Doctoral Research Conference Australia

Regenerative futures

Over the next decade, tackling the urgent and complex challenges of climate, security and inequality will require new knowledge, skills and collaboration in order to empower people and communities to adapt and thrive in life and work. Across the College of Design and Social Context, staff, supervisors and candidates span a unique range of disciplines engaged in research and research training. Together, we are distinctive in deploying applied and practice-based approaches that are future-oriented and regenerative. Across our three symposia, Practice Research Symposium, Urban Futures Symposium, and Social Change Symposium, we engage in co-creating knowledge that contributes to an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future for people and the planet.

Events

Conference keynote

Joint keynote presentation by Dr Nina Terrey and Dr Melis Senova to launch the inaugural DSC Doctoral Research Conference.

Tuesday 4 June, 5:30pm​
Green Brain conference room, Storey Hall, Building 16, Level 7, RMIT City Campus

Dr Nina Terrey, co-founder of ThinkPlace, a global innovation and design company. 

Bathtubs, babies, and barnacles – what have they got to do with the future of design?

This talk will address the opportunities for designers to be more systematic, and regenerative. Drawing from firsthand observations over the last twenty years of the strategic design industry, this talk will explore the changing requirements for designers and why the role is more important than ever. A core provocation is the emerging regenerative literacy designers need to create a positive and lasting impact on the world. The trajectory of regenerative systems is essential for planetary healing and health.

Nina Terrey
Melis Senova

Dr Melis Senova, Author and Founder of This Human, and co-founder of strategic design firm Huddle.

The way out, is in: the role of inner development in designing regenerative futures 

Through exploring the role of 'design character' in design and leadership, this discussion will consider how the inner world of designers directly influences the outer world they create. Regenerative design requires designers and leaders to be potent and ethical practitioners, whose work has long lasting, systemic impact. To instigate this level of change we must focus on developing our character to meet the unique opportunities and challenges this work presents.


Professor Heather Horst

Decentering automated-decision making

Monday 3 June, 5:15pm, Green Brain, Storey Hall, RMIT City Campus

Social Change Symposium keynote presentation by Professor Heather Horst, Director, Institute for Culture and Society at Western Sydney University.

PRS logo

And; then  

Wednesday 6 June, 6:45pm, Building 100 (Design Hub), RMIT  City Campus

Practice Research Symposium joint keynote presentation by Professor Mark Jacques, RMIT University, and Dr Gwyllim Jahn, Creative Director of Fologram.


Workshops and discussions

Publishing in academic journals: tips for getting published during your candidature

Monday 3 June, 12:20pm - 1:20pm, Green Brain conference room, Storey Hall, Building 16, Level 7, RMIT City Campus

Maximise your chances of publishing in academic journals. This in-person workshop will prepare you to publish alongside your thesis.

Genres of collaboration for engaged and impactful research

Tuesday 4 June, 2pm - 4pm, Green Brain conference room, Storey Hall, Building 16, Level 7, RMIT City Campus

This workshop explores the different forms of collaboration, engagement and impact involved in humanities and social science research practice, and invites you to reflect on the styles of collaboration that you require or aspire to. 

Examining AI: problems, possibilities & potentials

Wednesday 5 June, 12:20pm - 1:20pm, Green Brain conference room, Storey Hall, Building 16, Level 7, RMIT City Campus

This panel discussion considers the multifaceted impact of AI across all stages of HDR candidature including data collection, scholarly writing, examination processes, and creative practices. Chaired by DSC HDR Director Stephen Gaunson.  


Regenerative educational futures

Thursday 6 June, 12:20pm - 1:20pm, Building 100 (Design Hub), Pavilion 1, Level 10, RMIT City Campus

What does regenerative thinking mean in higher education? Join a lively panel discussion with Andrea Siodmok and Chris Speed, chaired by Naomi Stead, as they argue for a fundamental reimagining of how Australian universities approach research-related education. 

Regenerative futures workshop

Friday 7 June, 12:20pm - 1:20pm, Building 100 (Design Hub), Pavilion 1, Level 10, RMIT City Campus

Reimagine new models of working that flip the value of learning from the attainment of personal qualifications, to participation and collaborative learning within ecological, social and economic grand challenges. Faciltated by Philipa Duthie and Chris Speed. 

Murky mapping: charting research territory

Saturday 8 June, 12:20pm - 1:20pm, Building 100 (Design Hub), Pavilion 1, Level 10, RMIT City Campus

This PRS workshop draws on techniques from urban mapping and explores spatial and material ideas through making drawings. Learn how these techniques can also be used to tease out relationships between aspects of a research topic to provoke new perspectives. 


