IFNTF 2026 “Symposathon”: Call for Submission

15 December, 2025

In the August newsletter, we announced the AAUT and IFNTF collaboration to showcase AAUT recipients on a global platform. Now, the opportunity is here.

The IFNTF is excited to announce its fourth virtual “symposathon” (Symposium + Marathon), taking place on 16 - 17 April 2026, on the theme: Optimising Teaching Excellence: The Way We Work | The Way We Learn. This year’s central question: In a world of collapsing models, rising automation, shifting trust, and intensifying metrics — what does it mean to “optimise” education? This theme explores whose futures we’re building, what values shape our systems, and who determines how we teach, learn, and work.
 
Submissions are welcome on (but not limited to) the following thematic areas:

• Theme A: What Does “Optimising” Education Really Mean?
• Theme B: Work & Academia — Labour, Value, and Transformation
• Theme C: Institutional Disruption & Business Models in Higher Education
• Theme D: Politics, Autonomy & the Academic Public Sphere
• Theme E: Automation, AI & Re-thinking Teaching and Learning

Educators are invited to submit an extended an extended summary (up to 1500 words, excluding references). Papers may be theoretical, conceptual and/or empiricam and should be related to the conference’s key themes. At least one of the co-authors must have received a National Teaching Fellowship in their home country. AAUT recipients who meet this requirement are encouraged to submit.
 
KEY DATES
Submissions deadline               : 31 Jan 31, 2026 (11.59 PM Anywhere on Earth (AOE))
Notification of acceptance         : 28 Feb 2026
Registrations deadline               : 10 Mar 2026
Submit your extended summary: https://forms.gle/VkoJTEv2VXwz7SMP8
 
Click here for details.

2026 UA Solutions Summit & AAUT Awards Ceremony

11 December, 2025

Hear from Australia’s most influential voices at the Solutions Summit 2026

The 2026 Solutions Summit will spotlight the transformative role of universities in shaping Australia’s future. Join over 1,000 visionary leaders from universities, government, and industry at Australia’s premier forum for innovative ideas and real-world solutions. Be part of conversations that will set the stage for bold thinking, practical solutions, and a shared vision of how higher education can power Australia’s productivity, sustainability, and global leadership.

The AAUT Awards Ceremony will take place on Tuesday 24 February 2026, 5pm to 5.30pm AEDT. 

Book your tickets now - https://events.uniaus.edu.au/2026solutionssummit/Tickets

Exciting News: AAUT & HERDSA Collaboration 

27 November, 2025

We are delighted to announce a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AAUT and HERDSA, formalising our shared commitment to advancing teaching excellence across Australasia. 

This partnership marks an important step forward in promoting outstanding university teaching through joint webinars, conferences, publications, and new capacity-building opportunities for educators and emerging leaders. By joining forces, AAUT and HERDSA will amplify the visibility of excellent teaching practice and foster stronger academic communities. 

Stay tuned for details on upcoming joint events and resources. We look forward to sharing opportunities and engaging with our networks through this exciting collaboration!