UNEHDR

10/04/2026

This month the GRS Seminar Series is featuring two HDR candidates from the Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law.

Erlis Nurbani - PhD Candidate (presenting in person)
Title: "Empowering and strengthening small-scale and adat fishing communities through the right of self-determination in Blue Economy initiatives".

Michael McGuinness - PhD Candidate (presenting online)
Title: "Seeing the Invisible: Hidden Rules, Intelligence, and Authority in Contemporary Governance"

When: Friday 24 April, 10:00 - 11:00am
Where: Lewis Lecturer Theatre and Online

No need to register, just come along and support these candidates as they present their research. The Zoom link can be found at https://www.une.edu.au/research/graduate-research-school/research-training-and-events/workshop-series/

If you have any question please email [email protected].

05/03/2026

PhD candidate in the School of Law, Allan Kimtai Ruto has been selected to participate in Translating Research into Impact program, following a competitive selection process. The program aims to provide participants researching agriculture, decarbonisation, or drought and climate, with valuable opportunity to improve confidence and skills in communicating their research, building their network, and planning an impactful research career.

The program is tailored for Early Career Researchers and includes a two-day intensive workshop which took place on 26 and 27 February 2026, at Southern Cross University at the Gold Coast with was fully funded. Thereafter there will be five interactive online sessions over three months and other research support resources.

Allan would like to express his gratitude to his supervisor Dr Andrew Lawson, he says this would not have been possible without his nomination and support.

23/02/2026

Childhood curiosity grew into a career to help stop the spread of the malaria that continues to plague his homeland of Ethiopia. Now biologist Dr Solomon Birhanie is the Scientific Director for Disease Vector Control for the West Valley Health Region in San Bernadino County, near Los Angeles, and the newly appointed Chair of the American Committee for Medical Entomology. Back in the early 2010s, he undertook a PhD with UNE.

To read the full story visit

Childhood curiosity grew into a career to help stop the spread of the malaria that continues to plague his homeland of Ethiopia. Now biologist Dr Solomon Birhanie is the Scientific Director for Disease Vector Control for the West Valley Health Region in San Bernadino County, near Los Angeles, and th...

23/02/2026

Calling HDR and PhD Candidates: Discover the UNE SMART Region Incubator

Have you ever wondered what your research could look like beyond the thesis? Whether there's a pathway from your work in the lab to real-world impact, industry connection, or even a business?

The UNE SMART Region Incubator (SRI) is hosting an open evening and we'd love to see you there.

When: Thursday 12 March, 5:30pm–7pm
Where: NOVA, 122 Faulkner Street, Armidale
Cost: Free (pizza provided!)

What's in it for HDR and PhD candidates?

We know you're focused on your research – but we also know many of you are thinking about what comes next. This event is a chance to explore how the SRI can support you to:
➡️Connect the dots between your research and commercial or real-world opportunities – whether that's a product, service, social enterprise, or industry partnership
➡️Learn about EMERGE – our research commercialisation program running in June, specifically designed to help UNE researchers identify pathways and opportunities for their work
➡️Meet Lloyd Thompson, UNE's Research Commercialisation Manager – he works out of the Research Portfolio and can help you navigate the journey from research to impact
➡️Sharpen your communication skills – we'll share details on pitch practice sessions we're hosting this year, perfect for anyone considering the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition
➡️Explore internship opportunities – gain experience working alongside founders and innovative regional businesses
➡️Access NOVA – through our Student Membership, you'll get access to coworking space in town, reduced-rate event space hire, a place to meet or study, and 50% off all SRI events (on top of student pricing)

19/02/2026

Lifesaver Day is on today! Graduate Research School will be at stall 31 inside Lazenby Hall, pop by and say hello!

Lifesaver Day is a great event for all UNE students, undergraduate and postgraduate. It offers students a chance to join clubs and societies, discover student support services, connect with volunteer networks and much more... and the best part, it's completely FREE (be sure to bring along your student ID).

When: Friday 20 February (TODAY), 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Ingrid Moses Courtyard / Lazenby Hall

18/02/2026

This month the GRS Seminar Series will feature two HDR candidates from the Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education.

