Reflections from HERDSA 2025
The 2025 Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) Annual Conference in Perth, themed Shaping Education: Past, Present, Future, brought together educators, researchers and practitioners from across Australasia and beyond.
This article captures conference highlights from University of Adelaide colleagues supported to attend by Learning and Teaching Advancement Grants (LTAG). Their reflections showcase the depth of engagement and innovation across our learning and teaching community.
A keynote to remember
A recurring highlight was the keynote by Professor Rowena Harper (Edith Cowan University) on the Productive and Ethical Use of AI. Her address challenged educators to critically assess AI’s role in learning, and curriculum design and its broader societal impacts. Associate Professor Beth Loveys (SET) said one of the significant takeaways gained from Professor Harper’s address was to “Stop worrying about detecting AI and focus on detecting learning.”
Colleagues enjoying HERDSA Annual Conference in Perth
Dr Bonnie Williams (H&MS) also found Professor Harper’s keynote particularly insightful, prompting reflection on how educators can responsibly integrate AI into learning environments.
Dr Viythia Katharesan (H&MS) highlighted Professor Harper’s framing of AI within the practical, social and critical purposes of higher education. Of particular concern are the equity implications of AI assessment scales, referencing the AI Assessment Scale (AIAS) Australasian Journal of Educational Technology and noting that “Unenforceable conditions can lead to inequity in assessments.”
In contrast, a light-hearted keynote by Associate Professor Amanda White (University of Technology Sydney) encouraged educators to build parasocial relationships with students by becoming digital influencers—an approach aimed at engaging students on their preferred platforms.
Shining a light on our innovative educators
Associate Professor Benito Cao (ABLE) presented a showcase titled “Don’t Be Sorry, Just Declare It: Pedagogical Principles for the Ethical Use of ChatGPT, Master Bullshit Artist of Our Time.” His work sparked ongoing conversations and led to invitations to present at other institutions and contribute to TEQSA’s Academic Integrity Toolkit. An article on Benito’s approach was also published in the Times Higher Education Campus; Don’t be sorry, just declare it: Safeguarding the integrity of the essay
Dr Bonnie Williams also celebrated the success of a collaborative project titled “An interactive online module to increase career awareness” from Associate Professor Anna Leonard (H&MS) and Dr Emma Muhlack (H&MS), which won the 2025 HERDSA Best Digital Poster Award.
Mrs Mary Gonzalez (SET) received her HERDSA Fellowship during the formal conference dinner and also hosted a roundtable on Advancing Equity: Supporting Minority Students in Higher Education. Her poster on Fostering Belonging and Connection sparked valuable feedback and reinforced her commitment to inclusive teaching practices. Mary said, “The conference deepened my commitment to fostering connection and inclusion.”
Dr Viythia Katharesan and Associate Professor Danijela Menicanin (H&MS) facilitated a roundtable on Fostering a Sense of Belonging, exploring barriers and bridges to connection in learning environments. The session drew a diverse crowd and highlighted belonging as a non-negotiable in higher education.
Learning gains
Mary Gonzalez also attended the Diversified Project workshop (UNSW), which provided practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent learners. This workshop was also praised by Dr Nicola Eastaff-Leung (H&MS), who appreciated the comprehensive Inclusive Teaching Toolkit for Educators co-produced with neurodivergent students and staff. Another workshop valued by Nicola was Applying Indigenous Perspectives and Knowledges to your Education Practice by Lauren Woodlands and Tain Lloyd (QUT), which inspired her to pursue the Associate Fellow (Indigenous Knowledges).
Associate Professor Beth Loveys was inspired by a session on integrating First Nations Australians' science into curriculum, led by Dr Tiffany Gunning, Mr Jordan Ah Chee, and Laura Fairbrother. The co-created framework presented in the session resonated deeply with her own teaching practice. “I had a fan girl moment during the lunch break where I got to speak to Tiffany and Laura and tell them how cool their work is!” said Beth.
From ethical AI integration to inclusive curriculum design, HERDSA 2025 showcased the dynamic and thoughtful work being done across the sector. These reflections highlight the importance of collaboration, critical thinking and celebration in shaping the future of higher education. Importantly, these opportunities would not have been possible without the support of LTAG grants, which enabled staff to attend and engage deeply with the conference. The insights gained continue to inform and enrich teaching practice across the University.