About

Welcome to the Transformative Futures Conference!

The Transformative Futures Conference, proudly organised by Griffith University’s School of Humanities, Languages, and Social Sciences, is an annual event that brings together a vibrant community of researchers, scholars, and thought leaders. This conference is dedicated to fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration among Honours students, Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates, early-career researchers and experienced academics, providing a unique platform to share cutting-edge research methodologies, innovative insights, and impactful outcomes across a wide range of disciplines. The theme for 2026 is:

Practising Transformation: Applying Humanities and Social Sciences to Contemporary Challenges 

At the heart of this conference are Griffith University’s core principles-excellence, ethics, and engagement. These values guide the conference’s mission to not only showcase outstanding academic research but also emphasise ethical research practices and active engagement with local and global communities. By creating a space where ideas flourish, we aim to inspire transformative thinking and action that can address today’s most pressing challenges.

Since the Conference’s inception in 2023, its aim is to highlight the innovative, inventive and diverse research undertaken in the School, and celebrate the University’s core principles of excellence, ethics, and engagement. The conference is intended to be a platform for academic staff and research students to come together and share their research projects and have conversations about the value of research within the University. “Transformation is not a spectator sport” (Kalisch 2019). It demands stepping out of the grandstands of critique and into the arena of practice. However, research on the implementation of transformation has received proportionately less attention than that identifying matters of concern (Tebboth et al., 2025; Bentz et al., 2022). Tebboth et al. (2025) and Bentz et al. (2022) argue that more attention is needed on how solutions are developed and implemented, particularly through processes of co-creation, interpretation, and learning. We invite presentations that speak to the “means and manners” (Bentz et al., 2022) of doing change in the age of rapid technological advancement, complex social change, displacement, profound local grass-roots movements, and unprecedented global connectivity.  Whether you are presenting your own research, learning from others, or engaging in thought-provoking discussions, the HLSS Transformative Futures Conference offers a supportive environment where knowledge is shared, connections are forged, and the future of research is shaped. Join us as we explore innovative ideas, build collaborative networks, and contribute to a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

2026 conference organisers: