The top 4 reasons by new attendees in HERDSA Conference 2025 survey: To learn new things, engage with scholarship, engage with others, & Perth!

A record number of delegates registered – 633 including Workshop Day, UWA (143); Virtual Conference (109) and in-person conference, from 22 different countries. This brings more insights and perspectives to shape education, but also makes our Conference more inclusive

“I didn’t feel like the glaringly visible 'different' person … I experienced a beautiful diversity of voices, values, and lived experiences.” (Ezrina Fewings)

Olman Walley, Wadjuk Noongar, gave a warm and powerful wanju Wadjuk Noongar boodjar (Welcome to Wadjuk Noongar Country) through language, song, and boomerang throwing excitement; by morning tea, people were saying: “this is great! Everyone’s so welcoming! Having the best time!” and at the end:

“I found it very welcoming. It had a positive feeling and overall people were lovely ...”

KEYNOTES

The Keynotes were intentionally chosen to speak to a range of interests, and stages of our community in their growth as educators, and

“All the keynote talks were excellent. Very different. Equally fabulous.”

Productive and ethical use of AI, Professor Rowena Harper, Edith Cowan University

Rowena argued universities have three purposes: practical (students’ future contributions to work), social (in their local and global contexts), and critical (for making the world a better place). These three purposes frame our responsibilities for engaging with Artificial Intelligence in higher education, even where it is discomforting. Hear Rowena’s key takeaways here.

Higher Education Policy: A new bureaucratic era?, Professor Andrew Norton, Monash University

Andrew presented a comprehensive overview of recent changes and developments in government policy, implications and challenges for Australian Universities. Nalini Pather’s LinkedIn summary included the provocation: “Is increased control the appropriate solution?”

Can Academics be Influencers, too? The role of social media in Higher Education, Associate Professor, Amanda White OAM, Monash University.

Social media has reshaped how people consume information and learn. Therefore, it can be a means for us to connect meaningfully with learners, as trusted and credible sources for education and learning. In her post-presentation video, Amanda shared a particular key nugget: authenticity and vulnerability – (my words) show students you’re human, too.

Education that matters in an era of uncertainty: A critical practice for changing times, Associate Professor Karen Gravett, University of Surrey UK.

Karen examined belonging, care, and criticality in higher education, proposing pedagogies of mattering for the kinds of educational futures we wish to create. Complex conversations are needed about student and staff experiences, for new ways in teaching and learning, for students and learning spaces.

PRESENTATIONS

Showcase presentations are the backbone of the academic conference and we had over 160 in-person and 25 virtual presentations across the 8 perpetual themes: “great breadth and interesting topics - hard to choose!”. Overall, very positive reviews.

However, there is something for future presenters: “I enjoyed papers that were a bit more adventurous in presentation format than conventional research papers” supported by “I was a bit surprised that many of the sessions I attended were very traditional with no interaction. This was contrary to what I expected with the engagement section of abstracts and important part of acceptance.”

GenAI was a “dominant theme” – which gave many a lot of joy and excitement, less so for others. Assessment and Curriculum design featured strongly, as well as a range of student inclusivity-related topics.

Round tables are a super popular and unique feature in HERDSA Conferences – who of us can resist the opportunity to discuss teaching?!

“I really enjoyed the Roundtable format - the sense of collaboration, sharing of information and inspiring all of us to continue to work to make a difference”

PANEL: Not another GenAI Panel: Real people, real cases for teaching and learning

“The closing session challenged us to move beyond the hype and critically engage with the real opportunities and tensions generative AI brings to higher education. A bold, necessary conversation to end an inspiring three days of learning, reflection, and connection.” (Linda Ng)

Guided by MC Ashleigh Prosser, an academic (Sarah Etherington), a researcher (Thomas Corbin), a technology-focused educational experience lead (Antony Tibbs), and a student workplace futures representative (Schellie-Jayne Price, lawyer):

“highlighted the importance of moral and ethical literacy of AI, transparency, and supporting students to use AI as an effective tool for learning and achieving academic success.” (Francis Dean)

Ultimately, the best conference may be judged on food and coffee – but actually it’s what we bring as presenters and participants. Even with 43% attending their first HERDSA Conference, we all came primed for connecting, learning, collegiality and a shared interest in Shaping Education. The ‘best things’:

“Atmosphere, and sense of belonging.”

“The connecting with others and learning together.”

“Sharing insights for possible future collaboration

“Meeting so many people focused on teaching and working with their students”

“Mentally stimulating...now just to put some ideas into practice!”

Conference Highlights Video is on youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-U51GRFAj8

Let’s go HERDSA 2026 in Singapore!