Canberra welcomes four global conferences this spring
Canberra is set to become a hub of international insight this October and November 2025, as the city hosts four major conferences spanning space science, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and healthcare. Expected to draw more than 1,200 leading thinkers, practitioners, and innovators from around the world, the events will give a substantial lift to the capital’s visitor economy and research ecosystem.
Scientific Detector Workshop kicks off the season
The schedule opens this month with the Scientific Detector Workshop, organized by the ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics and held at Mount Stromlo and the ANU Research School of Physics building. A highlight of the programme is a public lecture and stargazing event featuring Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt, offering attendees a unique bridge between cutting-edge science and public engagement.
AGig for digital innovation: ACII and ICMI
Canberra will also host two prominent digital-technology conferences. The International Conference on Affective Computing and Intelligent Interaction (ACII) will explore Socially Responsible Affective Computing, focusing on systems designed to recognise, interpret, and simulate human emotions. The event will culminate with a gala dinner at the National Gallery of Australia, blending high-level research with cultural experience.
Following ACII, the 27th International Conference on Multimodal Interaction (ICMI) will bring together global leaders in artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction research. ICMI will provide a platform for researchers and practitioners to exchange ideas on how people and machines can interact more naturally and effectively, aligning with Canberra’s growing profile as a center for innovation in technology and design.
November spotlight: healthcare and inclusive innovation
In November, the International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare shifts the focus to medicine and patient care. This gathering will unite health leaders from around the world to explore innovations in patient safety and inclusive healthcare. Sessions will emphasize climate resilience, Indigenous knowledge, equity, and leadership—key components for lasting system-wide impact in global health.
How these events fit Canberra’s knowledge economy
The Canberra Convention Bureau played a pivotal role in securing these conferences, underscoring the city’s strengths in research, education, and industry collaboration. By aligning with growth sectors such as space science, AI and HCI, and healthcare, these events support Canberra’s strategy to strengthen the knowledge economy and attract high-value collaboration, talent, and investment.
What attendees can expect
For participants, the spring slate offers networking with international peers, access to top-tier research, and opportunities to showcase local expertise. For Canberra, the conferences promise measurable benefits—from hotel occupancy and tourism to partnerships that advance science policy and clinical practice. The city’s venues, universities, museums, and research institutes provide a vibrant backdrop for knowledge exchange and innovation.
