The RD Watt Building, the home of the Sydney Policy Lab

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Space for collaboration

Where people build relationships and solve complex problems together

The Lab shares it space to nurture ideas, support collaboration and host the conversations that matter most

The Policy Lab’s spaces in the RD Watt Building at the University of Sydney’s Camperdown Campus are designed to facilitate community-led policy development and the collaborative work it requires.

From people’s commissions and policy roundtables to addresses from cabinet ministers and conferences, our space has hosted all kinds of events – not to mention countless workshops, brainstorms and training sessions. We are proud it is a place where people gather with curiosity to build relationships and solve complex problems together.

A group of people in discussion around a table in the Policy Lab's collaborative space

A person speaking at a table steeples their fingers in thought

A man in a red shirt speaks passionately to the room

Someone holds a large sheet of brainstorming paper as they speak

This space is available free of charge to community groups and University colleagues whose work aligns with the Lab approach. We invite you to email us to make a booking.

About the space

Capacity for 90 people theatre-style and 60 seated at tables. Flexible layout with 16 movable tables.
In-built projector and screen with on-site PC and connections for laptops. PA system, wireless microphones and infra-red assistive listening system.
Lectern, pinboards and mobile whiteboard.
Breakout space suitable for registration, catering and group activities.
Restrooms and kitchenette with a fridge.
Guest Wi-Fi.

Accessibility

The Sydney Policy Lab is committed to ensuring our spaces are safe, accessible and enjoyable for all.

The RD Watt building is fully accessible for people who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids and service animals are welcome. Enter via the rear door of the RD Watt Building, near the entrance to the Social Sciences Building. Our meeting and events space is equipped with PA and assistive listening systems. If you have any other access requirements for hosting an inclusive and accessible event, please do let us know when booking the space.

Making a booking

We accept bookings from community groups and University colleagues whose work aligns with the Lab approach. Please email us to enquire about booking the space.

Getting to the Lab

Our space for collaboration is on the ground floor of the RD Watt Building at the University of Sydney's Camperdown campus. Find out more about getting to the Lab.

Portrait of Sydney Exhibition

In 2019 and 2023, the Lab commissioned local and international photographers to capture the diversity of everyday life across Sydney. They took portraits and documented scenes from festivals, public transport, museums, libraries, universities, parks, urban gardens, community centres, eateries, streets and other places of gathering.

View highlights below and visit the Lab to see the full exhibition throughout our building.

Photographers

Tim Fennis is an Amsterdam-based photographer, specialising in portrait and street photography. He thoroughly enjoys meeting people from all walks of life and capturing their portraits, whether in his studio or a chance encounter. Tim is always trying to tell a story through his images, wherever in the world he may be.

Grace Sui studied English literature in China and arrived in Sydney in 2004. She sought belonging under a wide, blue sky through writing and photography. Grace is fascinated by the way everyday light and shadows are cast upon urban life and landscapes. Her work features in venues across Sydney, and she has been published and exhibited in publications and galleries from Parramatta to New York to Shenzhen, China.