Research Pathways Conference
The National Research Pathways Conference brings together researchers to share their work and build meaningful connections across the research community. Held annually, the conference provides a platform for HDR candidates, honours students, coursework masters graduates, and early career researchers to present their research in an accessible, inclusive environment.
In 2026, we are excited to announce that the National Research Pathways Conference will become a national event, inviting researchers from across Australia to attend, present and connect with likeminded researchers and industry partners.
Whether you are refining your research direction, seeking collaborators, or showcasing your innovation, the National Research Pathways Conference offers the space to do it. The conference celebrates the diversity of research happening across the sector creating opportunities for mentorship, partnership, and professional growth.
Theme: Building Inclusive & Equitable Research Communities
Dates: Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 October 2026
Location: Natural Resources Building (W055), and Online
Keynote Speakers
We are excited to have the following distinguished keynote speakers confirmed for this year's National Research Pathways Conference.
DAY ONE: Dr Mohammad Taha
Dr Mohammad Taha is a Research Fellow in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Melbourne, where they lead research on phase-change semiconductors and adaptive materials for electromagnetic modulation. Their work spans the THz, RF, and infrared regimes, with applications in flexible optoelectronics, climate control, and heat management, bridging materials science, sustainability, and electronic engineering with a strong emphasis on industry translation.
Beyond their research, Mohammad is deeply committed to the early-career research community, serving as co-convener of Queers in Science and previously as chair of the EMCR Forum. They believe that genuine curiosity about fundamentals is as essential to building a thriving research career as it is to solving hard scientific problems, and that continuous growth, intellectual and personal, is what defines a good researcher.
DAY TWO: Distinguished Professor Kim Usher
Distinguished Professor Kim Usher is an experienced academic nursing leader and researcher recognised both nationally and internationally. Kim has held many academic roles including Dean, Head of School, and Deputy Dean Graduate Research.
She has published over 400 peer-reviewed journal articles in mostly top ranked nursing and health related journals, numerous book chapters including ones on research methods, and has a current Scopus h-index of 48 and has over 9,000 citations of her work (Scopus June 2026). Kim is a Fellow of the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses. Kim is the current Editor-in-Chief (past 10 years) of the International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, the second top ranked nursing journal and the top ranked mental health nursing journal in the world. In addition, Kim has attracted over $10 million in research funds including Category 1 and 2 funding programs. Kim has successfully supervised over 50 PhD students and was awarded the James Cook University Research Supervisor of the Year in 2009 and the Dean’s Supervisor of the year at UNE in 2023. She was awarded the Madgwick Distinguished Professor award at UNE in 2024.
Kim was recognised for her teaching by the award of an Australian Learning and Teaching Council Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning (2008). She was honoured to be awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of sustained contribution to nursing and midwifery education and research.
Event Registration
Whether you are presenting or attending as part of our audience (in person or online), please complete the registration form.
Call for Abstracts
We invite all HDRs, Coursework Masters, Bachelor Honors and Early Career Researchers to submit an Abstract for the National Research Pathways Conference. Guidelines can be found in the submission form below.
Applications must be submitted by midnight Sunday 26 July 2026.
Travel Assistant Funding (UNE Candidates Only)
UNE offers travel assistance funding of up to $600 AUD to help support eligible UNE HDR Candidates who are presenting at the 2026 National Research Pathways Conference. Full eligibility requirements can be found in the submission form. Please note that this is for travel and accommodation only.
Applications must be submitted with the Abstract Submission Application by midnight Sunday 26 July 2026.
Contact us via email if you have an questions, rpc@une.edu.au.
Conference Training
The Graduate Research School provides the following free online training sessions for candidates wishing to present at this year's conference. Register using the links provided below and please ensure that you use your university email address. Zoom information will be sent to all registered participants 48 hours before the workshop.
Biography and Abstract Workshop
Presented by Dr Prashneel Goundar (GRS)
When: Thursday 4 June, 10:00 - 11:00am
Register here
Presentation Skills Workshop
Presented by Dr Prashneel Goundar (GRS)
Thursday 3 September
10:00 - 11:00am
Register here
2025 Book of Abstracts
2025 Conference Presentation Training
Biography and Abstract Workshop - This workshop took place on Friday 13 June. The workshop was recorded and can be viewed HERE.
