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Industry and community projects
- Overview
- 3000 level - types of project units
- 3000 level - eligibility and how to enrol
- 3000 level - projects and partners
- 4000 level projects
3000 level - projects and partners
The following projects are 3000 level units. If you’re studying in a Bachelor of Advanced Studies, see information on our 4000 level projects.
Because industry and community projects are run in collaboration with partners outside of the University, project partners and topics are subject to change prior to the start of teaching.
If you have any questions about the projects, you can email pvceducation.enquiries@sydney.edu.au or the project supervisor listed in each project.
Availability of projects
Places in each project are limited so we encourage you to register early in Sydney Student to avoid missing out.
You will only see projects that are available for your enrolled shell unit and still have places available. If you can’t see a project when you register, you will need to select a different project. Project availability is subject to change.
Intensives
Intensives are full-time equivalent offerings, and the exact timing of each day is outlined in the intensive timetable below. Students are expected to attend the scheduled class times for the relevant session.
If you have any questions, please contact pvceducation.enquiries@sydney.edu.au.
February intensives take place over 4 weeks from 22 January to 18 February 2024. Timetable is shown below.
July intensives take place over 4 weeks from 24 June to 21 July 2024. Timetable is shown below.
October intensives take place over 6 weeks from 16 September to Friday 27 October 2024. Timetable details to be released in August 2024.
Find out how to enrol in an ICPU.
Timetable
February intensive projects take place over 4 weeks from 22 January till 16 February 2024.
There will only be one class per project. Please consider the project timetable before registering for a project in Sydney Student and make sure that you are available for the allocated class times.
Projects will be delivered face-to-face on campus.
It will take 7-9 days for your personal timetable to reflect your project registration.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | No class |
| Week 2 | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | No class | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm |
| Week 3 | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm |
| Week 4 | No class | No class | No class | No class | No class |
Students are expected to contribute a total of 120 – 150 hours of effort towards the intensive unit which includes 40 hours of scheduled classes plus an additional 79 – 109 hours (20 - 27 hours per week) outside of class times, including significant independent groupwork as indicated.
Consent Labs – LGBTQIA+ Consent Awareness in Schools
Please note that this project deals with the topic of sexual and gender-based violence. Due to the sensitive nature of this topic some students may find the content in this project to be triggering. If you feel as though you may be triggered by this project, we encourage you to enrol into another one of our projects.
Consent Labs is a youth-led not-for-profit organisation providing holistic sexual, respectful relationships and consent education for young people and their communities. Sexuality or gender diverse (LGBTQIA+) young people make up more than 20% of school populations, and currently experience substantially poorer outcomes in school belonging, feelings of social safety and academic performance. School communities (including peers, teachers and parents/carers) face personal biases and have varying levels of understanding of complex factors such as minority stress, cisnormativity, heteronormativity and transphobia/homophobia; these factors can cause LGBTQIA+ people to be vulnerable to higher rates of violence. Research has demonstrated that teachers feel unsupported, ill-equipped and fearful to discuss gender and sexuality at school, or to intervene when sexual or gender-based violence takes place. Consent Labs is seeking to bridge this gap by creating innovative and engaging workshops and digital resources that prevent sexuality and gender-based violence in high school aged young people. In this project, you will explore these key issues, and deliver insights and recommendations which will contribute to the co-design of our new workshops and resources.
Meat and Livestock Australia – Market Growth and Sustainability in the Meat and Livestock Industry
Meat and Livestock Australia’s (MLA) purpose is to foster the long-term prosperity of the Australian red meat and livestock industry by investing in research and marketing activities. Currently, MLA is facing some exciting communication and research challenges and is inviting interdisciplinary student groups to explore topics including growth in niche markets and encouraging sustainability practices amongst producers.
With the movement of people becoming more common globally, niche markets have arisen internationally and domestically. One emerging market segmentation is the halal market. Looking at the next 5 – 10 years, how can the Australian red meat industry communicate, market and supply to these different groups to best capture the growth in halal consumers? Which of these market segments should be prioritised and should they be communicated with differently depending on location and the maturation of the market?
Another challenge within the beef industry is that research indicates that a large proportion of producers exhibit a level of resistance to changing on-farm sustainability practices. Engaging with this resistance to encourage practice change is crucial to enable the industry to demonstrate sustainable action to the public and to meet targets such as CN30. Students are encouraged to develop a series of recommendations for future communications and engagement efforts based on social science and sustainability research.
The University of Sydney – Reimagining Tertiary Education for Graduate Success
New disruptors, such as AI, the gig-economy, automation, and remote working, are creating an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving work landscape. Universities play an integral role in equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to be job ready. However, the range of skills required across diverse career paths and the constantly evolving expectations of industry mean that how universities can best equip students is a complex question. In this project, students critically investigate the fourth year of undergraduate study and consider how it can best meet graduate and employer needs. In interdisciplinary teams, students are encouraged to embrace 'blue-sky' thinking explore and re-imagine a purposeful transition from classroom to career.
In this project students will also have the opportunity to collaborative with and hear from industry experts from Affirmative recruitment, who will provide insight into changing trends in the workforce and various elements that recruiters and companies are looking for in recent graduates.
