Related links
Industry and community projects
- Overview
- 3000 level - types of project units
- 3000 level - eligibility and how to enrol
- 3000 level - projects and partners
- 4000 level projects
3000 level - projects and partners
The following projects are 3000 level units. If you’re studying in a Bachelor of Advanced Studies, see information on our 4000 level projects.
Because industry and community projects are run in collaboration with partners outside of the University, project partners and topics are subject to change prior to the start of teaching.
If you have any questions about the projects, you can email pvceducation.enquiries@sydney.edu.au or the project supervisor listed in each project.
Availability of projects
Places in each project are limited so we encourage you to register early in Sydney Student to avoid missing out.
You will only see projects that are available for your enrolled shell unit and still have places available. If you can’t see a project when you register, you will need to select a different project. Project availability is subject to change.
Intensives
Intensives are full-time equivalent offerings, and the exact timing of each day is outlined in the intensive timetable below. Students are expected to attend the scheduled class times for the relevant session.
If you have any questions, please contact pvceducation.enquiries@sydney.edu.au.
- January - February intensives take place over 4 weeks from 20 January to 16 February 2025. Timetable is shown below.
- June - July intensives take place over 4 weeks from 30 June to 27 July 2025. Timetable is shown below.
- September - October intensives - details will be released in the future.
Find out how to enrol in an ICPU.
Timetable
January - February intensive projects take place over 4 weeks from 20 January till 16 February 2025.
There will only be one class per project. Please consider the project timetable before registering for a project in Sydney Student and make sure that you are available for the allocated class times. The project timetable below is an indication of the time you will need to be available for scheduled classes and independent groupwork. The specific class-times will vary and be advertised when the canvas site is published.
Projects will be delivered face-to-face on campus.
It will take 7-9 days for your personal timetable to reflect your project registration.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm |
| Week 2 | No classes | 10 am - 4 pm | Independent study day | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm |
| Week 3 | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | Independent study day | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm |
| Week 4 | No class | ||||
Students are expected to contribute a total of 120 – 150 hours of effort towards the intensive unit which includes 40 hours of scheduled classes plus an additional 79 – 109 hours (20 - 27 hours per week) outside of class times, including significant independent groupwork as indicated.
Meat and Livestock Australia – Strengthening the Future of Australia’s Goatmeat Industry
Are you ready to make a real impact on Australia’s meat industry? Dive into this exciting project with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), an organisation dedicated to fostering the growth and sustainability of the Australian red meat and livestock sector. While Australia proudly holds the title of the world's largest exporter of goatmeat, valued at around US$180 million annually, current trade is heavily dependent on key markets such as the United States, Korea and China. Domestic consumption is also limited, with goatmeat viewed as a niche product and predominantly available through premium outlets and small butcheries. Most of the supply also comes from wild-harvested rangeland goats, which are highly affected by fluctuating weather conditions. In this project, interdisciplinary student groups are invited to explore the complex drivers and barriers for goat meat consumption. What opportunities do evolving cultures of food present for expanding the Australian goatmeat industry? What can we learn from niche and emerging consumer trends, such as ethical consumption, ‘slow’ and ‘fast’ food as well as the ‘nose-to-tail’ phenomenon? How can we emphasise sustainability in futureproofing the Australian goatmeat industry? Embark on this journey to contribute innovative ideas that could reshape Australia’s approach to goatmeat consumption and pave the way for a stronger industry.
Rotary International – Next Generation of Service
Rotary International is a global humanitarian organisation that was founded in 1905. With over 1.4 million members in over 200 countries, the organisation aims to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, save mothers and children, support education, and grow local economies. Rotary International is a global organisation with members from a diverse range of backgrounds and demographics. However, the majority of its members are typically middle-aged or older professionals, such as business owners, executives, and managers. This is partly because Rotary has a long history and was originally established as a networking and service organisation for business leaders. However, Rotary is now working to attract a more diverse range of members, including younger people, women, and individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. In recent years, Rotary has made efforts to expand its reach and increase the diversity of its membership by implementing programs and initiatives designed to engage younger generations and promote inclusiveness. Despite these efforts, the demographic makeup of Rotary International's membership is still largely determined by its historical roots. Rotary is looking for solutions to broaden its demographics and include more young people. These solutions would need to focus on youth-led initiatives and leverage the power of social media to develop projects that engage, empower and encourage more individuals from diverse backgrounds, including younger people, to become involved and to make positive and sustainable change.
Timetable
June - July intensive projects take place over 4 weeks from 30 June till 27 July 2025.
There will only be one class per project. Please consider the project timetable before registering for a project and make sure that you are available for the allocated class times.
All projects are delivered face-to-face on campus unless otherwise stated, please check project descriptions for details.
It will take 7 - 9 days for your personal timetable to reflect your project registration.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm |
| Week 2 | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | Independent study | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm |
| Week 3 | 10 am - 1 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | Independent study | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm |
| Week 4 | Independent study |
||||
Students are expected to contribute a total of 120 - 150 hours of effort towards the intensive unit, which includes 41 hours of scheduled classes plus an additional 79 - 109 hours (20 - 27 hours per week) outside of class times. This will include group meetings scheduled outside class hours and independent research.
Rotary International - The Next Generation of Service
Rotary International is a global humanitarian organisation that was founded in 1905. With over 1.4 million members in over 200 countries, the organisation aims to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, save mothers and children, support education, and grow local economies. Rotary International is a global organisation with members from a diverse range of backgrounds and demographics. However, the majority of its members are typically middle-aged or older professionals, such as business owners, executives, and managers. This is partly because Rotary has a long history and was originally established as a networking and service organisation for business leaders. However, Rotary is now working to attract a more diverse range of members, including younger people, women, and individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. In recent years, Rotary has made efforts to expand its reach and increase the diversity of its membership by implementing programs and initiatives designed to engage younger generations and promote inclusiveness. Despite these efforts, the demographic makeup of Rotary International's membership is still largely determined by its historical roots. Rotary is looking for solutions to broaden its demographics and include more young people. These solutions would need to focus on youth-led initiatives and leverage the power of social media to develop projects that engage, empower and encourage more individuals from diverse backgrounds, including younger people, to become involved and to make positive and sustainable change.
SAGE - Engaging men as equal partners in achieving equity in science higher education in Australia
Please note this project is only available to students who are enrolled in units of study from Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).
The Australian higher education and research sector plays a vital role in driving innovation and societal progress. However, deeply rooted barriers hinder the participation of women and marginalised groups in research careers, limiting the sector's potential by restricting the diversity of ideas, knowledge, and perspectives. Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) supports this journey through the internationally recognised Athena Swan Charter accreditation program, which offers a framework to identify and address disparities in the education workforce. One notable challenge facing SAGE is the observed lack of male involvement in Gender Equity and Inclusion (GEDI) initiatives. Consequently, women and people from marginalised groups primarily bear the responsibility for driving progress in this vital area. The question arises: How can we effectively engage men as equal partners in co-designing and implementing GEDI interventions within the Australian higher education and research sector? Your task is to propose professional, sensitive, and inclusive solutions, ideas, and strategies to address the lack of male involvement in GEDI initiatives. Consider approaches that foster genuine collaboration and partnership between men, women and marginalised groups in designing and implementing GEDI interventions. Proposals should aim to elevate male engagement beyond mere allyship, fostering authentic collaboration. Proposals should be feasible while demonstrating creativity, innovation, and sensitivity to the diverse needs of the stakeholders involved.
JLL Australia - Shaping Tomorrow for Sustainable Cities
JLL helps buy, build, occupy and invest in a variety of assets including industrial, commercial, retail, residential and hotel real estate. From tech startups to global firms, our clients span industries including banking, energy, healthcare, law, life sciences, manufacturing, and technology. We see the built environment as a powerful medium with which to change the world for the better. By combining innovative technology and data intelligence with our world-renowned expertise, we’re able to unveil untapped opportunities for success. The past few years have seen the biggest disruptors to cities, in how we live in them and use them. Whilst a time of rapid change can be unsettling it can also be seen as an opportunity to shape the future. In this project student are required to look at how we can shape our cities to be more sustainable- environmentally, socially, and commercially. We will consider potential partnerships in driving progress, to pool resources and capability. JLL will present some considerations and case studies for making cities more environmentally and socially sustainable, clever repurposing of buildings and precincts, and examples of social enterprise where there is money to be made from being socially and environmentally sustainable.
