1 & 2 May
Melbourne & online
10 years advancing the science of fatherhood
Researchers and practitioners interested in fathers, fathering or fatherhood are invited to contribute to the annual symposium on Fatherhood Research in Australia to be held on May 1st and 2nd 2025.
We invite you to join us to build effective collaborations so that we may further the evidence base on fathering. The 2025 symposium will be a hybrid event held at Deakin Downtown (Melbourne) and Online via Zoom.
DAY 1 - Thursday 1 May 2025:
Keynote speaker Professor Brenda Volling (USA), research presentations and invited presenter Professor Anna Tarrant (UK).
DAY 2 - Friday 2 May 2025:
Research presentations and awards presentation.
Registration is essential.
ABOUT THE SYMPOSIUM
The symposium is an annual opportunity for researchers to build and consolidate collaborations with other researchers and practitioners who work with fathers. The event is convened by Deakin University (SEED Lifespan) and supported by academic institutions from across Australia. A range of disciplines are represented.
Join us for keynote presentations, networking, and snapshot summaries that showcase research and father-inclusive programs from around Australia.
The symposium is organised by the Australian Fatherhood Research Consortium, which seeks to advance the science of fatherhood; inform practice and policy that supports men and their families; and, promote healthy inclusion of fathers in family life.
REGISTRATION
In-person (non-student, includes lunch and morning and afternoon tea): $185
Student concession in-person (includes lunch and morning and afternoon tea): $145
Online (non-student full rate): $125
Student concession online: $85
KEY DATES
1 October 2024 - Registrations open
14 October 2024 - Abstract submissions open
1 December 2024 - Abstract submissions close
24 April 2025 - Final date to process registration refunds
ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS
Both researchers and organisations are invited to submit abstracts summarising proposed or completed research, applied programs, or organisation descriptions. Accepted presentations and posters will be shared by presenters in-person or via zoom screen share.
Please structure your abstracts under the following headings:
· Research presentation: Background & Aims, Method, Results, Conclusion &/or Implications;
· Program or Organisation description presentation: Background/Aims, Description, Impact.
Abstracts should be no longer than 300 words.
Please note: Organisational presentations are only accepted from not-for-profit or government organisations.
Oral presentations are limited to 10 minutes (maximum of 10 slides) and poster presentations are limited to 3 minutes (1 slide). Each presentation or poster session will be chaired with time for discussion at the end of each session.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Professor Brenda Volling
How do fathers matter for young children's development? Let us count the ways!
Brenda Volling is a developmental psychologist and the Lois Wladis Hoffman Collegiate Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on early social and emotional development with infants, toddlers and preschoolers, parent-child interaction, and family relationships, with a special interest in fathers. She works mostly with young fathers during the perinatal period and the transition to fatherhood and studies men’s mental health, father-child relationships, and coparenting. She has received funding from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD for her research and was the recipient of a career development award from NICHD. Her research has been showcased on CBS Sunday Morning, the BBC, the Washington Post, New York Times, and Parents magazine. Currently, she is working on psychoeducational supports for parents undergoing the transition to parenthood and the birth of a second child, as well as programs to support fathers with young children. In recent years, she has provided fatherhood researchers with critical ‘state of the field’ summaries, synthesising knowledge, gaps and directions for future work.
https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/145283/cdep12275.pdf
VENUE
Deakin Downtown: Level 12 / Tower 2, 727 Collins Street Melbourne Victoria 3008
HOW TO GET THERE
Train
Deakin Downtown is only 5 minutes from Southern Cross Station. Plan your journey on the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) website.
Tram
Collins Square has a tram super-stop at its front door, offering frequent services in to the CBD and is within the Free Tram Zone. Other Tram stops close to Collins Square are located at the Flinders Street / Wurundjeri Way side of Collins Square (catch the City Circle Tram here) and Spencer Street and Collins Street intersection. Plan your journey on the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) website.
Car
Parking nearby is expensive unless you arrive before 10am and leave after 4pm, so it might be best to catch a taxi, tram or train. Secure parking is available nearby at: 664 Collins Street, Melbourne; or at 700 Collins Street, Docklands.
Myki cards
To use trams, trains and buses around Melbourne you’ll need to buy a Myki card. These can be purchased at any train station. Southern Cross Station is a 3 minute walk from Deakin Downtown. Myki cards are very easy to use, just top up credit or buy a pass at a shop or station, then touch-on once you’ve boarded the tram or bus – or touch-on and off to get through the barriers at train stations. Visit the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) Myki site.
ACCOMMODATION
Travelodge Docklands
Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Docklands is located centrally in the Docklands area, adjacent to Southern Cross Station and just a six minute walk to Deakin Downtown. Etihad Stadium and Melbourne Aquarium are all nearby. Visit the Travelodge Hotel website for more information.
Batman’s Hill on Collins
Batman’s Hill on Collins is a historical hotel located directly opposite Southern Cross Station. It is only a 6-minute walk from the hotel to Deakin Downtown. Visit the Batman’s Hill on Collins website for more information.
The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins
The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins is a highly rated accommodation on Trip Advisor and located opposite Southern Cross Station. And just an 8 minute walk along Collins Street to reach Deakin Downtown. Visit the Savoy Hotel on Little Collins website for more information.
TRAVELLING TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT
SkyBus
SkyBus offers an express bus service between Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Melbourne City for $22 per adult, one way. SkyBus also offers the free Sky Bus Link shuttle service to Melbourne City hotels from Southern Cross Station. Visit the SkyBus website for more information.
Taxi
Melbourne’s taxis are a convenient way to get from the airport to your destination. You can catch a taxi from designated taxi ranks located on the ground floor outside Terminal 1 and in the Terminal 4 Car Park. Visit the Melbourne Airport website for information on taxi ranks.
A trip from the Melbourne Airport to Deakin Downtown is estimated to cost from $70.
THINGS TO DO IN MELBOURNE
Museums, galleries, and zoos
The Melbourne CBD and inner suburbs are home to the National Gallery of Victoria, Shrine of Remembrance, the Melbourne Zoo, Immigration Museum, and the Old Melbourne Gaol.
Shopping and eating
Shopping at the Block Arcade and Queen Victoria Markets are Melbourne must-dos. The CBD has café-filled laneways and Little Bourke St is home to Melbourne’s Chinatown restaurants.
Explore the region
If you are staying over the weekend, you can jump on a bus and visit the Yarra Valley for a winery tour and tasting.
For further information please contact -
AFRS Organising Committee
ausfatherhoodresearch@gmail.com