Timetable
July intensive projects take place over 4 weeks from 24 June till 21 July 2024.
There will only be one class per project. Please consider the project timetable before registering for a project and make sure that you are available for the allocated class times.
All projects are delivered face-to-face on campus unless otherwise stated, please check project descriptions for details.
It will take 7 - 9 days for your personal timetable to reflect your project registration.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm |
| Week 2 | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | Independent study | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm |
| Week 3 | 10 am - 1 pm | 10 am - 4 pm | Independent study | 10 am - 4 pm | 10 am - 4 pm |
| Week 4 | Independent study | Independent study | Independent study | Independent study | Independent study |
Students are expected to contribute a total of 120 - 150 hours of effort towards the intensive unit, which includes 41 hours of scheduled classes plus an additional 79 - 109 hours (20 - 27 hours per week) outside of class times. This will include group meetings scheduled outside class hours and independent research.
Rotary International - The Next Generation of Service
Rotary International is a global humanitarian organisation that was founded in 1905. With over 1.4 million members in over 200 countries, the organisation aims to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, save mothers and children, support education, and grow local economies. Rotary International is a global organisation with members from a diverse range of backgrounds and demographics. However, the majority of its members are typically middle-aged or older professionals, such as business owners, executives, and managers. This is partly because Rotary has a long history and was originally established as a networking and service organisation for business leaders. However, Rotary is now working to attract a more diverse range of members, including younger people, women, and individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. In recent years, Rotary has made efforts to expand its reach and increase the diversity of its membership by implementing programs and initiatives designed to engage younger generations and promote inclusiveness. Despite these efforts, the demographic makeup of Rotary International's membership is still largely determined by its historical roots. Rotary is looking for solutions to broaden its demographics and include more young people. These solutions would need to focus on youth-led initiatives and leverage the power of social media to develop projects that engage, empower and encourage more individuals from diverse backgrounds, including younger people, to become involved and to make positive and sustainable change.
SAGE - Engaging Men in Equity and Inclusion in Australian Higher Education and Research
The Australian higher education and research sector plays a vital role in driving innovation and societal progress. However, deeply rooted barriers hinder the participation of women and marginalised groups in research careers, limiting the sector's potential by restricting the diversity of ideas, knowledge, and perspectives. Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) supports this journey through the internationally recognised Athena Swan Charter accreditation program, which offers a framework to identify and address disparities in the education workforce. One notable challenge facing SAGE is the observed lack of male involvement in Gender Equity and Inclusion (GEDI) initiatives. Consequently, women and people from marginalised groups primarily bear the responsibility for driving progress in this vital area. The question arises: How can we effectively engage men as equal partners in co-designing and implementing GEDI interventions within the Australian higher education and research sector? Your task is to propose professional, sensitive, and inclusive solutions, ideas, and strategies to address the lack of male involvement in GEDI initiatives. Consider approaches that foster genuine collaboration and partnership between men, women and marginalised groups in designing and implementing GEDI interventions. Proposals should aim to elevate male engagement beyond mere allyship, fostering authentic collaboration. Proposals should be feasible while demonstrating creativity, innovation, and sensitivity to the diverse needs of the stakeholders involved.
JLL Australia - Shaping Tomorrow for Sustainable Cities
JLL helps buy, build, occupy and invest in a variety of assets including industrial, commercial, retail, residential and hotel real estate. From tech startups to global firms, our clients span industries including banking, energy, healthcare, law, life sciences, manufacturing, and technology. We see the built environment as a powerful medium with which to change the world for the better. By combining innovative technology and data intelligence with our world-renowned expertise, we’re able to unveil untapped opportunities for success. The past few years have seen the biggest disruptors to cities, in how we live in them and use them. Whilst a time of rapid change can be unsettling it can also be seen as an opportunity to shape the future. In this project student are required to look at how we can shape our cities to be more sustainable- environmentally, socially, and commercially. We will consider potential partnerships in driving progress, to pool resources and capability. JLL will present some considerations and case studies for making cities more environmentally and socially sustainable, clever repurposing of buildings and precincts, and examples of social enterprise where there is money to be made from being socially and environmentally sustainable.
Enfold (India) - Promoting Global Accessibility to Sexuality Education
Please note that this project deals with the topic of sexuality and gender identity. Due to the sensitive nature of this topic some students may find the content in this project to be triggering. If you feel as though you may be triggered by this project, we encourage you to enrol into another one of our projects.
There is a clear global need for gender equity, sexuality, and personal safety education. The UN recognises that effective education on these issues is key to the prevention of gender based and sexual violence against children and adults and to a future of gender sensitivity and gender equity. While there are organisations doing effective work on these issues in many national contexts, programs looking to expand their reach can face cultural, religious, linguistic, and policy barriers. In this project, students are invited to work with Enfold – an organisation working to address sexual violence in India through education, rehabilitation, restorative practices and research – to develop strategies for ensuring young people around the world have access to stigma-free sexuality education that is culturally relevant, restorative, and non-alienating. Students will research how sexual education would need to be adapted to meet the needs of people in different cultural contexts. How can organisations navigate local policy and legislation, educational and healthcare systems, and community and religious attitudes while ensuring that the offering remains comprehensive and inclusive. Students will be invited to: tailor content and interventions that is inclusive of diversity in sexual orientations, gender identities with an intersectional lens; identify innovative and effective mediums for learning and discussing sensitive topics; identify any significant barriers to the translation of existing programs to new contexts and suggest recommendation to implementComprehensive sexual education and personal safety education.
