Celebrating 10 years, the Australian Fatherhood Research Symposium is an annual opportunity for researchers to build and consolidate collaborations with other researchers and practitioners who work with fathers.
Hosted by Deakin University, AFRS features keynote presentations, networking, and snapshot summaries that showcase research and father-inclusive programs from around Australia.
The symposium is organised by the Australian Fatherhood Research Consortium, which seeks to advance the science of fatherhood; inform practice and policy that supports men and their families; and, promote healthy inclusion of fathers in family life.
The 2025 symposium will be a hybrid event held at Deakin Downtown (Melbourne) and Online via Zoom.
Day 1: May 1st - Keynote speaker Professor Brenda Volling (US), invited speaker Professor Anna Tarrant (UK), and research presentations.
Day 2: May 2nd - Reflection on the history of the AFRS by Associate Professor Richard Fletcher (AUS), keynote panel and research presentations.
Both researchers and organisations are invited to submit abstracts summarising proposed or completed research, applied programs, or organisation descriptions. Accepted presentations and posters will be shared by presenters in-person or via zoom screen share.
Abstract submissions close on 9 December 2024.
Keynote speaker Professor Brenda Volling
Brenda Volling is a developmental psychologist and the Lois Wladis Hoffman Collegiate Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on early social and emotional development with infants, toddlers and preschoolers, parent-child interaction, and family relationships, with a special interest in fathers. She works mostly with young fathers during the perinatal period and the transition to fatherhood and studies men’s mental health, father-child relationships, and coparenting.
