The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Workshops Program grants.
Over $70,000 has been allocated to eight teams of researchers to host multidisciplinary workshops to develop innovative approaches, foster network connections and tackle critical issues in national research and policy.
The funded workshops will bring experts together to address a range of pressing topics, including:
Aboriginal heritage: Ms Amy Usher (Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation), Ms Dirima Cuthbert (Dortch Cuthbert), Dr Jo Thomson (Big Island Research), Mr Ken Haywood (Edith Cowan University)
Ocean governance and sustainability: Dr Georgina Gurney (James Cook University), A/Professor Emily Ogier (University of Tasmania), Professor Tiffany Morrison (University of Melbourne), Dr Carla Sbrocchi (University of Technology Sydney). The workshop is co-funded by the Marine and Coastal Hub which is funded by the Australian Government under the National Environmental Science Program
Illicit alcohol: Dr Michaela Kowalski (University of NSW), Dr Nic Taylor (Curtin University), Professor Alison Ritter (University of NSW), Professor Michael Farrell (University of NSW)
Artistic freedom: Professor Desmond Manderson (Australian National University), Professor Sarah Joseph (Griffith University), Dr Karen Crawley (Griffith University), Dr Samid Suliman (Griffith University). Workshop partner: Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research
Young people and out-of-home care: Professor Philip Mendes (Monash University), Professor Melissa O’Donnell (University of South Australia), Associate Professor Tim Moore (Australian Catholic University), Associate Professor Jessica Russ-Smith (Australian Catholic University), Dr Steven Roche (Australian Catholic University). Workshop partner: Home Stretch campaign headed by Paul McDonald, CEO of Anglicare Victoria.
Biodiversity and climate change: Ms Kate Nairn (Future Earth Australia), Emeritus Professor Stephen Dovers (Australian National University), Mr Drew Clarke AO (Australian Energy Market Operator). Workshop partners: Future Earth Australia and the Australian Academy of Science
Research and innovation: Professor Rob Raven (Monash University), Professor Xuemei Bai (Australian National University), Dr Heinz Schandl (CSIRO), Dr Christoph Brodnik (Monash University). Workshop partners: Monash University, Australian National University and CSIRO
Environmental toxins: Professor Jakelin Troy (University of Sydney), A/Professor Katherine Kenny (University of Sydney), A/Professor Nadine Ehlers, Dr Jianni Tien (University of Sydney). Workshop partners: School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Sydney and The Australian Sociological Association
The Academy extends warm congratulations to all grant recipients and looks forward to outcomes that address Australia’s most urgent challenges.
Read more about the 2026 Workshop Program recipients.
