Abstracts Portal — SAGE Conference 2025: “Breaking Silos: Working Together for Equity”

We are excited to invite professionals, practitioners, academics, researchers and everyone who is passionate about equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) to submit abstracts for the August 2025 SAGE Conference, Breaking Silos: Working Together for Equity.

This transformative two-day event is dedicated to celebrating progress by exploring what works—and why. We will confront the real challenges facing us and shape the sector's EDI agenda into the future.

This event will also:

✅ bring together people to share best practice
✅ discuss emerging innovations
✅ exchange personal experiences in designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions and action plans.
 
About SAGE 
SAGE is Australasia’s leading advocate for EDI in the education and research sector. We’re the guide our region’s brightest minds turn to when they want a vibrant workplace where everyone can thrive.

SAGE’s world-respected Athena Swan accreditation program drives participants’ EDI evolution. Through an evidence-based and impact-focussed framework, each institution develops a uniquely customised approach to achieve systemic, structural and cultural change, measured against international benchmarks. Throughout that journey, they’re supported by advice, tools and dynamic communities of practice that provide assistance when they need it.

As a valued adviser to government and other key decision-makers, SAGE also gives its participants a seat at the table to influence external policies that impact their EDI goals.

SAGE 2025 Conference
Location: Sydney, Australia
Date: 25-27 August 2025

Theme
In a rapidly evolving higher education and research landscape, how can we embed systemic change, move beyond siloed responses and deepen our intersectional approaches to EDI?

Breaking Silos: Working Together for equity highlights the need for us to work collaboratively both internally and across our sector to create systemic and sustainable progress in EDI.

It also reflects the need to set a shared agenda for the next 10 years of EDI in Australian higher education and research.

This conference is an excellent opportunity to draw inspiration from our expert community of practice, and to strengthen our sector by embedding innovative solutions to ensure ongoing progress in EDI. 

Breaking down these ideas, we will explore the following sub-themes:

1. Drawing on Trans-disciplinary approaches  
   Applying or combining knowledge from different fields to solve EDI challenges. Emphasising the benefits of methods and sources that promote a more holistic understanding of EDI challenges from diverse viewpoints (e.g. gender bias in AI).
2. Embedding intersectionality into practical application  
   Achieving broader inclusion beyond a single dimension by consulting widely and listening to diverse voices (meaningful co-design); decolonising governance practices and utilising intersectional data research design and analysis.  
3. Disrupting the system  
   Engaging radical approaches that challenge or overturn mainstream processes/beliefs to achieve rapid, rather than incremental, change. Disrupting traditional mindsets, we elevate the maturity in EDI strategies, setting a bold, unapologetic tone for our work.  
4. Engaging and networking for systemic change  
   Communicating and collaborating effectively within and between organisations to achieve a common goal. This involves instilling structural and systemic change by aligning diverse stakeholders around shared outcomes.  
5. Widespread learning and collaboration 
   Approaching knowledge building/sharing and enabling opportunities through programs and initiatives that foster collaborations across faculties, organisations, sectors, industry, governments or countries.  

Guidance on abstract submissions

We are seeking dynamic, interdisciplinary submissions that push boundaries, stimulate dialogue, and inspire collaboration. Each proposal should relate to one or more of the subthemes.

As guiding principles of SAGE’s work and EDI generally, intersectionality and systemic change should feature strongly in most abstracts. 

We welcome abstracts for a wide range of formats, including:

• Research Presentations: Academic or applied research findings that offer insights into EDI from diverse perspectives. 25 minutes per presentation (20 minutes plus 5 minutes Q&A)
• Case Studies: Real-world examples of organisations, communities, or initiatives that have successfully implemented EDI initiatives. 25 minutes per presentation (20 minutes plus 5 minutes Q&A)
• Workshops & Interactive Sessions: Hands-on, participatory sessions where attendees can engage deeply with strategies, tools, and best practices. One hour OR 30 minutes
• Panel Discussions: Thought-provoking discussions featuring diverse voices and expert opinions on current and future EDI challenges and solutions. One hour OR 30 minutes
• Lunch and learn sessions: Quick, impactful presentations designed to share powerful ideas or recent successes in an informal setting over lunch. No slides/projection; print handouts permitted. 15 minutes per presentation (10 minutes plus 5 minute Q&A)
• Cygnet Posters: Visual presentations showcasing innovative EDI projects or initiatives completed as part of a successful SAGE Cygnet Award application, presented in an easy-to-access format in our dedicated Cygnet Gallery. A1 poster size.
  

Who Should Submit?
We encourage submissions from a wide range of voices, including but not limited to:

• Researchers, including early career researchers (ECRs)
• Educationalists and Academics
• EDI Practitioners
• SAGE/Athena Swan action teams
• People & Culture specialists
• Students and emerging voices
• Policymakers
• Government and non-government representatives

How to Submit
Please submit your abstract by 9am AEDT Monday 31 March 2025 here at the SAGE Conference online submissions portal.

Steps:

• Start by Creating a New Account (at the bottom of this page) OR
• By signing in with your email address and password if you are returning to this sign in page for a second or subsequent time.

What to include
Abstracts should include:

1. Abstract title (30 word maximum)
2. Authors, affiliations and declarations of conflict(s) of interest (if relevant)
3. Proposed delivery format: presentation/case study/panel discussion/workshop and similar, including the intended duration
4. A 400-word abstract highlighting the key contributions, including any references if necessary (no tables or figures).
5. A brief biography of the presenting author or brief description of the submitting team (100 words maximum) focusing on professional experience and qualifications
6. Any special equipment or requirements for your session (for workshops, interactive sessions, etc.) or ways we can support your inclusion in the conference.

Key Dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: 31 March 2025
• Notification of Outcome: From 19 May 2025
• Conference Dates: 25-27 August 2025

Accessibility 
We are committed to making Breaking Silos: Working together for Equity an inclusive and accessible conference. If you require any accommodations to enable your participation at this event, please indicate your needs in your submission. Advance notice is necessary to arrange certain accessibility requirements and a representative from SAGE may reach out to you to discuss further details. 

Contact us
For questions or additional information, please contact us at SAGE2025@catalystevents.com.au or phone +61 2 9419 4889.