productive relationships.

The event will begin with a short address from our featured speaker, Virginia Kilborn, followed by a moderated panel of leaders from industry, government, community, and not-for-profit organisations. They will share the challenges facing their sectors, what academics can contribute, and what they look for in potential research partners. The panel discussion will provide women researchers with practical insights into how to initiate, build, and sustain effective partnerships across different sectors, including the qualities and approaches that help partnerships succeed.

During the second hour, attendees will have the opportunity to continue conversations and make new connections through open networking, with light catering provided.

This will be an opportunity to:

· meet external leaders interested in engaging with researchers;

· learn more about initiating and strengthening external collaborations;

· discuss how your expertise could contribute to current organisational and sector challenges; and

· build useful connections with people from RMIT, Swinburne, and beyond.

The event is designed to make it easier for women researchers to connect. By holding it during the working day, we hope to create space for relationship-building that can otherwise be difficult to initiate or fit around evening and caring commitments.