Enfold (India) - Promoting Global Accessibility to Sexuality Education
Please note that this project deals with the topic of sexuality and gender identity. Due to the sensitive nature of this topic some students may find the content in this project to be triggering. If you feel as though you may be triggered by this project, we encourage you to enrol into another one of our projects.
There is a clear global need for gender equity, sexuality, and personal safety education. The UN recognises that effective education on these issues is key to the prevention of gender based and sexual violence against children and adults and to a future of gender sensitivity and gender equity. While there are organisations doing effective work on these issues in many national contexts, programs looking to expand their reach can face cultural, religious, linguistic, and policy barriers. In this project, students are invited to work with Enfold – an organisation working to address sexual violence in India through education, rehabilitation, restorative practices and research – to develop strategies for ensuring young people around the world have access to stigma-free sexuality education that is culturally relevant, restorative, and non-alienating. Students will research how sexual education would need to be adapted to meet the needs of people in different cultural contexts. How can organisations navigate local policy and legislation, educational and healthcare systems, and community and religious attitudes while ensuring that the offering remains comprehensive and inclusive. Students will be invited to: tailor content and interventions that is inclusive of diversity in sexual orientations, gender identities with an intersectional lens; identify innovative and effective mediums for learning and discussing sensitive topics; identify any significant barriers to the translation of existing programs to new contexts and suggest recommendation to implementComprehensive sexual education and personal safety education.
Little Scientists - Fixing the Learning Gap Through Early STEM Education in Australia
Please note this project is only available to students who are enrolled in the shell unit SCPU3001.
Little Scientists is Australia’s only dedicated provider of STEM professional development (PD) to the Early Childhood Education and Care sector. There is very low awareness of early STEM education in Australia and public policy is yet to catch up with scientific consensus recognising STEM education as critical to early childhood development. Both government and non-government interventions to improve students’ participation and success in STEM have focused almost exclusively on tertiary, secondary, and (now increasingly) primary levels of education. However, these efforts are on quicksand without investment in early childhood as the first — and arguably most influential — stage of the STEM learning pipeline. The stark reality is that children in Australia have very limited and inequitable access to evidence-based early STEM education. This is because:
Educators receive very little STEM teaching training as part of their TAFE and university pre-service qualifications.
Educators are not supported to prioritise early STEM teaching professional development once they start working in the field.
Educators and services who do seek STEM professional development are strongly concentrated in the most affluent suburbs of major cities.
In this project, teams are asked to analyse and develop strategies to address how Little Scientists can increase investment in, prioritisation of, and access to early STEM professional development at the state and territory government level.
DBG Health - Crafting a Diverse and Inclusive Culture at DBG Health
DBG Health, a dynamic player in the health, wellness, and beauty industry, was established in 2023 and is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. Operating globally, DBG Health distributes more than 150 million packages of affordable health, wellness, and beauty products annually. At the core of its success lies VidaCorp, an integral division of DBG Health, leading the way in over-the-counter medications, wellness offerings, personal care, and beauty items. VidaCorp prides itself on its extensive collection of consumer brands, each designed to meet diverse consumer needs across a range of therapeutic categories. In line with its commitment to excellence, DBG Health strives to be an employer of choice, prioritizing the well-being of its employees and fostering their talents. Recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion, DBG Health seeks to promote its brand values effectively to attract and engage a diverse workforce. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, students will explore innovative strategies to enhance DBG Health's employer branding, with a focus on attracting and retaining diverse and inclusive talent.
ARE Media - The Use of Generative AI to Help Scale E-commerce Content and Revenue
The project focuses on leveraging generative AI for scaling e-commerce content creation while mitigating potential penalties from Google's algorithm changes, addressing the complex challenge faced by Are Media, Australia's leading content company, in transitioning to an omnichannel media entity with robust content commerce capabilities. Teams will explore interdisciplinary solutions to ensure scalability of shopping content creation, prepare for evolving search and online shopping trends, and develop staff skills in AI tools. Through a transdisciplinary approach, research will encompass consumer engagement, online transactions, technology adaptation, and fostering innovation. Additionally, scenario planning will be employed to anticipate future industry shifts and their implications.
This project aims to integrate interdisciplinary perspectives and methods, as well as stakeholder knowledge and values, to address the complex and real-world problem of finding better ways of using generative AI for shopping content creation to increase our affiliate revenue. Students are required to devise innovative strategies to propel Are Media's transformation journey in the dynamic media landscape, fostering open-mindedness, curiosity, and adaptability among staff while aligning with the company's five-year strategy for success.
September - October Intensives timetable and projects will be confirmed at a later time.
September - October intensive projects take place over 6 weeks from 16 September until 27 October 2024.
There will be a unique timetable schedule for each project. Please consider the project timetable before registering for a project in Sydney Student and make sure that you are available for the allocated class times.
Projects will be delivered as either online or face-to-face on campus and have a 90% attendance requirement.
You will be manually added to the project timetable and it will take 7 – 9 days for your personal timetable to reflect your project registration.
Students are expected to contribute a total of 120 – 150 hours of effort towards the intensive unit, which includes 39 hours of scheduled classes plus an additional 81 – 111 hours (13.5 - 18.5 hours per week) outside of class times. This will include group meetings scheduled outside class hours and independent research.
Projects
JLL Australia - Shaping Tomorrow for Sustainable Cities
This project will be delivered via online mode and will have a 90% attendance requirement.
JLL helps buy, build, occupy and invest in a variety of assets including industrial, commercial, retail, residential and hotel real estate. From tech startups to global firms, our clients span industries including banking, energy, healthcare, law, life sciences, manufacturing, and technology. We see the built environment as a powerful medium with which to change the world for the better. By combining innovative technology and data intelligence with our world-renowned expertise, we’re able to unveil untapped opportunities for success. The past few years have seen the biggest disruptors to cities, in how we live in them and use them. Whilst a time of rapid change can be unsettling it can also be seen as an opportunity to shape the future. In this project student are required to look at how we can shape our cities to be more sustainable- environmentally, socially, and commercially. We will consider potential partnerships in driving progress, to pool resources and capability. JLL will present some considerations and case studies for making cities more environmentally and socially sustainable, clever repurposing of buildings and precincts, and examples of social enterprise where there is money to be made from being socially and environmentally sustainable.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 10 am - 1 pm | 1 - 4 pm | No classes | ||
| Week 2 | 10 am - 1 pm | 1 - 4 pm | |||
| Week 3 | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | ||
| Week 4 | 10 am - 1 pm | 1 - 4 pm | |||
| Week 5 | 10 am - 1 pm | 1 - 4 pm | |||
| Week 6 | No classes. Final assessments due. | ||||
MOVEMBER - What is the Measure of a Man?
This project will be delivered via online mode and will have a 90% attendance requirement.
Sensitive topic disclaimer: If this project content is triggering for any student, we recommend registering in another project.
“Man up!” “Be a man!” We’ve all heard these phrases, but what do they really mean? Has their meaning changed since our fathers’ and grandfathers’ time?
Extensive research shows connections between the most restrictive ideas about manhood and negative outcomes: depression, drug use, dangerous driving, violence against women, and more. Yet many of these ideas and pressures persist. At the same time, men try to be good colleagues, sons, brothers, partners, husbands, mates... and expect the same from other guys.
So, what is the measure of a man? How is masculinity changing? Can we navigate a path where we call out the bad behaviours of men whilst also uplifting healthy, positive messages about masculinity?
Movember, the Australian charity changing the global face of men’s health, has recently launched a new research institute. In these early stages, they are keen to capture ideas on what a positive path forward might look like for the complex challenge of defining and measuring modern masculinity.
To succeed, the project will need a diversity of insights across disciplines and genders. Interdisciplinary groups will bring their expertise, ideas, and experience to formulate projects which finds those examples, explores the Australian cultural context, and amplifies ways and means to surface the positive attributes of masculinity and shift the narrative on men’s health.
Working alongside Movember researchers in the US as well as Movember experts in Australia, this project is delivered solely online to provide students with the real-world experience of working remotely and collaboratively for project success.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | No classes | 9 am - 12 pm | 9 am - 12 pm | No classes | |
| Week 2 | 9 am - 12 pm | 9 am - 12 pm | |||
| Week 3 | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | ||
| Week 4 | 9 am - 12 pm | 9 am - 12 pm | |||
| Week 5 | 9 am - 12 pm | 9 am - 12 pm | |||
| Week 6 | No classes. Final assessments due. | ||||
Remondis - A Strategic Approach to the Australian Medical Waste
This project will be delivered in person on campus and will have a 90% attendance requirement.
