2026 Program
Start your summit experience with Higher Education in Focus — a day designed for people working in the sector to unpack the big issues shaping Australian universities today.
This dedicated prelude to the main event delivers practical insights, peer exchange and discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing higher education right now.
Across the following two days, the Solutions Summit brings together leaders from universities, government and industry for dynamic keynotes, deep-dive sessions and award celebrations - exploring how universities, in partnership with government and industry, can help Australia meet the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities of the future.
Expect sharp policy dialogue, sector-leading insights and exceptional networking as we showcase the best of Australian higher education.
Please note: Monday is reserved for closed Vice-Chancellor and Chancellor meetings.
All scheduling is provisional and subject to change.
Organisations or partners interested in hosting satellite events or meetings alongside the summit are encouraged to get in touch with our team at events@uniaus.edu.au

| Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM | Higher Education in Focus |
| 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Keynote address on learning and teaching innovation |
| 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Welcome reception |
| 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM | Australian Awards for University Teaching |
| 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM | Sponsors Dinner |
| Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | |
| 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM | Wednesday breakfast address |
| 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM | Summit sessions |
| 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Morning tea |
| 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Summit sessions |
| 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | National Press Club address lunch |
| 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Summit sessions |
| 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Afternoon tea |
| 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Summit sessions |
| 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM | Summit dinner and Shaping Australia Awards presentations |
| Thursday, February 26, 2026 | |
| 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM | Thursday breakfast address |
| 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM | Summit sessions |
| 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Morning tea |
| 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Summit sessions |
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM | Summit sessions |
| 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM | Summit close |
Voices from the summit: what our 2025 Summit speakers had to say
Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC
The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO
Her Excellency Vicki Treadell CMG, MVO
Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK AFC (Ret)
Danielle Wood, Chair, Productivity Commission
The Hon Fiona Nash, Regional Education Commissioner
Professor Peter Shergold, Chair Australian Research Council
Natalie Piucco, AI Technology Executive