The University Global Partnership Network (UGPN) is a consortium dedicated to collaborative research and scholarly exchange. UGPN members include NC State, the Universidade de São Paulo (USP), the University of Surrey (UoS) and the University of Wollongong (UOW). 

The 2027 UGPN conference, hosted by the University of Wollongong, will convene researchers under the guiding theme of Harnessing AI for Human Health and Safety. Conference panels, workshops and networking events will create unique opportunities for advancing research collaborations among faculty and building multi-institutional project teams for the 2027 UGPN Research Collaboration Fund.

Conference Venue and Dates

Conference Location: University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus (Wollongong, Australia)
Recommended Hotel: Novotel North Wollongong (walking distance to venue)

• Sunday, March 13: Arrival, conference check-in and welcome reception
• Monday, March 14: Keynote and workshops; tours of UoW facilities and research infrastructure
• Tuesday, March 15: Workshops and conference dinner
• Wednesday, March 16: Workshops and plenary (conference ends at approximately 2:00 p.m.)

Registration: There is no registration fee for the conference. Please check this page for additional updates and a future link to the conference registration form.

Participants are responsible for their own transportation, accommodation and other travel expenses.

Conference Goals & Theme

The 2027 UGPN Conference will engage participants in forward-looking, multidisciplinary research areas that leverage AI to address pressing challenges in human health, safety and security. Participants will have dedicated time throughout the conference to discuss and develop collaborative research projects. Participants from all disciplines are welcome. Thematic of priorities include:

1. Advances in Human Health and Societal Well-Being: Cutting-edge approaches that integrate AI into healthcare systems, public health infrastructure and individual care delivery. Priorities include projects that examine AI applications in public health, healthy aging, assistive technologies and preventative and personalized care.
2. Innovations in Global Safety, Security, and Sovereign Capability: Novel research at the intersection of AI and critical infrastructure. Priorities include projects that examine AI applications in cybersecurity and threat mitigation, global security frameworks and sovereign capability for global supply chains and food security. This category also includes dual-use safeguards and responsible policy-making and governance for emerging technologies in these areas.