HERDSA Notices 21 January 2026

* HERDSA Blog Post: The Human Side of Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) Nominations: A Relational and Reflective Journey
* HERDSA Community: Finalising Abstracts for HERDSA2026 Conference: Supporting Strong, Competitive Submissions
* A new year and an opportunity for a coffee and SoTL chat
* HERDSA NSW Branch Event
* Have you had a chance to check out the redeveloped HERDSA SoTL Modules yet?
* Call for Contributions: JANZSSA Voices From the Field
* Launch of JANZSSA’s Special Issue on Addressing Gender-based Violence in Tertiary Institutions
* CRADLE Seminar Series: 'Manifesto for feedback in the age of artificial intelligence'
* Australian Universal Wellbeing SYMPOSIUM
* ONLINE WORKSHOP- Managing Staff Wellbeing for Performance
* WORKSHOP- Staff Workplace Wellbeing Elevator
* The 2nd New Zealand Prevention Imperative: Universal Wellbeing Conference
* New articles in Higher Education Research and Development

To submit an announcement for this list complete the online form at http://herdsa.org.au/herdsa-notices

A full list of HERDSA Notices is online at http://www.herdsa.org.au/latest-news

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HERDSA Blog Post: The Human Side of Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) Nominations: A Relational and Reflective Journey
Hasti Abbasi, 21 January 2026

Hasti guides us through the journey of applying for an Australian Award for university teaching, highlighting relational and reflective aspects.

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HERDSA Community: Finalising Abstracts for HERDSA2026 Conference: Supporting Strong, Competitive Submissions
Manisha Thakkar ,16 January 2026

Manisha describes the process used to guide participants through strong and weak abstract examples that was mapped directly to the HERDSA rubric used in the abstract submissions for HERDSA 2026 to be held in Singapore. The webinar included step-by-step demonstrations of how weaker sections of an abstract could be transformed into higher-scoring submissions and a detailed abstract writing guide was shared to support ongoing revision beyond the session. Key areas addressed during the workshop included strengthening the description of methods and evidence, articulating a clear contribution to scholarship and/or practice, and designing meaningful audience engagement strategies which is a distinctive feature of HERDSA abstracts.

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A new year and an opportunity for a coffee and SoTL chat
Nearly every Tues/fortnight 12-12:45 pm AEST (QLD time)- Next Drop In's Jan 27; Feb 3; Feb 17; March 3; March 17

Are you interested in SoTL? Not sure where to start? Maybe you have an idea but would value sharing thoughts and discussing ideas? Then join me for a coffee and to chat SoTL.
Use this time to explore a new idea or to develop a potential SoTL project; discuss a hurdle that’s blocking the progress of your SoTL project, chat about how to disseminate key insights from your SoTL study through a publication, blog, or conference presentation, or maybe explore a different methodological approach for exploring a SoTL phenomenon. Assoc Prof. Alice Brown (#HERDSA Executive and Lead for Scholarship of Teaching and Learning - SoTL modules and New Scholars) is organising fortnightly drop-in sessions to help navigate the world of SoTL. Whether you're new to SoTL or looking for ways to publish your research, these sessions are for you. Grab your coffee and drop in for some valuable insights and discussions. See you there!

Further information: Join here https://unisq.zoom.us/j/559083948

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HERDSA NSW Branch Event
February 19th 2026

The HERDSA NSW Branch invites you to an afternoon of talks exploring future-ready tertiary education. Entitled "Adaptive Citizens: navigating networks of work, society and technology" this event invites higher education leaders to explore how institutions can align curriculum, pedagogy, and professional development with the demands of a tech-driven, human-centered world. We welcome A/Prof Michael O’Connor from Western Sydney University as the keynote speaker. As the president of WIL Australia and a productive WIL researcher he is a leader in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) curriculum transformation and graduate capability development.

WHEN: February 19, 2026, at 1:30 PM (ADST) for 2 pm start.
WHERE: In person at ACAP University College (Level 1/255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney) or online.
We welcome HERDSA members and non-members.

Please use link below to register and for further information-
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adaptive-citizens-navigating-networks-of-wo...

Further information: Further info: Gina.Saliba@acap.edu.au or Christopher Jones (c.jones@westernsydney.edu.au)

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Have you had a chance to check out the redeveloped HERDSA SoTL Modules yet?

In November 2025 HERDSA proudly launched the redeveloped HERDSA Scholarship of Teaching & Learning modules. The 10 modules are specifically designed for the HERDSA community. The modules are relevant for national and international scholars, acting as a capacity-building resource to assist in developing and refining SoTL knowledge and skills.The aim of the HERDSA SoTL modules is to introduce you to the nature, purpose and process of the scholarship of teaching and learning, and act as a capacity-building resource to assist you in developing and refining your SoTL knowledge and skills.

