THETA consistently features a line-up of visionary speakers and thought-provoking presentations that paint the big picture on emerging trends and the future landscape in the intelligent use of information technology in higher education and research.
Meet our Keynote Speakers. Plus more to come!
Dr Craig Challen SC OAM
Dr Craig Challen is an Australian veterinarian, businessman, adventurer, pilot and cave diver.
In July 2018 he participated in the Tham Luang cave rescue in northern Thailand, and was awarded the Star of Courage and jointly named 2019 Australians of the Year.
Gry Stene
Gry Stene is not just a voice in technology; she is a visionary force driving transformative change across the tech landscape. With over 30 years of experience as a pioneer and leader, Gry, affectionately known as the Tech Whisperer, has been at the forefront of digital innovation and inclusive culture development.
Marek Kowalkiewicz
Marek Kowalkiewicz is a Professor and Chair in Digital Economy at QUT Business School and is listed among the Top 100 Global Thought Leaders in AI by thinkers360.
Jill Benn
Jill Benn is an accomplished higher education leader based in Perth, Western Australia. Jill is proudly connected to her Noongar Ballardong heritage.
Sisonke Msimang
Sisonke Msimang is the author of Always Another Country: A memoir of Exile and Home. She is a South African writer, living in Perth, whose work focuses on gender, race, social justice and democracy.
Professor Simon Ellingsen
Professor Simon Ellingsen’s research has focused on the study of how the largest stars form, the structure of the Milky Way and recently, how astronomical infrastructure can be utilised to support the Australian space industry, particular space domain awareness and spacecraft communications.
Professor Barney Glover
Professor Glover is a distinguished academic leader, an accomplished mathematician and
mathematics educator with significant experience in developing strong relationships with the
vocational education sector. Professor Barney Glover AO began his five-year term as Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia in 2024.
Meet our Master of Ceremonies
Gina White
Gina White has led technology-enabled business transformation for over 25 years across various industries including Education, Energy, Finance, Retail and Telecommunications.
Present at THETA 2025
THETA serves as an exciting forum to showcase ideas, research and best practice, gain new ways of thinking and collaborate with like-minded contemporaries.
Shape the higher education technology agenda by presenting at THETA 2025.
THETA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands where we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of all First Nations people.