Urban Futures & Social Change Symposia

Research integrity: Dealing with tricky PhD moments – Panel discussion 

12:00 - 1:30pm, Green Brain, Building 16, Level 7, RMIT City Campus

Having issues with your supervisors or other PhD scholars? Not sure if you should be adding supervisors to your paper authorship? Should you take on that work that will take longer than the paid hours available?

PhD scholars can find themselves in tricky situations and it is not always clear how to respond. This session will explore research integrity and how to respond to some common situations you might find yourself in. Hear from experienced supervisors and wider RMIT support services to help you more confidently navigate these situations.

Panel comprises of Professor Karien Dekker (Research Integrity Advisor, Property Construction and Project Management), Professor Robert Crawford (DSC HDR Director), Dr Fotini Toso (DSC Human Ethics Advisory Network Coordinator), and Dr Bruno Friedel (Housing and Urban Policy Researcher).

Communicating your research to a broad audience – Workshop 

12:00 - 1:30pm, Green Brain, Building 16, Level 7, RMIT City Campus

While peer-reviewed publications addressed to specialised academic communities are considered the prime mode of disseminating research, communicating your research to broad audiences is increasingly viewed as important. This workshop explores the benefits of communicating your research beyond the academy, provides examples of non-specialist research communication outlets, and offers a mini masterclass in non-academic writing style for a broad audience. 

Facilitated by Academic Skills Advisors, Barbara Yazbeck and Sophie Langley. 

The PhD blueprint: Career, life & reality – Panel discussion 

12:00 - 1:30pm, Green Brain, Building 16, Level 7, RMIT City Campus

This interactive event invites HDR students to reflect on the PhD journey beyond the thesis. Through an open panel discussion with professionals who have pursued careers in both academia and industry after their PhD, the session will explore the broader realities that shape life during and after doctoral study. Topics will include career pathways, building experience in Australia as an international researcher, navigating visa and employment challenges, balancing personal priorities such as family and wellbeing, and strategically planning the PhD years for future opportunities. Participants will also be invited to share questions anonymously in advance and reflect on their own goals. This event is organised in collaboration with the Housing@RMIT Research Network.

Panel comprises of Dr Kim Roberts (Associate Director at Urbis), Dr Mittul Vahanvati (Senior Lecturer in Global, Urban and Social Studies), Dr Ilsa Kuiper (Civil Engineer and Construction Lawyer), and Dr Somaieh Ebrahimi (Social Researcher and Academic Tutor).