All medical waste must be disposed of responsibly, even if it is not considered particularly hazardous. In order to reduce the risks of human infection, the spread of infections and the emergence of epidemics. Remondis Australia, a leader in waste management and recycling services since 1982, aims to expand its market penetration into the Australian medical waste sector.
The project's primary objective is to develop a strategic approach for Remondis to identify and address the needs of key customer segments within this market. The project will focus on customer segmentation, market sizing, needs assessment, and crafting targeted value propositions to secure a sustainable market position.
Key aspects of the project include analysing customer segments to understand their specific needs and decision-making processes, exploring innovative collection technologies, and ensuring legal compliance to policies. The project will also investigate ways to create unique value propositions that foster mutually beneficial relationships between Remondis and its customer base.
In interdisciplinary teams, students are required to engage in this real-world challenge, offering them the chance to contribute to the development of profitable, sustainable and efficient market strategy. The scope of the project is geographically limited to the eastern seaboard states of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, without exploring international markets. Students will be expected to provide strategic recommendations based on comprehensive research. Significant opportunities exist in the untapped market potential and the innovation in service delivery, leveraging Remondis’ global expertise and emerging technologies. Strategic partnerships with healthcare providers and government agencies are also potential avenues for growth.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wendesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 9 am - 12 pm | 10 am - 1 pm | No classes | ||
| Week 2 | 9 am - 12 pm | 10 am - 1 pm | |||
| Week 3 | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | ||
| Week 4 | 9 am - 12 pm | 10 am - 1 pm | |||
| Week 5 | 9 am - 12 pm | 10 am - 1 pm | |||
| Week 6 | No classes. Final assessments due. | ||||
Rotary International - The Next Generation of Service
This Project will be delivered in person on campus and will have a 90% attendance requirement.
Rotary International is a global humanitarian organisation that was founded in 1905. With over 1.4 million members in over 200 countries, the organisation aims to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, save mothers and children, support education, and grow local economies. Rotary International is a global organisation with members from a diverse range of backgrounds and demographics. However, the majority of its members are typically middle-aged or older professionals, such as business owners, executives, and managers. This is partly because Rotary has a long history and was originally established as a networking and service organisation for business leaders. However, Rotary is now working to attract a more diverse range of members, including younger people, women, and individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. In recent years, Rotary has made efforts to expand its reach and increase the diversity of its membership by implementing programs and initiatives designed to engage younger generations and promote inclusiveness. Despite these efforts, the demographic makeup of Rotary International's membership is still largely determined by its historical roots. Rotary is looking for solutions to broaden its demographics and include more young people. These solutions would need to focus on youth-led initiatives and leverage the power of social media to develop projects that engage, empower and encourage more individuals from diverse backgrounds, including younger people, to become involved and to make positive and sustainable change.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | No classes | 12 - 3 pm | 9 am - 12 pm | No classes | |
| Week 2 | 12 - 3 pm | 9 am - 12 pm | |||
| Week 3 | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | ||
| Week 4 | 12 - 3 pm | 9 am - 12 pm | |||
| Week 5 | 12 - 3 pm | 9 am - 12 pm | |||
| Week 6 | No classes. Final assessments due. | ||||
In 2025 we will be delivering a suite of ICPU’s as part of our global campus program, including the following destinations:
Destination: Sydney, Australia
Rethinking food systems for better health and sustainability - In partnership with Padova University and Lausanne University
This project is a collaborative project organised by three internationally renowned Universities, i.e. the University of Padua (Italy), the University of Sydney (Australia) and the University of Lausanne (Switzerland). This year’s edition will be hosted entirely at the University of Sydney campus. The project class will be made up of a mix of students from the three above mentioned universities (up to 75 students, 25 from each university). External partners (industries, community-organisations, other stakeholders) will also be involved throughout the project.
Food is central to family, cultural and community identity. It is essential to sustain life and food-related activities, provide income and livelihoods for billions of people on earth. With the continuing rise in global food production and manufacturing to meet increasing demand and the additional impact on ecosystems and climate, there is a pressing need to rethink our food systems. In this project, student teams representing unique mixes of disciplines will explore questions such as: How can we transform food systems so it can meet the changing needs of consumers in a more sustainable way? What role can consumers, producers, manufacturers, industry leaders and government play to achieve ambitious targets? How can we rewrite the narrative of food production and supply to reflect a progressive industry that will engage a diverse future workforce and facilitate a more comprehensive approach to solving complex issues within the sector? Through collaborative research into these areas, students will provide solutions on how we can rethink food systems for better health and sustainability.
Destination: Shanghai, China
Banking on de-carbonisation for a sustainable future – In partnership with ANZ China
A sustainable global future demands systemic global action on climate change. Concrete commitments to a rapid transition to decarbonisation forms a critical part of this global agenda. They also demand action from multiple stakeholders, spanning governments, businesses, communities and more. Banks are poised to play an important role in global decarbonisation efforts. Yet regional efforts demand regional solutions, while considerations are also needed for industry specific efforts to decarbonise. ANZ China is committed to working with its corporate customer base to support a transition to net-zero carbon emissions by 2060. This requires building capacity to monitor the decarbonisation efforts of discrete industries that currently have higher carbon outputs, assessing risk of non-transition, and mobilising effectively and responsively to provide enabling green finance to key sectors. In this project, interdisciplinary teams are invited to evaluate the role that banking can play in regional and sector-based efforts for decarbonisation. For example, what best practice frameworks for de-carbonisations exist globally and can these be adapted to the Chinese context? Is there scope to design new and improved monitoring solutions for assessing progress toward decarbonisation? Are there industry specific solutions which can accelerate decarbonisation in China and what role might green finance play?
Destination Indonesia: Labuan Bajo
Partnering with community for sustainable tourism
Tourism is one of the fastest growing economic sectors globally. It is also positioned to play a critical role in achieving key sustainable development goals by 2030, including 'decent work and economic growth' (SDG 8), 'responsible consumption and production' (SDG 12), and 'life below water' (SDG 14). Yet, global tourism today is best known for a host of negative impacts including a hefty carbon footprint, growing inequality in mass tourism destinations, damage and depletion of local natural resources, and diluting of local culture. Bali, one of the most famous tourist hotspots in the world, provides a prime example of overtourism and 'tourists behaving badly'. In this project, interdisciplinary teams will immerse themselves in 'destination Labuan Bajo', an emerging tourist destination in Indonesia. Grounding their thinking in the local environment and community needs and aspirations, students are invited to consider, how can the mistakes made through overdevelopment in Bali be avoided? How can economic benefits generated by tourism be channelled into investment for local communities? How can tourism be designed to enable gender equality, social inclusion and local skills development? Ultimately, how can a sustainable tourism future – one which protects people, culture, land, air and waterways – become a reality?
Global Intensives are run during the July intensive session over a four-week period from 30 June to 27 July 2025. Students will spend two to three weeks working in a collaborative learning space where you'll have the opportunity to engage directly with industry partners and take part in relevant site visits and excursions. In the final week of the intensive students are expected to conduct independent study where you'll write up your final assessments through self-directed learning as advised by your project supervisor.
Semester-long projects
Semester 1 projects will commence 24 February 2025. Semester 2 projects will commence 4 August 2025.
Students are expected to attend scheduled class times for 3 hours per week.
2025 semester-long projects will be delivered face-to-face on campus.
In both semester sessions we will be running Science intradisciplinary projects. These projects are only available to students who are enrolled in the shell unit SCPU3001.
If you have any questions, please contact pvceducation.enquiries@sydney.edu.au.
Find out how to enrol in an ICPU.
Timetable
Please be advised that additional industry projects will be forthcoming, supplementing the current list of opportunities. Please check the website regularly to stay informed about these new listings and to engage in valuable industry partnerships
| Industry partner and project | Timetable |
|---|---|
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation |
Friday 9 am - 12 pm |
| Bridge Housing Building Bridges to Enhance Engagment in Community Housing |
Monday 9 am - 12 pm |
| Elizabeth Broderick & Co Putting Intersectionality at the Heart of Gender Equality |
Tuesday 9 am - 12 pm |
| Ernst and Young Australia and The University of Sydney Reimagining Campus for a Connected and Sustainable University Experience |
Friday 9 am - 12 pm |
| Gilbert and Tobin Towards a Sustainable Energy Transition |
Wednesday 10 am - 1 pm |
| The Matilda Centre Tackling Youth Vaping with Creative Solutions |
Tuesday 12 pm - 3 pm |
| NSW Department of Education Supporting Teachers for Curriculum Implementation in Schools |
Wednesday 9 am - 12 pm |
| Plumtree Building Sustainable Services for Children with Disability |
Wednesday 9 am - 12 pm |
| Ronald McDonald House Charities Championing Hope with Gen Z |
Tuesday 9 am - 12 pm |
| Teach for Australia Revolutionising How We Attract Future Teachers |
Monday 12 pm - 3 pm |
| Ventia Empowering and Inclusive and Diverse Workforce |
Wednesday 9 am - 12 pm |
* SPCU students can enrol into all available projects. This project is only available to students who are enrolled in the shell unit SCPU3001.
