15 – 18 September | Melbourne
The Future-Facing University
Leadership from the arts, social sciences and humanities
Higher education is being reshaped by AI, digital transformation and shifting expectations from governments, communities and industry. The 2026 DASSH conference explores how universities can lead, teach, research and govern effectively, and how the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities can continue to contribute to institutional strength and long-term capabilities. With expert speakers, panels and interactive discussions, this is a must-attend event for those driving innovation and leadership in tertiary education.
We respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather and pay our respect to Elders past and present. We recognise our connections to Wurundjeri Country, history, culture, and spirituality, and commit to operating in a manner that respects, celebrates, and honours their Elders and Ancestors.
We’re taking simple steps to reduce the environmental impact of our conference. Programs will be provided digitally rather than as printed copies to minimise paper use. To help further reduce waste, please bring a reusable watter bottle.
Registrations closed
Due to the popularity of this year’s event, we have now reached the maximum capacity for registrations. If you were planning to attend the conference but missed out on tickets, please contact us at office@dassh.edu.au.
Venues & Program
| TUESDAY 15 SEPTEMBER | Pre-Conference RMIT The Capitol 113 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000 | |
| 6.30pm | The First Inventors: How People Shaped a Continent An evening with Larissa Behrendt, Billy Griffiths and Sean Ulm |
| 7.30pm | Welcome Reception Canapés and drinks |
| WEDNESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER | Conference Day One Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship (AGSE) Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn Campus 50 William St, Hawthorn VIC 3122 | |
| 8.30am | Guests arrive Tea and coffee upon arrival |
| 9.00am | Conference welcome Professor James Verdon, Executive Dean, School of Social Sciences, Media, Film & Education, Swinburne University of Technology |
| 9.30am | Shaping the Future of Higher Education The opening session sets the scene for DASSH’s Future-Facing University conference by examining the changing role of universities in an era of technological transformation, evolving workforce needs and shifting public expectations. Luke Sheehy, CEO of Universities Australia What is the role of the university in shaping Australia’s future? CEO of Universities Australia Luke Sheehy explores the strategic direction and contributions of the university sector. Megan Lilly, Deputy Commissioner, Jobs and Skills Australia The workforce requires graduates with both technical expertise and enduring human capabilities. Megan Lilly examines emerging skills needs, the role of tertiary education in developing a future-ready workforce, and the role of universities in building adaptable, skilled and resilient graduates. Chair: Professor James Verdon, Executive Dean, School of Social Sciences, Media, Film & Education, Swinburne University of Technology |
| 10.45am | Morning tea |
| 11.15am | Panel: The Change Landscape Professor Ute Roessner, CEO of Australian Research Council Professor Kate Darian-Smith, President of Academy of Social Sciences in Australia What are the emerging priorities shaping Australia and Aotearoa’s research and higher education system? Professor Cynthia White, Professor Ute Roessner and Professor Kate Darian-Smith will explore current sector developments and the future of the social sciences. Chair: Professor Cynthia White, Pro Vice-Chancellor, College of Humanities & Social Sciences, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University |
| 12.30pm | Lunch |
| 1.30pm | Room One: Higher Education at a Crossroads Professor Andrew Norton, Monash Business School Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand universities are facing significant change across funding, international engagement, student expectations and public policy. Professor Andrew Norton unpacks the key trends and risks shaping the future of higher education, with a focus on the policy context influencing institutional decision-making. Chair: Professor Heather Zwicker, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Campus Culture and Leadership) & Executive Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences, The University of Queensland Room Two: Aotearoa New Zealand breakout A collegial discussion for Aotearoa New Zealand members to connect and share perspectives on current priorities and emerging sector issues, including the shift towards university self-accreditation. The session will provide space to discuss the implications of these changes and identify areas of shared interest and experience across institutions. Chair: Professor Bill Fish, Head of School of Humanities, Media and Creative Communication, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University |
| 2.20pm | Afternoon tea |
| 3.00pm | Education and Regional Futures in the Asia-Pacific Susannah Patton, Director Asia Engagement, RMIT University Bronte Neyland, Vice-President (External Engagement), Swinburne University of Technology Professor Bethan Greener, Head of School, People, Environment and Planning, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University Universities play an increasingly important role in strengthening regional relationships, fostering international collaboration and building long-term capability across the Asia- Pacific. This panel will explore how higher education contributes to regional engagement through education, research and partnerships, and consider the opportunities and responsibilities of universities in supporting shared regional futures. Chair: Professor Hugh Campbell, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Division of Humanities, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka University of Otago |
| WEDNESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER | Conference Dinner Melbourne Museum 11 Nicholson St, Carlton, Victoria 3053 | |
| 5.30pm | Guest arrival and drinks service commences |
| 6.00pm | First Nations introduction and access to Bunjilaka Aboriginal Centre |
| 6.30pm | Roaming entrees |
| 7.30pm | Seated main course |
| 9.30pm | Conference dinner concludes |
| THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER | Conference Day Two Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship (AGSE) Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn Campus 50 William St, Hawthorn VIC 3122 | |
