The 1^st Master of Research (MRes) Milestone Presentation Conference in 2025 held on 12 March was a dynamic event that showcased the skills and progress of Higher Education Leadership Institute’s (HELI) Higher Degree Research (HDR) Candidates. The goal of the event was to confirm the candidates’ readiness to begin their research projects, submit their ethics applications and begin data collection. The Conference’s Panel Members provided the candidates feedback on their research designs and ethical considerations.

With a total of 31 Milestone One Presentations, the research work exhibited during the Conference spanned across an impressive mix of disciplines, covering topics such as Education, Engineering, Social Inclusion and Finance. Some of the topics discussed during the event were ‘Prevalence of Depression Among International Students in Melbourne, Australia’, ‘Role of AI in the Healthcare Sector’, ‘Evaluating Bank Performance Using the CAMELS Framework’ and ‘Harnessing Natural Hydrogen: Opportunities and Advantages for Sustainable Energy’. A few of the Research Supervisors were also in attendance to support the HDR Candidates, including Dr Jahangir Alam, Dr Rakesh Khanal (virtual), Dr Mohamed Khalifa (virtual), Dr Sujak Bakir and Dr John Read.

Additionally, a dedicated Library and Learning Support Session on academic writing skills was incorporated into the program, further supporting the academic growth of HELI’s HDR community.

Best Presentation Awards

The Best Presentation Awards wrapped up the Conference on a high note by recognising the outstanding HDR candidates who have demonstrated excellent presentations, clear research design and a strong ability to communicate complex ideas. Congratulations to the awardees!

• Manjinder Kaur (Winner), ‘Evaluating Bank Performance Using the CAMELS Framework’

  Research Supervisors: Associate Professor Beulah Moses and Dr Mohammed Al-Zobbi

• Pritika Shivani Lata (Winner), ‘Teachers’ Perceptions of Effective Strategies for Enhancing Autistic Students’ Semantic Skills in Special Primary Schools in Melbourne, Australia’

  Research Supervisors: Professor Mary Cruickshank and Dr Aryani Wrastari

• Rajat Kumar (Runner-up), ‘Coming Out and Mental Health: Exploring Transitions, Social Influences, and Supportive Resources for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults in Melbourne’

  Research Supervisors: Dr Fizza Sabir and Dr Sylvester Okeke

The Institute thanks Associate Professor Michelle Cavaleri, Associate Professor Ahmad Saedisomeolia, Dr Fizza Sabir, Professor Mary Cruickshank, Dr Ahmad Kaleem, Dr Parvesh Saini, Dr Sommala Sisombat, Dr Eva Dakich and Dr Ming Juan Ding who have generously given their time to be part of the Conference Panel, and students Andres Usme and Edwin Garcia who also contributed to the evaluation discussions.