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation – Advancing Sustainability and Cultural Heritage
This project is only available to students who are enrolled in the shell unit SCPU3001
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is committed to leveraging great science to deliver big outcomes. This includes a goal to deliver outcomes that enhance sustainability across work aimed to improve human health, save lives, build our industry and protect our environment. Sustainability involves maintaining a stable balance between conducting business in a manner that preserves and protects the environment and its natural resources while guaranteeing individual and community rights across multiple generations. Indigenous peoples and local communities have lived sustainably for thousands of years, developing rich traditions and knowledge systems that inform sustainable land management, environmental stewardship, and climate adaptation. This project invites students to investigate how ANSTO’s nuclear science expertise applied in areas such as environmental monitoring, earth and climate sciences can interact with cultural heritage, specifically Indigenous knowledge, to inform effective decision making for sustainable land use and economic growth. Areas of impact to explore include incorporating traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) with modern science, sustainable land management, environmental protection, policy advocacy, and fostering collaborations between science and community. By merging scientific innovation with Indigenous knowledge, students will develop strategies that honour and incorporate traditional practices, supporting resilient, sustainable communities and advancing environmental stewardship.
Timetable: Friday 9 am - 12 pm
Bridge Housing– Building Bridges to Enhance Engagement in Community Housing
Bridge Housing is a community housing provider and charity. We manage 3,600 properties across metropolitan Sydney, home to 5,700 people. Some significant groups include 441 Aboriginal people, 1,135 people who speak a language other than English at home, 2,370 people aged over 55 and 861 children. There are also 1,819 people living with a disability and 664 living with a mental illness. Currently, Bridge Housing is developing its third ‘Building Bridges’ strategy. This strategy includes our commitment to giving tenants an opportunity to give us direct feedback through Tenant Advisory Groups (TAG). 4 TAGs are currently established based on a geographical area, as well as 1 for Aboriginal tenants, 1 for Vietnamese speakers and a recently established group for people with a disability. Over recent times, participation in these groups has steadily decreased and new people joining has all but stopped. In interdisciplinary teams, students are invited to consider how community engagement can be enhanced through the TAG initiative. How do we evaluate and strengthen the experience of current participants? How do we reach more tenants, including young people and people from diverse backgrounds? Ultimately, how do we better partner with our tenants in our mission to change people’s lives through the provision of more homes and quality services for all.
Timetable: Monday 9am - 12 pm
Elizabeth Broderick & Co – Putting Intersectionality at the Heart of Gender Equality
The concept ‘Intersectionality’ explains the complex relationship of various identities and experiences of exclusion, specifically how gender and race intersect to shape the multiple dimensions of women’s experiences and can result in compounded forms of marginalisation. For instance, in Australia, women with disabilities face double the likelihood of experiencing sexual and intimate partner violence compared to those without disabilities. Similarly, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women endure 29 times the rate of hospitalisation due to non-fatal family violence compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. In India, the intersection of gender and caste exacerbates health risks for women, impacting access to sanitation and clean water. In Latin America, indigenous women face significant economic disparities, ranking last on the income scale even after accounting for education. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, ethnic, geographic, economic, and gender factors intersect to restrict educational opportunities, with only 12% of poor rural Hausa girls attending school. Our project seeks to embed intersectionality into policies promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. Through rigorous examination and case studies, we aim to identify “what works” and explore effective approaches to integrate intersectionality from the outset, ensuring policies not only reach but also benefit all women and girls. Teams will recommend actions that governments, workplaces and other actors can take.
Timetable: Tuesday 9am - 12 pm
Ernst and Young Australia, and The University of Sydney – Reimagining Campus for a Connected and Sustainable University Experience
The University of Sydney, the oldest university in Australia, has evolved over 170 years to adapt to the needs of its staff and students. Our campus infrastructure enables current and future generations of students, researchers, educators and staff to thrive in a world-class education and research institution. This requires purposeful planning in response to emerging issues, including the increasing importance of digital connection, the growing prevalence of the working student, and the need to support equity,wellbeing and cultural diversity on campus. To remain relevant, The University must address a range of persisting and emerging disruptors. This will require purposeful planning to ensure our campuses respond to emerging trends in education and student life. Consider, for example, the increasing importance of digital connection, the growing prevalence of the ‘working student’ the focus on employability, the importance of building equity pathways as well as wellbeing and cultural diversity on campus. The University of Sydney is committed to employing sustainable practices and innovative design and planning to create a transformational student, staff and visitor experience. In this project, students are asked to explore how, in an ever-changing world, the University can support the evolving and dynamic needs of students, staff and University partners. With mentoring on complex problem solving by Ernst and Young, interdisciplinary groups will engage with the University Infrastructure team and co-partners USU and Student Life, to consider how a reimagined campus might better enable student organisations, community building and engagement, digital and in-person connectedness, and more.
Timetable: Friday 9 am - 12 pm
Gilbert and Tobin – Towards a Sustainable Energy Transition
Gilbert and Tobin, an independent law firm in Australia, has a rich history spanning 35 years, during which it has solidified its position as a leader in corporate law, with exceptional prowess in corporate/M&A and banking practices. In the last decade, the firm has expanded its expertise to encompass burgeoning sectors like construction law, energy, and climate change. The contemporary landscape of energy transition presents both a challenge and an opportunity of profound significance. As society pivots towards renewable energy sources to combat climate change, a myriad of intricate questions surfaces. Does renewable energy enjoy widespread social acceptance necessary for comprehensive decarbonisation? How can we effectively manage the intermittency of renewable generation across different timeframes? What is the role of government and public subsidies in delivering energy transition at scale? Moreover, the viability and sustainability of energy storage solutions like hydrogen, and even the contentious role of nuclear energy, beg for further critical consideration. In response, interdisciplinary collaboration becomes important, inviting students to navigate the complexities of delivering a truly sustainable energy transition. Their task is not only to identify key challenges but also to formulate pragmatic recommendations that prioritise societal welfare, environmental preservation, and economic viability. The multifaceted nature of this task demands a holistic approach, considering technological capacities, engineering feasibility, economic implications, environmental impacts, social dynamics, and legal frameworks.
Timetable: Wednesday 10am - 1 pm
The Matilda Centre – Tackling Youth Vaping with Creative Solutions
The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use at the University of Sydney is seeking innovative solutions to address the growing issue of adolescent e-cigarette use (vaping). Despite recent regulatory controls in Australia, vaping remains prevalent among young people, with one in three adolescents having tried vapes. The associated health risks, including nicotine addiction, lung damage, and mental health issues, underscore the need for fresh approaches beyond supply reduction. This project encourages students to provide practical, real-world insights and recommendations aimed at preventing the uptake or reducing the use of vapes among young people. The focus is on demand-reduction strategies that address the root causes of youth vaping, such as motivations, social influences, and underlying behaviours. Students are encouraged to explore diverse approaches, including regulatory changes, public health campaigns, economic models, and individual behaviour modification. Additionally, emerging trends like AI, social media, and wearable technology can be leveraged to create innovative solutions. Students will present actionable ideas that can be applied in real-world settings, with potential for commercialisation. They will address key questions such as how to improve regulation enforcement, whether public health campaigns are still effective, and what alternative strategies might resonate with young people. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public health by curbing youth vaping in Australia.