Higher Degree by Research presentations

Throughout the Conference, Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates from across all disciplines in the College of Design and Social Context will present their milestones, work in progress and examinations. Session details for HDR presentations are available via the links below. Please note that information for milestone presenters, chairs and referees is available through the RMIT SharePoint site for HDR Milestone Presentations (RMIT login required).

Program and registration

Monday 3 June

Workshop

Publishing in academic journals: tips for getting published during your candidature

Monday 3 June, 12:20pm - 1:20pm, Green Brain conference room, Storey Hall, Building 16, Level 7, RMIT City Campus

Publishing in academic journals during your PhD or Masters by Research candidature is an effective way to share your research and build your profile. This practical workshop aims to maximise your chances of publication by guiding you through fundamental publishing strategies.

The workshop will cover the publishing process, from initial planning and identifying suitable journals, to manuscript writing, and effectively negotiating the peer review process and addressing feedback. You will have the opportunity to look up the submission requirements of a leading journal in your field and brainstorm a potential article for publication.

Gain greater insight into how to structure and write a journal article. You’ll also receive tips on writing with authority and developing a writer's voice.

Facilitators
  • Barbara Yazbeck, Academic Skills Advisor (Research) 
  • Dr Huong Phan, Academic Skills Advisor (Research)
  • Dr Miranda Francis, Teaching and Research Librarian

 

Heather Horst

Social Change Symposium keynote

Decentering automated-decision making: technology and social change from the majority world

Monday 3 June, 5:15pm, Green Brain conference room, Storey Hall, Building 16, Level 7, RMIT City Campus

Keynote presentation by Professor Heather Horst, Director, Institute for Culture and Society at Western Sydney University.

This talk will focus on the growth of automated decision-making systems and their impact on everyday life. Using case studies from the majority world, a 'decentering' framework will be introduced to understand technologies like AI and ADM. The discussion will explore the creation, implementation, thwarting, and alteration of technical systems in non-Western regions, highlighting the social impact of these technologies. By examining innovation, investment, discourse, and practice, the talk will demonstrate the consequences of ADM and suggest ways to develop more nuanced understandings of these emergent technologies. It will also discuss alternative futures for these technologies based on different practices and possibilities.


HDR presentations

Monday 3 June

HDR presentations may be given in-person, online or in hybrid mode. View stream schedules and abstracts via the links below.

Social Change Stream

Urban Futures Stream


Tuesday 4 June

Heather Horst

Workshop

Genres of collaboration for engaged and impactful research

Tuesday 4 June, 2pm - 4pm, Green Brain conference room, Storey Hall, Building 16, Level 7, RMIT City Campus

The higher education sector and the governments that directly and indirectly support research have intensified their interest in impact and engagement with industry and communities in contexts such as Australia and the UK. Whilst humanities and social science research have always involved partnership and collaboration, this increased interest in partnership and impact require scholars in our fields to better articulate the mechanisms that underpin the forms of collaboration that our research practice entails.

This workshop explores the different forms of collaboration, engagement and impact that are often involved in humanities and social science research practice. Drawing upon qualitative and ethnographic research in different settings, the workshop draws attention to the power dynamics that shape the forms of collaboration (and impact) that may be possible for different research endeavours.

Introducing a working theory of the different genres of collaboration in HASS research practice, researchers and practitioners are invited to reflect upon and discuss their own genre of collaboration that are required – or aspired to – in their current and future research.

Facilitator
  • Professor Heather Horst, Director, Institute for Culture and Society at Western Sydney University.

Conference keynote

Regenerative futures presentations by Dr Nina Terrey and Dr Melis Senova

Tuesday 4 June, 5:30pm, Green Brain conference room, Storey Hall, Building 16, Level 7, RMIT City Campus
Dr Nina Terrey and Dr Melis Senova present a joint keynote presentation to launch the inaugural DSC Doctoral Research Conference. 
Bathtubs, babies, and barnicles way out, is in – what have they got to do with the future of design?

This talk will address the opportunities for designers to be more systemic, systematic, and regenerative. Drawing from firsthand observations over the last twenty years of the strategic design industry, this talk will explore the changing requirements for designers and why the role is more important than ever. A core provocation is the emerging regenerative literacy designers need to create a positive and lasting impact on the world. The trajectory of regenerative systems is essential for planetary healing and health.

The way out, is in: the role of inner development in designing regenerative futures

Through exploring the role of 'design character' in design and leadership, this discussion will consider how the inner world of designers directly influences the outer world they create. Regenerative design requires designers and leaders to be potent and ethical practitioners, whose work has long lasting, systemic impact. To instigate this level of change we must focus on developing our character to meet the unique opportunities and challenges this work presents.


