This webinar explores how the Blue Economy CRC is preparing the next generation of researchers for a rapidly changing, technology-driven world. It draws on findings from the Graduate Attributes Project—a multi-year study examining how CRC-affiliated PhD students are developing the skills, mindsets, and adaptability required for success across academia and industry.
The session will highlight how graduate attributes such as creativity, collaboration, resilience, and systems thinking are cultivated through CRC research training that connects academia, industry, and community. It aims to spark conversation on how we can further strengthen employability and professional capability among CRC PhD candidates.
Presentation 1: Capabilities for the Future Workforce.
Presented by Prof. Ruth Bridgstock, Director of Student Insights and Outcomes at Swinburne University of Technology.
Presentation 2: Transforming the PhD learning journey: Fostering creative, agentic, resilient lifelong learners.
Presented by A/Prof. Sonia Ferns, Academic Consultant at UWA.
Presentation 3: Insights from the Blue Economy CRC Graduate Attributes Project.
Presented by Dr Glenys Oberg (UQ) & Melanie Fleming (UQ), and as part of the Blue Economy CRC project team.
Followed by a panel discussion about Building the Future Workforce, moderated by Dr Louise Adams (UTAS and Blue Economy CRC project team).
Panelists: Sean Riley (Tassal), Dr Leteisha Prescott (Cawthron Institute, NZ), Prof. Ruth Bridgstock, A/Prof. Sonia Ferns, Dr Glenys Oberg & Melanie Fleming.
Audience Q&A to follow.