Little Scientists - Fixing the Learning Gap Through Early STEM Education in Australia
Little Scientists is Australia’s only dedicated provider of STEM professional development (PD) to the Early Childhood Education and Care sector. There is very low awareness of early STEM education in Australia and public policy is yet to catch up with scientific consensus recognising STEM education as critical to early childhood development. Both government and non-government interventions to improve students’ participation and success in STEM have focused almost exclusively on tertiary, secondary, and (now increasingly) primary levels of education. However, these efforts are on quicksand without investment in early childhood as the first — and arguably most influential — stage of the STEM learning pipeline. The stark reality is that children in Australia have very limited and inequitable access to evidence-based early STEM education. This is because:
Educators receive very little STEM teaching training as part of their TAFE and university pre-service qualifications.
Educators are not supported to prioritise early STEM teaching professional development once they start working in the field.
Educators and services who do seek STEM professional development are strongly concentrated in the most affluent suburbs of major cities.
In this project, interdisciplinary teams are asked to analyse and develop strategies to address how Little Scientists can increase investment in, prioritisation of, and access to early STEM professional development at the state and territory government level.
DBG Health - Crafting a Diverse and Inclusive Culture at DBG Health
DBG Health, a dynamic player in the health, wellness, and beauty industry, was established in 2023 and is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. Operating globally, DBG Health distributes more than 150 million packages of affordable health, wellness, and beauty products annually. At the core of its success lies VidaCorp, an integral division of DBG Health, leading the way in over-the-counter medications, wellness offerings, personal care, and beauty items. VidaCorp prides itself on its extensive collection of consumer brands, each designed to meet diverse consumer needs across a range of therapeutic categories. In line with its commitment to excellence, DBG Health strives to be an employer of choice, prioritizing the well-being of its employees and fostering their talents. Recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion, DBG Health seeks to promote its brand values effectively to attract and engage a diverse workforce. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, students will explore innovative strategies to enhance DBG Health's employer branding, with a focus on attracting and retaining diverse and inclusive talent.
ARE Media - The Use of Generative AI to Help Scale E-commerce Content and Revenue
The project focuses on leveraging generative AI for scaling e-commerce content creation while mitigating potential penalties from Google's algorithm changes, addressing the complex challenge faced by Are Media, Australia's leading content company, in transitioning to an omnichannel media entity with robust content commerce capabilities. Teams will explore interdisciplinary solutions to ensure scalability of shopping content creation, prepare for evolving search and online shopping trends, and develop staff skills in AI tools. Through a transdisciplinary approach, research will encompass consumer engagement, online transactions, technology adaptation, and fostering innovation. Additionally, scenario planning will be employed to anticipate future industry shifts and their implications.
This project aims to integrate interdisciplinary perspectives and methods, as well as stakeholder knowledge and values, to address the complex and real-world problem of finding better ways of using generative AI for shopping content creation to increase our affiliate revenue. Students are required to devise innovative strategies to propel Are Media's transformation journey in the dynamic media landscape, fostering open-mindedness, curiosity, and adaptability among staff while aligning with the company's five-year strategy for success.
October intensive projects take place over 6 weeks from 16 September till 27 October 2024.
There will only be one class per project. Please consider the project timetable before registering for a project in Sydney Student and make sure that you are available for the allocated class times.
Projects will be delivered as either online or face-to-face on campus and have a 90% attendance requirement.
You will be manually added to the project timetable and it will take 7-9 days for your personal timetable to reflect your project registration.
Students are expected to contribute a total of 120 – 150 hours of effort towards the intensive unit, which includes 41 hours of scheduled classes plus an additional 79 – 109 hours (20 - 27 hours per week) outside of class times. This will include group meetings scheduled outside class hours and independent research.
October Intensives timetable and projects to be released August 2024.
In 2024 we will be delivering ICPU global programs in:
- Padova, Italy in partnership with Padova University
This project is a collaborative project organized by three internationally renowned Universities, i.e. the University of Padua (Italy), the University of Sydney (Australia) and the University of Lausanne (Switzerland). This year’s edition will be hosted by the University of Padua. The project class will be made up of a mix of students from the three above mentioned universities (up to 75 students, 25 from each university). External partners (industries, community-organizations, other stakeholders) will also be involved throughout the project.
- Rethinking food systems for better health and sustainability
Food is central to family, cultural and community identity. It is essential to sustain life and food-related activities, provide income and livelihoods for billions of people on earth. With the continuing rise in global food production and manufacturing to meet increasing demand and the additional impact on ecosystems and climate, there is a pressing need to rethink our food systems. In this project, student teams representing unique mixes of disciplines will explore questions such as: How can we transform food systems so it can meet the changing needs of consumers in a more sustainable way? What role can consumers, producers, manufacturers, industry leaders and government play to achieve ambitious targets? How can we rewrite the narrative of food production and supply to reflect a progressive industry that will engage a diverse future workforce and facilitate a more comprehensive approach to solving complex issues within the sector? Through collaborative research into these areas, students will provide solutions on how we can rethink food systems for better health and sustainability.
