Canberra’s Spring of Global Learning
Canberra is set to become a bustling hub of international ideas this spring as the city hosts four major conferences spanning space science, artificial intelligence, human–computer interaction, and healthcare. From late October through November 2025, more than 1,200 leading thinkers, researchers, and practitioners will converge on the nation’s capital, injecting momentum into the local knowledge economy and research ecosystem.
Space Science Kickoff: Scientific Detector Workshop
The season opens with the Scientific Detector Workshop, hosted by the Australian National University (ANU) Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Mount Stromlo and the ANU Research School of Physics. This event shines a light on detector technology, data analysis, and instrumentation for astronomy and astrophysics. A standout feature is a public lecture and stargazing session led by Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt, providing an accessible moment for the public to engage with cutting-edge science and the researchers who propel it forward.
AI and Human–Computer Interaction: ACII and ICMI 2025
As autumn deepens, Canberra will host two marquee digital technology conferences. First, the International Conference on Affective Computing and Intelligent Interaction (ACII) will explore Socially Responsible Affective Computing—the design of systems that recognize, interpret, and simulate human emotions in ethical, user-centered ways. ACII will feature a gala dinner at the National Gallery of Australia, blending scientific exchange with cultural appreciation as leaders discuss how AI can augment human experience without compromising values.
Shortly after ACII, the 27th International Conference on Multimodal Interaction (ICMI 2025) brings together global leaders in artificial intelligence and human interaction research. ICMI provides a platform for researchers and practitioners to share advances in combining multiple modalities—speech, text, vision, and sensor data—to create more intuitive and capable human–machine interfaces. Canberra’s research community and conference facilities will support meaningful collaboration and cross-pollination among disciplines and industries.
Healthcare Innovation: International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare
November shifts the focus to medicine with the International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare. This event gathers health leaders from around the world to discuss innovations in patient safety and inclusive care. A key emphasis will be on integrating climate considerations, Indigenous knowledge, and equity into leadership strategies for lasting, system-wide improvements. Attendees will exchange practical models for improving care quality while addressing the social determinants of health in diverse communities.
Impact for Canberra and Beyond
The Canberra Convention Bureau played a pivotal role in securing these conferences, highlighting how the events align with the city’s knowledge economy and growth sectors. Hosting multiple international conferences within a few weeks strengthens regional research networks, fosters talent exchange, and boosts the visitor economy through hotel stays, dining, and cultural experiences. Local universities, research institutes, and industry partners also benefit from greater collaboration opportunities, joint projects, and enhanced visibility on the global stage.
What Delegates and the City Stand to Gain
For attendees, the spring lineup offers high-level discourse across science, technology, and healthcare, complemented by Canberra’s renowned research infrastructure and accessible yet vibrant city life. For the city, the conferences provide knowledge spillovers, investment interest, and a platform to showcase Australian innovation to an international audience. The collaboration atmosphere helps nurture Canberra’s role as a national hub for science, technology, and evidence-based policy development.
