Making eResearch Australasia More Welcoming!
This year, the Program Committee aims to create an inviting environment for those who may feel new to this area or conference.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
If eResearch feels daunting, you’re not alone. You might be wondering:
- Who should I talk to?
- How should I approach people?
- Are attendees welcoming or cliquey?
- Is there an easier way to introduce myself?
We’re Here to Help
To ease these feelings, you can reach out to the Community Volunteers to assist you. They are here to:
- Answer any questions about the conference.
- Clarify the “unwritten rules” of the event.
- Provide support for simple queries.
- Offer assistance if you’re feeling distressed, including guidance on the Code of Conduct.
Embracing an Inclusive Community
Be part of a thriving, dynamic eResearch community characterized by:
- Respect for individuals at every level.
- Encouragement for new participation.
- Recognition of diverse backgrounds and approaches.
Meet Our Community Volunteers
As we move through the event, our Community Volunteers will be available to listen to your ideas and feedback on how we’re doing.
Ai-Lin Soo
As a certified introvert, I understand how reassuring it can be to see a familiar face amongst the sea of people at a conference. It was not that long ago when I attended my first eResearch Australasia fresh out of uni (2019 – but who’s counting)! So whether you need someone to eat your lunch with, help you navigate a busy program or to simply have a quiet chit chat, I can help. If you need a conversation starter, go with “how did your futsal game go last week?”.
Aditi Subramanya
I’m a Community Volunteer because I love being a friendly face for anyone who’s new or just needs someone by their side. I have the invisible superpower ADHD, so I know how important it can be to be included. I’m a volunteer guide dog trainer, because I believe everyone deserves safe and equal access to the world around them.
So if you need a safe space, or a friend, please come to me. If you’re feeling nervous or I’m chatting in a group and you don’t know where to start, why don’t you ask me “What is it like being a guide dog trainer?” – we can take it from there 🙂
Jake Carroll
I’m a father in a neurodiverse household and a leader of a neurodiverse workforce. My persistent concern is for the well being of our most important resource – our people. I have experience in bringing communities together, enabling innovation and helping people connect from dissimilar backgrounds to collectively do their best work – but also, lead fulfilling lives. I believe that safe spaces are a key to enabling people and that leadership begins with a sense of conscious vulnerability which I will absolutely exemplify and offer to you, if and when you need me.
Want to chat around the supercomputing watercooler? I’m here for that. Has that parallel filesystem got you down? I’m a shoulder to lean on. Conference “everything” is all a bit much and you just need a safe space to have some real-time real talk to address whatever_you_like.*? Come find me!
Liz Stokes
As a professional boundary spanner and community facilitator, it’s taken me a while to understand whimsy and penchant for slapstick as valuable strengths and not liabilities (of course, you needn’t agree with me!) While I am new to understanding my own neurodiversity, I’ve been teaching DEI to researcher trainers for about 5 years with The Carpentries, a global training nonprofit organisation. Social justice, multidisciplinary serendipity and creativity are three very strong chords running in my heart.
I’m always happy to share my knowledge and facilitate introductions between friendly strangers, that’s one of my favourite things. A purposefully out and proud queer parent, I enjoy talking about music, performance, bushwalking, birds, children’s books and etymology. Puns, realtalk, listening.
Anastasios Papaioannou
I’m an introvert and a listener first. I was raised in a society where stereotypes and socioeconomic biases try to define who you should be, and I found my way by refusing those limits. That’s why I care deeply about diversity, uniqueness, and growth without boundaries. For me, the best conferences—especially for introverts—are the ones where you slowly get to know a few people and build strong, genuine relationships.
If you need a quiet check-in, someone to walk with between sessions, or just a friendly face to chat with, come and say hi! And if you’d rather talk about something fun, ask me about football (soccer), yoga, mindfulness or whether AI is really going to take over the world.
Vanessa Crosby
I’m an ADHDer, carer, former international student and believer in the strength and value of diverse teams and communities. You’ll most likely spot me around the conference with knitting in hand – my favourite fidget and way to keep myself grounded in the crowds and sensory overwhelm of conferences. I also enjoy cycling, drawing and science fiction. I’m here for a chat, to answer questions and generally help you navigate the conference.