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23- 24 November 2026
RMIT University
COMBS HDR Connect is a day to come together, connect, get inspired, have fun and plan for the future.
What to Expect
What to Expect
Welcome to HDR Connect 2026!
HDR Connect is the annual flagship gathering designed specifically for HDR researchers across the ARC Centre of Excellence in Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS).
This yearβs two-day, in-person event brings together HDR students from all COMBS nodes across Australia to build interdisciplinary networks, hone essential presentation and written communication skills, launch key cohort initiatives, and shape the Centre's strategic roadmap for 2027.
Key Highlights of HDR Connect 2026
π€ Full-Day Science Communication Workshop: An interactive, hands-on masterclass led by professional presentation coach Stephen Feneley and Communications Manager Rachael Vorwerk. Learn how to talk about your research in an engaging way in 2-minutes for grant applications, industry pitches, conference presentations or even to your friends and family.
π€ COMBS Buddy Program Launch: In-person launch of the COMBS Buddy program pairing HDRs with ECR and late-stage HDR buddies to foster informal peer support
π‘ Research Problem-Solving & Brainstorming: A dedicated, student-led table-rotation session to share research bottlenecks, technical limitations, and interdisciplinary solutions in a supportive peer environment
π 2026 Forum Initiative Review & 2027 Strategic Planning: Review of key 2026 achievements (HDR Mini Grant Scheme, Theme Basics Tutorials) and collaborative planning for 2027 priorities.
π¬ COMBunity Building & Network Dinner: Join the HDR cohort for a community building activity followed by a joint HDR & ECR network dinner.
Event Overview & Registration
Event Overview & Registration
Dates: Monday 23 November β Tuesday 24 November 2026
Venue: RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC
Day 1: Monday, 23 November 2026
9:00am - 5:30pm - Scientific Comms Training
5:30pm - onwards - HDR Community building activities & Join dinner with ECRs
Day 2: Tuesday, 24 November 2026 β Peer Mentoring, Forum Initiatives & Strategy
Registration: Registration is mandatory for this event
Detailed Agenda
Detailed Agenda
The agenda for HDR Connect 2026 is currently being finalised. A detailed timetable and session schedule will be published here soon.
Contact & Enquiries
Contact & Enquiries
Event logistics or registration questions: COMBS Centre Operations Manager: Nicci Coad
HDR Forum Leadership Team: Lantian Wei, Katelyn Jardine, Ashutosh Khaswal, Megha Sharma, Greeshma Latha Sasidharan, Gabriel Britto Monteiro
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