HDR presentations

Tuesday 4 June

HDR presentations may be given in-person, online or in hybrid mode. View stream schedules and abstracts via the links below.

Social Change Stream

Urban Futures Stream


Wednesday 5 June

Panel discussion

Examining AI: problems, possibilities and potentials

Wednesday 5 June, 12:20pm - 1:20pm, Green Brain conference room, Storey Hall, Building 16, Level 7, RMIT City Campus

This panel discussion explores the multifaceted impact of AI across all stages of HDR candidature, including data collection, scholarly writing, and examination processes, including the nuanced challenges posed by AI for candidates engaged in creative practices. In recent years, AI tools have brought significant changes in the landscape of academic research, particularly for postgraduate candidates, where the emphasis lies on critical insights and original contributions to knowledge. This timely discussion on the implications of AI for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates will be chaired by DSC HDR Director Stephen Gaunson and includes representatives from across the university, including diverse academics renowned for their expertise in grappling with AI systems within their fields of research.

Speakers
  • Stephen Gaunson (Chair), HDR Director, College of Design and Social Context, RMIT University. 
  • Ingrid Richardson, Professor and HDR Delegated Authority, School of Media and Communication, RMIT University.
  • Matt Duckham, Professor in Geospatial Sciences and Director, Information in Society, Enabling Impact Platform (EIP), RMIT University.
  • Chris Speed, Professor of Design for Regenerative Futures, RMIT University.
  • Tristan Badham, Manager, Library Research team, RMIT University.
Practice Research Symposium (PRS) logo

PRS exhibition opening and keynote

And; then. Design, design research, and the PRS as an incubator of future practice

Wednesday 5 June, 5:30pm, Building 100 (Design Hub), RMIT City Campus

Celebrate the opening of PRS Australia at the Design Hub with welcome drinks and finger food in the Design Hub Gallery. Join us in the gallery space for networking opportunities with our community of practice researchers and to view the research of our PhD and Masters by Research examination candidates. 

The PRS official welcome and keynote will then take place in the Design Hub Lecture Theatre at 6:45pm. The keynote will feature presentations by Dr Mark Jacques and Dr Gwyllim Jahn, both recent graduates of the Design Practice PhD program at RMIT University. Professor Vivian Mitsogianni, Dean of RMIT's School of Architecture and Urban Design will introduce and moderate the discussion as Mark and Gwyllim reflect on their experiences of the PRS, including beginning points, the trajectory of their candidature and the outcomes that emerged from their research. The discussion will explore the distinction and overlaps between industry and the academy in the context of design practice research, the specific ways the speakers have been able to leverage their engagement across both for mutual benefit, and how the PhD has catalysed the next phase of their practice.

Order of proceedings
  • Exhibition opening: 5:30pm – 6:30pm, Design Hub Gallery, Level 2 
  • Keynote: 6:45pm - 8:15pm, Design Hub Lecture Theatre, Level 3 
Speakers
  • Mark Jacques, Professor of Architecture (Urbanism) Industry Fellow, School of Architecture and Urban Design, RMIT University.
  • Gwyllim Jahn, co-founder and Creative Director of Fologram, a design research practice and technology startup. 

HDR presentations

Wednesday 5 June

HDR presentations may be given in-person, online or in hybrid mode. View stream schedules and abstracts via the links below.

Social Change Stream

Urban Futures Stream


Thursday 6 June

PRS logo

Panel discussion

Regenerative educational futures

Thursday 6 June, 12:20pm - 1:20pm, Building 100 (Design Hub), Pavilion 1, Level 10, RMIT City Campus

What does regenerative thinking mean in higher education? What would a regenerative educational future look and feel like for all of those engaged: from undergraduate students, to HDR candidates, to teaching staff?

Join a lively panel discussion with Andrea Siodmok and Chris Speed, chaired by Naomi Stead, as they argue for a fundamental reimagining of how Australian universities approach research-related education - including at RMIT. Regenerative thinking allows a shift beyond traditional concepts of 'sustainability' which, while sorely needed, need to go further to address the climate crisis. A regenerative futures framing offers the promise of extending the fundamental tenets of sustainability - environmental conservation, economic stability, and social equity - to embrace a dynamic, entangled complexity of the human and more-than-human worlds. And in considering what all this means for higher education and research, including for HDR candidates, the panellists will question how we might cast future higher education experiences into a regenerative context that is productive and nourishing, based on care, and that considers people, planets and the systems and processes that connect us?

Speakers
  • Professor Naomi Stead, Director of the Design and Creative Practice Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University. 
  • Chris Speed, Professor of Design for Regenerative Futures, RMIT University.
  • Professor Andrea Siodmok OBE, Dean, School of Design, RMIT University.
Philipa Duthie

Presentation, launch and discussion

Regenerative futures: what do they mean for RMIT and beyond?

Thursday 6 June, 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Building 80, Level 1, Room 2, RMIT City Campus

'Regenerative futures' as a framing concept has the potential to be significant within RMIT - across the full breadth of its disciplines, fields, and arenas of impact. But some will be wondering exactly what it all means, where such ideas have come from, and how they might practically land in a higher education context - including how they can inform transformative education and research. This important talk by guest speaker Philipa Duthie, Oceania Director of the Royal Society of the Arts (RSA), will trace the intellectual history of Regenerative Futures, including how this paradigm has particular significance in an Asia Pacific context in light of Indigenous and First Nations knowledge stretching back more than sixty thousand years.

Introducing the RSA's ground-breaking work in this arena including the 'Regeneration Rising' podcast, Duthie will also reflect on the outcomes of an emerging collaboration between RSA Oceania and RMIT that explores the significance of regenerative thinking in higher education contexts worldwide - an essential intervention in our time of climate crisis. Following this, Professor Andrea Siodmok will preview a white paper on this topic: a collaboration between RMIT and the RSA which proposes a path for Universities to move toward a regenerative approach through strategic planning, policy-making, and funding frameworks, whilst shaping future practitioners and citizens.

Speakers
  • Philipa Duthie, Oceania Director of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA). 
  • Professor Andrea Siodmok OBE, Dean, School of Design, RMIT University.

HDR presentations

Thursday 6 June

HDR presentations may be given in-person, online or in hybrid mode. View stream schedules and abstracts via the links below. 

Social Change Stream

Urban Futures Stream


Friday 7 June

PRS logo

Workshop

Regenerative futures for HDR candidates and supervisors

Friday 7 June, 12:20pm - 1:20pm, Building 100 (Design Hub), Pavilion 1, Level 10, RMIT City Campus

What could Regenerative Research Futures look like? Complex social and environmental challenges require complex interdisciplinary teams that can collaborate across multiple research methods to impact positive change. If the current PhD model supports individual research excellence, what would a collaborative, practice based, life-long research programme look like?

This workshop, facilitated by Royal Society of the Arts Oceania Director Philipa Duthie and Chris Speed, Professor of Design for Regenerative Futures, invites PRS participants to reimagine new models of working that flip the value of learning from the attainment of personal qualifications, to participation and collaborative learning within ecological, social and economic grand challenges.

Facilitators
  • Philipa Duthie, Oceania Director of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA). 
  • Chris Speed, Professor of Design for Regenerative Futures, RMIT University. 

HDR presentations

Friday 7 June

HDR presentations may be given in-person, online or in hybrid mode. View stream schedules and abstracts via the links below.

Social Change Stream

Urban Futures Stream


Saturday 8 June

PRS logo

Workshop

Murky mapping – charting research territory

Saturday 8 June, 12:20pm - 1:20pm, Building 100 (Design Hub), Pavilion 1, Level 10, RMIT City Campus

Maps are frequently associated with ambitions to create precision and documentation of the ‘real’. Yet maps are always partial and necessarily involve distortion. They also create forms of ambiguity that can be provocative and generative. This workshop draws (literally!) on techniques from urban mapping and explores spatial and material ideas through making drawings. These techniques can also be used in other disciplines to tease out relationships between aspects of a research topic and provoke new perspectives. Anyone interested in visualising and speculating on current and possible future configurations of research ideas is welcome to join this workshop for participants in the June Practive Research Symposium (PRS) 2024. 

Facilitators
  • Associate Professor Katrina Simon, Associate Dean, Landscape Architecture, RMIT University. 
  • Chris Speed, Professor of Design for Regenerative Futures, RMIT University.
  • Andrea Eckersley, HDR coordinator, School of Fashion and Textiles and the PRS Australia chair.

Closing event

Conference reception

Saturday 8 June, 5:45pm - 8pm, The Atrium, Oxford Scholar, 427 Swanston St, Melbourne

Please join us at Oxford Scholar to celebrate the closure of the DSC Doctoral Research Conference Australia - June 2024.

This is an informal social occasion to connect, relax and reflect on the full week of conference highlights!

Refreshments will be provided. 


HDR presentations

Saturday 8 June

HDR presentations may be given in-person, online or in hybrid mode. View stream schedules and abstracts via the links below.

Social Change Stream

Urban Futures Stream


aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.