Culturally and Linguistically Diverse HDR Engagement Forum

The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) HDR Engagement Forum is a welcoming and inclusive social space for higher degree by research (HDR) students and staff of CALD backgrounds at UQ.

The forum is a safe, respectful and collaborative environment that sustains the wellbeing and academic development of CALD HDR students and supports and promotes community engagement and leadership skills.

The forum aims to:

• support CALD HDR students' integration into the UQ community, promote a sense of belonging and raise cultural awareness
• ensure inclusive workplace practices, enhance employability and promote wellbeing
• establish UQ’s first Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Framework for HDR students from CALD backgrounds.

Forum focus areas for 2026 and 2027

The forum delivers a vibrant, year‑round program. In 2026 and 2027, our activities include:

• workshops focused on research skills, academic development and navigating the HDR journey
• symposia that showcase CALD HDR research, challenges and innovations
• regular wellbeing check‑ins to foster belonging and provide peer‑supported care
• cultural connection events celebrating diversity and strengthening community networks
• training on cultural intelligence and diversity in research to build inclusive and culturally aware research practices
• career coaching sessions supporting employability, confidence and leadership development
• co‑designed discussions with HDR candidates and advisors to collaboratively shape the CALD HDR EDI Framework.