About the Program

Building on the success of the events since 2019, this year’s Start Talking 2026 event and workshops, part of the Shaping STEM Futures program initiated and led by Dr. Bita Zaferanloo, will offer valuable experience with digital applications such as Adobe Creative Cloud and enhance your communication skills. This initiative is in partnership with Swinburne Employability and the Education Innovation Exchange (EIX) also Community organisation such as The Royal Society of Victoria and The City of Boroondara, industry partner (Insurance Australia Group) and Sarawak.

Open to all Swinburne students from any discipline - join as a competitor or supporter!

Why Start Talking?

Real change takes more than brilliant scientific minds — though that’s a great start. We also need leaders, deep thinkers, adventurers, inspirers, innovators, entrepreneurs, game-changers, and skilled science communicators. As global citizens, students from all disciplines must be empowered to contribute to social change and communicate their ideas with confidence and impact.

Your voice matters — and the world needs to hear it.

How the Competition Works

We know Swinburne is home to many brilliant minds — and yes, we’re looking at you! If you have an idea that could make a difference, we want to hear it.

You’ll have the opportunity to take part in a series of supportive workshops, where you’ll receive constructive feedback and work alongside Adobe Digital Coaches to help bring your idea to life in a 4-minute video presentation.

We welcome bold, creative, and interdisciplinary ideas — whether they stem from science, design, art, business, or a unique blend of fields. Your concept could offer innovative solutions and fresh perspectives that drive real-world impact.

Requirements for competitors

• Submit a 300-word (max) outline of your idea for your video (Example: Outline of Talking Points) – Optional to receive feedback from Shaping STEM Futures team
• For help with preparation of your video during Week 11 and 12 of Semester 2, email Bita: bzaferanloo@swin.edu.au
• Mentoring for video recording will be provided by Adobe’s Digital Coaches, beginning in Week 10, following an introductory workshop in Week 8.
• Required file for submission: Create a 4-minute video of your presentation on your chosen concept with social impact
• Read the judging criteria
• Watch the Promotional video 
• Watch some previous winner videos
   

Achievements & Prizes

There are great prizes to be won, awarded in the following categories:

• $400 Judges’ Choice + your story will be published in the Swinburne Newsletter
• $100 People’s Choice
• $50 participant prize

You will receive a participation certificate from the Shaping STEM Futures team and will be nominated and supported by the team to apply for the Swinburne Employability Award.

Key Dates

• Your video must be submitted by 5.00pm Monday 2 November 2026 – Essential
• The Start Talking live showcase event will be held on Thursday 5 November 2026, 5:00pm–6:30pm. Participants can register through the same link - we have prizes for participants too!
  
  Register HERE
  
  

Workshops

Registration in Online Workshops is required for both participants and competitors. We’re doing this in partnership with Employability and industry.
 

Panel Discussion: Professional Networking with confidence: Monday, 10 August, 4.30pm – 5.30pm

Hear from a diverse panel of experts and get the latest tips on how to build your professional network. Learn how effective communication can impact your future employment opportunities and STEM career.

Register HERE

Panel Discussion: Women in STEM as Sustainable Future Leaders: Monday 17 August, 10.45am – 11.30am

Hear from a panel of women in STEM experts. The panel discussion will cover the following topics:

• Technology & AI: How is the evolving tech landscape shaping opportunities for women in STEM?
• Vision 2050: What does an ideal future look like for women in STEM?
• Sustainability & Society: How can women in STEM drive sustainability and equity?
• Sustainable Health: How will women transform healthcare through STEM?
• Leadership: What strengths do women bring to STEM leadership?
• Future Skills: Which 21st-century skills matter most for real-world impact?
• Indigenous Innovation: How can Indigenous knowledge enhance sustainable STEM solutions?

Register HERE

Storytelling Video by Adobe Express: Wednesday 30 September, 1.00pm – 2.00pm

Learn the basics of storytelling through video and editing with Adobe Express, brought to you by Shaping STEM Futures team and Swinburne’s Digital Literacies hub. Whether you're creating a video presentation for the Start Talking 2026 competition or communicating to a wider audience, this workshop is for you.

Register HERE

Data Visualization: Wednesday 14 October, 1.00pm – 2.00pm

Guest Speaker: Dr Vong Wantze.

Learn how to turn complex data into clear, compelling visuals that tell a story. This workshop will introduce tools and techniques to help you communicate your message effectively through charts, infographics, and visual storytelling — a vital skill for impactful presentations and real-world problem solving.

Register HERE

Downloadable Resources

Start Talking Judging Criteria