Solving Plastic Waste CRC Annual Partners Event

October 2025 | Melbourne, VIC

All Solving Plastic Waste CRC (SPW CRC) Partners are invited to join us this October 2025 in Melbourne for an invitation-only event. Learn about SPW CRC’s research projects and initiatives, hear from leaders in the field, and connect with other Partners driving solutions to plastic waste.

Why attend

This invite-only event brings together SPW CRC industry, government, and NFP Partners, along with our researchers and PhD candidates, to showcase projects underway, share insights, and strengthen collaboration across the CRC’s Partners and the plastics value chain.

 

Event highlights:

  • Project updates: Learn about research initiatives within our four research programs and what’s next.
  • Program-related panels: SPW CRC Partners share perspectives on key issues within our research programs.
  • Partner connections: Build relationships across the SPW CRC network.

Who can attend

The SPW CRC Annual Partners Event is exclusive to members of our partner network.

If you represent a Partner organisation and wish to attend, please contact the SPW CRC team.

Program overview

The event features SPW CRC research showcases, panel discussions and Q&A, a keynote session focused on collaborative solutions to plastic waste, and workshops.

 

Program highlights:

21 October: Training Day (PhD Student and Postdoctoral Fellows only)

  • Presenting and Pitching Your Research (Econnect)
  • Career navigation
  • Individual development planning

 

22 October: Conference (All Partners)

  • Welcome and opening remarks
  • Keynote: Dr Deborah Lau (CSIRO)
  • Research program spotlights with discussion panels and Q&A:
    • RP1: Materials and design – to reduce products’ environmental impact
    • RP2: Maximising the recovery and value of end-of-life plastics
    • RP3: Implementing a circular economy for plastics in Australia
    • RP4: Mitigating the risk of microplastics in agricultural soils
  • Education and training program update
  • Closing remarks

Annual Partners Dinner (optional)

 

23 October: IP, Patents and Commercialisation Morning Workshop (All Partners)

  • IP and Patents 101 (Ramon Tozer, Davies Collison Cave)
  • Commercialisation (Jason Watson, Elementary Law)

 

Note: A detailed agenda will be shared with confirmed attendees.

Keynote and guest speakers

Dr Deborah Lau
Research Director, Industry Environments, CSIRO

Conference Keynote Speaker

 

Dr Ian Christensen
CEO, iMove CRC

Guest speaker at Annual Partners Dinner

Annual Partners Dinner

The Annual Partners Dinner offers a valuable opportunity to connect with SPW CRC colleagues and expand your professional network in a relaxed setting. Guests will enjoy drinks and a meal, with an address from our distinguished guest speaker, Dr Ian Christensen, CEO of the highly successful iMove CRC.


Partners who are unable to attend the conference day session are still welcome to join us for the Annual Partners Dinner. 

FAQs

Is this event open to the public?

No. The SPW CRC Annual Partners Event is invitation-only for Partner organisations and SPW CRC researchers and students.

How do I register?

Please contact us if you represent a Partner organisation and are interested in attending the SPW CRC Annual Partners Event.

What is the cost to attend?

There is no cost to attend the conference or the conference dinner for SPW CRC Partners.

Can I nominate a colleague to attend?

Yes. Include their details in your expression of interest or email info@solvingplasticwastecrc.com

Will presentations be available after the event?

Summary materials may be shared with Partners after the event. Details will be provided to attendees.

Contact

Questions about the SPW CRC Annual Partners Event?

Contact the SPW CRC team at info@solvingplasticwastecrc.com or 07 2145 9200.

SPW CRC research programs

Learn more about the four research programs that underpin our collective impact:

  • RP1: Materials and design – to reduce products’ environmental impact
  • RP2: Maximising the recovery and value of end-of-life plastics
  • RP3: Implementing a circular economy for plastics in Australia
  • RP4: Mitigating the risk of microplastics in agricultural soils