Timetable: Tuesday 12pm – 3pm
NSW Department of Education – Supporting Teachers for Curriculum Implementation in Schools
The NSW Department of Education aims to support all teachers and staff to deliver outstanding leadership, teaching, and learning. The availability of professional learning opportunities is key to strengthen capability in schools to deliver quality education for a diverse range of learners, to meet the challenges educators face in and outside of the classroom, and to maintain professional accreditation requirements. Professional learning is equally key to delivering the Department of Education’s new curriculum support as part of its NSW Curriculum Reform. Despite the availability of professional learning opportunities, teachers struggle with workload challenges and burn out due to the expectations of their role. This is compounded by recent changes to staffing agreements which limit professional learning opportunities to 1 hour per week. Amidst these structural and professional challenges, how can the Department of Education support teachers and staff to undertake professional development opportunities to support the implementation of its new curriculum? To address this issue, students will need to consider the geographic spread of teachers across the state, learner diversity, and a range of teaching contexts (K-12). This project represents a meaningful opportunity to participate in the curriculum reform to be delivered by the Department of Education between 2025-2027.
Timetable: Wednesday 9 am - 12 pm
Plumtree – Building Sustainable Services for Children With Disability
Plumtree, a cornerstone in Sydney’s inner west, has dedicated over 30 years to supporting families with children aged 0-8 through speech, occupational, and physical therapy, as well as behavior support. As families embark on their National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) journey, many face the daunting task of navigating a sea of service options, often without clear guidance on which will have the greatest impact. This project invites students to craft a dual-focused strategy to elevate Plumtree’s mission: (1) develop innovative campaigns that increase awareness and position Plumtree as the go-to resource for families seeking trusted, effective care, and (2) design a dynamic sponsorship strategy to secure crucial funding for new online learning tools tailored to children with disabilities and special needs. Plumtree's commitment to empowering parents and fostering long-lasting positive outcomes means that innovative ideas from forward-thinking students could revolutionise its approach to accessibility and outreach. This is a chance to make a tangible difference, blending creativity, strategic thinking, and community impact. Take on this project to not only enhance your skills in strategic communication and partnership building but to leave a meaningful legacy for an organisation making real change. Your ideas could be the bridge that connects more families to the empowering support they deserve.
Timetable: Wednesday 9am - 12 pm
Ronald McDonald House Charities – Championing Hope with Gen Z
Since 1981, Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney has been a pillar of support for families with sick and injured children. Our 60-room House provides not just shelter, but comprehensive services including meals, counselling, educational support, social activities, and essential items—all designed to create a nurturing environment filled with community and hope. Our impact extends beyond our House through our Hospitality Carts at Nepean and Campbelltown Hospitals, bringing comfort directly to children’s bedsides with snacks, boredom busters, and essential items. We proudly support over 2,500 families each year. However, as we look to engage the influential Gen Z demographic in fundraising, we face a unique challenge: many in this age group don’t yet have children, making it harder for them to relate to our mission. To captivate Gen Z, we need a fresh, standout initiative that resonates with their values and interests. This could take the form of a dynamic digital or social media campaign that leverages trends, or interactive experiences like community-driven exercise events or run clubs. Comprehensive research is essential to design a strategy that aligns with current successful campaigns, adapts them to our cause, and lays out an actionable plan with detailed budgets, timelines, and marketing outreach.
Timetable: Tuesday 9 - 12 pm
Teach for Australia – Revolutionising How We Attract Future Teachers
Teach For Australia (TFA) is a not-for-profit organisation that recruits individuals from diverse, non-teaching backgrounds into the teaching profession. Like many other teaching pathways, TFA faces the challenge of attracting talent to a profession often portrayed as demanding and less flexible than other careers. While teaching offers the opportunity to make a significant social impact, public perception—particularly in the media—tends to focus on the challenges, such as workload and pay, rather than the rewarding and transformative aspects of the profession. This creates a hurdle for potential applicants, despite the meaningful difference they could make in the community. This project invites students to explore how the education sector can better attract graduates when the perception of teaching is often negative. Innovative solutions could help address the gap between the perceived and actual rewards of teaching, improving recruitment and retention. Interdisciplinary student groups can focus on a range of issues including structural factors that limit the appeal of teaching careers, recruitment challenges within geographic bounds or discrete specialisations within primary and secondary education, and the effectiveness of graduate pathways. All projects will advance TFAs mission: ‘To grow a community of leaders committed to equity for children, by recruiting and developing exceptional people to teach and lead across Australia’.
Timetable: Monday 12pm - 3 pm
Ventia – Empowering an Inclusive and Diverse Workforce
Ventia is one of the largest essential infrastructure services providers in Australia and New Zealand. It has a combined workforce of more than 35,000 people, working in over 400 sites across Australia and New Zealand, with over 40% of its employees operating in regional locations. At Ventia, people are at the heart of what we do and providing a culture and workplaces where they can thrive and build meaningful careers is important to us. In today’s dynamic and fast-paced workplaces, supporting employee health and wellbeing in a meaningful way poses unique challenges, especially in large and diverse organisations. Designing an exclusive wellbeing program for such a multi-faceted workforce means considering a broad spectrum of needs, from physical and mental health support to a sense of belonging and safety. For example, Veterans may benefit from mental health resources tailored to their experiences, LGBTQ+ employees may seek inclusive policies and safe spaces. People with disability often need physical accommodations and flexible policies, whilst First Nations employee may appreciate culturally sensitive support and time for community obligations. In this project, teams are invited to create scalable, adaptable and sustainable programs that respect and cater to the diverse needs of these groups, fostering an inclusive environment that prioritises the wellbeing of all.
Timetable: Wednesday 9 am - 12 pm
Timetable
| Industry partner and project | Timetable |
|---|---|
| ACON Improving Health and Wellbeing Outcomes for LGBTQIA+ Peoples in Western Sydney |
Wednesday 10 am – 1 pm |
| Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation* Innovation in Radiation Detection |
Friday 9 am - 12 pm |
| Chau Chak Museum Future proofing Revenue sources for the Chau Chak Wing Museum |
Tuesday 12 pm – 3 pm |
| Cobham Youth Justice Enhancing Family Engagement in Youth Justice Care |
Thursday 9 am – 12 pm |
| Entyr Building a Global Tyre waste market for a Sustainable Future |
Monday 9 am – 12 pm |
| Elizabeth Broderick & Co Putting Intersectionality at the Heart of Gender Equality |
Thursday 10 am – 1 pm |
| Freedom Solutions Driving Social Impact through Assistive Technologies in a Dynamic market |
Monday 12 pm – 3 pm |
| Gilbert and Tobin Towards a Sustainable Energy Transition |
Monday 2pm – 5 pm |
| Girringun Aboriginal Corporation Listening to Aboriginal Community Voices |
Monday 10 am – 1 pm |
| Microsoft – University of Sydney Building Capability for a Transformative Digital Campus Experience |
Friday 9 am – 12 pm |
| Mission Australia Ensuring Trauma informed Service delivery for Diverse People |
Monday 9 am – 12 pm |
| NSW Department of Education* Transforming Science Education through Real World Engagement |
Tuesday 2pm – 5 pm |
| NSW Department of Education Growing the Early Childhood Education workforce in Regional NSW |
Friday 10 am – 1 pm |
| Paratus Clinical Rethinking Communication Strategies for Recruitment in Clinical Studies |
Tuesday 9 am – 12 pm |
| Producible Balancing Innovation and Human Ingenuity in Advertising |
Tuesday 9 am – 12 pm |
| PTW Architects Building for a Sustainable Future |
Tuesday 9 am – 12 pm |
| Randstad The use and impact of Generative AI in the Recruitment process |
Thursday 2 pm – 5 pm |
| Studio Space Leveraging Data and Automation for an Innovative B2B Marketplace user experience |
Wednesday 9 am – 12 pm |
| TATA India* Building a roadmap for an automated and sustainable auto-manufacturing future |
Wednesday 3 pm – 6 pm |
| TerraCycle Design an Engagement Strategy for Gen Z and Alpha to engage in Free Recycling Programs |
Monday 2 pm – 5pm |
| Tonkin Engineering Exploring sustainable pathways for NSW Water Systems |
Friday 9 am – 12 pm |
| Universities Admissions Centre Reimagining University Admissions for Wider access to Higher Education |
Wednesday 9 am - 12 pm |
* SPCU students can enrol into all available projects. This project is only available to students who are enrolled in the shell unit SCPU3001.
ACON - Improving Health and Wellbeing Outcomes for LGBTQIA+ Peoples in Western Sydney
Greater Western Sydney (GWS) is one of the most culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse, and economically disadvantaged regions in Australia. Research has demonstrated that LGBTQIA+ people living in GWS face disproportionate levels of psychological and physical health issues compared to the broader Australian population. Rates of psychological distress and HIV notifications are of particular concern. We know discrimination and exclusion have negative impacts on health and wellbeing, and this is compounded by intersecting experiences of marginalisation. In this project, students will generate recommendations for effective health and/or policy interventions for LGBTQIA+ people living in Greater Western Sydney. This project could be of interest to students with knowledge or interest in health promotion, community development, policy, public health, cultural difference, diversity and inclusion, or LGBTQ+ histories, experiences, and politics.
