The first annual IDEATE Summit will be held in Canberra, on the Australian National University campus, on Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 September 2025. We will be in the Birch Innovation Space in Building #35 – navigation advice is below.
Each year, the Summit brings together leaders from universities teaching technology courses like computer science and engineering, such as:
- heads of schools or colleges;
- deans or associate deans of education; and
- diversity, equity and inclusion leaders.
Leaders from industry partners will also join us at the Summit. Industry engagement helps shape the way courses — especially introductory courses — are modified to be more inclusive, and develop the skills graduates need to succeed in their professional careers.
The Summit is an opportunity to work together on:
- understanding the current state of diversity in university technology courses;
- sharing lessons learned and putting success stories into context for initiatives across universities; and
- collaborating on ways to overcome barriers to inclusive learning, or to recruiting greater diversity among students and staff.
In future, these Summits will form the basis for developing online resources that help Australian universities meet their commitments, and increase the pipeline of skilled, diverse technology professionals in industry.
Summit Program
Topics covered include:
- Inclusive education, such as for women, first-in-family students, or people who are neurodivergent.
- Unconscious bias.
- K-12 outreach programs.
- Creating a sense of belonging
Rather than a traditional presentation followed by Q&A, most sessions will be workshops or labs, engaging attendees in actively working together on solutions to barriers to achieving our shared goals.
Monday’s sessions are open to IDEATE partner and non-partner attendees, while Tuesday’s sessions are for partners only. Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter so you hear about any updated.
Following Monday’s summit sessions, there will be reception drinks with mocktails and canapés from 5pm til 6pm for those who’d like to talk more about what they’ve heard or are working on.
Accommodation
While University House is still undergoing extensive restoration works, there are many options for hotel accommodation within a short distance of the Birch building at ANU, including:
- Quest Canberra on Moore Street – 1.4km (19 minute walk)
- Novotel Canberra – 1.4km (19 minute walk)
- Sebel Canberra Civic – 2km (28 minute walk)
- Avenue Hotel – 1.4km (21 minute walk)
- Mantra on Northbourne – 1.5km (22 minute walk)
- QT Canberra – 1.6km (22 minute walk)
- Ovolo Nishi – 1.8km (25 minute walk)
- Peppers Gallery Hotel – 1.7km (23 minute walk)
Reception event
A networking event will be held on Monday 1 September, ending before 6:30pm.
Talk with colleagues about what has sparked your interest in the day’s sessions over canapés and mocktails.
VIP dinner
Steering Committee members, heads of school or college at partner universities, and nominated representatives from industry partner organisations will be invited to a VIP dinner on the Australian National University campus on Monday 1 September, following the reception event.
Access to our venue
The Birch Innovation Space is in Building 35, Science Road, Acton. This map might help.
Bus: The nearest bus stop is on Barry Drive, about a 5 minute walk from Birch Building #35.
Light rail: The nearest stop is at Alinga Street, about a 25 minute walk from Birch Building #35.
Drop-off by car: in front of Birch Building #35 on Science Road.
Car parking: visitor car parking at ANU can be scarce. The nearest non-permit pay parking is in carparks on Science Road and Daley Road, adjacent to Birch Building #35. The nearest accessible car parking spaces are in the carpark on Science Road. More information on car parking including fees and maps.
As you come in the front doors to the Birch Building, you’ll see stairs leading up to the Birch Innovation Space on Level 1. The lift is in the corridor to the right behind the stairs.