Overview & Registration
OzGrav is delighted to announce that the 2025 Early-Career Researcher (ECR) Workshop and Annual Retreat will be held in Melbourne, Victoria, at the Pullman | Mercure Melbourne Albert Park hotel complex.
**Please note these events are only open to OzGrav members and invited guests**
Early Career Researcher (ECR) Workshop
Date: Monday 24 & Tuesday 25 November 2025
Where: Pullman Melbourne Albert Park
Start Time: 24 November @ 9:30 am End time: 25 November @ 5 pm (AEST).
*Some of the programs can be streamed for those who cannot attend in person
The OzGrav Early Career Researcher (ECR) Workshop is open to OzGrav PhD, Masters-by-research and Honours students and Postdoctoral researchers. It is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow OzGrav students/ECRs. The workshop will consist of interactive sessions, networking opportunities and team building activities.
Chief Investigators & Program Scientists Meeting
Date: 25 November 2025
Where: Pullman Melbourne Albert Park
Start time 9:30am End time 5pm (AEST)
Annual Retreat
Date: 26, 27 & 28 November 2025
Where: Pullman Melbourne Albert Park, 65 Queens Road, Melbourne VIC 3004
Start time: 26 November @ 9 am End time: 28 November @ 4:30 pm (AEST)
*Some of the programs can be streamed for those who cannot attend in person
The Annual Retreat will feature a mix of interactive sessions, scientific talks, keynote presentations, and professional development workshops, along with plenty of opportunities for networking and getting to know your OzGrav colleagues.
The Annual Retreat is open to OzGrav Postdocs, PhD students, Masters-by-research and Honours students, Chief Investigators, Partner Investigators, OzGrav-funded Professional and Technical Staff, members of the OzGrav Scientific and Governance Advisory Boards, and other guests by invitation. If you are another category of OzGrav member (such as an Associate Investigator, Affiliate, or undergraduate student) who is keen to attend the retreat, please contact your supervisor or node leader.
We look forward to seeing you all there!
Order your Annual Retreat Merch
As every year, we offer merch to commemorate our Annual Retreat. Click below to order your OzGrav T-shirt for 2025.
Accommodation
Location: Pullman | Mercure Melbourne Albert Park Hotel Complex
Dates: Rooms available from Sunday 23 November to Friday 28 November
A group booking has been arranged at the Pullman Mercure Albert Park hotel. Accommodation will be booked centrally, so please include your dates and specific requirements in the registration form. All workshop and retreat sessions are in the same hotel complex, so you’ll be only a lift ride away from the meeting rooms.
Check-in time: 2:00pm
Check out time: 11:00am
Luggage can be stored at the hotel upon check-out.
If you need to change or amend your accommodation after registering, please email OzGrav HQ at ozgrav@swin.edu.au.
Accompanying family members
Family members, partners, and children are welcome to attend the event. OzGrav will cover accommodation costs and meals for children.
Please note that any additional expenses related to a partner’s participation in breakfasts, meals, dinners, or social activities will not be covered. The hotel may charge up to $38.00 per night for a second guest in the room to include breakfast.
Room Incidentals
Upon check-in, the hotel requires a security pre-authorisation of $50.00 per room from a credit card or a $100.00 cash deposit per room, per night from all guests.
Accessible accommodation
The Pullman Mercure hotel has accessible rooms available upon request. If you require an accessible room or you have any specific requirements for your accommodation, please include this in your registration form. Alternatively, you can contact Diana Haikal dhaikal@swin.edu.au or our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist, Lauren Carter to discuss your requirements further laurencarter@swin.edu.au.
Reception Entrance:
- The rotating entrance door can be stopped and opened for anyone requiring it.
- Alternatively, there is a standard entrance located to the right-hand side of the rotating door.
- The lobby area has tiled and carpeted surfaces.
- The lifts are accessible to all levels of the hotel.
Curbside Access:
- Curbside access is available in front of the hotel, directly from the road.
