Events

What if learning spaces were designed for everyone?

Learning spaces shape how we connect, grow, and thrive – yet too often, they exclude. The 2025 Symposium brings together designers, educators, researchers, and people with lived experience to ask: how can learning spaces and campuses truly include everyone?

The Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning will host an engaging program of keynotes, panel discussions, and participatory workshops. From the voices of young people navigating disability, to international experts reshaping the way schools and universities are built, the symposium offers fresh perspectives and practical ideas for creating spaces that support genuine inclusion and participation.

Program guide

The Symposium program runs over two days of events at the University of Melbourne, each with a distinct focus. Attendees have the option to select tickets for two days, a single day, or online. Please ensure you select the correct ticket type when registering.

• Day 1 - Tuesday 11 November (in person only)
  Research exchange day at the Woodward Centre, Level 10, Melbourne Law School, 106/185 Pelham Street Carlton.
• Day 2 - Wednesday 12 November (in person and online)
  Public program day at multiple venues in the Glyn Davis Building, Masson Road, Parkville Campus.

Key speakers

The program features keynotes by globally renowned leaders in the field Professor Magda Mostafa, whose pioneering work on autism and neuro-inclusive design has influenced classrooms worldwide, and Dr Jodie Wilson, whose lived experience as an autistic, ADHD and disabled professional has made her a powerful advocate for disruption and change. Associate Professor Ben Cleveland, a leading researcher on inclusive learning environments, will guide conversations alongside a diverse group of designers, educators, disability advocates, policy makers, and people with lived experience.

Banner illustration by Ellen Porteus

Thank you to Melbourne Law School for its generous support of this event

On Thursday 13 November 2025 Melbourne Social Equity Institute will host a one-day conference exploring migration, refugee studies and statelessness.

This event builds on the tradition of the Researchers for Asylum Seekers Conference , which first ran at the University of Melbourne over 15 years ago. It provides an opportunity for graduate and early career researchers, as well as practitioners and policy makers working in the field, to present their work, meet with other researchers and to discuss their research with an engaged, interdisciplinary audience.

Registration is free and a light lunch will be provided at no cost. Bookings are essential.