Macquarie Law School HDR Annual Conference Highlights Graduate Research Scholarship!

On 1 September, Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) students, came together with academics, and industry experts for the annual Macquarie Law School HDR ‘Future Shaping Research’ Conference. This conference provides a platform for emerging scholars pursuing a research degree to showcase their cutting-edge findings to their peers, academics and industry professionals.

Professor Simon Handley, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Graduate Research, delivered a welcome address, which emphasised that the true legacy of distinctive research is its enduring impact on both the present and the future. Twelve HDR students then presented on an array of research topics including the legal rights of rivers, green hydrogen, ecovoltics, intellectual property litigation, the rights of women in Afghanistan, fisheries law and AI in medical devices. Twelve industry and academic experts also provided valuable commentary for each presentation, offering important insights and feedback for students.

Awards for ‘Best Presenter’ and ‘Best Commentator’ were also presented during the conference. The Best Presenter award, generously sponsored by leading Australian law firm Clayton Utz, went to Asanka Edirisinghe for her engaging presentation on the case for legal personhood of Sri Lankan rivers. Dr Emma Carmody, Director of Legal and Partnerships of Restore Blue and one of Australia's leading water law lawyers, won the award for best commentator.

Want to learn more? The Macquarie Law School Annual HDR Conference report can be accessed here.

Congratulations to all the HDR presenters and commentators who participated in our impactful and engaging conference!