Dining:
- Windows Restaurant – Located on the ground floor to the right of the lobby, just past the Espresso Café and overlooking Albert Park Lake. An open-plan, single-level space with carpet flooring where guests can drop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner without a reservation.
- Mortimer’s Lounge – Adjacent to the hotel lobby, this casual bar-lounge offers light snacks, cocktails and local wines throughout the day and evening.
- Espresso Café – Also on the lobby level, serving barista coffee and French-style pastries—ideal for quick breaks between sessions.
- Please note that these are not designated areas for our group and are open to all hotel guests.
Accessible Rooms:
- Accessible rooms are available upon request, and images of these rooms are available above.
- These rooms include accessible bathrooms.
Logistical Information
Flights
Flights will need to be arranged by each attendee in accordance with their own institution. Flight costs will need to be paid by each node. Please contact your node leader or administrator to confirm the best way to book your flights.
To maximise attendance by our PhD students, OzGrav will centrally provide a subsidy of up to $400 per PhD student travelling from interstate to help cover flights and transportation. Each node can invoice OzGrav Headquarters for the relevant amount.
If you are an invited affiliate or guest of OzGrav and not involved with one of our nodes, please contact Ariadna Hernandez at ahernandez@swin.edu.au if you require any assistance in arranging your flights.
Transport
Transport to and from the airport should be arranged by attendees.
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Airport transfers: Melbourne Airport ↔ Albert Park – SkyBus (Southern Cross Station) plus tram #12 or rideshare/taxi (~35 min off-peak).
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Local transport: Routes 3/64 and 67 trams stop a short walk from the hotel; the St Kilda Rd bike path runs past the venue for the pedal-inclined.
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Getting around – Myki smartcard
Melbourne’s trains, trams and buses all use the Myki smart-ticketing system (a plastic card or Android “Mobile Myki”). Until the new tap-and-go bank-card system is fully rolled out in 2026, you’ll still need a Myki for everyday travel. theguardian.comheraldsun.com.au
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Where to buy / top-up – $6 for a blank card at 7-Eleven stores, major stations, Myki machines (including Melbourne Airport SkyBus stop) and some hotel concierges. Load either Myki Money (pay-as-you-go) or a short Myki Pass online, at machines or via the PTV app.
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Helpful links: ptv.vic.gov.au/myki (journey planner, fare calculator) and the free PTV mobile app for real-time service updates.
Accessible Transport option
We can arrange a maxi taxi or Uber to and from the Retreat and Workshop venue to support any attendees unable to commute via public transport or walk.
Meals
A full buffet breakfast at the Windows Restaurant is included with all OzGrav group rooms at the Pullman | Mercure Melbourne Albert Park. Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea are also provided on all meeting days. Evening meals are normally at participants’ own expense except for the OzGrav conference dinner on Wednesday 26 November, which is covered. Check the program for any additional dinners or social activities that may also be included.
Conference Dinner
A conference dinner will take place on Wednesday 26 November, 6 pm – 9 pm in the Grand Ballroom at Pullman Melbourne Albert Park (no travel required). Our retreats are family-friendly, so partners and children are welcome. Children’s meals are covered by OzGrav; a partner/guest ticket is A$125.
After dinner, feel free to keep the fun going with:
- a night stroll around Albert Park Lake
- impromptu karaoke in the hotel’s private room
- board-games at Mortimer’s Lounge
- or a quick escape to one of the nearby pubs/bars in St Kilda or South Melbourne.
Childcare
Childcare can be arranged. Please indicate in your registration if you require childcare and we will liaise directly with you regarding options available.
Carer and Equity Assistance
We also take this opportunity to remind you that OzGrav has a Carer’s Grant open to all members, for more information, please click here.
Accessibilty and support
Dedicated Quiet Space/Sensory Room
A quiet space/sensory room is available at the Pullman Mercure Albert Park hotel for attendees to utilise. The room is located on level 1, directly above the lobby. Look for room M3 with the Quiet Space/Sensory Room sign.
Venue and accessibility details
The Pullman | Mercure Albert Park Hotel
Entrance
- Step-free access is available at the hotel entrance, which features a drop-off point with a dropped curb.
