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This year we celebrated the 5th anniversary of Thesis Fest, a flagship event of the Curtin University Library and one that is dedicated to supporting Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students. It is designed to strengthen research skills, support wellbeing, and help students move forwards towards completing their thesis with confidence and success. With a record-breaking attendance of 100 students in-person on day one and over 50 online, Thesis Fest 2025 was our biggest and most vibrant event yet.
The event featured an exciting line-up of guest speakers, including Curtin’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Inger Mewburn, the renowned Thesis Whisperer, and Dr Vikki Wright the inspiring PhD Life Coach. We also heard from two Curtin Professors who shared candid reflections on their personal research journeys, including what they wish they’d known during their own PhDs, offering valuable insights and encouragement. A panel of recently completed HDR students also shared strategies especially around staying motivated, maintaining wellbeing, and staying on track to completion.
Across two days, students explored a wide range of topics such as publishing, presentation skills, thesis by publication formats, creating smarter habits, approaches to note-taking, and how to be your own best supervisor. Importantly, the event also provided a valuable space for HDR students to connect with peers, form research collaborations, and build friendships, adding value to a journey that can often feel isolating. Many students left feeling inspired and encouraged by the sense of community and shared experiences.
Student feedback from this year’s Thesis Fest has been overwhelmingly positive. One student wrote “Thank you for such a wonderful Thesis Fest. It was encouraging to see that everyone has their own challenges, and even more reassuring to know that University, especially the amazing Library Team, is always there to support us.” Another student remarked, “After this event I feel so much more connected to Curtin and the HDR challenge,” while others praised the event as “the best run event I have attended at Curtin” and declared, “This is my third Thesis Fest and it is a winner every time!”
Thesis Fest provides a holistic experience for HDR students, that includes not just practical skills and strategies, but also opportunities to connect with peers, inspiration, and fun. Across the two fully catered days, students enjoyed celebration morning teas, delicious lunches, and plenty of opportunities to engage, from networking bingo to a graduation gown photo booth to capture the moment with new friends. There were fabulous show bags, an interactive online event guide, makerspace activities, and raffle prizes that included the Vice Chancellor’s favourite book, How to Fix Your Academic Writing Trouble. Whether you’re just starting your HDR journey or inching towards the finish line, Thesis Fest brings together all these elements which is what makes it our signature event for HDR students.
Written by Research Engagement Librarians Jaya Ralph & Kitty Delaney
