The University of Newcastle will welcome industry partners, employers and community organisations to its Industry Open Day on Tuesday 16 September 2025, an event designed to explore collaboration, professional development and research partnerships while celebrating the University’s 60th year.
The program begins with optional workshops and tours from 2:30pm, ahead of the official proceedings at 4:15pm in the Brennan Room, Callaghan campus.
Professional development and tours
Attendees may choose one of three professional development sessions:
- Supervising placement students, aimed at building confidence in guiding students through workplace learning.
- Cultural capability taster, offering an introduction to creating more culturally responsive environments.
- Building your brand and talent pipeline, focused on attracting emerging talent through collaboration with higher education.
Alternatively, participants can take part in a tour of the Modern Manufacturing Workshop and Advanced Prototyping Facility, where current projects in recycling, clean energy and advanced technologies will be on display.
Expo and keynote
From 3:45pm, guests can connect with researchers and educators at the Research, Teaching & Innovation Expo, before the official welcome and keynote at 4:15pm.
The keynote will be delivered by Adam and Belinda MacDougall, Newcastle alumni who have built one of Australia’s most successful health product companies. They will share their experiences of moving from sport and communications into business and community health.
Panel discussion and networking
An expert panel discussion will follow, exploring the future of industry-university collaboration in the Hunter and beyond. The panel includes Tim Browne (CEO of Dantia), Tracey McCosker PSM (Chief Executive, Hunter New England Local Health District), Professor Karen Blackmore, entrepreneur Storm Menzies, and student Joseph Hill, with moderation by Professor Belinda Tynan.
The evening concludes with a networking reception and continued access to the expo, running until 6:30pm.
Who should attend
The event is aimed at industry representatives, employers and business leaders who currently partner with the University or are interested in future collaboration. It offers opportunities to:
- connect with researchers and teaching staff,
- learn about engaging students in the workplace,
- explore new facilities and research capabilities, and
- mark the University’s 60-year contribution to the region.
Registration closing soon
Tickets are almost gone with registration closing on 29 August 2025 unless capacity is reached earlier. Attendance at the workshops and tours is limited to two people per organisation and must be selected during registration.