Dr Francesca Brady - Completed PhD Candidate (presenting in person)
Title: “And Say the Horse Responded? A Derridean Deconstruction”.

Gabrielle McHugh - Current PhD Candidate (presenting online)
Title: “The other side of the story: pedagogies for authentic engagement with First Nations-authored writing in subject English”.

When: Friday 27 February, 10:00 - 11:00am
Where: Lewis Lecturer Theatre and Online

Meeting URL: https://une-au.zoom.us/j/84926393133?pwd=rR1dHsjet5bOLn8pGSHqalQQUR4Iji.1
Meeting ID: 849 2639 3133
Password: 778553

For more information please contact [email protected].

10/02/2026

Caitlin Davey recently completed her PhD in the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences under the supervision of Kyle Mulrooney as Principal Supervisor, and Sue Watt and Guido Posthausen as Co-Supervisors. Caitlin provided us with the statement about her study journey:

Completing my Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) represents far more than the end of a research project. It marks the culmination of a journey shaped by resilience, change, and a deep commitment to creating meaningful impact.

Throughout my PhD, I worked fulltime, moved interstate, welcomed my daughter, Mahlia (who is now a lively two year old) and stepped into a continuing lecturing position at Griffith University. Each of these milestones brought its own challenges and joys and, navigating them alongside my studies has shown me just how much strength and determination I carry.

My academic and professional path has always been anchored in understanding people and systems. With a background in psychology, criminology, and hands on experience in the criminal justice system, I’ve seen firsthand the inequities that Aboriginal people continue to face. Those experiences shaped not only my research, but also my purpose. This PhD has given me the space to think deeply, question assumptions, and build knowledge that I hope will contribute to real change.

Reaching this milestone means stepping forward with a clearer sense of who I am and the kind of work I want to do. My goal has always been for my degree, and the career that follows, to make a genuine difference for Aboriginal people in the criminal justice space. This achievement is a reminder that even through the busiest seasons of life, it’s possible to stay true to what matters most. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and even more excited for the work still ahead.

02/02/2026

Anastasia Prikhodko, part-time PhD candidate with the UNE Business School, recently presented her research at the ANZAM Conference, hosted by Deakin Business School, Deakin University. This year’s conference explored the theme “Alternative Truths in Management: Dare to Challenge the Status Quo.”

Anastasia’s research examines career progression in Australia’s technology sector, with a particular focus on career breaks and intersectionality. Drawing on 25 in-depth interviews with women and men, her findings reveal how career outcomes are shaped by intersecting factors such as age, gender, and parental status.

Key themes emerging from the study include imposter syndrome, ageism, reliance on managerial support, burnt out, and access to networks, especially for junior employees and those from culturally diverse backgrounds. The research also highlights that career trajectories in technology are often influenced less by career breaks themselves and more by systemic inequalities, managerial practices, and workplace cultures.

| University of New England, AU | UNE Student Journey | UNEHDR

29/10/2025

This spring graduation we had three Indigenous PhD candidates graduate from three different faculties. Congratulations!!!

Dr Vanessa Sewell – Science
Thesis: “Towards the Development of Nematode-specific Protein Expression Systems.”
Dr Kisani Upward – Health
Thesis: “Guwiinbarraan (Close to Fire): Solastalgia Through an Indigenist Lens.”
Dr Paul Gordon – HASSE (recipient of the Chancellor’s Doctoral Research Medal!)
Thesis: “Revival of Ceremony in NSW: Aboriginal Ngura Tracks.”

23/10/2025

HDR students, supervisors and audience members of the Research Pathways Conference give their top tips for someone considering studying a PhD!

22/10/2025

Last week, Research Pathways Conference took place over two fantastic days (15-16 October), where we had presentations by 42 of UNE's emerging researchers, connected with like minded people, and created exciting collaboration opportunities. We were happy to welcome over 100 attendees on campus as well as 35 joining online.

Highlights included two engaging keynote speakers, a special address by the PVCI, and two interesting panel discussions.

Thank you to everyone who presented, attended, and contributed towards making this year's conference such a success.