Building on the success of the events since 2019, this year’s Start Talking 2024 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, the Digital Literacies program (LTU) Community organisation such as The Royal Society of Victoria and The City of Boroondara, industry partner (Insurance Australia Group) and Sarawak.

Start Talking 2024 is open to all Swinburne students from various disciplines, whether as competitors or supporters.

Welcome to Start Talking 2024

Real change is about more than brilliant scientific minds (although it’s a good start). We also need leaders, deep thinkers, adventurers, inspirers, innovators, entrepreneurs, game-changers and science communicators. As global citizens, students need to be able to contribute to social change and communicate their ideas professionally. 

How the competition works

We have many brilliant students here at Swinburne (we’re looking at you), so if you have a brilliant idea, we’d love to hear it! You will be invited to participate in workshops where you’ll receive constructive feedback and collaborate with Adobe Digital Coaches to record a 4-minute video.

We welcome a wide range of ideas, including those from science, design, art, business, and interdisciplinary fields. Your innovative concepts could merge multiple disciplines, offering unique solutions and perspectives that could make a significant social 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
• For help with preparation of your video during Week 11 and 12 of Semester 2, email Bita: bzaferanloo@swin.edu.au
• Mentoring for the video recording will be provided by Adobe's Digital Coaches, and will begin Week 10 
• Required file for submission: Create a 4-minute video of your presentation on your chosen concept with social impact
• Read the judging criteria (link to download PDF below)
• Watch the Promotional video from 2020
• Watch some previous winner videos:
  • Start Talking 2023 - Grubs Up!
  • Start Talking 2022 - Tilapia Fish Skin Band Aid

$400 Judge's Choice Prize

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 can also receive a campus participation certificate as part of the Emerging Leaders program

Key Dates

• Your video must be submitted by 5pm Monday 28th October – Essential
• The Start Talking 2024 live showcase event will be held on Thursday 31st Oct 5:00pm–6:30pm

Register here for the live showcase event: Start Talking 2024

To register as a participant, please register through the same link - we have prizes for participants too!

Workshops

Workshop 1: Monday, 12 Aug, 10:30am–11:30am

Empowering Women in STEM for Sustainable Impact

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

• Technology: What does the changing role of technology mean for women in STEM?
• Women in STEM 2050: What does the ideal future look like?
•  Contribution to Sustainability: What will be the role of women in STEM?
• Women as STEM Leaders: What unique qualities do women bring to STEM leadership?
• 21st Century Skills: What skills are needed to have a career in a STEM-related field?

(Workshop has passed)
 

Workshop 2: Monday, 23 Sep, 6:30pm–7:30pm

Professional Networking with Confidence

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 STEMM career.

Register here: HERE 

Workshop 3: Thursday 10th Oct, 4:00pm–5:00pm

Storytelling Video by Adobe Express

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 2024 competition or communicating to a wider audience, this workshop is for you.

Register here: HERE 

Downloadable Resources

Start Talking Judging Criteria