Global Intensives are run during the July Intensive session over a 4-week period. Students will spend 2-3 weeks in-country working in a collaborative learning space where you’ll have the opportunity to engage directly with industry partners and take part in relevant site visits and excursions. In the final week of the intensive students are expected to conduct independent study where you'll write up your final assessments through self-directed learning as advised by your project supervisor.
Applications for our 2024 Global ICPUs have now closed. Keep an eye on this webpage for information on our 2025 Global ICPUs from November 2025.
Semester-long projects
Semester 1 projects will commence 22 February 2024. Semester 2 projects will commence 29 July 2024.
Students are expected to attend scheduled class times for 3 hours per week.
2024 semester-long projects will be delivered face-to-face on campus.
In both semester sessions we will be running Science intradisciplinary projects. These projects are only available to students who are enrolled in the shell unit SCPU3001.
If you have any questions, please contact pvceducation.enquiries@sydney.edu.au.
Find out how to enrol in an ICPU.
Timetable
| Industry partner and project | Timetable |
|---|---|
| ACON Improving Health and Wellbeing Outcomes for LGBTQIA Peoples in Western Sydney |
Thursday 9 am - 12 pm |
| Australian Broadcasting Corporation Levelling the Playing Field and Increasing Diversity in Sports Media |
Wednesday 10 am - 1 pm |
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation |
Friday 9 am - 12 pm |
| Australian Science Communicators Rethinking Approaches to Science Communication* |
Tuesday 3 - 6 pm |
| Ernst and Young Australia and The University of Sydney Reimagining Campus Food and Retail Culture |
Friday 9 am - 12 pm |
| Freedom Solutions Clever Solutions Made for Freedom |
Friday 1 - 4 pm |
| Girringun Aboriginal Corporation Listening to Aboriginal Community Voices |
Monday 4 - 7 pm |
| nandin Innovation Centre Startup Challenges |
Friday 9 am - 12 pm |
| National Rugby League Diversifying and Growing NRL Participation in Underrepresented Market |
Monday 2 - 5 pm |
| NSW Department of Education The Ethical use of AI in Early Childhood Education |
Monday 9 am - 12 pm |
| Paratus Clinical Changing Public Attitudes Surrounding Vaccinations |
Tuesday 9 am - 12 pm |
| Powerhouse Museum Creative Industries Collaboration |
Tuesday 12 - 3 pm |
| PTW Architects Building for a Sustainable Future |
Tuesday 11 am - 2 pm |
| Rotary International The Next Generation of Service |
Tuesday 9 am - 12 pm |
| Settlement Services International Enhancing Volunteer Experiences |
Tuesday 9 am - 12 pm |
| TATA India Crafting the Future of Retail Innovation |
Wednesday 3 - 6 pm |
| TerraCycle Increasing Efficiencies Across Recycling Supply Chains |
Monday 12 - 3 pm |
| The Infants Home Valuing Early Childhood Educators |
Wednesday 12 - 3 pm |
| Universities Admissions Centre Reimagining University Admissions for Wider Access to Higher Education |
Wednesday 9 am - 12 pm |
| Westpac Banking Corporation Using Digital Technologies to Improve User Experiences |
Wednesday 9 am - 12 pm |
* SPCU students can enrol into all available projects. This project is only available to students who are enrolled in the shell unit SCPU3001.
ACON – Improving Health and Wellbeing Outcomes for LGBTQIA Peoples in Western Sydney
Greater Western Sydney (GWS) is one of the most culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse, and economically disadvantaged, regions in Australia. Research has demonstrated that LGBTQ+ people living in GWS face disproportionate levels of psychological and physical health issues compared to the broader Australian population. Rates of psychological distress and HIV notifications are of particular concern. We know discrimination and exclusion have negative impacts on health and wellbeing, and this is compounded by intersecting experiences of marginalisation. In this project, students will generate recommendations for effective health and/or policy interventions for LGBTQ+ people living in Greater Western Sydney. This project could be of interest to students with knowledge or interest in: health promotion, community development, policy, public health, cultural difference, diversity and inclusion, or LGBTQ+ histories, experiences and politics.
Timetable: Thursday 9 am - 12 pm
Australian Broadcasting Corporation – Levelling the Playing Field and Increasing Diversity in Sports Media
There are persistent and significant inequalities in sports reporting in Australia. Despite the recent explosion of interest in The Matildas, mainstream media coverage of women’s sport is still dwarfed by men’s sport. There are also inequalities in production: more men are featured as interviewees/experts across all sports coverage, and most journalists working in sports media are men. There is also troubling under-representation of people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD), and Indigenous Australians. ABC Sport’s 50:50 Equality Project wants to achieve equal representation of women and non-binary people’s voices in our stories, and equal coverage of women’s and men’s sport across all platforms (video, audio, social media, text). We also want coverage and a workforce which reflects the diversity of the Australian population, while ensuring we reach a audiences who might not have previously engaged in traditional sports media. In this project, students will be asked to explore the drivers of this persistent inequality and come up with recommendations for practical change.
