Research Week 2018 – what’s on

Research Week is the University’s annual showcase of new and high-quality research that is having an impact at a local and international level.

Marked by a series of special public events across Western Sydney University campuses, the week sees academics join government and industry partners to present the key findings from their original projects.

“This week is all about reflecting our position in one of the most dynamic regions in Australia," said Professor James Arvanitakis, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Graduate Studies).

"Western Sydney University has a unique perspective on issues with local implications and global impact. From rethinking the refugee experience in Australia to cultivating resilience in health care professions and reconsidering the value of waste, researchers will be presenting to the public, students and colleagues insightful findings on some of the major challenges of our time.”

The featured events include:

Resilience for the West, Education and Work

Monday, 22 October
9:30am – 2:00pm
Parramatta South Campus

Researchers from the School of Education, School of Social Sciences and Psychology, and MARCS Institute at Western Sydney University explore the resources and solutions that exist in the migrant and refugee communities, and the programs researchers draw upon to improve education and life outcomes for children and families from migrant and refugee backgrounds in Western Sydney and beyond.

Research Creation Showcase - Creative Cities

Monday, 22 October
11:00am – 6:00pm
Riverside Theatres, Parramatta

Discover innovative practices on the theme of Creative Cities with an exhibition of creative visual and aural works, live performance, lightning talks and Q & A with artists, practitioners, academics and postgraduate students of Western Sydney University’s School of Humanities and Communication Arts. The event is followed by a Creative Industries Forum with our creative industries partners, including the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, Riverside Theatres Parramatta and The Studio, Penrith Visual and Performing Arts.

Gender UNLIMITED*

Tuesday, 23 October
9:30am – 2:00pm
Parramatta City Campus

A special bumper session of Gender UNLIMITED*, this special event features short research presentations by this year’s the Vice-Chancellor’s Gender Equality Fund recipients, showcases initiatives from across the University, a plenary presentation from by Professor Sharon Bell, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Strategy and Planning and a panel discussion with representatives from across our NSW and ACT networks chaired by Professor Deborah Sweeney, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation.

Sports Stadia and the Fan Experience: The Way Forward for Western Sydney

Tuesday, 23 October
9:30am – 1:00pm
Parramatta City Campus

The NSW Government has recently committed approximately $1.5 billion to the redevelopment of a number of major sporting venues in the state. With work on the Western Sydney stadium well underway and work on the redevelopment of ANZ Stadium due to start in 2019, Western Sydney venues are at the heart of this strategy. This event brings together the expertise of Western Sydney University, world leading architects and urban planners, fan group and sporting organisations to identify the way forward for stadia development and the fan experience in Western Sydney.

Cultivating Resilience among the Health Professions

Wednesday, 23 October
9:00am – 4:00pm 
Parramatta City Campus

Health professionals experience a range of stressors within their workplaces which can affect their mental health, lead to burnout and impact their ability to care for others. Personal and workplace resilience is key to a thriving health sector, as well the wellbeing of its workers. This session explores the best strategies to build resilience within the workplace and enhance the personal resilience of healthcare workers.

Research Allies: LGBTIQ Health and Wellbeing Research by Ally Network

Wednesday, 24 October
9:30am – 1:30pm
Parramatta South Campus

Western Sydney University students, staff and local region make up one of the most diverse communities in Australia, and diversity is part of our University’s character. This showcase will highlight how Western’s research reflects these wide ranging perspectives, including a significant contribution to understanding issues affecting people from diverse sexualities and genders. Western’s Ally Network members and other WSU academic researchers conduct a critical mass of research into matters affecting LGBTIQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Intersex, Transgender, and Queer) individuals and communities, especially in the areas of education, health, and the experiences of violence, harassment, and other forms of LGBTIQ discrimination.

Novel Treatments for Binge Eating Disorders

Wednesday, 24 October
7:00pm – 8:30pm
Parramatta City Campus

Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a clinically significant eating disorder that co-occurs with eating disorder and general psychopathology, mental comorbidity, obesity and associated medical sequelae, and impaired quality of life. BED is the most common eating disorder, typically developing in adolescence or early adulthood. However, most patients with BED do not receive any specific treatment for this disorder. Dr Anja Hilbert from the University of Leipzig give an overview of the efficacy of current psychological and medical treatments for BED, based on a comprehensive meta-analysis on psychotherapy, structured self-help treatment, pharmacotherapy, behavioural weight loss treatment, and combined treatment.

Urban Resilience and Community Development in the Context of Australia and Asia Pacific

Thursday, 25 October
9:00am – 2:00pm
Bankstown Campus

Cities throughout the world are facing insurmountable challenges as the process of globalisation continues to bring about large-scale economic changes and their social effects. The cultural, spatial, economic, and social impacts of the processes of globalisation on urban areas are proving to be far-reaching and urban communities are forced to find new ways of coping and building reliance.

Keynote address by Professor Lars Coenen

Thursday, 25 October
4:30 pm – 7:00pm
Liverpool Campus

Professor Lars Coenen, the City of Melbourne Chair of Resilient Cities, will discuss various ways in which cities can improve their resilience to sustainability challenges. He will reflect on some of the urban policy and equity challenges facing city governments, and innovative practices in addressing resilience challenges. His talk will be followed by a panel discussion.

Biodiversity Resilience in Sydney and Surrounds

Friday, 26 October
9:30 am – 12:00pm
Hawkesbury Campus

The conversion, fragmentation and degradation of natural ecosystems in urban areas across the Sydney Basin has had significant impacts on biodiversity and has led to the emergence of new threats associated with pollution, pests and invasive species, climate extremes and tense interactions between people and nature. At the same time, the value that biodiversity contributes to cities, livability and health are increasingly being recognised. This event highlights the importance of contributing to the protection of threatened natural areas in urban/peri-urban environments in Sydney and surrounds.

Embracing The Value of Waste

Friday, 26 October
1:30pm – 4:00pm
Hawkesbury Campus

This event will highlight activities championing waste diversion and resource recovery, including the Garage Sale Trail, education programs targeting food waste and efforts to recycle water and nutrients from waste streams.

ENDS

19 October, 2018

Media Unit