In spirit of reconciliation, the WREN acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea, and community. We pay respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
As the WREN is partnered with Australian and Brazilian universities, we also pay respects to the Indigenous people of Brazil, who are the first knowledge holders of its land.
The Women’s Research Engineers Network (WREN) proudly presents the WREN Symposium 2025, taking place online on May 20-21, 2025. This free, international, and multidisciplinary event brings together researchers, practitioners, and students to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and contribute to the global efforts towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Submission deadline: 13th April 2025 Notification of acceptance and first review round: 22nd April 2025
Theme: Collaborating Towards the Sustainable Development Goals
The symposium’s theme highlights the importance of collaboration across disciplines to address complex global challenges. Contributions are welcomed from all fields, with a particular focus on topics related to STEM disciplines and gender inclusion, including:
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 5: Gender Equality
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities
SDG 13: Climate Action
A Platform for Connection and Knowledge Exchange
WREN Symposium 2025 offers a unique opportunity to:
Engage with a diverse community of researchers, professionals, and students.
Explore innovative research and emerging practices linked to sustainability and gender equity.
Contribute to meaningful dialogue around the role of research, technology, and innovation in addressing global challenges.
All accepted abstracts will be published in the Symposium’s Book of Abstracts, showcasing the contributions of participants to a global audience. The top 16 abstracts will be invited for oral presentation during the symposium. All participants and presenters will receive a certificate.
As part of our commitment to supporting early-career researchers, we are excited to announce that the best presenter in each session will be awarded an exclusive one-on-one career development session with Dr. Shelda Debowski. Dr. Debowski is a renowned expert in academic career development, leadership, and research strategy, offering valuable insights to help researchers navigate their career pathways. This is a fantastic opportunity to receive personalized guidance and enhance your professional growth.
We look forward to your participation in this collaborative effort to drive innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Opening Remarks by
Prof Craig Simmons
Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Engineering, Science and Environment at the University of Newcastle
Keynote Speakers – Day 1
Professor Verônica Castelo Branco
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities & Communities – Keynote Title: Exploring the Triple Challenge of the Transportation System (Pollution, Road Safety and Social Vulnerability) and its Relationship with Urban Road Infrastructure
Ts Norazlina Md Sani
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure – Keynote Title: Innovate, Build, Sustain: Women Engineers Shaping the Future through the SDGs
Keynote Speakers – Day 2
Professor Danielle Skropeta, Dr Tamantha Stutchbury, Ms Georgia Watson
Session 3- SDG 5 – Gender Equality – Keynote Title: LIFTing Women in STEM
Associate Professor Enda Crossin
Session 4- SDG 4 – Quality Education – Keynote Title: The BeLongEng Project: A collaboration with a focus on impact
Program Overview
Day 1: (Sessions 1 & 2)
Moderator: Dr Marcella Marcella Papini (University of Newcastle) Technical team: Dr Julia Mendes (Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF)) and Maryam Adavoudi Jolfaei (University of Wollongong)
Moderator: Dr. Shiva Pedram (University of Newcastle) Technical team: Sanchita Dewanjee (University of Wollongong) and Dr. Yue Cao (The University of Sydney)
Day 2: (Sessions 3 & 4)
Moderator: Dr. Lilian Rezende (Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG) Technical team: Dr. Jingjing Liu (The University of Sydney) and Thalita Lacerda dos Santos (Universidade Estadual Paulista)Moderator: Dr. Emily Yap (University of Wollongong) Technical team: Associate Professor Cheng Xiau San (University of Wollongong) and Dr. Irhanida Abdul Kadir (University of Wollongong – Malaysia)
Recognising Excellence: Best Presentations of the Symposium: Day 1
Thalita Lacerda Dos Santos
Presentation Title: Decentralized sanitation for social quity and environmental justice in informal settlements
Xintong Li
Presentation Title: Driving technology adoption: digital tools to drive non-profit organisations’ efficiency
Recognising Excellence: Best Presentations of the Symposium: Day 2
Ana Laura Pascucci de Oliveira
Presentation Title: Methodologies for monitoring the groundwater aquifer in solid waste disposal areas: a systematic review
Lim Zi Xuan
Presentation Title: Advancing smart traffic infrastructure with AI-based vehicle detection across computing configurations
Registration
Registrations have now closed.
WREN endeavours to provide our events free; tickets at this event are limited and incur costs for the event organisers. Therefore if you cannot attend this event, please email us to cancel your order so that those on the waiting lists can attend.
Do I need to pay to attend or submit an abstract for WREN Symposium 2025?
No, WREN Symposium 2025 is completely free to attend and submit abstracts. We aim to make this event accessible to everyone, regardless of location or career stage.
Is the WREN Symposium 2025 an online or in-person event?
The WREN Symposium 2025 is held online to accommodate for attendees and presentings participating from across the world.
Who can submit an abstract to the symposium?
Anyone can submit an abstract an attend the symposium. The symposium is targeted to early- to mid-career researchers and PhD students. However, we welcome everyone from all fields who has a keen interesting in theme of “Collaborating towards the Sustainable Development Goals” and the select SDG focus areas to attend.
I’m not a woman. Can I still attend or submit?
Absolutely! WREN welcomes everyone—women, men, gender diverse people and allies. If you are passionate about sustainability, gender inclusion, or interdisciplinary research, we would love to have you join us.
How will I know if my abstract is accepted?
You will receive an official notification via email after the review process. Accepted abstracts will be published in the Symposium’s Book of Abstracts and the Top 16 will be invited for oral presentations.
I can’t attend both days. Can I still register?
Yes! You can attend whichever sessions suit your schedule. Just make sure you register so you receive access to the event platform and all symposium updates.
Do I still need to register even after my abstract is submitted and accepted?
Yes, you will need to register to the symposium to ensure you have the links to attend online.
