A Collaborative Space for Learning and Connection
This in-person event will bring together educators, researchers, schools and partners to share ideas, reflect on research and practice, and strengthen connections across the Learning Lab community. Through a diversity of perspectives and experiences, the day will create opportunities to learn from one another, build new collaborations and consider priorities for the future.
Travelling to join us?
Why not take advantage of our discounted accommodation partner, Essence Suites Taringa
- 15% discount for stays on 22, 23, 24 and 25 November 2026
- Valid for bookings made between 02 September and 20 November 2026
- Use code LEARN26 to access the special rate
8:00 am
Registration on level 2 of the Hawken Engineering Building (Map)
8:30 am
Opening Session: Looking Back, Learning Forward
Join us as we open the symposium and reflect on five years of the Learning Lab, celebrating the people, partnerships and ideas that have shaped our journey so far. The session will feature reflections from the Learning Lab highlighting voices, stories and connections from across our community. We will also be hearing a presentation from an international guest speaker during this session.
9:30 am
Reflect, Connect, Reimagine
An interactive breakout session inviting participants to connect with one another and explore the symposium’s guiding questions.
Together, we will consider:
- What have we learned from the Learning Lab’s work, research and partnerships so far?
- How can research, practice and collaboration continue to strengthen learning and thriving?
- What should the priorities be for the Learning Lab and its wider network in the years ahead?
Ideas and perspectives gathered during this session will help shape the afternoon’s collective discussion on future directions.
10:30 am
Enjoy a catered morning tea in the Atrium
11:00 am
Concurrent Sessions: Partner Schools Program Research in Practice
Hear from Partner Schools and members of the Learning Lab community as they share research, practice and learning from across the network.
12:30 pm
Poster Session
Explore research, projects and collaborations from across the Learning Lab community. The poster session will continue during lunch, providing further opportunities for conversation and connection.
1:00 pm
Enjoy a catered lunch in the Atrium and continue exploring the poster displays.
2:00 pm
Keynote Presentation
Dr Natasha Matthews
A keynote presentation reflecting on five years of collaborative University-School partnerships, interdisciplinary research and the reciprocal benefits for research and practice.
2:30 pm
Connecting Ideas, Shaping What's Next
Building on the morning’s interactive discussions, this collaborative session will bring together the ideas and perspectives generated throughout the day. We will revisit the symposium’s guiding questions, connect themes across conversations and consider how our collective insights can inform the Learning Lab’s next chapter.
3:00 pm
Guest Speaker
Sonia Guerriero (UNESCO)
A virtual keynote offering an international perspective on learning, research and the future of the Science of Learning.
3:45 pm
Closing Remarks & Reflection
Bringing together key themes and insights from the symposium as we reflect on five years of the Learning Lab and look towards what comes next.
4:00 pm
Networking
Enjoy an opportunity to connect with fellow educators, researchers, schools and partners, sharing insights and building collaborations sparked by the day’s discussions.
Preliminary program — subject to change. The program will be updated progressively as additional speakers and sessions are confirmed.