Title: Westpac Fellowship Pitch Rehearsal and Workshop

Speaker: Dr Louise La Sala & Dr Kylie Soanes

Dr Louise La Sala & Dr Kylie Soanes from the University of Melbourne will pitch their research as finalists for the Westpac Research Fellowship.

Learn the art of pitching by witnessing it in action and experiencing live feedback. Don’t miss Louise and Kylie’s compelling research pitch to industry and academic leaders. Gain invaluable insights to enhance your own future pitches.

Louise and Kylie are the two University of Melbourne finalists for the Westpac Research Fellowship. After a rigorous selection process at the University of Melbourne, Louise and Kylie will be going to Sydney in December to pitch themselves and their research projects to a panel of industry and academic leaders. They will also complete a range of other Assessment Centre tasks with the panel and Westpac Scholars. Louise and Kylie will be competing against six other finalists—two each from the University of Sydney, University of Queensland, and the Australian National University. In 2024, only two people will be chosen as Westpac Fellows. If awarded, they will receive three years of flexible salary funding, over $100,000 for research project costs and $30,000 for professional development costs. They will also become part of the Westpac 100 Scholars Network which will provide them with strong networks across industry, government and academia.

The three-minute pitch to the Westpac Panel is a key part of their assessment. They will need to convince a diverse panel of industry and academic leaders that they are future leaders and their proposed project must be funded. Their pitch to OPTIMA members and associates will be an important preparation and training opportunity for Louise and Kylie, and will facilitate two-way exchange of knowledge and peer support.

If you are interested in how to prepare a pitch come and watch it in action. There will be an opportunity at the end to discuss your projects and the first steps to developing your pitch.

Registration essential: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/3s98
Wednesday 20 November 2024 | 16:00 – 17:00 (Please arrive 15mins early to get settle in) | Melbourne Connect