Our programs, events and initiatives help link academics and researchers with industry leaders and community partners.
This year we have been expanding understanding of research and social impact and the important role universities play in fuelling social change.
We’re keen to collaborate with academics, industry and community so if you would like to get involved, sign up for one of our initiatives or reach out to us at sssharc.research@sydney.edu.au
Through this talk series we are showcasing changemakers connected to the University of Sydney, particularly those with arts and science backgrounds, who have gone on to make impact in ways they may not have anticipated as students.
By tapping into their lived experience, we’re helping shape new pathways for current students.
University of Sydney staff, researchers and students who are curious about entrepreneurship, innovation and real-world impact.
Have someone in mind for this speaker series? Nominate them via sssharc.research@sydney.edu.au
| Date | Speaker | Topic | Book now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 August 2026 | Nadia Odlum | Unlocking adventure: Creating risk ready playgrounds | Research Impact Matters with Nadia Odlum |
| 17 September 2026 | Elysee Dubois | Co-founder of Bella, a digital marketplace for beauty services | Details to come |
| 22 October 2026 | Jamie Loveday | Social entrepreneur and Foodlab Founder | Details to come |
AdVenture Playground is a dynamic, hands-on introduction to innovation, entrepreneurship and creative problem-solving.
Designed for those curious about creating impact, this immersive experience helps participants explore how ideas can be transformed into meaningful solutions for real-world challenges.
Through interactive activities, highly collaborative team-based challenges and practical innovation tools, participants develop an entrepreneurial mindset, learn how to identify opportunities, and build confidence in turning ideas into action.
You’ll work alongside students from diverse disciplines, learning from one another while developing valuable skills in creativity, communication, teamwork and problem-solving. The connections formed throughout the program are often one of its most rewarding outcomes, creating a network of like-minded peers passionate about making a difference.
Open to all University of Sydney staff, researchers, PhD students and alumni who are curious about entrepreneurship, innovation and real-world impact.
It’s ideal if you:
Come curious. Leave inspired, connected, and equipped to take your next step.
| Date | Book now |
|---|---|
| 12 August 2026 | Details to come |
| 24 September 2026 | Details to come |
| 28 October 2026 | Details to come |
| 12 November 2026 | Details to come |
This nine-month flagship program delivers the university’s strategic vision for research excellence by supporting innovative and ambitious research projects with demonstratable potential for real world translation and application.
Designed for interdisciplinary and cross functional teams to plan the social impact of their research from the outset, we offer project leads and their teams development opportunities, mentoring, administrative, financial and communications support as well as insights into commercialisation.
Find out more about this year’s participants.
We help emerging researchers and academics prepare applications for key grants to further their work.
Grants include Proof of Concept Grants (internal) and Category 2 and 3 funding grants (external).
If you need support, please contact us at sssharc.research@sydney.edu.au.
We can help organise and facilitate workshops to introduce the concepts of research impact.
If you have an idea or a group of people you would like to collaborate with, get in touch and we can arrange of workshop at no cost.
This offering is for Early Career Researchers (ECRs) and Higher Degree Research Students (HDRs).
To arrange a workshop contact us at sssharc.research@sydney.edu.au.
Our SSSHARC Visiting Fellowships enable outstanding collaborative research in the humanities and social sciences.
Read more about fellowship opportunities.
