The Researcher Development Unit are collaborating with the Chau Chak Wing Museum to run a new public engagement event that will raise awareness of your research and increase your potential for broader impact beyond academia. 

The inaugural Research encounters: Museum exhibits through a new lens event will feature a series of short talks (6–8 minutes) by early to mid-career researchers, connecting their research to selected museum exhibits in new and creative ways.

Based on the award-winning ‘New Perspectives’ program at the University of Nottingham, the event will take audiences on an interdisciplinary journey through the museum’s collection, offering fresh perspectives on both the exhibits and research taking place at the University of Sydney.

The exhibits will provide a starting point for researchers to talk about their work in unexpected ways, however tangential the connection. The Lego Pompeii exhibit, for example, could lead to someone talking about their research into plastics (their chemical structure, impact on the environment, etc.), or city design, or volcanology, Lego as an educational tool, or even a topic extrapolated from one of the mini scenes within the display.

You do not need to identify an exhibit before applying. With the breadth of the Chau Chak Wing Museum’s collection, participants can work with a curator to find an engaging connection to their research.

Skill for AEF activities: Discover, create, and disseminate knowledge and understanding; Translate research with impact

The support program

The event has a program of tailored training and development which will support you to present and engage with maximum impact.

In the lead up to the event, you will forge connections as a small group and receive expert training, 1:1 coaching and peer mentoring to enhance your presentation and public engagement techniques and increase your confidence. This wraparound support will ensure you are fully prepared and ready to engage.

The event

An audience of up to 120 members of the public will be split into groups and complete a walking tour through the building, rotating around the researchers and their related exhibits.

Following the event, you will have the opportunity to further your public engagement over drinks and light refreshments. Each talk will also be made into a professionally filmed and edited video that will be released on our website for continued public exposure.

The event will take place at the Chau Chak Wing Museum on the University of Sydney Camperdown/Darlington Campus on Thursday 8 October from 6pm.

Successful applicants will attend a program of support in the run up to the event and immediately following. You must be able to attend all sessions and events to be considered for this program.

• Creating a connection 
  week beginning 10 August (60 minutes) 
  Working with curators from the Chau Chak Wing Museum, use this opportunity to create a robust connection with an exhibit and learn how to describe it effectively in your context.
  
  
• Understanding your audience
  Thursday 20 August 9:30 am–12 pm
  With help from experts and your peers, learn how to craft the narrative of your research for a public audience, in a short presentation format, ensuring it will both engage and be understood.
  
  
• Refining your content 
  week beginning 24 August onwards (45 minutes) 
  Receive 1:1 feedback and support to hone the content of your presentation.
  
  
• The art of presenting research 
  Thursday 17 September 9 am–5 pm
  Gain expert advice and feedback to improve your presentation skills with a live audience and to camera, from an experienced tutor at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts.
  
  
• EVENT: Research Encounters: Museum exhibits through a new lens
  Thursday 8 October, from 6pm
  Present your short talk to multiple groups of people as they rotate around the museum encountering some of the inspiring research taking place at the University of Sydney, as connected with different exhibits.
  
  
• Recording for wider impact
  Friday 9 October  (90 minutes) 
  Be filmed for a professional video that will be posted on the Researcher Development Hub website as part of an online ‘Research Encounters’ series.

Applications are open now and close at 12pm on Monday 3 August, 2026.

To apply, complete the brief online application form that includes explanations of:

• What element of your research you want to talk about  
  (This will help us match you with an exhibit & tell us why people will want to hear about your research) 

• What value the event will provide for you and your research 
  (How will public engagement have an impact)

• What benefit the training will have for your research career 
  (How will the training have in impact)

You must be able to attend all core program sessions on the run up to the event as well as the event itself and recording session, as there will only be 6 participants and peer feedback is a big part of the program.

Criteria for success will be the perceived value to participant and their research. We encourage applications from all Faculties, Schools and Disciplines to ensure a diversity of representation.

EOIs will be reviewed by staff from Researcher Development Unit and Chau Chak Wing Museum.