Find out how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to improve productivity and reduce risks across multiple sectors at the University’s latest Innovation Series event.

AI Innovation to Impact will be held on Wednesday 22 July at the Eagleworks Innovation Centre, Melbourne Campus (Bundoora). This event brings together industry leaders and La Trobe researchers and students to explore innovative applications of artificial intelligence across agriculture, energy, facilities management and digital technologies. 

This special event will also mark the launch of La Trobe University’s Artificial Intelligence Institute, showcasing the University’s commitment to advancing AI in research, education, industry collaboration and delivering real-world impact.

You’ll gain insights into emerging AI capabilities, including AI agents, digital twins and predictive modelling and how these technologies are being applied to improve productivity, performance, planning, compliance and risk management across multiple sectors.

Featured topics

AI Smart Irrigation: Translating University Research into Sustainable Agriculture Impact

• Presented by Kamyar Karimi (Lead Software Engineer, Aglantis) and Dr Kang Han (Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Cisco-La Trobe Centre for AI and Internet of Things)
• Learn how La Trobe and Aglantis partnered to commercialise Australia’s first AI-driven smart irrigation system, delivering measurable reductions in water use, fuel consumption, labour requirements, emissions and nutrient runoff. This is a 2026 Financial Review AI Award-winning collaboration. 

AI Agents and Workplace Productivity

• Presented by Sam Saltis (CEO, Core dna) and Dr Shalinka Jayatilleke (Senior Lecturer in AI and Analytics)
• Explore how AI agents are being deployed to automate knowledge work, improve productivity, reduce administrative burden and reshape workflows.

Forecasting Electrically Caused Ground Fire Incidents and At-Risk Days

• Presented by Jessie Nghiem (Data Science Lead, Energy Safe Victoria) and Professor Damminda Alahakoon (Founding Director, Centre for Data Analytics and Cognition)
• Discover how predictive AI modelling is being used to forecast electrically caused ground fires and support risk mitigation across energy networks.

AI-Powered Digital Twins for Business Decision-making

• Presented by Pat Donato (CEO, Cirka) and Dr Nishan Mills (Senior Lecturer, AI and Analytics)
• Learn how AI-powered digital twins are supporting precision costing, workforce planning, service optimisation, compliance monitoring and sustainability outcomes.

What to expect

• Presentations from industry leaders and La Trobe researchers
• Insights into successful university-industry partnerships
• Interactive discussions on real-world AI challenges and opportunities
• Networking with researchers, academics and industry professionals
• Soft launch of La Trobe University’s Artificial Intelligence Institute.

The Industry Innovation Series showcases pioneering research, industry insights and partnership opportunities across key sectors including agriculture, health and wellbeing, biotechnology and digital innovation. The series is designed to support industry professionals, researchers, students, and academics seeking to drive innovation and create meaningful impact.

Event details

AI Innovation to Impact

Date: Wednesday 22 July
Time: 5.00 pm to 7.30 pm (including networking)
Venue: Eagleworks Innovation Centre (Level 2, Jenny Graves Building, Melbourne Campus)
Format: In-person
Cost: Free
Register: Via Eventbrite

For more information about La Trobe Industry initiatives and upcoming events, visit the La Trobe Industry page.

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La Trobe Sport will be hosting World Cup Watch Parties at the Club House for students on select days during the tournament.

Come on down and watch the world’s biggest sporting event on your study break whilst enjoying free refreshments, snacks and event activations courtesy of La Trobe Sport.

We will also be hosting the Socceroos’ final group stage game against Paraguay on Friday 26 June at 12:00pm. So bring your best green and gold kit on the day to go into the draw to win a prize.

Check out the list of World Cup Watch Parties at the Club House below:

Wednesday 17 June: Argentina vs Algeria (11:00am)
Tuesday 23 June (Double Header!): Norway vs Senegal (10:00am), Jordan vs Algeria (1:00pm)
Friday 26 June: Australia vs Paraguay (12:00pm)

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Applications are now open for Peer Learning Advisor (PLA) roles at our Bendigo and Melbourne (City) campuses.

As a PLA, you’ll work with Library Learning Services to provide academic support to students online and on campus, including one-on-one, small group and workshop support.

These paid casual roles are suited to high-achieving students who have strong communication skills and a desire to help others, with an expected time commitment of 3–8 hours during semester.

Applications close Friday 26 June.

For eligibility details and to apply, head to the link below.

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Following the close of electronic ballots for the election of a postgraduate student member to the La Trobe University Council, Srinidhi Nayak, a Master of Biotechnology Management student has been declared elected to Council of La Trobe University.

The term runs from 29 May 2026 to 31 December 2026.

Thank you for your participation and interest in the student election to Council. For full results of the Council election, please visit the Council Elections webpage. 

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The Student Communications Advisory Group will give you a genuine voice in how information is shared across the university. The group will run from July 2026 to June 2027 and will bring together students from a range of backgrounds, courses and study modes to help inform how key messages are delivered to students.

