Researchers and practitioners from across Australia will gather for the National Symposium on Unifying Anti-Racist Research and Action later this month.

The event will focus on addressing systemic racism and its effects on communities locally and globally.

Hosted by the QUT Carumba Institute, the symposium will run on 23-24 January 2025 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in Magandjin (Brisbane).

It aims to build collaboration between research and practice in combating institutional racism.

Executive Director of the Carumba Institute, Professor Chelsea Watego, said the symposium is critical, particularly as the impacts of racism continue to worsen globally despite growing commitments to eliminating it.

"The failure to eliminate racism is not necessarily due to a lack of aspiration but rather a failure of strategy and resourcing," Professor Watego said.

"This inaugural symposium, ahead of Invasion Day, aims to coordinate a national anti-racism agenda that acknowledges racism as systemic, institutional, and cultural, operating across power dynamics."

Professor Watego also emphasised the interconnected nature of various forms of racism, including anti-Indigenous racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and anti-Blackness, and the need for adaptable and comprehensive strategies to address them.

Key speakers at the symposium include QUT Representatives; Professor Chelsea Watego, Dr David Singh, Dr Amy McQuire, Dr Raylene Nixon, Kevin Yow Yeh and Dr Helena Kajlich.

External presenters include; Senator Lidia Thorpe, Professor Ghassan Hage, Professor Greg Phillips, Professor Eddie Cubillo, Professor Fethi Mansouri, Associate Professor Crystal McKinnon, Associate Professor Donna Cormack, Dr Liz Strakosh, Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah, Dr Jordana Silverstein, Dr Sara Saleh and Dr Leanne Betasamosake Simpson.

The event will feature discussions, debates, and research presentations aimed at developing effective anti-racist strategies.

"While we come together in shared anti-racist struggle, the symposium centres Indigenous knowledges and resistance," Professor Watego said.

"Magandjin is a fitting location given its legacy of anti-racist leadership through the 'Brisbane Blacks'.

"This gathering offers an opportunity to pool expertise to challenge racism in its various forms and strengthen global efforts toward racial justice."

QUT invites academics, practitioners, students, and the public to attend and participate in this event.

Tickets are available now for the National Symposium on Unifying Anti-Racist Research and Action, held on 23-24 January 2025.