TASA 2025 for Postgraduate Students
Sociology in Action! Wellbeing, Policy & Activism in Times of Crises and Change
24 – 27 November 2025 | The University of Melbourne & Online
The Australian Sociological Association warmly welcomes all postgraduate students to TASA 2025 — an inclusive, engaging, and inspiring conference designed to help you develop your research, expand your professional network, and experience sociology in action.
Beyond the formal academic program, TASA 2025 offers a diverse range of sessions, workshops, and events tailored specifically to postgraduate participants, providing you with the tools, connections, and confidence to take your next step as a sociologist.
Welcome Gathering & Postgraduate Breakfast
Monday 24 November | 9:30 AM | Arts West Foyer, University of Melbourne Included in your conference registration.
If you’re a postgraduate student, this is where your TASA 2025 journey begins. The Welcome Gathering combines the Postgraduate Breakfast with the official opening of the conference — a relaxed, friendly event designed to help you meet other postgrads, connect with mentors, and settle in before sessions begin.
Enjoy a complimentary breakfast while hearing from TASA’s Postgraduate Portfolio team and conference organisers, who will share tips on navigating the week ahead and making the most of your experience.
It’s also the perfect chance to:
- Meet your Conference Buddy (if you’ve signed up)
- Connect with other postgrad delegates before the program starts
- Get to know the faces behind TASA and your fellow members
We strongly encourage all postgraduate delegates to attend — this event sets the tone for the week and is one of the best opportunities to connect early, meet the TASA team, and find your people.
To confirm your attendance, simply select the Welcome Gathering option when registering, or email events@tasa.org.au.
Postgrad Exclusive with Professor Jenny L. Davis
Join us for a special postgraduate-only session with Professor Jenny L. Davis, keynote speaker at TASA 2025 and Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Chair of Sociology at Vanderbilt University.
This intimate discussion offers postgrads the rare opportunity to meet directly with one of sociology’s leading voices in social psychology and technology studies. Jenny’s work explores
how social forces embed within (and are shaped by) technological systems, including AI, data infrastructures, and algorithmic design.
This session is your chance to:
- Engage in an open Q&A with Jenny about her career and current projects
- Discuss your own ideas, research interests, and challenges
- Gain insights into international sociological practice and collaboration
Spots are limited to 10 per session, so it’s first in, best dressed! A waiting list will be available, and if there’s enough interest, a second session will be added.
To secure your place email events@tasa.org.au
Career Stage Workshops
The Career Stage Workshop Series provides targeted, hands-on learning for postgraduate and early-career researchers, offering practical insights into publishing, career planning, and professional visibility.
Workshops include:
- CV Writing: Transitioning Academic to Industry & Industry to Academic
- Beyond the Conversation – Writing for public and non-academic audiences
- Diverse Ways of Speaking on Expertise – The ethics of self-promotion and digital presence
- Inclusive Research Methods
- sing and Developing Theory
- Inclusive Engagement of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Interests
- How to Talk to the Media
- Public Sociological Filmmaking: Storying Crisis, Representing Others
All workshops are included in your registration. To reserve your spot in advance, you’re your selections during registration. Alternatively, if you would like to add a workshop attendance to your registration contact events@tasa.org.au.
Ask a Publisher
Tuesday 25 – Thursday 27 November | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
If you’re ready to publish your work or thinking about turning your thesis into a book, Ask a Publisher gives you one-on-one access to leading academic publishers through 20-minute consultation sessions.
You’ll receive tailored advice on:
- Structuring and pitching manuscripts
- Choosing suitable publishers for your work
- Navigating the publication process
It’s an ideal opportunity for postgraduates seeking professional guidance on how to transform their research into published outcomes. Booking link available from November 2025.
🤝 Conference Buddy Program
If you’re attending your first TASA conference, the Conference Buddy Program connects you with an experienced sociologist who can show you the ropes.
Your buddy will help you navigate sessions, introduce you to others, and share insider tips for getting the most out of the event. Each pair will also receive café vouchers to encourage informal catch-ups throughout the week.
Opt in when registering for the conference, or if you missed the option, email Penny Toth at events@tasa.org.au to be paired with a buddy.
🧭 TASA Mentoring Program Meet-ups
If you’re currently part of TASA’s Mentoring Program, the conference is a fantastic time to meet your mentor or mentee in person. We encourage you to plan a catch-up, attend sessions together, and use the conference as a shared space to reflect on your progress and goals.
🌈 Quest for Connection
The Quest for Connection is a signature conference event designed to bring delegates together through creativity, collaboration, and conversation.
Through guided prompts and interactive activities, participants will explore this year’s theme, Sociology in Action!, while forging meaningful connections across generations of sociologists.
For postgraduate students, it’s a fun, relaxed way to meet senior academics and expand your network beyond your immediate research interests.
Other Opportunities Not to Miss
- Book Launches: Celebrate the latest sociological publications and meet the authors.
- Social Events: From Queer Drinks to the Women’s Breakfast and Conference Dinner, enjoy relaxed networking with peers and mentors.
-Thematic Group Meetings: Join your community of practice and contribute to future TASA activities.
💬 Questions or Special Requests?
For all postgraduate program queries, including the Jenny Davis session, Buddy Program, or workshop sign-ups, contact: events@tasa.org.au