Digital Research Skills Uplift at the Annual ARDC Skills Summit

Bringing together expert trainers and researchers, the 2025 ARDC Digital Research Skills Summit fostered conversations between local and international practitioners, creating a space for sharing best practices and advancing digital research training across the research sector.

Published: 17 November 2025

Group collaboration around a table with documents. — 2025 Skills Summit workshops in action. Image: Marc Grimwade / ARDC

The sixth ARDC National Digital Research Skills Summit was held in Brisbane as a co-located event with International Data Week and eResearch Australasia. Hosted by the Griffith eResearch Centre on Turrbal and Yaggera Country at the Southbank Campus, the hybrid event brought together over 100 participants to help shape the future of digital research skills training across Australia.. Held in a hybrid format, the event created space for collaboration, reflection and action.

Aunty Kathy (Kathryn Fisher), an Aboriginal Elder born and raised on the Cherbourg Aboriginal Reserve and now residing in Brisbane, where she maintains kinship ties with the Turrbal People, delivered a deeply moving Welcome to Country on behalf of the Turrbal People. As part of her address, she shared the blessing of Turrbal Elder, Songwoman Maroochy, creating a powerful and heartfelt opening to the Summit.

Group photo at Griffith University event. — Skills Summit attendees. Image: Marc Grimwade / ARDC

In setting the scene, ARDC CEO Rosie Hicks highlighted the critical role of skills in accelerating research through digital research infrastructure. With the Summit following International Data Week 2025, Rosie also encouraged the community to think beyond their local sphere to consider how digital research skills contribute to an international ecosystem.

“Skills development is a global challenge, yet it presents a local opportunity”, said Rosie. “The staff exchange initiative we have in train with the Digital Research Alliance of Canada is a great example of how international collaboration can strengthen our collective capabilities. These kinds of partnerships allow us to learn from global best practices and ensure our researchers are part of a connected, international research community.”

Speaker presenting at a research event — Rosie Hicks, CEO, ARDC. Image: Marc Grimwade / ARDC

At the end of the Summit, participant Dr Anastasios Papaioannou, Senior Manager, Digital Research (eResearch) Platforms and Services at UTS, shared, “Great discussions, inspiring people, and a shared commitment to strengthening digital research skills across Australia. Thank you to the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) for organising such a valuable summit.”

A big thank you to Griffith University for hosting, to our keynote speakers Dr Shern Tee (Senior Lecturer, Materials and Analytical Chemistry, Griffith University) and Catherine Di Vita (the National Training Coordinator at Digital Research Alliance of Canada), and to all speakers, facilitators, and participants who contributed their expertise and energy. The generosity and dedication of the digital research skills trainer community continues to inspire us all. For those unable to attend, the Summit presentations and sessions are outlined here.

Presentation on International Skills Exchange program. — Catherine Di Vita, Digital Research Alliance of Canada, giving a keynote presentation. Image: Marc Grimwade / ARDC

We thank ARDC’s Liz Stokes for her warm and friendly hosting as MC of the event, the tireless support of the ARDC Skills Team, and the excellent support from Griffith’s Catherine Hay, Amanda Pearson and Sharron Stapleton in the lead up and on the day.

3 people on the stage for the Skills Summit — L to R: Dr Shern Tee, Liz Stokes, and Catherine Di Vita. Image: Marc Grimwade / ARDC

We don’t have to wait until next year’s Summit to keep the momentum going. On Wednesday 19 November, the National Skills Forum will pick up the conversation, revisiting key takeaways from the Summit, exploring what resonated most, what actions are already underway and how we can deepen connections across the trainer community. The focus is on turning ideas into impact as we look ahead to 2026.

What to expect:

Key insights and takeaways from the Skills Summit 2025 discussions
A preview of community-led priorities and upcoming collaboration opportunities for 2026
A chance to reflect on shared blockers and enablers shaping digital research training in Australia

Join us to help shape the future of digital research skills training in Australia on 19 November at our next National Skills Forum: Listening for 2026 – Register now.

Catherine Di Vita shared why digital research skills training is important at International Data Week, held the week before the Skills Summit. Watch her video below.

Here are more photos from the Skills Summit.

Networking event with attendees enjoying refreshments. — Image: Marc Grimwade / ARDC

Audience engaged in a presentation at a seminar. — Image: Marc Grimwade / ARDC

The ARDC is enabled by the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) to support national digital research infrastructure for Australian researchers.