Presentation Skills - This workshop took place on Thursday 4 September. The workshop was recorded and can be viewed HERE.
PowerPoint Template
You are welcome to use your own preferred template for your presentation, but we do have a template available for those that would like to use it. The 2025 version is available for download.
Information about Armidale
Below is some information about getting to, getting around and what to do in Armidale. For additional information go to https://www.visitarmidale.com.au/
Armidale is located half-way between Sydney and Brisbane. This website is useful for information on different routes. There are lots of ways to get here, including: Armidale is on the New England Highway, which is the inland route between Sydney and Brisbane. Driving time from Sydney or Brisbane is around 5.5 to 6.5 hours (depending on your route) and less than 3 hours from the coast. If you're coming from the coast, enjoy one of Australia's best drives across the Waterfall Way. Armidale Airport is located a 5-minute drive from the town centre, and has several flights each day. From the airport, you can reach town by hire car, public bus (route 480), or taxi. QANTAS has several flights between Sydney and Armidale each day. Link Airways offers a few flights per week between Brisbane and Armidale. Countrylink provides rail travel between Sydney and Armidale once per day in each direction. The Countrylink service includes the Central Coast, Newcastle, Muswellbrook, Singleton and Tamworth. Concession fares are available for tertiary students. Dorrigo Transit operates from Armidale to Coffs Harbour or Tamworth, 1-2 times a week. Bookings essential. NSW TrainLink offers a bus between Tenterfield and Armidale. Armidale is a small town and most accommodation, restaurants, and shops are easily within walking distance. UNE is outside the town centre, but easily reached by: Car You can hire a car once you're in Armidale, from the airport: On-campus, parking is in the Blue and Purple bays and costs $1 per hour or $15 for a 7-day ticket. Parking is paid for through the Strada app. Bus Edwards Coaches offer cheap local routes around Armidale including between town and UNE, and to/from the airport. The network map is here. The routes are: 480: Between Armidale and Uralla, via Armidale Airport 481: Between Armidale and the UNE campus 483: Armidale South hill loop 484: Armidale North hill loop Taxi Armidale taxis can be booked either through their website, the Armidale Taxis app, or by calling 02 6771 1455. You can pre-book a time or call when you need a taxi. There is no Uber in Armidale. Cycling There is a pleasant bike path between UNE and the town centre, which can be used to walk, bike, or scooter to the campus. Bikes can be hired from the Armidale Bicycle Centre or Bicycle Central on Marsh depending on availability. Fitness: A Facility Day Pass to SportUNE gym costs $16 and includes unlimited access to the Gym, Heated Pool and Group Fitness. https://www.sportune.com.au/ | Phone: (02) 6773 3856 | Email: sportune@une.edu.au Opening hours: Mon to Fri 6.00am – 9.00 pm; Saturday 7.00 am – 6.00 pm; Sun 8.00 am – 6.00 pm. Group Fitness Classes Timetable: https://www.sportune.com.au/group-fitness-classes/ Armidaleparkrun: 5km community event. Walk, jog, run or spectate every Sat at 8.00 am from SportUne. Free, registration required. https://www.parkrun.com.au/armidale/ Cnr. Jessie and Rusden Streets. 242 Rusden Street. 80 Rusden Street. 126 Faulkner Street. 115 Rusden Street (upstairs) Shop 2, 14 Moore Street, Shop 4, 110 Marsh Street 100 Marsh Street, 86 Barney Street. 174 Beardy Street, 117 Marsh Street, Brewery 101 Beardy Street, 33 Old Inverell Road, Armidale, 298 Kentucky Road, Kentucky. 10.30 am – 2.30 pm. Phone: (02) 67787473 19 Bridge Street, Uralla, 345 Dangarsleigh Road, Armidale. 106-114 Kentucky Street, Armidale. Open Tues-Sun 10.00am – 4.00pm. Entry by donation. Includes Museum of Printing: Open Tues and Sun 11.00am – 3.00pm or by appointment. Café and Restaurant at NERAM: Six Counties. Tues – Sun 8.00am – 3.00 pm. Phone: 0414824177. 