Students will have the choice, in conjunction with their assigned group, to preference either an online or in-person final group presentation, with a final determination to be made by the Academic Supervisor
Timetable: Wednesday 10 am - 1 pm
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation – Shaping a Greener Future Through Science with Impact
This project is only available to students who are enrolled in the shell unit SCPU3001.
The Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is the home of Australia’s most significant landmark and national infrastructure for research. Thousands of scientists from industry and academia benefit from gaining access to state-of-the-art instruments every year. Currently ANSTO are facing some exciting public education and research challenges and are inviting interdisciplinary student groups to explore the following topics.
ANSTO has a leading role in assessing and characterizing fine particles, specifically PM2.5, across various locations in Australia and globally. PM2.5 particles are invisible to the human eye but can significantly impair visibility. Despite being a health hazard, current air quality guidelines focus solely on mass concentration, disregarding the particles' elemental composition and sources. A prevailing perception issue in Australia regards seemingly "natural" sources of pollution as harmless, necessitating an exploration of public awareness and perceptions. In this project students are asked to focus on areas such as public awareness, education of various particle pollution types, and leverage technologies like elemental analysis for informed pollution mitigation strategies. This holistic approach aims to foster public understanding and promote a cleaner, safer environment.
The food industry is seeking to phase out PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of over 4000 synthetic compounds extensively used in fibre-based food contact packaging. By removing PFAS contamination, it will help to improve the sustainability of Australian packaging and the quality of recycling and composting streams. The challenge lies in how this will be done. This project invites students to explore innovative ways to break down and communicate the complex chemistry of PFAS into something understandable for both non-scientific industry representatives and the general public with the aim to generate awareness of the PFAS problem. Students will look to explore key questions including understanding industries currently using PFAS, their strategies, communicating potential dangers, creating a business case for testing and alternative packaging, and raising public awareness through successful campaigns akin to those addressing CFCs and single-use plastics.
Timetable: Friday 9 am - 12 pm
Australian Science Communicators – Rethinking Approaches to Science Communication
This project is only available to students who are enrolled in the shell unit SCPU3001. Please note that for this project our industry partners are not based in Sydney, so partners will engage with students virtually.
Effective science engagement is crucial for guiding society toward a sustainable future. Traditional approaches like 'science-in-the-pub’ events and scientists engaging with the media have their place, but there is an ever-present need to go beyond these science-popularism outputs. A significant gap exists between scientists, policymakers and the public, in part due to the underutilisation of expert science communication practitioners and researchers. These experts are key in shaping effective public engagement that’s proven to work, and informing decision-making, yet their insights are often overlooked. The Australian Science Communicators, the peak body for science communication in Australia, attempts to bridge this gap. In groups students will explore one of two topics, either a) to develop appreciation for quality science communication by designing and/or implementing strategies to enhance recognition of high-quality science communication among scientists and leaders, exploring innovative tactics to showcase the value of expert science communication practice in shaping public opinion and policy; or b) to advance science communication practice by supporting growth of the evidence base in science communication, via collaborating with science communication practitioners and researchers to share knowledge. By strengthening science communication practices, we aim to ensure more effective dissemination of scientific knowledge and promotion of evidence-based decision-making among leaders. Your contribution to this project will help in shaping a more informed and scientifically democratised society.
Timetable: Tuesday 3 - 6 pm
Ernst and Young Australia and The University of Sydney – Reimagining Campus Food and Retail Culture
Home to over 70,000 students and 8,000 staff, the University of Sydney has responsibility to ensure that its shared spaces and retail offerings support a vibrant and inclusive campus life. The University is currently undertaking an ambitious plan to revitalise the Camperdown/Darlington retail, shared spaces, and food provisions on campus. This updated strategy needs to consider the campus as a place where diverse community groups can work, study, shop and eat. In interdisciplinary groups, students are asked to explore the following topics and provide recommendations to the University of Sydney on how they can revitalise the retail space and food provisions on campus. Students will look at key questions such as how can we create affordable and healthy food options on campus as well as retail facilities that meet the needs of the University’s diverse community groups? How can we create flexible spaces that can be used for quiet study, group work, socialisation, and events? How can the university ensure that it is effectively consulting with students, staff, and business owners in the process? During the project consultants from EY will also help support student learning by providing advice on project management, problem solving and presentation skills.
Timetable: Friday 9 am - 12 pm
Freedom Solutions – Clever Solutions Made for Freedom
Freedom Solutions Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that designs and builds assistive technology solutions for people living with disability across NSW and VIC. We have supported over 50,000 people to live more independent lives and achieve their functional goals thanks to the clever ideas of our dedicated volunteers. Freedom Solutions has faced many obstacles and opportunities in the past couple of years, including a restructure, the COVID-19 pandemic, a complete rebrand and the transition to the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme).This project seeks to propel Freedom Solutions into a new era of service excellence and innovations, particularly focusing on our Freedom Wheels and Unique Solutions service offering. Students are asked to dissect the organisation and make recommendations on how Freedom Solutions can step out of the dark ages and into the fast-paced future environment. Students will explore question such as how can Freedom Solutions differentiate themselves in a crowded landscape, streamline their approach to service delivery, navigate the NDIS landscape to secure funding, optimise resource allocation, and ensure the continuity of essential services.
