DrWeiwei Cong

The Autex Research Journal is published by De Gruyter on behalf of the Association of Universities for Textiles (AUTEX).

Selected as one of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE) Early and Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) representatives, sponsored to attend Science Meets Parliament 2026 in Canberra. Through the program, I developed a greater understanding of parliamentary processes, science policy, and media engagement, while sharing my research with Members of Parliament and other decision-makers. This experience strengthened my ability to build relationships with policymakers and advocate for evidence-based research to inform public policy and community outcomes.

Industry Engagement

Participated in the TEDxDeakin event, supporting Deakin colleagues as they presented their research in an engaging and accessible format. The event provided an opportunity to engage with the University community and develop a deeper understanding of effective research communication and storytelling to enhance public engagement and research impact.

Attended the Deakin Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Final to encourage and celebrate participating researchers from across the University, particularly suniya Tariq from our research group. The event provided an opportunity to engage with the broader Deakin research community, support our HDR students, and appreciate diverse approaches to communicating research through concise presentations and effective visual storytelling. It also enhanced my understanding of impactful research communication and the importance of sharing research outcomes with wider audiences.

Participated in the MotoGP public engagement event, working with colleagues to demonstrate motorcycle protective gear testing by comparing different levels of protection and explaining evidence-based gear selection to the public. The event enhanced public awareness of rider safety, provided valuable opportunities to engage with diverse stakeholders, and offered insights into common public questions and concerns to inform future research and outreach activities.

Contributed to coordinating cultural celebration activities at the Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM), including organising lion dance rehearsals, coordinating food service, assisting with venue decoration, and supporting event delivery. These activities fostered an inclusive and engaging cultural environment, strengthening community connections within IFM and across the broader Deakin community.

As a Guest Speaker invited to share the insights and experience of ON Prime with a new cohort ON Prime 18 - Melbourne A

Participated in the CSIRO ON Prime program as the lead of the Motorcycle Safety team, undertaking intensive training in stakeholder engagement, customer discovery, commercialisation, and innovation. The program enhanced my ability to engage effectively with industry, government, and research organisations, and strengthened my leadership in translating research into practical outcomes.

Completed the industry engagement masterclass organised by School of IT, covering ARC, CRC and industry funding, partnership development, proposal writing, measurable outcomes, stakeholder engagement, and practical strategies to strengthen research translation, collaboration, and funding competitiveness.

Completed the Deakin REACH Trek Program, comprising four online workshops and a final showcase held alongside the Deakin Research end-of-year event. The program strengthened my skills in industry engagement, research pitching, and communicating research value, while the showcase enhanced my visibility within the Deakin research community and expanded opportunities for collaboration.

Have participated in the Deakin Mentoring Program annually, engaging with experienced mentors across the University to seek guidance on career development, leadership growth, and professional opportunities. The program has provided valuable opportunities to broaden my understanding of the wider Deakin community, strengthen professional networks, and enhance my career planning.