AAIR Events

Coffee, Conversation and Collaboration

22 July 2026 (12–1 pm AEST / 2–3pm NZST)

Online

LIVE WEBINAAIR

Facilitator: David Cawthorne, Manager Government Reporting Transformation at Charles Darwin University

As members of AAIR, the work we do each day can sometimes be quite different from that of our colleagues within our institutions. An AAIR Virtual Networking event gives us the chance to come together and discuss the issues that matter to us professionally.

This is a freeform networking session without a particular theme. To get the most from the event, bring along your brags and baggage – your successes, challenges, questions, and ideas – and share them with others who do work like yours.

We get the most from AAIR when we share.

What to expect:

• frank and open discussion about our shared challenges
• stronger connections with peers across Australasia
• practical insights from peers across institutions
• opportunities to ask questions and exchange ideas
• a platform to discuss what works best for AAIR membership with a direct line to the Executive Committee

Pricing:

• Members: FREE
• Non-members: $75.74 (AUD$65 + GST + booking fee)

THIS IS A LIVE WEBINAAIR. A RECORDING WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE.

Beyond Surveys: Reimagining Institutional Newsletters with BlueX

23 July 2026 (12–1pm AEST / 2–3pm NZST)

Online

LIVE WEBINAAIR

Presenters:

• Arjoman Chatterji, Senior Solutions Engineer at Explorance
• Alexander Civil, AAIR Newsletter Editor

What if your survey tool could do so much more?

In this showcase webinar, you’ll see how Explorance BlueX is transforming the way institutional research teams create dynamic content that informs, engages, and invites contribution. Take a behind-the-scenes look at how the latest edition of the AAIR Newsletter was built entirely within BlueX. Offering a fresh perspective and a look into what is possible beyond the survey.

In this session:

• Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the AAIR Newsletter was built in BlueX
• Explore the interactive features in the latest edition of the AAIR newsletter
• See firsthand why BlueX is an accessible and intuitive tool for all kinds of use cases

Pricing:

• Members: FREE
• Non-members: $75.74 (AUD$65 + GST + booking fee)

THIS IS A LIVE WEBINAAIR. A RECORDING WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE.

AAIR Live Interview: Institutional Research Journeys with AAIR Member Rintaro Ohno

27 July 2026 (12–1pm AEST / 2–3pm NZST)

Online

LIVE WEBINAAIR

🎤 Host: Eva Seidel (AAIR President), Associate Director, Research Engagement and Success at Flinders University, Australia
🎙 Guest: Rintaro Ohno (AAIR Member), Associate Professor in the Strategic Planning Office at Tohoku University, Japan

Join AAIR President Eva Seidel for another engaging instalment of our Institutional Research Journeys interview series, featuring Rintaro Ohno, Senior Assistant Professor in the Strategic Planning Office at Tohoku University, Japan.

Rintaro has built an impressive career at the intersection of institutional research, strategic planning, data analytics and university management. His work focuses on using evidence to support institutional decision-making, improve organisational performance and strengthen higher education policy and practice.

During this live conversation, Eva will explore Rintaro’s professional journey, how institutional research has evolved in Japan, the opportunities and challenges facing the profession, and the role of international collaboration in advancing institutional effectiveness.

Whether you are new to institutional research or an experienced practitioner, this session offers a unique opportunity to hear from an internationally recognised leader and gain insights into IR from a global perspective.

What you’ll hear about:

• Rintaro’s journey into institutional research
• The development of IR in Japan
• Strategic planning and evidence-informed decision making
• International perspectives on higher education analytics
• Career advice for emerging institutional researchers
• Audience Q&A

Why attend?

AAIR’s Institutional Research Journeys series provides an opportunity to hear the personal stories behind some of the profession’s leading practitioners.

Rather than a formal presentation, this relaxed interview explores career pathways, lessons learned, challenges overcome and ideas shaping the future of institutional research. It is a chance to connect with colleagues, broaden your perspective and be inspired by experiences from across the international IR community.

About the speakers

Eva Seidel – Interviewer

Eva Seidel is President of the Australasian Association for Institutional Research (AAIR) and an experienced higher education leader with extensive expertise in institutional research, planning, business intelligence and student success. Eva is passionate about building a connected IR community and supporting professional development across Australasia.

Rintaro Ohno – Guest

Rintaro Ohno is a Senior Assistant Professor in the Strategic Planning Office at Tohoku University, Japan. His work focuses on institutional research, strategic planning, organisational analysis and evidence-informed university management. He has contributed extensively to the development of IR practice in Japan and has been an active participant in international institutional research collaborations, bringing a global perspective to the use of data for strategic decision making.

Pricing:

• Members: FREE
• Non-members: $75.74 (AUD$65 + GST + booking fee)

THIS IS A LIVE WEBINAAIR. A RECORDING WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE.

AAIR Forum 2026

25–27 November 2026

Albany, New Zealand

See You in Aotearoa!

We’re excited to share that the 2026 AAIR Forum will be hosted at the beautiful Sir Neil Waters building at Massey University’s Albany campus in Auckland, New Zealand.

The AAIR Forum brings together professionals from across Australasia working in institutional research, planning, analytics, business intelligence, quality, strategy and higher education data to connect, learn and share ideas in a supportive and collaborative environment.

We are currently finalising the program, themes and event details, and we look forward to sharing more information soon. In the meantime, we encourage you to save the date and start planning to join colleagues from across the sector for what promises to be an engaging and inspiring event.

The 2026 Forum will provide valuable opportunities to:

• connect with peers across Australasia
• explore emerging trends and challenges in higher education
• share practical insights and case studies
• strengthen professional networks and capability

Call for abstracts

The 2026 AAIR Forum will invite abstracts across a range of key themes, including thought leadership, data-informed decision making, load planning, benchmarking, surveys, reporting, and analytics.

Presentation formats will include:

• 40-minute oral presentations or workshops
• 15-minute quick round presentations

Registration fees snapshot

Presenters will receive a registration discount, with authors of accepted 40-minute presentations eligible for $50 off their Forum registration.

We are also pleased to welcome Explorance as our Platinum Sponsor for the 2026 AAIR Forum.

Further information and submission details will be released soon, with the call for abstracts and registration opening shortly.