Your insights will help improve the way students receive information and ensure communications are clear, useful and relevant.

As part of this group you’ll also have the opportunity to develop skills and experience that will look great on your resume and support your future career.

Who should apply?

Students from all campuses, courses and study levels are welcome to register their interest in this voluntary role. You’re encouraged to apply if you:

• Are interested in improving the student experience
• Enjoy sharing ideas and considering perspectives beyond your own
• Represent diverse backgrounds, identities, study modes or life experiences
• Can commit to a one-hour training session (via Zoom) and attending 3-4 (typically online) meetings per year

Why get involved?

Joining the Student Communications Advisory Group is a chance to:

• Influence how we communicate with students
• Share feedback that leads to real change
• Build skills in communication, collaboration and advocacy 
• Receive a Certificate of Completion and recognition towards the Career Ready Advantage Award
• Add a meaningful experience to your resume

Register your interest by completing the Expression of Interest form. Shortlisted students will be contacted with further steps.

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Funded through the VicHealth Vaping Prevention Collective Impact 2.0 Grants program, the Hackathon brings together students from Deakin University, Monash University, La Trobe University, Australian Catholic University, Federation University and the University of Melbourne.

Participants will form multidisciplinary teams of six students, with one representative from each university to support cross-institutional collaboration and diverse perspectives. The winning team will receive an intensive two-week internship to bring their idea to life, working with stakeholders to refine, develop and support implementation of their solution across university campuses.

There are 20 places available for La Trobe students from all disciplines, and each selected student will receive a $50 Prezzee gift voucher to help with travel costs to attend the in-person event.

Applications close Thursday 30 July 2026.

Eligibility

To be eligible to join this program, you must:

• be a currently enrolled student at La Trobe University
• continue to be a current student during the internship phase, from December 2026 to February 2027
• have the necessary work rights to take part in the full-time internship at the University, if you progress to the internship stage

The program is open to both international and domestic students of all disciplines.

Key dates

Applications

Applications open: Monday 15 June 2026
Applications close: Thursday 30 July 2026

Program dates

Hackathon kick-off event: Wednesday 26 August 2026, 11 am – 1 pm, online
Hackathon Day: Wednesday 23 September 2026, all day, in person at the University of Melbourne, Parkville
Solution design submissions due: Wednesday 7 October 2026
Winning team announcement: Friday 23 October 2026

Internship dates

Internship dates will be confirmed with the winning team and will take place between December 2026 and February 2027.

By participating, you will:

• develop a range of experience and skills while working in a dynamic team
• learn to develop a proposal and pitch your ideas to real industry professionals
• collaborate with students across degrees and disciplines from other universities across Victoria
• gain experience that can go towards your Career Ready Advantage Award

How it works

Have any questions?

If you have any questions about the application process or how the program works, email stacey.bracksleyogrady@latrobe.edu.au.

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Here’s why postgrad at La Trobe might be the next step you’ve been looking for…

1. You can design study to fit around your life

La Trobe’s flexible study model lets you tailor your uni experience to suit you. From on-campus to online study (or a mix of both!), we want postgrad studies to fit around your life – not the other way around.

To help with this, we offer a variety of flexible study modes, research projects and study loads that you can choose from. Living far away from campus or busy working a 9 to 5 job? You might want to explore the 100% online courses offer by La Trobe Online.

2. Your salary could get a serious boost

A postgrad degree under your belt can really help to set you apart from the crowd when you enter the workforce. Diversifying your skill set can open you up to more opportunities with seriously competitive salaries.

 La Trobe is in the top 3 in Victoria for postgraduate employment, and the median salary paid to postgraduate coursework graduates sits at $102,500.¹

3. There are more Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) than ever before!

We want you to focus on studies, not fees. That’s why we currently offer more Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) across our postgraduate courses than ever before, which means the Australian Government pays part of your university fees. 

We also have a range of postgraduate scholarships available to support you during your studies. Plus, if you’re an existing or past La Trobe student, our Alumni Advantage could mean you’re eligible for a 10% reduction on your next course.

4. You can increase your opportunities for full-time employment

If you’re a jobseeker with a postgraduate degree, you’re more likely to get work in your desired field that those with a Bachelor’s degree alone. In fact, La Trobe postgrads are highly employable, with 93.7 per cent² of our domestic graduates finding full-time work.

5. You can diversify or specialise – the choice is yours

With a variety of courses to suit everyone, postgrad is the perfect way to either expand your field of knowledge or specialise in an area you’re passionate about.

Looking for a career change or something different after your undergrad? Postgraduate degrees can help you reskill in a new field, from teaching to health, business or law. Looking to hone your skills in a specific area? An Honours year or Master’s degree is the ideal opportunity to dive deep into your passions and open the door to more advanced roles in your field.

Studying a postgraduate course at La Trobe also gives you the opportunity to participate in work integrated learning – allowing you to rub shoulders with CEOs, STEM scientists, journalists, legal practitioners or anyone else who inspires you!

Ready to take the next step?

