The 2025 THETA Conference brought together leaders, experts, and changemakers from across the sector for four days of bold, future-focused conversations. From the transformational impact of AI to the evolving nature of leadership and learning, the program highlighted our shared commitment to innovation and collaboration in the face of rapid change. Keynotes from Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz, Sisonke Msimang, Professor Simon Ellingsen, Gry Stene, Professor Barney Glover, Dr Craig Challen, and Jill Benn delivered powerful insights on technology, storytelling, sustainability, and resilience. 

Throughout the event, the energy was palpable. The exhibition floor buzzed, concurrent sessions sparked new thinking, and informal conversations strengthened connections. THETA 2025 reminded us that progress in higher education is powered not just by technology, but by people coming together with purpose and a shared vision for the future. Thank you to all who made the conference a success.

The dawn of AI, cybersecurity threats and digital learning are signals of our modern times, but their arrival is nothing new. Higher education has always been confronted by advances in technology, legislation, and evolving ways of student learning – it’s just that now, their impact is more immediate. Change is our sector’s only constant, and THETA 2025 asked how we can better prepare for and embrace it with our theme, Winds of Change.

Presenters explored how we can harness these winds of change through intelligent use of AI, stronger cybersecurity, and rapid digital transformation. Sessions highlighted the need for sustainable, ethical, and inclusive practices, fostering environments where students are empowered to thrive. Conversations also focused on building resilience and reforming systems to ensure higher education remains adaptable, equitable, and future-ready.

While THETA 2025 has come to an end, the conversations and collaboration will continue. ICT professionals can stay connected by joining a CAUDIT Community of Practice to continue sharing insights, challenges, and solutions with peers across the sector. These communities offer an ongoing space to collaborate, learn, and lead on topics shaping higher education technology.

THETA is Australasia’s leading biennial IT conference for professionals working in higher education and research and eResearch. THETA brings together the sector's brightest minds and serves as an exciting forum to showcase ideas, research and best practice, gain new ways of thinking, and collaborate with like-minded contemporaries. 

THETA 2025 was made possible through the generous support of our event sponsors and exhibitors. We thank them for their support of The Higher Education Technology Agenda.