96-104 Kentucky Street, Armidale Phone: (02)6771 3606. 9.00 am – 4.00 pm Mon to Friday, 10.00am – 2.00 pm Sat. https://www.acckp.com.au/ A place of cultural awareness and cross- cultural learning with Art Galleries specialising in Aboriginal works of art, family history centre, conference and learning facilities and gift shop specialising in Aboriginal merchandise. 145 Dumaresq Street Armidale, Phone: (02)67722856 https://www.belgravecinema.com.au/. Check website for program and screening times. Historical journey through Armidale, approximately 3 hours with guide and stops at sites of historical significance. Departs from Visitor Information Centre, 82 Marsh Street, Armidale, Mon –Sat 10.00 am. Phone: (02) 67703888. https://www.visitarmidale.com.au/listing/armidale-heritage-tours By donation. Bookings recommended. National Trust Edwardian homestead in landscaped grounds. Check website for opening hours and house tours. Phone (02)6772 3616 https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/places/saumarez-homestead/ Armidale Folk Museum Cnr. Rusden and Faulkner Streets. Open 11.00am – 2.00 pm. Closed Tues. Phone (02) 6770 3836. Gara Gorge lookout Spectacular views of rugged gorge country. Watch for brush-tailed rock wallabies, peregrine falcons and wedge-tailed eagles along the Threlfall walking trail. Picnic and BBQ facilities. Approximately 23 km from Armidale CBD. Phone (02)67703888 https://www.visitarmidale.com.au/listing/gara-gorge-lookout Dangars Falls Dramatic views over the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park and Dangar’s Falls. Various grades of walking tracks. Approximately 19km from Armidale CBD (partly gravel road) Phone: (02) 6738 9100 npws.nea@environment.nsw.gov.au Wollomombi Falls Highest waterfalls in Australia. Off Waterfall Way, 44km east of Armidale in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Phone: (02) 6738 9100 npws.nea@environment.nsw.gov.au For more suggestions: Armidale Visitor Information Centre Phone: (02) 6770 3888 This year’s conference will take place at the Natural Resources Building (W055). Parking is available at several locations around the UNE campus and it is now free!! Please see the map below for more information, the red circle shows this year’s conference venue. An Interactive Campus Map is available here: https://uneadmin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c315e7a5ab3f4cbbb1a3b3adfa6cd91fDrive
Fly
Train
Bus
On Campus
Places to eat
Goldfish Bowl
Mon–Fri 7:00 am–3:00 pm; 5:30 pm–8:30 pm. Sat and Sun 7:00 am–12:30 pm.
Phone: (02) 6771 5533
https://www.thegoldfishbowl.com.au/
Woodfired bakery and Café.L’Atelier Patisserie
Monday - Friday 08:00-15:00, Saturday 08:00-12:00
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568261237647
Bringing the charm of Paris to the heart of ArmidaleCorner Crêperie
Phone: (02) 6787 4040
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049655456151
A buzzing small venue with a great French twist serving delicious coffee from Botero Coffee.Seesaw Coffee Co
+61 491 097 165
https://www.facebook.com/SeesawCoffeeCo/Indian Affair
5.00 – 10.00 pm
Phone: (02) 5713 0130.
https://anindianaffair.com.au/
Wide selection of Indian dishes, Tandoori style. Take-away available. Licenced or BYO.Paper Tiger Eatery
Mon – Sat 7.00am – 2.00pm; Sat only 5.30 – 9.00 pm.
Phone: (02) 6772 6262 .
Japanese Ramen specialties and café.Signor Vertelli
5.00 – 9.00 pm.
Phone: 0498 603 367 (text only)
https://www.signorvertelli.com/
Traditional regional Italian cuisine and Napoli style wood-fired pizza. Licenced.Thai Home
5.00 pm until late.
(02) 5713 0808 https://thaihomerestaurant.com.au/info .
Take-away available. Licenced or BYO.The Cottage Restaurant and Bar
5.30 – 9.00 pm.
Phone: 0408 322 004.
https://www.thecottagearmidale.au/
Elegant combination of fusion food and local produce. Licenced.Tattersall’s Restaurant
5.30 – 8.30 pm.