Timetable: Friday 1 - 4 pm
Girringun Aboriginal Corporation – Listening to Aboriginal Community Voices
This ICPU project will be delivered in partnership with SLIC (Service Learning in Indigenous Communities). For this project students will be working directly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Therefore, students are required to complete an interview process to partake in this ICPU and cannot self-register via Sydney Student. Please read the information carefully on the SLIC website to ensure you understand what is required from participants of this project.
Girringun Aboriginal Community (GAC) was established in 1996 by Elders of its nine Traditional Owner member groups in north Queensland. GAC proudly serves its membership of around 800 Bandjin, Djiru, Girramay, Gugu Badhun, Gulngay, Jirrbal, Nywaigi, Warungnuand Warrgamay people and their families and communities. In this project students will have the opportunity to work with Aboriginal communities in north Queensland with University and Community supervisors and Girringun Aboriginal Corporation (GAC). GAC have identified five priority projects for students to explore. Review of Indigenous Protected Areas Management Plan 2013-2023, Process Unite, Girringun Junior Rangers Program, Wabu-Jananyu GAC-Rainforest Bounty Joint Venture, Implementing the GAC Strategic Communications Plan.
Timetable: Monday 4 - 7 pm
nandin Innovation Centre – Startup Challenges
At nandin, imaginative and inventive minds come together to challenge, design, create and innovate. As ANSTO’s platform for design, innovation, and commercialisation, nandin is at the heart of deep technology innovation, supporting entrepreneurs and SMEs to start, scale and grow their business. The University of Sydney has partnered with three nandin businesses to provide students the opportunity to collaborate directly with founders on real challenges they face in their businesses. In this project students will work in interdisciplinary groups on one of the three topics with nandin startup founders. Areas to explore within this project include wastewater management with startup SVSR, improving online learning and training environments with real-time feedback systems with startup MAS Management Systems and creating a smarter care approach for the future of ageing with startup Crypses.
Timetable: Friday 9 am - 12 pm
National Rugby League – Diversifying and Growing NRL Participation in Underrepresented Market
The challenge facing sports in Australia lies in the imperative to diversify and expand participation within underrepresented markets. The primary objectives are multifaceted, focusing on the identification and engagement of underrepresented cultural groups, notably the Indian, Chinese, and South-East Asian communities. A comprehensive and strategic approach is the needed for inclusion and diversity. Identification and prioritisation of state and territory market opportunities is required on a national scale. Collaborating in interdisciplinary groups students are required to develop strategies for tailored multilingual marketing and communications, as well as program delivery to effectively reach target groups. This entails eliminating barriers to participation and exploring connections between traditional cultural games, integration with the NRL/NRLW premiership and leveraging schools as gateways to communities focusing on the establishment of a specific participant journey tailored to the needs of targeted participants. In addition to these areas, investment or partnership opportunities that drive sustainability can also be explored for long-term success of initiatives aimed at diversifying and expanding participation in underrepresented markets.
Timetable: Monday 2 - 5 pm
NSW Department of Education – The Ethical use of AI in Early Childhood Education
The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has highlighted risks and potential benefits for the education sector and its workforce. Research has been undertaken nationally and internationally in relation to the potential impact of this technology on teaching and learning in schools. To date there is little research unpacking these risks and potential benefits in relation to Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) for teachers and educators, children, and families. The NSW Department of Education would like to explore the impact AI could have on the ECEC workforce, the operation and running of ECEC services across NSW, and the provision of equitable and high quality ECEC, with consideration given to the specific needs of regional, rural, and remote (RRR) communities. We would like to explore whether there is a role for AI in supporting high quality pedagogy and practice in ECEC settings to achieve positive learning and development outcomes for all children, including unpacking the ethical and potential legal implications of using AI technology. To what extent can AI support administrative functions, to potentially reduce administrative burden and burnout for the ECEC workforce? Is there an effective role AI can play in the development and/or delivery of educational programs (including the preschool program)? What are the risks and potential benefits of using AI technology in assessment for and of learning, as outlined in the Early Years Learning Framework? Groups are encouraged to focus on a specific aspect of this complex problem as needed to deliver core insights.
Timetable: Monday 9 am - 12 pm
Paratus Clinical – Changing Public Attitudes Surrounding Vaccinations
The Thalidomide Scandal, considered the largest man-made medical disaster, highlighted the importance of rigorous safeguards and protocols in clinical trials. However, these crucial processes were mostly forgotten until COVID-19 brought them back to public attention. This renewed awareness of medical research offers hope, as mRNA technology shows promise in not only preventing future pandemics but also treating chronic diseases and cancers. Nevertheless, this heightened awareness has also led to increased fear and mistrust among the public, resulting in vaccine hesitancy and scepticism towards rapidly implemented new medical technologies. In this project, students will work to understand the current medical research market, evaluating public understanding of how medicines/vaccines are tested/approved and review the effectiveness of current recruitment tactics of patients for trials. In interdisciplinary groups, students will look to solve some of the current challenges that the clinical trials industry faces, including gaining public trust and recruiting patients for trials. Discovering the trend/s in public attitudes in regard to vaccination, will help enable the Healthcare industry to understand the current situation and predict future trends and evaluate the potential impact on vaccine research in Australia.