Wednesday 10 am – 1 pm
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation - Innovation in Radiation Detection
This project is only available to students who are enrolled in the shell unit SCPU3001
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is home to Australia’s most significant research infrastructure. Thousands of scientists benefit from accessing state-of-the-art instruments annually. Currently, ANSTO faces exciting public education and research challenges and invites interdisciplinary student groups to explore the following topic.
CORIS360 is an advanced gamma-ray imaging system developed by ANSTO, designed for rapid and accurate localisation of gamma radiation sources. This cutting-edge technology has applications in nuclear facilities, radiological emergencies, medical contexts, mining, construction, and environmental monitoring. However, there is a need to increase awareness of its benefits and potential applications. ANSTO is especially interested in exploring new contexts and frontiers for CORIS360. One high-profile example of this is when a small radioactive capsule was lost from a mining gauge in the WA Outback, CORIS360 was quickly modified to act as a vehicle-borne radiation detection system and locate the capsule within 2 hours.
This project invites students to develop strategies to enhance the visibility and adoption of CORIS360. Focus areas are raising public and industry awareness of its capabilities, exploring innovative applications, and creating engaging demonstrations of its technology. Key questions include: How can we effectively communicate the advantages of CORIS360 to wider public? What novel applications can be identified? How can we creatively showcase the system’s capabilities?
Friday 9 am – 12 pm
Chau Chak Museum - Future proofing Revenue sources for the Chau Chak Wing Museum
The Chau Chak Wing Museum (CCWM) at the University of Sydney is a nexus of culture and learning. Its 500,000 collection items, including antiquities, natural history specimens, historic photographs, cultural artefacts, and art, are displayed and stored in industry-standard conditions across four levels of public exhibition space and multiple levels of storage. The museum offers an immersive journey through time and culture open to all, with free entry for USYD staff, students, and the public. Maintaining this museum and associated operations, however, is a costly endeavour. As a medium-sized organisation comprising 30 full-time staff and partially funded by the university, the museum aims to achieve cost neutrality. How can the museum secure its future financial sustainability whilst caring for its collections, ensuring growth in visitor reach and numbers, world-class exhibitions and engagement programs and collaboration with community and cultural groups? How can the museum leverage its exhibitions and programs to diversify revenue streams? How might partnerships with external stakeholders contribute to the museum's financial stability? Student teams are invited to investigate these questions, to find ways of balancing the museum's role as a nonprofit service organisation and its commitment to engaging the wider community, with its need to remain financially viable.
Tuesday 12 – 3 pm
Cobham Youth Justice - Enhancing Family Engagement in Youth Justice Care
Please note that this project addresses sensitive topics related to juvenile delinquency and youth justice. If you find this triggering, we encourage you to consider registering into another project.
Custodial facilities within the Youth Justice space have an obligation to meaningfully involve families in the life of young people who are incarcerated. Whilst several avenues are currently available for this to occur for individual young people (eg: via in person visiting times, zoom, written correspondence, telephone) these are underutilised and insufficient. Youth Justice would like to grow the ability to involve and connect with families (metropolitan and regional) in the consultation process for the management and care of young people. The custodial environment is a complex one that relies heavily on daily routines, security protocols, hierarchical reporting structures and restrictive practice to manage/minimise risk. The ongoing meaningful engagement of family within this environment will need to overcome some of the following: risk to security, accessibility, cultural issues, complaints process, incarcerated parents, working with internal partners (Dept Education, NSW Health). Students from interdisciplinary backgrounds are invited to research and provide Youth Justice with innovative and novel alternative recommendations and solutions to maximise the ability to grow communication and collaboration with the family and community care givers young people in incarceration.
Thursday 9 am – 12 pm
Entyr - Building a Global Tyre waste market for a Sustainable Future
This Industry partner is based in Queensland. All engagement will be done via zoom.
Entyr Limited is a pioneering Australian company leading the world in solving the global tyre waste problem by delivering a complete circular solution for end-of-life tyres. Through upcycling end-of-life tyres and waste rubber, Entyr creates high quality products which replace virgin resources for use in manufacturing and decarbonising infrastructure. However, achieving a circular economy for the global tyre problem, whereby virgin materials are purposefully (re)used rather than wasted, faces many challenges. How does Entyr build business awareness of the value and opportunities within waste tyre management, including leveraging incentives such as carbon credits and other sector funding opportunities (e.g., Government research funds)? How do we recruit talent to work within this sector to continue to innovate and build Entyr’s sustainability business model? How do we minimise waste and maximise business profitability in waste tyre management; for example, how do we best utilise the sour waste generated onsite from our tyre derived fuel oil process? How can we harness raw process plant instrumentation data into actionable insights, to support making a lasting impact on the global waste crisis (in tyres)? Interdisciplinary student groups are invited to work with Entyr to build their impact on the fight against tyre waste in the future.
Monday 9 am – 12 pm
Elizabeth Broderick & Co - Putting Intersectionality at the Heart of Gender Equality
The concept of ‘Intersectionality’, coined in the 1980s, explains the complex relationship of various identities and experiences of exclusion. It specifically addresses how gender and race intersect to shape the multiple dimensions of Black women’s experiences. Such overlapping inequalities manifest in compounded forms of marginalisation. For instance, in Australia, women with disabilities face double the likelihood of experiencing sexual and intimate partner violence compared to those without disabilities. Similarly, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Australia endure 29 times the rate of hospitalisation due to non-fatal family violence assaults compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. In India, the intersection of gender and caste exacerbates health risks for women, impacting access to sanitation and clean water. Meanwhile, in Latin America, indigenous women face significant economic disparities, ranking last on the income scale even after accounting for education. In Nigeria, ethnic, geographic, economic, and gender factors intersect to restrict educational opportunities, with only 12% of poor rural Hausa girls attending school. Recognising the shortcomings of conventional gender equality strategies, our project, led by Elizabeth Broderick & Co, seeks to embed intersectionality into policies promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. Through rigorous examination and case studies, we aim to identify “what works” and explore effective approaches to integrate intersectionality from the outset, ensuring that policies not only reach but also benefit all women and girls. Projects will make recommendations on actions that governments, workplaces and other actors can take.
Thursday 10 am – 1 pm
Freedom Solutions - Driving Social impact through Assistive Technologies in a Dynamic market
Freedom Solutions Australia (FSA) is a leading designer and provider of customised bikes, trikes, and assistive technology (AT) equipment for people with disability. We are a not-for-profit organisation with 150 active volunteers and 25 staff members across NSW and VIC, committed to bringing the best assistive technology solutions to our clients. Since 1975, FSA has supported over 50,000 people to live more independent lives and achieve their goals. Leveraging FSA’s existing assets is an urgent matter for the organisation. While we have faced many obstacles such as rebranding a 45-year-old trading name (formerly and widely known as TAD), increased competition in an oversaturated AT mass market, and NDIS funding dynamics, we have also gained opportunities. These include bringing an industrial designer on board to modernise our service proposition, launching a government-funded project, and leveraging high-tech assets (e.g., 3D printers, a CNC machine, etc.) for producing AT products. We have designed and produced various AT products such as mobility aids, therapy aids and sporting equipment using these machines. However, these significant assets have been utilised only 20% of the week and the products designed and produced with are not promoted and marketed effectively. In this project, interdisciplinary student groups will have an opportunity to unpack the complex challenges and opportunities Freedom Solutions faces in building the impact of its service. For example, how can we lift our brand from a provider of traditional ‘men’s-shed products’ to that of advanced AT? How do we compete in a ‘Drop-Shipping’ environment and what opportunities exist to diversity our income streams? How can we leverage our machinery, volunteers, and staff to strengthen and extend our impact on families and communities?
