Making eResearch Australasia more welcoming!
The Program Committee aims to create an inviting and inclusive environment for everyone attending the conference.
Are you a newcomer to eResearch?
Are you not sure what eReseach is all about?
Are you looking for a welcoming and friendly face in the crowd?
If eResearch feels a bit daunting, we want you to know you’re not alone.
We’re here to help
Reach out to our Community Volunteers. They are here to:
- Answer any questions about the conference
- Provide a friendly face for newcomers
- Make a welcoming space for EVERYONE attending eResearch
All Health, Safety and Wellbeing concerns should be directed to the conference registration desk.
Embracing an inclusive community
Be part of a thriving, dynamic eResearch community characterised 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
I work and live on the lands of the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation in Naarm (Melbourne). 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! 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 live and work on Jagera land – as does our supercomputer. 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? Are the LLMs and Agents making a mess of your scheduler? 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
Hello I work on Gadigal country in Sydney, and I make puns, speak frankly with kindness, and enjoy listening deeply to people’s stories. I’ve taught diversity and inclusion practices to researcher trainers for about 5 years with The Carpentries, and social justice, serendipity and creativity are three very strong chords resonating 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 love talking about music, singing, bushwalking, birds, children’s books and translation.
Anastasios Papaioannou
I live and work on Gadigal country in Sydney. I’m an introvert and a listener first. I grew up 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 are about slowly getting to know a few people and building 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 sports, yoga, mindfulness or whether AI is really going to take over the world.
Vanessa Crosby
I live on Gadigal country and work on Dhaurg country in Sydney. 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 swing dancing, drawing and science fiction. I’m here for a chat, to answer questions and generally help you navigate the conference.
Rowland Mosbergen
I work on the lands of the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation in Naarm (Melbourne) in data governance and community building for research software. I also run DEI education programs and organise inclusive research software conferences for Asia, Australia, Africa, and Latin America.
I’m always up for a chat and to connect people – so if you are lost I can help you find your people. I can discuss a range of topics in these spaces and am genuinely interested in conversations that explore the intersection of these fields.
Want a conversation starter? Ask me: “What are your thoughts on AI?”.
Noel Faux
I always have an open ear and love to meet new people. If you are lost or unsure where to start your eResearch journey, I am happy to chat and help you connect or find a quiet place.
I am on the lands of the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation in Naarm (Melbourne), with a strong interest in good data models, data management and use of computers and amazing algorithms to help solve researcher problems, focusing on the biological and medical domains. While not coding or while coding, music (Jazz to Metal) helps me through the day and plan the next big BBQ cook-up. So I am here to help you find your place in the eResearch Community and navigate the conference, as well as for a chat.