Timetable: Tuesday 9 - 12 pm
Powerhouse Museum – Creative Industries Collaboration
The renewal of the Powerhouse marks a major shift in how Sydney thinks about itself, its culture and its communities. The Powerhouse will establish a new paradigm for museums through the creation of an institution that is innately flexible. It will be a place designed to constantly evolve in response to the needs of its growing communities. Imagine cultural infrastructure that amplifies with clarity our stories, that sustains opportunities, that give us space to sit with difficult conversations, creating stories, and places and experiences so compelling that they force us to raise our eyes from the screen and step outside all of the constraints that we carry with us – even for a moment. In interdisciplinary students are asked to explore and develop recommendations for how the Powerhouse might establish a new paradigm for museums. Students will look to answer questions such as how can institutions develop meaningful relationships and initiatives to support local creative industries? What institution are currently doing this well? How can the Powerhouse provide opportunities for participation and collaboration with diverse established and emerging creative industries? How can the Powerhouse support cultural development and production through residency-style programs?
Timetable: Tuesday 12 - 3 pm
PTW Architects – Building for a Sustainable Future
Our world is changing. Much of our built environment was created to suit historical times and is now in need of renewal and revitalization. We have an opportunity to adapt existing, underutilised environments to suit current and contemporary needs. How do we make the most of the opportunity to reinvent the places and spaces in which we live, work, transact and socialise, in ways that respond to modern human needs, but are also sustainable? This project invites students to find areas ripe for change – empty car parks, abandoned office buildings, redundant industrial areas, disused land and propose how these environments can be transformed to contribute to sustainable and smart cities of the future. Working in groups to leverage your diverse perspectives, you may choose to explore local, regional, or global shifts in urban living, working to understand the different needs of the stakeholders (community groups, governments, businesses, etc.) that shape the evolving needs of the city. Collaborating in interdisciplinary groups students can identify the most pressing environmental challenges in an urban context or consider technological advancements that bring us closer to harmonious solutions for a sustainable future.
Students will have the choice, in conjunction with their assigned group, to preference either an online or in-person final group presentation, with a final determination to be made by the Academic Supervisor
Timetable: Tuesday 11 am - 2 pm
Rotary International – The Next Generation of Service
Rotary International is a global humanitarian organisation that was founded in 1905. With over 1.4 million members in over 200 countries, the organisation aims to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, save mothers and children, support education, and grow local economies. Rotary International is a global organisation with members from a diverse range of backgrounds and demographics. However, the majority of its members are typically middle-aged or older professionals, such as business owners, executives, and managers. This is partly due to the fact that Rotary has a long history and was originally established as a networking and service organisation for business leaders. However, Rotary is now working to attract a more diverse range of members, including younger people, women, and individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. In recent years, Rotary has made efforts to expand its reach and increase the diversity of its membership by implementing programs and initiatives designed to engage younger generations and promote inclusiveness. Despite these efforts, the demographic makeup of Rotary International's membership is still largely determined by its historical roots. Rotary is looking for solutions to broaden its demographics and include more young people. These solutions would need to focus on youth-led initiatives and leverage the power of social media in order to develop projects that engage and empower young people to become involved and to make change.
Timetable: Tuesday 9 am - 12 pm
Settlement Services International – Enhancing Volunteer Experiences
In the evolving landscape of community service, volunteerism plays a critical role. Settlement Services International (SSI), a national not-for-profit organization delivers settlement support, disability programs, community engagement initiatives, and training and employment pathways. Volunteers play a fundamental role in making these programs and services accessible to community and allow SSI to extend its reach and impact. However, the effective supervision of volunteers (which includes university and TAFE students) demands significant resources, relying heavily on direct oversight, hindering scalability. Interdisciplinary teams of ICPU students have a unique opportunity to reimagine this process, addressing issues such as inconsistent communication channels, unclear task assignments, and a lack of real-time progress tracking. How can technology be harnessed to enhance the volunteer supervision process? What communication strategies can bridge gaps and foster a cohesive and engaged volunteer and student community? In what ways can performance monitoring tools be utilized to ensure accountability and efficiency? How can the volunteer experience be leveraged for student employability? Students’ challenge is to create a solution that empowers volunteers to work autonomously, instilling a sense of ownership and accountability. Embrace diverse skill sets in technology, communication, social science and management to craft an innovative and sustainable solution that enhances the overall SSI volunteer experience.
Timetable: Tuesday 9 am - 12 pm
TATA India – Crafting the Future of Retail Innovation
Please note that for this project our industry partners are based in India, so partners will engage with students virtually.
