ACM Celebration of Women in Computing: From Research to Reality
ACM Celebration of Women in Computing: From Research to Reality
This event brings together students, academics, and industry partners in a collaborative and supportive environment. It offers students the opportunity to engage with both academic and industry communities by showcasing diverse ideas in computing, while gaining exposure to real‑world applications, emerging technologies, and inclusive career pathways.
The programme features a keynote address, a panel discussion on how academia and industry are shaping the future of technology in the age of AI, and career guidance sessions focused on both academic and industry pathways. Participants will also have opportunities for one‑on‑one conversations with academics and industry partners, as well as research presentations by postgraduate students.
The ACM-W Monash University Student Chapter is proud to collaborate with SIGCHI Melbourne to help bridge the gap between academia and industry by sourcing expert speakers and panelists from across the technology ecosystem. SIGCHI involvement supports the showcase of Melbourne’s research excellence to industry partners while fostering vital career pathways, mentorship opportunities, and professional connections for emerging scholars and students entering the field.
The event is fully catered. Places are limited, so registration is required to secure your spot.
As part of the event, we invite postgraduate students to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to contribute a short 2‑minute lightning talk. This is an opportunity for you to showcase your research or project to a wide audience, find collaborators or receive feedback.
If you would like to present your work at this event, please make a submission via this form by Friday 22 May 2026.
Agenda
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| 9.00am | Registration & Refreshments |
| 9.30am |
Welcome address A/Prof. Anuja Dharmaratne, Faculty Advisor of ACM-W Monash University Student Chapter and Director of Education (HCC), Faculty of IT |
| 9.45am |
Keynote speech Prof. Shonali Krishnaswamy, Associate Dean (Innovation) and Director of Monash AI Institute |
| 10.30am |
Invited Talk Dr Niels Wouters - A Different Pace: Ethnography, AI, and the Case for Depth |
| 11.00am |
Panel Discussion How Academia and Industry are shaping the future of Tech in the age of AI |
| 12.00am | Lunch |
| 1.00pm |
Academic Career Guidance Panel discussion on academic pathways and future opportunities |
| 1.45pm |
Industry Career Guidance Panel discussion on industry pathways and future opportunities |
| 2.30pm |
One-on-One Career Consultations Students meet individually with academic and/or industry experts |
| 4.00pm |
Remarks from ACM-W A/Prof. Bimlesh Wadhwa - ACM-W Asia Pacific Regional Chair |
| 4.12pm |
Remarks from the EDI Committee, Faculty of IT Prof. Rashina Hoda, Associate Dean (Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) |
| 4.19pm | Remarks from SIGCHI Melbourne Chapter |
| 4.24pm | Remarks from University of Queensland ACM-W Student Chapter |
| 4.30pm |
Closing Remarks A/Prof. Matthew Butler, Associate Dean (Graduate Research), Faculty of IT |
| 4.45pm | Vote of Thanks |
| 5.00pm onwards | Networking & Refreshments |