VUResFest - Pathways Forward: A Festival of Research with Impact.
More than theory, research can help us understand big challenges; unravel mysteries; and design new pathways forward.
Together we can tackle big challenges – in Australia and internationally.
Join us across two days of engaging and thought-provoking presentations, activities and networking opportunities. Can’t attend the full festival? Join us for a single session.
When: Thursday 27 November – Friday 28 November 2025
Where: VU City Campus, 370 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Museum Curator of Sports at Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Thursday 27 November 2025
9.30 – 10.30am
Opening Keynote and panel discussion
Sport for Identity, Justice and Change
Dr Damion Thomas will open the 2025 Victoria University Research Festival with a keynote presentation and panel discussion. He will be joined by Smithsonian Museum Specialist, Melanie Taylor, and Victoria University's ARC Future Fellow, Dr Matthew Klugman, to explore the potential of sport as an agent of change – comparing US and Australian perspectives and what we can learn from each other.
Dr Abi Arulanandarajah
Chief Medical Officer, Western Health
Friday 28 November 2025
8.30 – 9.30am
Keynote and panel discussion
Translational Research, Impact in the Community:
From Lab to Reality
Dr Abi Arulanandarajah will open the second day of the festival with a morning keynote and panel discussion. She will be joined by Western Health's Head of Orthopaedics, Professor Phong Tran, and Victoria University's Professor Clarice Tang and Associate Professor Khandakar Ahmed. This expert discussion will draw connections between clinical leadership, research translation, and collaborative impact, and highlight research projects that have made meaningful change in Melbourne’s west.
The VU Research & Impact Portfolio values the deep diversity of the VU community as a cornerstone for collaboration and social progress. We aim to show sensitivity in acknowledging First Nation perspectives, respect Indigenous voices and commit to the sustainable protection of Country. The research festival organising committee is dedicated to ensuring the Research Festival mirrors the rich diversity of the VU community, with a balanced representation of genders, First Nations staff and students, and an explicit focus on profiling diverse social identities, including cultural identity, sexuality, ability, age, stage of career, discipline of research and employment type.
We appreciate any feedback before, during and after the festival. You can contact the Research Festival organising committee at [email protected].
We acknowledge the Ancestors, Elders and families of the Kulin Nation (Melbourne Campuses), the Eora Nation (Sydney Campus) and the Yulara/YUgarapul and Turrbal Nation (Brisbane Campus) who are the traditional owners of University land.
To learn more, please contact the Moondani Balluk Academic Unit on +61 3 9919 2836 or [email protected]