Competition in the retail industry is fierce and dynamic, driven by ever-evolving consumer preferences, technological advancement and demand for real value-added services. Croma, a prominent electronics retail chain under the Tata Group in India, is looking for creative and innovative solutions to gain edge over its competitors locally and internationally. Croma has significantly increased its footprint with more than 440 stores in around 120+ cities in India, in addition to a strong online presence through croma.com. Croma offers over 22,000 products across 550+ brands through its stores spread in numerous major cities of India.
Focusing on the changes in consumer behaviour, popularity of e-commerce and value-added services, Croma aims to move beyond conventional offerings by addressing specific consumer needs across various product categories, including household appliances and personal electronics. In interdisciplinary student groups are asked to explore critical questions and propose interesting recommendations and ideas on creating awareness about services offered pre and post purchase, identifying and introducing new approaches and strategies that extend beyond traditional value-added services and develop an engaging digital promotion strategy aligned with modern consumer behaviour.
Timetable: Wednesday 3 - 6 pm
TerraCycle – Increasing Efficiencies Across Recycling Supply Chains
TerraCycle engages freight and courier services to collect and transport waste streams from every state of Australia, including from islands like Flinders and Norfolk, and remote health care clinics in the Northern Territory. At present the waste is transported to our Material Recovery Facilities, which are located in Melbourne Victoria. Once the pallets and boxes arrive at these facilities the contents are decanted, visually inspected and any contamination is manually removed. Waste streams are amalgamated and warehoused at these facilities to build to an agreed minimum threshold to ensure an efficient recycling processing run. Once these thresholds are reached the material is transported to processing facilities where it can be recycled. These facilities are located in every state of Australia, usually in industrial zones on the outskirts of major cities. In the context of rising oil prices, wages and increasing demand for transport services, how could TerraCycle improve the efficiency of this network, while maintaining national coverage? In interdisciplinary groups students will need to consider how TerraCycle can continue to provide their services nationwide, but also minimise their environmental impacts and carbon emissions. Students are asked to explore areas such as alternative supply chain structures and emerging transport technologies.
Timetable: Monday 12 - 3 pm
The Infants Home – Valuing Early Childhood Educators
The Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector has been faced with unprecedented workforce shortages throughout the pandemic and post pandemic period. A national survey in 2022 by the peak body, Early Childhood Australia, of over 700 educators across the country identified that educators are feeling under pressure, burn out and that they are underpaid and undervalued. A recent report by the United Workers Union identified that feeling undervalued was one of the top three reasons that educators are choosing to leave the sector. These sector wide issues are being felt within The Infants’ Home on a day-to-day basis. The staff turnover rates that had historically been low compared to the sector average jumped significantly since 2020 and have continued to rise. Our annual staff survey has identified that educators within our organisation are being negatively impacted by this turnover due to the inconsistencies within their staff teams. Additionally, they are seeking recognition for their work and looking for a focus on wellbeing initiatives that support work/life balance. However, due to the highly regulated nature of ECEC, the typical initiatives that support a positive work/life balance such as opportunities to work from home and have flexible hours are virtually inaccessible for educators. In this project, students will work in interdisciplinary groups to explore innovative approaches and identify organisational level initiatives targeted to educators to provide recognition, show their work is valued and provide work/life balance.
Timetable: Wednesday 12 - 3 pm
Universities Admissions Centre – Reimagining University Admissions for Wider Access to Higher Education
Currently university admission is predominantly a numbers game and the personal attributes of an applicant, critical thinking, digital literacy, problem solving etc., are generally inferred from academic qualifications rather than specifically assessed as part of admissions. However, there is now a strong push for universities to admit students on broader criteria, while still ensuring that students are well prepared academically for university study. In this project, students may wish to consider how the current ATAR-based admission system works and how the key characteristics and attributes can be improved. Exploration of alternative models and frameworks used in other countries may be useful in determining the aspects of the current system that are worth retaining. Students are encouraged to propose new models including whether any new technologies can be leveraged to improve outcomes. Students must consider the implications of any recommended changes to the equitable allocation of university places, ensuring no group is significantly advantaged or disadvantaged.
Timetable: Wednesday 9 am - 12 pm
Westpac Banking Corporation – Using Digital Technologies to Improve User Experiences
Westpac is Australia’s oldest bank and company; they provide a broad range of banking and financial services. Westpac is focused on helping Australians succeed, ensuring customers can save and invest with confidence. Helping with the financial needs of small businesses, multi-national corporates, institutional and government clients, Westpac puts customers at the centre of everything they do. Westpac want to ensure the experiences for their customers and staff are quick and effortless, using technology to improve productivity, whilst focussing on user experience. In this project you will work in mixed disciplinary groups to explore solutions that take advantage of ways in which digital technologies can be used to deliver superior personalised services for customers or staff, to help put customers in control of their finances and to better understand and anticipate customer or staff needs. At the end of the project, you will pitch an innovative idea to help Westpac improve productivity or the experience of customers or staff in their branches, contact centres, corporate offices or in digital channels.
Timetable: Wednesday 9 am - 12 pm
Semester 2 projects to be released June 2024.
Last updated: 01 May 2024