The updated HERDSA SoTL Modules are free and a significant benefit for HERDSA financial members. Have you checked them out yet?
*For current HERDSA members - please access the redeveloped HERDSA SoTL Modules by logging into the MY DASHBOARD link on the HERDSA website.
*For non HERDSA members interested in the HERDSA SoTL Modules please enquire at https://forms.office.com/r/qtb6nfxqAd
There are 10 Modules now included in the HERDSA SoTL Modules:

1. Introducing SoTL – Explore its purpose and value in higher education.
2. Becoming an Evidence-Based Educator – Ground your practice in research.
3. Foundations of Producing SoTL – Scope and project planning.
4. SoTL Research Methods – Action research, surveys, observations, interviews, and more.
5. Designing your SoTL project – From concept to plan
6. Theoretical frameworks in SoTL – Making your thinking visible.
7. From vision to reality – Developing an armoury of tools for engaging in SoTL research
8. Analysing & Interpreting Data – Turn raw data into meaningful insights
9. Disseminating SoTL findings
10.Enhancing the impact of your SoTL research

Each module takes you through four phases of learning—Discover, Explore, Engage, Connect—with opportunities to dive deeper if you choose.
You might also like to read a recent Blog on the HERDSA SoTL Modules 'HERDSA SOTL Modules - Setting the Bar in World Standard Support for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning' - https://herdsa.org.au/news/herdsa-sotl-modules-setting-bar-world-standar...

Further information: HERDSA Exec Member Alice Brown - Alice.Brown@unisq.edu.au

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Call for Contributions: JANZSSA Voices From the Field
Submissions open 26 January 2026

The Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association (JANZSSA) is inviting contributions from the student services community for the next Voices From the Field article, to be published in April 2026.

Individuals and groups are invited to submit a short written or visual response to the following prompt, chosen by the student services community: How do we build belonging, mattering, and connection for diverse cohorts of students learning and living across digital and on-campus spaces?

Submissions open Monday 26 January and are limited to a maximum of 20 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Further information: https://janzssa.scholasticahq.com/post/3684-call-for-contributions-janzs...

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Launch of JANZSSA’s Special Issue on Addressing Gender-based Violence in Tertiary Institutions
Wednesday 4 February 2026

Join the Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association (JANZSSA) on Wednesday 4 February for the special issue launch: Addressing Gender-based Violence in Tertiary Institutions.

Guest editors and authors will discuss emerging trends in gender-based violence prevention and response, practical strategies to enhance student safety and wellbeing, and reflections on implementing the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence.

This free webinar promises timely insights for higher education professionals, student support practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and anyone committed to creating safer campuses.

Further information: https://janzssa.scholasticahq.com/post/3626

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CRADLE Seminar Series: 'Manifesto for feedback in the age of artificial intelligence'
Wednesday 18 February - 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm (AEDT)

The first seminar in CRADLE's 2026 Seminar Series introduces a new manifesto for feedback in the age of artificial intelligence.

In May 2025, seventeen researchers with expertise across higher education, health professional education, feedback and digital education came together to discuss future directions for feedback research at the University of Copenhagen.

Out of these conversations, a working party constructed a manifesto for feedback in the age of artificial intelligence, led by Professor Naomi Winstone from the University of Surrey. This always-in-progress document offers a values-led compass to guide decision making as educators and institutions are faced with as-yet-unknown futures where AI can be integrated into feedback processes.

In this panel, we interrogate potential future scenarios, and then ‘test’ the manifesto against a series of provocations offered by these possible futures. Panellists include Prof. Naomi Winstone (University of Surrey), A/Prof. Karen Gravett (University of Surrey), A/Prof. Christy Noble (University of Queensland), Dr Anna Jones (King's College London), and A/Prof. Kelli Nicola-Richmond (Deakin University), introduced by CRADLE's Prof. Margaret Bearman.

Join us online at the special time of 6.00 pm (AEDT) / 7.00 am (GMT) for a thought-provoking conversation to kick off CRADLE's 2026 Seminar Series.

Further information: https://manifesto-for-feedback-in-age-of-AI.eventbrite.com.au/?aff=herdsa

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Australian Universal Wellbeing SYMPOSIUM
3 March 2026

The Symposium 2026 is a two-day event focused on the Universal Wellbeing Model, an Evaluation Tool, Universal Wellbeing Literacy, Implementation system and Intervention options, ‘The Source’ and the recently released Universal Wellbeing Charter: A Framework for Global Primordial Prevention.