| 9.00am | Room One: Council Meeting & AGM Professor Heather Zwicker, DASSH President & Executive Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences, University of Queensland The AGM includes Board elections and provides members with reports on the organisation’s activities and finances. There is opportunity for members to engage in the governance and future direction of DASSH for 2026-2028. Attendees: DASSH Council members, Heads of Schools and nominated proxies __________ Room Two: Research Integrity in Practice Professor Tim Marjoribanks, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research Integrity, Swinburne University of Technology As research environments become increasingly complex, leaders are navigating a growing range of integrity challenges. This facilitated workshop will examine practical issues around authorship, ethics, data management and external partners. Attendees: DASSH Research & HDR leaders, & any interested attendees __________ Room Three: Assessment in the Age of AI Professor Phill Dawson, Co-Lead, Centre for Research in Assessment and Digital Learning (CRADLE), Deakin University Assessment is central to assuring student learning and graduate capability in a rapidly evolving higher education environment. Participants will examine emerging approaches to designing authentic assessment and learning outcomes. Attendees: DASSH Teaching and Learning leaders & any interested attendees |
| 11.00am | Morning tea |
| 11.30am | Purpose and Participation in Higher Education Professor Verity Firth, Vice-President Societal Impact, University of New South Wales & Chair of Engagement Australia In a time of transformation across the tertiary sector, questions of access, equity and institutional purpose are increasingly significant. This plenary examines how universities can strengthen participation and social impact while maintaining meaningful engagement with communities and learners. Chair: Professor Katherine Johnson, Dean, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University |
| 12.30pm | Lunch |
| 1:45pm | The AI-Integrated University Professor Theo Farrell, Vice-Chancellor and President, La Trobe University Artificial intelligence is reshaping not only university operations, but also how knowledge is created, assessed and communicated. Drawing on emerging examples of AI integration across curriculum and institutional strategy, this session explores the implications for universities responding to rapid technological and workforce change. Chair: Professor Simon Tormey, Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts and Education, Deakin University |
| 2:45pm | Closing Remarks Professor Lori Lockyer, Executive Dean, Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice, Queensland University of Technology |
| 3:00pm | Afternoon tea |
| POST-CONFERENCE | |
| THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER | 4pm The Hawthorn Hotel 481 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn, VIC 3122 | Mentors and Mentees catch-up Any DASSH member who would like to continue the conversation is welcome to join the informal catch-up at the Hawthorn Hotel near the Swinburne campus. |
| FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER | 9am – 10.30am Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship (AGSE) Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn Campus 50 William St, Hawthorn VIC 3122 | Networks and Communities of Practice gatherings DASSH members participating in the Teaching and Learning Network, Research Community of Practice and Bachelor of Arts working group + any interested members will meet at Swinburne University of Technology for member-led gatherings |
Speakers
Prof. the Hon. Verity Firth
Vice-President Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement, University of New South Wales
Professor Andrew Norton
Professor of Higher Education Policy, Monash Business School
Monash University
Facilitators
On day two of the conference program, we are pleased to be joined by the following facilitators for our break-out workshops which will run alongside the Annual General Meeting (AGM). These will be participatory sessions based around common challenges and will provide the space for attendees to share strategies, insights and learn from others in similar roles.
Professor Phill Dawson
Co-Director, Centre for Research Assessment and Digital Learning (CRADLE)
Deakin University
Transport & Accommodation
Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn campus
AGSE Building (Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship)
50 William Street, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122
DOWNLOAD CAMPUS MAP AND BUILDING DIRECTIONS HERE
The main conference program is hosted at Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn campus. Hawthorn has three railway stations – Hawthorn, Glenferrie and Auburn. From Glenferrie railway station, you will step straight onto campus. If you’re travelling to Glenferrie Station, it is served by the Alamein, Belgrave and Lilydale lines. Direct trains to Glenferrie are available from the following city stations:
- Parliament Station
- Flinders Street Station
- Southern Cross Station
- Flagstaff Station
- Melbourne Central Station
Six tram routes (16, 48, 70, 72, 75 and 109) also are available to get to and from the Hawthorn campus.
The Public Transport Victoria app is the suggested tool for real time train schedules. The campus also has dashboards on many buildings displaying the train and trams schedule to assist with public transport journeys.
Below are some suggested accommodation options to explore:
- Glenferrie Hotel – close to Glenferrie station
- MainStay Suites Hawthorn (formerly corporate Living/Quest) – on Glenferrie Road
- DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne – Flinders Street
Melbourne Museum
11 Nicholson Street
Carlton, Victoria, 3053
The conference dinner will be hosted at Melbourne Museum on Wednesday 16 September. Their official webpage provides instructions on how to get to the venue via public transport.
What members said
“A fabulous opportunity to be part of a bigger network – invaluable.”
“There are only benefits to attending! Whether you are looking to be a better leader or further understand the challenges & opportunities facing the sector or to have a better understanding of what is happening at other universities, it is highly valuable.“
“A very friendly and informative event and great opportunity to learn from and connect with others in similar roles.”
“Do you want to meet likeminded people facing the same or similar concerns? Go!”
Conveners
Professor James Verdon
Executive Dean of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education
Swinburne University of Technology
WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR HOSTS AND CONVENERS
SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
DEAKIN UNIVERSITY
RMIT UNIVERSITY
Sponsors
Bezi Publishing Services
