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GRAfest 2021 

Day 1: Thursday 2 December (9:45am - 4:30pm AEDT)  
Day 2: Friday 3 December (10am – 4pm AEDT)

The Macquarie Graduate Research Academy proudly presents the inaugural GRAfest, a conference for the research degree community at Macquarie University. Bringing together research candidates and supervisors for an end of year celebration and training event, GRAfest will provide encouragement, workshops, and reconnection following the recent challenges of working from home under lockdowns.   

This year’s conference focuses on the themes of resilience and employability, with panels, workshops, and keynote speakers chosen to address central challenges for graduate researchers. We will have sessions featuring PhD alumni, supervisors, strategies for employment, and more.   

Our conference includes specialised sessions for supervisors, including supervision practice and opportunities to share with other supervisors from across all of Macquarie’s Faculties.   

Our keynote speakers are psychologist Dr Shari Walsh who has worked with Macquarie and other universities and developed workshops specifically designed for managing work and stress as PhD candidates or in early career research. Dr Tim O’Meara, whose PhD in immunology and extraordinarily broad experience has led to a research leadership role in the biotechnology sector, will speak about career paths.  

GRAfest is the first major event held by Macquarie’s new Graduate Research Academy. By gathering together to talk, share, and listen to stories of challenge and success in graduate research, this will be an opportunity to establish new relationships and directions for the Masters and PhD programs at Macquarie. We look forward to hearing from you and joining in the fun together.  




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Balaclava Road
Macquarie University NSW 2109

City campus

Angel Place
Level 24, 123 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000

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Acknowledgement of Country

Macquarie University is located on the land of the Wallumattagal clan of the Dharug people. We pay respects to the Elders and knowledge holders who have, and continue to share their wisdom and knowledges, nurturing and sustaining our environments, cultures and education.


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