Designed for researchers, academics, teaching staff and professional practitioners, the symposium will examine a new conceptualisation of wellbeing, and how this evidence-based innovation can be implemented, embedded, and sustained within complex systems.

The programme will focus on practical strategy, system alignment, and real-world applications in diverse settings, which support participants to strengthen wellbeing capability without increasing complexity or reliance on individual resilience approaches.

This is a research-informed, practice-focused symposium for professionals seeking credible frameworks, shared language, and implementation pathways that stand up to institutional, research and sector scrutiny.
Dates: 27–28 August 2026
Location: Pullman Brisbane Airport Hotel, Brisbane
A Priority Access List is now open for early programme and registration updates ahead of public launch. Contact us for presentation options.

https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/australian-uw-symposium-2026

Further information: https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/australian-uw-symposium-2026

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ONLINE WORKSHOP- Managing Staff Wellbeing for Performance
Thursday, 5 March 2026

Higher and tertiary education sector managers and staff are increasingly expected to manage staff wellbeing while remaining accountable for performance, often without clear guidance on where responsibility begins and ends.

This online workshop examines how everyday management decisions shape staff capacity, sustainability and performance over time. Drawing on 16 years of applied Universal Wellbeing research, the session focuses on what evidence-based wellbeing is, how to take care of it and where wellbeing responsibility legitimately sits within roles, plus how well-intentioned responses can unintentionally increase risk or inequity, and how leaders can lead with care without weakening accountability.

The workshop is designed for leaders, managers and senior practitioners with staff oversight who want stronger judgement and clearer boundaries rather than additional wellbeing initiatives.
Date: Thursday 5 March 2026
Time: 9.30am–4.00pm NZT
Format: Live online

Further information: https://www.freedom-ihe.ac.nz/wellbeing-events/managing-staff-wellbeing-...

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WORKSHOP- Staff Workplace Wellbeing Elevator
13 March 2026

Workplace wellbeing is shaped less by individual intention and more by everyday work practices, expectations, and environments.
The Staff Workplace Wellbeing Elevator is a practical, research-informed professional learning workshop designed to support staff to understand what wellbeing is, what their evidence-based profile reveals, how it operates within workplaces, and how it can be strengthened without adding pressure, workload, or complexity.

Underpinned by the latest research, this in-person workshop focuses on everyday application rather than motivation or new initiatives. It examines how small, meaningful adjustments to work practices reduce strain, improve wellbeing, and support more sustainable performance across teams.

The workshop is relevant across tertiary, education, health, community, and organisational settings and is often attended by mixed teams to support shared understanding and consistent practice.
Date: Friday 13 March 2026
Time: 9.30am–4.00pm NZT
Location: Hilton Auckland, Karaka

Further information: https://www.freedom-ihe.ac.nz/wellbeing-events/managing-staff-wellbeing-...

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The 2nd New Zealand Prevention Imperative: Universal Wellbeing Conference
8th and 9th October 2026

The 2nd New Zealand Prevention Imperative: Universal Wellbeing Conference will host leaders, researchers, managers, and practitioners from higher and tertiary education, research, health, social services, community, NGOs and other organisations to advance evidence-based, prevention Universal Wellbeing strategies and approaches.

Key primordial prevention target areas exhibiting entrenched poor wellbeing are:
High suicide, sexual and family violence, crime, chronic illness, and low educational engagement and achievement, workplace wellbeing, productivity, home ownership, social cohesion.

Building on outcomes from the 2025 conference, which introduced and then developed the Universal Wellbeing Charter: global prevention primordial, the 2026 conference will shift its focus from introduction to implementation science based strategic planning, and action. The emphasis is on reviewing recent Universal Wellbeing research and Implementation Science–based strategy and approaches with the potential to measurable improve wellbeing, workforce sustainability, and system performance.

The conference will present updated research, intervention programmes, evaluation frameworks, and cross-sector insights designed to support real-world application within diverse institutions and complex organisational environments.

This is not a motivational wellbeing event. It is a research-driven, system-focused conference designed for those seeking to pioneer resources, Explore potential, and test effectiveness using prevention orientated data-informed approaches.

Further information: A Priority Access List is now open for early updates ahead of public launch. https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/prevention-imperative-nz-20

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New articles in Higher Education Research and Development

Fostering cultural capability and confidence: the impact of cultural responsiveness training on non-Indigenous allied health academics teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander related content, Shinead A. Borkovic, Daniel R. Bonanno, Matthew Oates, Michelle Loeliger, Linda A. Malesic, Ash Paxton & Madeline Hannington, https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2025.2607695

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In the spirit of reconciliation HERDSA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australasia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

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