Monday 12 – 3 pm
Gilbert and Tobin - Towards a Sustainable Energy Transition
Gilbert and Tobin, an independent law firm in Australia, has a rich history spanning 35 years, during which it has solidified its position as a leader in corporate law, with exceptional prowess in corporate/M&A and banking practices. In the last decade, the firm has expanded its expertise to encompass burgeoning sectors like construction law, energy, and climate change. The contemporary landscape of energy transition presents both a challenge and an opportunity of profound significance. As society pivots towards renewable energy sources to combat climate change, a myriad of intricate questions surfaces. Does renewable energy enjoy widespread social acceptance necessary for comprehensive decarbonisation? How can we effectively manage the intermittency of renewable generation across different timeframes? What is the role of government and public subsidies in delivering energy transition at scale? Moreover, the viability and sustainability of energy storage solutions like hydrogen, and even the contentious role of nuclear energy, beg for further critical consideration. In response, interdisciplinary collaboration becomes important, inviting students to navigate the complexities of delivering a truly sustainable energy transition. Their task is not only to identify key challenges but also to formulate pragmatic recommendations that prioritise societal welfare, environmental preservation, and economic viability. The multifaceted nature of this task demands a holistic approach, considering technological capacities, engineering feasibility, economic implications, environmental impacts, social dynamics, and legal frameworks.
Monday 2 – 5 pm
Girringun Aboriginal Corporation - Listening to Aboriginal Community Voices
This ICPU project will be delivered in partnership with SLIC (Service Learning in Indigenous Communities). For this project students will be working directly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Therefore, students are required to complete an interview process to partake in this ICPU and cannot self-register via Sydney Student. Please read the information carefully on the SLIC website to ensure you understand what is required from participants of this project.
Girringun Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) was established in 1996 by Elders of its nine Traditional Owner member groups in north Queensland. GAC proudly serves its membership of around 800 Bandjin, Djiru, Girramay, Gugu Badhun, Gulngay, Jirrbal, Nywaigi, Warungnuand Warrgamay people and their families and communities. In this project students will have the opportunity to work with Aboriginal communities in north Queensland with University, Girringun Aboriginal Corporation and community supervisors. Girringun Aboriginal Corporation is diverse and dynamic, and they are looking to expand their footprint in areas including community services, environment and marine protection, the Indigenous arts sector, biodiversity and education. Working with community on Country is one of the many steps that will be taken by incoming SLIC students as they actively engage in collaborations which integrate First Nations knowledge, together with real-life problem solving and learning.
Monday 10 am – 1 pm
Microsoft and University of Sydney - Building Capability for a Transformative Digital Campus Experience
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, every aspect of our lives– including the way we work, learn and play – has become increasingly digitised. The rapid acceleration of digitisation has given rise to the concept of the ‘digital native’ – referring to generations who have never known a world without digital devices. It has also raised important debates about the ethical boundaries of digitisation, particularly concerning the use of ‘big data’ and the values embraced by ‘Generation Swipe’.
Higher education is a key site for digital disruption. Driven by the need to adapt to changing demands, improve efficiencies and the student experience. Universities face multiple challenges and opportunities as they consider the capabilities and technologies needed for a future-focussed digital campus.
As Microsoft envisions this reimagining of the higher education sector there are some vital questions to answer, including: What barriers do University’s need to overcome to build their capacity to digitise with impact, while mitigating risks such as those relating to data breaches and academic integrity? What training do staff and students need? What aspects of the campus – from admissions, library services, well-being support, and classroom experiences – are ripe for digital transformation?
For this ICPU program, talented University of Sydney students will work with Microsoft and University of Sydney stakeholders to provide insights and ideas to answer to these questions.
Friday 9 am – 12 pm
Mission Australia - Ensuring Trauma informed Service delivery for Diverse people
Please note that this project addresses sensitive topics related to trauma. If you find this triggering, we encourage you to consider registering into another project.
Mission Australia is a National not-for-profit organisation with a shared vision of an Australia where everyone has a safe home and can thrive. We collaborate with people experiencing homelessness or disadvantage to tackle the root causes of their challenges through providing access to safe, affordable homes and innovative, evidence-based support services. Many people who access support from Mission Australia present with trauma histories. The physical environment has a significant impact on the sense of safety and wellbeing of people with trauma histories who visit our services and reside within our accommodation and residential services. As an organisation, Mission Australia is interested in how we can better provide trauma informed physical environments for the diverse individuals and communities we work with. We invite students in interdisciplinary teams to explore diverse dimensions of this complex problem. For example: what can we learn from other organisations and sectors outside the not-for-profit realm? What are best practice principles that ensure we provide physical spaces that support the wellbeing of the diverse people we engage who have experienced trauma? Are there other forms of innovation that we should explore to transform and lift the impact of the organisation?
Monday 9 am – 12 pm
NSW Department of Education - Transforming Science education through Real World Engagement
This project is only available to students who are enrolled in the shell unit SCPU3001
Science is critical for Australia’s future and depends on nurturing its scientific talent. Science education is undergoing a transformation, both in Australia and internationally, with emphasis placed on experiential learning and critical thinking skills. National and international science assessments reflect this changing landscape of science education. In NSW science syllabuses, depth studies provide opportunities to conduct inquiries and investigations that are not limited by syllabus specifications. Students who have completed the Science Extension course have demonstrated their capability to engage in high-level scientific research. Exploring authentic contexts while learning the nature and practice of science creates productive intellectual environments for constructing scientific knowledge structures and acquiring skills. It is becoming increasingly apparent that science teaching in schools should be complemented with immersion in scientific experiences beyond the classroom walls. Those augmented experiences may be provided by universities, research institutes, industry groups, National Parks, zoos, museums and science educational institutions. Despite the interest and willingness to foster such interactions, there are numerous barriers to seamless interaction between schools and external partners. The importance of overcoming these barriers, such as geographical disadvantage and socioeconomic factors, cannot be overstated. By doing so, we can improve the interactions between science professionals and teachers, transcend boundaries, and implement science without borders
Tuesday 2 – 5 pm
NSW Department of Education - Growing the Early Childhood Education Workforce in Regional NSW
Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provides an essential service in regional communities in NSW. It improves educational and developmental outcomes, especially for vulnerable and disadvantaged children, and increases economic opportunity and workforce participation, particularly for women. Nationally, a chronic workforce shortage is affecting ECEC delivery, with impacts often felt most strongly in regional communities. Some regional ECEC services struggle to attract, grow, retain and develop early childhood teachers and educators, leading to reduced service delivery and children and families missing out.
The NSW Department of Education is investigating how it can support the ECEC workforce in regional areas. Your task is to research the problem and design a solution that supports the regional ECEC workforce.
In interdisciplinary teams, students are expected to explore dynamics of living and working in regional communities. Your methodology must be sensitive to geographical difference, using space or place-based methods where appropriate. You are encouraged to identify what other government departments both within Australia and potentially overseas have done to successfully attract, grow and retain their regional workforce. You may approach the topic from any perspective you wish – economic, social, cultural, technological, demographical, pedagogical or something else – but your solution must be practical, affordable, and innovative.
Friday 10 am – 1 pm
Paratus Clinical - Rethinking Communication Strategies for Recruitment in Clinical Studies
Recruitment in clinical studies is a lengthy process with several complexities involved. Prior to attending a clinic to meet with the medical staff and begin the consenting process, there is a significant and extremely important amount of communication that occurs between Paratus Clinical and the participant considering the study. In the existing process, there is an initial pre-screening call, where the participant has the study explained to them, is given the opportunity to ask any questions and then goes through a checklist of questions to determine their eligibility. After this, the participant receives a confirmation email for time and date, with further introduction to their main contact point at the clinic and direction to the site provided. They are then sent the Informed Consent Form, usually 2 days prior to their appointment and have a reminder text 24 hours before.
The current process has several manual steps requiring participants to commit their time even before signing up and confirming the study. Artificial intelligence, automation and technology has transformed all sectors in various industries. Is there room for automation and AI? Would the human element and personal touch be compromised? Students in interdisciplinary groups are invited to explore innovative ways and approaches to this process to improve the engagement and experience of the participant. They are also expected to design a holistic implementation plan.
Tuesday 9 am – 12 pm
Producible - Balancing Innovation and Human Ingenuity in Advertising
The team at Producible bring thoughtful creativity to the rigour and discipline of quality production and have done so for over 40 years. For us, it all starts with a producible concept, a great idea that can be achieved on time, on budget. We achieve this by stripping the concept back to its core, so it can be neatly measured, and tested for high levels of impact. In an era of artificial Intelligence, the evolution of the creative process poses a compelling challenge for aspiring marketers and advertisers. Crafting advertising that resonates deeply enough to "alter attitudes" or "change behaviours" demands the right mix of technical prowess and emotional intelligence to engage audiences effectively. Traditionally, the advertising creation journey involves several steps. While technology undeniably enhances efficiency and precision at each step, the indispensable role of human ingenuity is very important in making critical creative decisions. As AI continues to advance, envisioning the trajectory of the creative process becomes very important. How might AI influence each stage of advertising creation, and what areas of human intervention remain irreplaceable? This project invites students from all degrees/backgrounds to explore diverse aspects to examine the relationship between technological innovation and human creativity, analysing the potential shifts in roles and responsibilities within the advertising landscape. Students are encouraged to focus on specific moments in the creative development process where AI cannot readily replace humans. This should be kept a central theme of the project.