Phone: (02) 6773 9600.
https://www.tattersallsarmidale.com.au/dining
A la Carte dining in award winning restaurant or casual outdoor Pizza Garden. Licenced.White Bull Hotel
5.30pm – 9.00 pm.
Phone: (02) 6772 3833
https://www.whitebull.net.au/.
Traditional country fare with a modern twist, focus on meat and locally sourced produce. Licenced.Tasting
The Welder’s Dog
Mon –Thur 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, Fri 10.00 am – 8.30pm.
Phone: 0423 200 699
Bar: 120 Marsh Street, Tues –Sat 2.00 pm to midnight, Sun 2.00pm –10.00pm. Phone: 0432 054 444
theweldersdog.com.au.Great Hops Brewery
Friday 4pm to 11 pm, Saturday 12.30pm –11.00pm, Sunday 12.30 pm – 4.00pm.
Phone: (02) 5713 0140
Website: https://www.greathops.com.au/Dobson’s Distillery
https://www.dobsonsdistillery.com/
Tastings variety of gins and cocktails. Weekend food menu.New England Brewing Co.
Thur – Sat 11.00 am – 6.00pm.
Phone: (02) 67784781
https://www.newenglandbrewing.com.au/
Selection of hand-crafted beers.Peterson’s Winery
10.00am – 4.00 pm.
Phone (02) 67720422
https://www.petersonswines.com.au/
Cellar door tastings of local wines.Places to visit:
Culture
New England Regional Art Museum
Phone (02) 6772 5255. https://www.neram.com.au/ Howard Hinton Collection of early 20th century Australian artists plus special exhibitions.Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place
Belgrave Cinema
History
Armidale Heritage Tours
Saumarez Homestead and Heritage Rose Garden
Scenery
Website: https://www.visitarmidale.com.au/
Email: tourism@armidale.nsw.gov.au
The New England Award
The New England Award (NEA) program is designed to encourage, recognise and reward students’ personal and professional development through participation in extra-curricular activity. It is open to all UNE students and is targeted at ‘whole person’ development. A collaborative framework incorporating internal and external partners provides development opportunities to UNE students, unifying otherwise unrelated activities under one ‘umbrella’. The NEA provides students with a structure within which to plan and reflect upon their learning and development. The NEA contributes significantly to student development and personal growth and provides learning experiences which have a positive impact on student engagement.
If you wish to apply for this award, please complete the New England Award section in the Abstract and Biography Submission Form.
Enquiries: Contact NEA
This Conference is partially funded by the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
The conference was held on 16 & 17 October at the UNE Business School. The theme was "Building Resilient Communities" The program for the event can be downloaded HERE. Download final version of the conference program and proceedings below. The UNE Postgraduate Conference to be held 19 - 20 October 2022. The Postgraduate Conference included: The UNE Postgraduate Conference to be held 23 - 24 June 2021. The Postgraduate Conference included: The UNE Postgraduate Conference was held 22-23 January 2020. The Postgraduate Conference included: The UNE Postgraduate Conference was held 15 - 16 January 2019. The Postgraduate Conference included: The UNE Postgraduate Conference was held 15 - 16 January 2019. The Postgraduate Conference included: The UNE Postgraduate Conference was held 17–18 January 2017. The Postgraduate Conference included: The inaugural Postgraduate Conference was held 19–20 January 2016. The Postgraduate Conference included:
Day 1: Craig Robertson - Chief Executive Officer Victorian Skills Authority
Day: 2: Prof Llewellyn Owens, BE Mech (UQ), MBM (Monash) Managing Director / Founder Vesi Water with Dr Lou Conway, Director of the UNE SMART Region Incubator (UNE SRI) and Prof Trevor Brown, Adjunct Professor in Chemistry, School of Science and Technology
Day 1: Professor Brigid Heywood "In pursuit of Knowledge"
Day 2: Sean Murphy, Prof David Lamb and Darren Marshall "Media for Science Communications"
Day1:Lisa Farrar - APR.Intern Program
Day2: Natasha Rawlings and Dr Lou Conway - What do investors want?
