The Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) is taking its annual Research Showcase online in 2026, making it easier than ever for Autistic people, their families, researchers, practitioners, educators, and community organisations to engage with the latest autism research.
Following another successful Showcase in 2025, the move to an online format reflects OTARC’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusion and ensuring evidence-based autism research reaches the widest possible audience. The new format will enable greater participation from people who have previously faced barriers to attending in person, including those based at La Trobe University’s regional campuses and communities across Victoria, Australia and the world.
OTARC Director Professor Alison Lane said moving the Showcase online aligns with the Centre’s commitment to making research more accessible and ensuring knowledge translates into meaningful change.
“Great research only has impact if people can access it,” Professor Lane said.
“By taking the Research Showcase online, we’re opening the conversation to more people – whether they’re joining us from metropolitan Melbourne, one of La Trobe’s regional campuses or elsewhere in Australia. We want everyone with an interest in autism research and practice to have the opportunity to be part of these important conversations,” Professor Lane said.
This year’s Showcase comes at a pivotal moment for OTARC, with Professor Dawn Adams presenting the newly established Australian Autism Knowledge Hub – a landmark initiative that will translate existing autism research into clear guidance for those who design and deliver supports. It will identify gaps in knowledge and commission new research where needed to support more consistent, evidence-based practice.
Funded through a $15 million investment by the Australian Government and La Trobe University, the Australian Autism Knowledge Hub will bridge the gap between research and real-world practice by identifying what works, highlighting evidence gaps and ensuring research findings are accessible to the people who need them most. The Hub will work in partnership with communities and organisations across Australia, with all National Autism Strategy priority cohorts represented through an advisory council that works closely with the Hub’s leadership.
The Research Showcase will also feature presentations from leading researchers exploring some of the most important topics in autism research today.
After recently completing her doctoral thesis, Lyndel Kennedy will present new work on supporting neurodivergent graduate researchers through neurodiversity-affirming supervision practices, while Dr Lauren Lawson will share findings from almost 800 Autistic adults that challenge one-size-fits-all approaches to mental health research and support.
Dr Diana Tan will examine how participatory autism research has evolved over the past two decades, asking whether researchers are truly embedding Autistic voices throughout the research process. Dr Patrick Dwyer will explore the theory of monotropism, offering fresh insights into Autistic cognition and attention through research developed with and by Autistic people.
As in previous years, the Research Showcase will bring together researchers, clinicians, educators, policymakers and community members to explore research that is shaping more inclusive, evidence-informed approaches to autism across education, mental health, participation and policy.
The online format also reflects the spirit of the Australian Autism Knowledge Hub itself: connecting research, community and practice so that evidence can be shared more broadly, more equitably and more effectively.
Registration for the 2026 OTARC Research Showcase is now open. The event is free to attend and welcomes anyone with an interest in autism research. Register at the link here: https://events.humanitix.com/2026-otarc-research-showcase