With so many good reasons to start your postgraduate degree, now’s the time to look at your options and take your career to the next level…

Want more information? Join one of our live and on-demand webinars or book a one-on-one consultation today.

_References:
^{1. Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT), 2024, 2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey – Longitudinal}

^{2. Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT), 2024, 2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey – Longitudinal}

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As a founding partner of IFFM, La Trobe University has supported the festival for more than 16 years—helping build one of the largest celebrations of Indian cinema outside India and creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage with the global film industry.

What is IFFM?

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is Australia’s premier showcase of Indian cinema, bringing together filmmakers, actors and audiences from across the world. The 2026 festival will run from 13–23 August 2026, featuring a diverse program of screenings, industry events and cultural celebrations.

This year’s festival promises an exciting program of events, including:

• High-profile celebrity appearances and international guests
• Industry panels and conversations
• Cultural celebrations and community events
• A continued partnership with La Trobe University, including special events and student engagement opportunities

Why you should get involved

The IFFM Short Film Competition provides a unique opportunity to:

• Showcase your work on an international stage
• Gain recognition alongside emerging and established filmmakers
• Build your portfolio and connect with industry professionals
• Contribute to a festival celebrating culture, diversity and storytelling

La Trobe students have a strong track record of participating in IFFM through placements, media coverage and festival programming – making this a natural next step for aspiring filmmakers

How to enter the competition?

This year’s competition invites filmmakers to explore the theme “Empathy”—encouraging stories that reflect compassion, connection and shared human experiences.

Key details:

• Film length: Up to 15 minutes
• Eligibility: Films produced between June 2025 and June 2026
• Theme: Empathy – stories of kindness, resilience, conflict and understanding
• Submission deadline: 30 June 2026

The post Lights, Camera, Opportunity: Enter the IFFM Short Film Competition 2026 appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

This year’s theme focuses on guys looking after themselves with the ‘see a GP’ campaign.
Thus highlighting the importance of seeking support and looking after our physical, mental and
emotional wellbeing.

Check out the Australian Men’s Health Foundation (AMHF) to find out more: About – Men’s Health
Week. The AMF also have a great resource Know your man facts – AMHF –
Australian Men’s Health Forum with toolkits to support your physical and mental health. Take a look
for yourself or share it with some of the important men in your life.

Men’s Wellbeing here at La Trobe

The Men’s Health & Wellbeing service provides dedicated support and information for the men of La
Trobe. This includes counselling tailored specifically to men’s needs and experiences, with a focus on
creating a relaxed, confidential space, centred on you and what you want to achieve.

For more information or to organise a counselling session, check out our section on men’s health and wellbeing.

Happy Men’s Health Week!

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Try some of the below tips to see if you can take control of your worries, and if not, there is always free support available to you at the Health and Wellbeing Resource Centre. Reach out to have a chat with our Student Wellbeing Advisors for short and long-term support.

1. Put your worries into perspective

While worries are sometimes valid, they can feel difficult to cope, especially in stressful times like the lead up to exams and final assignments.

It might be helpful though, to ‘get out of your own head’ and look at it from another perspective. Keep your eye on the bigger picture and know that one fail or low grade isn’t going to derail your plan. There are always options to re-take or re-do courses, or other pathways to get to where you want.

2. Manage your caffeine intake

A little bit of caffeine can be helpful for an extra boost, but too much can actually damage our memory retention and ability to sleep. So control your intake of coffee or Red Bull just so you can continue to cram all day and night!

3. Get enough sleep

In addition to reducing caffeine, make sure you’re getting enough shut-eye. Sleep replenishes your energy and helps you retain the information you’ve learned during the day. It also plays an important part in regulating our emotions and makes us better able to concentrate during the day.

Reach Out – Tips on how to get a good night’s sleep

4. Get active!

Exercising may seem difficult to do when you’re stressed, but work-outs are proven to help with stress and anxiety. So even if you don’t feel like it, take a gentle walk, do some stretching, play with your dog or whatever you can just to get your heart rate up and blood flowing. Aren’t you feeling calmer already?!

5. Take enough breaks

Make sure you take short, quality breaks every hour of study. This will help you remain on task. Studying for hours on end can cause you to lose concentration. Taking regular breaks can help us recharge and be more productive. It’s not the time you study, it is the quality of your hours.

6. Schedule time for things you enjoy

All work and no play makes everyone dull. Make sure you continue doing the things you enjoy outside of study. Chat with your friends, work-out or watch that latest Netflix show (within reason!). Try and give your brain a break so you can stay active, energised and happy. This will help you feel refreshed when you come back to study.

7. Remember, not all stress is bad

In some cases, when we need to get something done, a little bit of stress can be the push we need to get moving. It can make you more alert and motivate you to study when you need to or get your mind ready for an exam. The trick is to know when it is too much stress.

If you’re losing control of a situation, or you’re doing things to help the stress and it isn’t going away, then you might need some support. Reach out to the Health and Wellbeing Resource Centre to discuss options for short and long-term support! That’s what we’re there for!?

All the best for your upcoming exams!

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