- A clear path leads from the outdoor entrance to the indoor foyer.
Parking
- Valet parking is available at $40.00 per vehicle per night.
- Self-parking is available at $20.00 per day.
Conference Venue (State Ballroom – Level 1)
- Access the State Ballroom via the hotel lifts.
- The venue is step-free, with carpeted floors and ample space for attendees.
- The entrance features a double-door entry, and a registration table will be in the lobby area.
- Casual seating is available in the Lobby for attendees’ use.
Additional Information
- All tables in the cabaret-style seating will have clear visibility of the stage and screens.
- A floor plan of the venue is available for reference, including the locations of lifts and bathrooms.
Parenting Room:
- A parenting room is available for use on Level 1 of the Pullman Hotel – Meeting Room 10
Bathrooms:
- Restrooms, including an accessible bathroom, are available on Level 1 and the ground floor.
3-Minute Lightning Talks
3-Minute Lightning Talks
As part of the Annual Retreat program, we will be hosting 3-minute lightning talks.
- All OzGrav members are welcome to present.
- Talks will be 3 minutes long, though this may be shortened depending on the number of submissions.
Call for Exhibitors: OzGrav Trade Show (aka “Show and Tell”)
As part of our Annual Retreat, we will host a dedicated one-hour session where groups can present exhibitor tables or posters. The OzGrav Trade Show is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your project, connect with OzGrav members, and explore collaboration opportunities. Whether you’re promoting a project for members to join, looking to host node visits, or planning a Busy Week within OzGrav, this event is an ideal platform to engage with and strengthen our vibrant research community.
To become an exhibitor, please submit your application using the form below. We look forward to seeing you at the OzGrav Trade Show!
OZGRAV TRADE SHOW APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Call for Project Ideas: Brainstorming/Collaboration/Small Group Sessions
We invite you to propose ideas for a brainstorming/collaboration/small group session. During this time, we’ll hold multiple parallel sessions where different teams can brainstorm and collaborate on targeted projects.
Brainstorming Session Applications Now Open
Early Career Researcher (ECR) Workshop Program
Annual Retreat Program
Preliminary program below, with further details to be added in the coming weeks.
Social Activities
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Welcome Reception – Sunday 23 Nov, 6 pm, Lake Room (Pullman Level 1)
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Morning Yoga by the Lake – 24–28 Nov, 7 am
- Morning jog around the Lake – 24-28 Nov, meet in Pullman lobby at 7 am
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Outreach Ambassadors Social Evening – Monday 24 Nov (details TBA)
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ECR Social Evening – Monday 24 Nov (details TBA)
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Conference Dinner – Wednesday 26 Nov, 6:30pm, Grand Ballroom (Pullman Level 1)
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Trivia Night – Thursday 27 Nov, 5:30pm, State Room (Mercure side, Level 1)
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Board & Card-Game Lounge – available all day, every day in our Digital Detox Space – level 1 Room M2 above the lobby.
Family-friendly options (Melbourne Zoo, St Kilda Pier penguins, NGV) and running routes around Albert Park Lake will be highlighted in the program booklet.
Code of Conduct
We ask attendees to read and adhere to the the OzGrav Events code of conduct policy that outlines behaviour that will not be tolerated. In particular:
- Behave professionally. Harassment and sexist, racist, or exclusionary comments or jokes are not appropriate. Harassment includes sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, sexual attention or innuendo, deliberate intimidation, stalking, and photography or recording of an individual without consent. It also includes offensive comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race or religion.
- All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds.
- Participants asked to stop any inappropriate behaviour are expected to comply immediately. Attendees violating these rules may be asked to leave the event at the sole discretion of the organisers without a refund of any charge.
- You are welcome to engage with this event and your colleagues through social media, provided that your communications are respectful, appropriate for a professional audience, and adhere to the Code of Conduct. If you have questions or criticisms about a colleague’s research or presentation, we strongly encourage you to communicate that directly to your colleague rather than via social media. We also encourage you to only post things on social media about other people, which you would be comfortable saying to them in person.