Tuesday 9 am – 12 pm
PTW Architects- Building for a Sustainable Future
Our world is changing. Much of our built environment was created to suit historical times and is now in need of renewal and revitalisation. We have an opportunity to adapt existing, underutilised environments to suit current and contemporary needs. How do we make the most of the opportunity to reinvent the places and spaces in which we live, work, transact and socialise, in ways that respond to modern human needs, but are also sustainable? This project invites students to find areas ripe for change – empty car parks, abandoned office buildings, redundant industrial areas, disused land and propose how these environments can be transformed to contribute to sustainable and smart cities of the future. Working in groups to leverage your diverse perspectives, you may choose to explore local, regional, or global shifts in urban living, working to understand the different needs of the stakeholders (community groups, governments, businesses, etc.) that shape the evolving needs of the city. Collaborating in interdisciplinary groups students can identify the most pressing environmental challenges in an urban context or consider technological advancements that bring us closer to harmonious solutions for a sustainable future.
Tuesday 9 am – 12 pm
Randstad - The use and impact of Generative AI in the Recruitment process
At Randstad, we are more than a talent company; we are a partner. By serving as a trusted, working human partner in today's technology-driven and ever-changing world of talent, we help people and organisations realise their true potential and stay relevant in the world of work. In 2023, we helped 122,500 candidates find work while fostering around 15,548 client relationships locally. Our vision is to become the world’s most equitable and specialised talent company with a focus on being a partner for both our clients and the talent themselves. Technological advancement has the potential to deliver tremendous benefits, as well as new challenges for the recruitment sector and for Randstad. As a global leader in HR services, we are invested in combining the power of today’s technology with our passion for people. Development and use of AI has skyrocketed and enabled automation of many steps in our recruitment activities. Students will need to investigate innovative approaches leveraging AI, advanced technology, and creative strategies to make Randstad Australia the true “partner for talent” for our clients and candidates. They'll explore personalised service, digital changes, and using AI to improve how we interact with customers. They will look at feedback, map out customer experiences, and find new ways to connect with our internal and external stakeholders. By being innovative and using advanced digital technologies, students will help Randstad Australia give amazing customer experiences in the changing world of talent management.
Thursday 2 – 5 pm
Studio Space - Leveraging Data and Automation for an Innovative B2B Marketplace user experience
StudioSpace is an international start-up, which delivers an innovative business-to-business (B2B) marketplace that allows small digital marketing agencies (‘studios’) to bid for large corporate work, leveraging our contracts and liabilities infrastructure. Current manual methods of creating and connecting client briefs to available talent lacks agility and efficiency. This process is ripe for uplift and transformation, including by building key vetting criteria into our matching process (such as geo-location, past performance and skills) as well as leveraging digitisation to automate. In this project, interdisciplinary teams are invited to consider the needs of our corporate clients such as HSBC (Banking), Jaguar Land Rover (Automotive), TAL (Insurance) and Google and participating studio talent. Can we leverage generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance user experience of this B2B marketplace? What is the scope for automating recommendations for clients, and how can selection bias risks be minimised? Is adequate data captured and how might this best be leveraged to ensure successful outcomes? All disciplines of study are welcome to join with opportunities for students with developer skills to also leverage their capability in tools like Node.js, Vue.js and/or Python.
Wednesday 9 am – 12 pm
TATA India - Building a roadmap for an automated and sustainable auto-manufacturing future
Please note that for this project our industry partners are based in India, so partners will engage with students virtually.
This project is only available to students who are enrolled in the shell unit SCPU3001
Industry 4.0 has become the slogan for an emerging ‘fourth industrial revolution’, which is set to transform manufacturing through the digitisation of industrial technologies and processes. Think Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, robotics and so much more. This digitisation is set to transform manufacturing in ways not seen since the advent of past disruptors like mechanisation and assembly line production. This in turn provides opportunities to not only build new and unimagined efficiencies in production, but also to enhance the safety and sustainability of manufacturing sectors. Tata AutoComp has a presence in 7 countries with 51 manufacturing facilities spread across India and 8 facilities spread across North America, Latin America, Europe, and China. Some of its leading clients include Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Motors, Mercedes Benz, Ford, Audi, and Volkswagen. By 2027, Tata AutoComp will be amongst the Top 2 auto-component companies in India. How can TATA Autocomp in India ensure it is ready to maximise Industry 4.0 transformation to deliver safe and sustainable products and services? What digitisation capabilities will have the biggest impact for building safety and sustainability in automotive manufacturing? How might digitisation be prioritised and integrated across discrete business units with diverse operational contexts? What can we learn from change processes in similar industries and sectors?
Wednesday 3 – 6 pm
TerraCycle - Design an Engagement Strategy for Gen Z and Alpha to engage in Free Recycling Programs
Unds TerraCycle has a unique business model which enables brands, manufacturers and retailers to achieve return on investment in recycling the hard-to-recycle waste and packaging they produce, by connecting their consumer-facing brands with a collector community. It’s a business model that works well in 21 countries around the world, and in Australia over a million people recycle hard-to-recycle waste through our programs. However, times are changing, and our brand partners, who pay for the recycling services, are looking for help to connect with a younger and more diverse audience. The TerraCyclers that actively engage with our free recycling programs are predominantly female and are likely to be over the age of 36. How can we design a campaign that would encourage a younger audience to sign up and collect recycling as part of our free recycling programs? Where should the recycling collection points be located? What channels should we use, and what mechanisms can we employ to motivate anyone under 30 to recycle on behalf of their community? To be successful teams must propose and test an engagement strategy which results in the collection of hard-to-recycle waste though one or more of our free programs. This might involve setting up a recycling collection point for their local community, sporting club, place of worship, school, or any other venue which caters to a Generation Z or Alpha demographic.
Monday 2 – 5 pm
Tonkin Engineering - Exploring sustainable pathways for NSW Water Systems
A broad range of water infrastructure projects are in various stages of delivery in NSW. These projects will provide a secure and reliable source of water for our cities and the rural communities in our state. Sustainable design and construction for water infrastructure is vital to supporting a plan to Net Zero emission. As a leading provider of infrastructure planning, design and engineering services, Tonkin carefully considers the role it plays in the adoption of sustainable design and engineering practices for new water infrastructure projects, as well as upgrades to existing water infrastructure.
Tonkin invites students to explore opportunities to implement sustainable approaches for water infrastructure across the following themes – Circular Economy, Climate Resilience, and Social Value. The current project aims to explore gaps and opportunities in New South Wales that will support meeting the sustainability aspirations for Tonkin’s existing and upcoming water infrastructure projects.
In this project, interdisciplinary student groups are invited to suggest and recommend viable, feasible and timely solutions to improve the sustainability for new water infrastructure in NSW.
Students are encouraged to explore how we evaluate the opportunities to adopt sustainable approaches to ongoing and future projects (e.g., use a multi-dimensional approach that encompasses circular economy, climate resilience and social value?). Can we compare current planning and design approaches against existing ones in other states or internationally in terms of sustainability criteria and what are some of the benchmarks? What does the design of future sustainable water systems look like?
Friday 9 am – 12 pm
Universities Admissions Centre - Reimagining University Admissions for Wider Access to Higher Education
Currently university admission is predominantly a numbers game and the personal attributes of an applicant, critical thinking, digital literacy, problem solving etc., are generally inferred from academic qualifications rather than specifically assessed as part of admissions. However, there is now a strong push for universities to admit students on broader criteria, while still ensuring that students are well prepared academically for university study. In this project, students may wish to consider how the current ATAR-based admission system works and how the key characteristics and attributes can be improved. Exploration of alternative models and frameworks used in other countries may be useful in determining the aspects of the current system that are worth retaining. Students are encouraged to propose new models including whether any new technologies can be leveraged to improve outcomes. Students must consider the implications of any recommended changes to the equitable allocation of university places, ensuring no group is significantly advantaged or disadvantaged.
Wednesday 9 am – 12 pm
Last updated: 22 November 2024
