University of Newcastle Industry Open Day
Join UON for an afternoon of connection, innovation, and celebration at the University of Newcastle's Industry Open Day. Experience firsthand how they're shaping the future through groundbreaking research, industry partnerships, and emerging talent.
The event features an inspiring keynote fireside chat with Tain Drinkwater, followed by the "Young Voices of the Hunter" panel, where the region's next generation of leaders share their fresh perspectives and aspirations for our community's future.
Whether you're seeking research partnerships, teaching innovations, student talent, or new professional connections, this event offers valuable opportunities to engage with Australia's leading regional university. Explore how collaboration between industry and academia can drive our region forward.
Registration closes 17 July 2026, or when capacity is reached.
Why Attend?
Find your next innovation partner - Meet researchers and educators and discover how we can help solve your challenges through research collaboration and education innovations
Access future talent - Learn how to engage with our talent pipeline and bring skilled students into your workplace before they complete their degree.
Expand your network - Connect with other industry leaders and university partners
Event Schedule/Agenda
Time
Activity
1:30pm
Sign-in and Research and Innovation Capability Expo
2:00pm – 3:15pm
Hands on Workshops (concurrent sessions)
Research and Innovation Capability Expo
3:15pm – 3:45pm
Research and Innovation Capability Expo
Refreshments and sign in
3:45pm – 4:00pm
Welcoming address - Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Belinda Tynan
4:00pm – 4:30pm
Keynote: Fireside chat with Tain Drinkwater and Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Alex Zelinsky AO
4:30pm – 5:15pm
Panel discussion: Young voices of our region
5:15pm – 5:17pm
Concluding address - Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor - Research and Innovation Professor Juanita Todd
5:15pm – 6:30pm
Research and Innovation Capability Expo
Networking drinks
6:30pm
Event concludes
About the sessions
Hands on Workshops
The day will commence at 2:00pm with hour long concurrent professional development workshops. Choose from any of the below professional development workshops:
Practical Gen AI Workshop: Learn about the big changes in Gen AI from 2025 to 2026, outline the best use-cases for small business, and discuss the future ramifications of this ambiguous technological frontier.
Strengthen Workforce Capability Through University Engagement: Come to this information session to discover how the University of Newcastle can help support your workforce capability.
Research and Innovation Showcase: Hear researchers pitch their latest research, innovations and discoveries and learn how you can partner for future projects.
Cultural Capability Taster: Learn about Indigenous culture and how to build a culturally responsive environment.
Research, Teaching & Innovation Expo
Discover cutting-edge research, innovative teaching approaches, and learning innovations from across the University. Meet the creative minds behind these initiatives and connect with researchers and educators.
Fireside chat
Tain Drinkwater in conversation with Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Alex Zelinsky AO on leadership, regional growth, and building partnerships between sport, business, and universities.
Young Voices of our Region panel
Join us for a dynamic panel discussion showcasing the fresh perspectives and powerful insights of our region's emerging young voices. Hear directly from passionate youth leaders as they share their vision for our community's future and the changes they're already creating. This engaging session brings together diverse young changemakers who are reshaping conversations and driving innovation across our region.
