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7 October 2026 TDS Student Voices:

The Future of Learning, AI & Work

Published on the 28 October 2026 by Trustworthy Digital Society
A panellist in a denim jacket speaking into a handheld microphone while seated beside other speakers at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.

On Wednesday 7 October 2026, the Trustworthy Digital Society (TDS) Student Forum brought together students, researchers, and industry representatives to explore the future of learning, AI, and work.

Through interactive discussions, participants shared their perspectives on responsible AI, digital trust, future skills, and the opportunities and challenges emerging technologies present for education and the workforce.

A panel discussion brought together experts from academia, industry, and government to explore the future of work, the enduring value of human skills, and how we can ensure AI remains accountable, inclusive, and trustworthy.

A special thank you to our panellists for generously sharing their insights, experiences and advice: 
• The Hon. Victor Dominello, Director, Trustworthy Digital Society 
• Yasminka Nemet, Future Skills Lead, Microsoft 
• Tara Tjandra, Principal Software Engineer, Atlassian 
• Belinda Teh, Founding Engineer, Reimagine Robotics

Insights from the day were captured in the TDS Student Forum Insight Report (below), which highlights student perspectives and key themes including human capability, trustworthy AI, digital agency, and equitable participation in an AI-enabled future.

Thank you to all students, speakers, panellists, and contributors who helped make the 2026 TDS Student Forum a success. We look forward to continuing these conversations as we work towards a secure, trusted, and inclusive digital future.

Infographic
Download the 2026 TDS infographic

Report
Download the TDS student forum report

Gallery
  • Attendees chatting before the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum, including a man holding a white tote bag.
  • Participants seated around a table discussing ideas at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Participants smiling and talking around a table at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Three attendees talking together at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • An attendee wearing glasses smiling during a conversation at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Three attendees in conversation, with one gesturing while the others listen at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • A participant writing on a workshop worksheet at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • A speaker wearing a colourful cardigan addressing the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum from a lectern with a laptop.
  • Participants seated at round tables facing a presentation at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Wide view of attendees seated at tables during a presentation at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • A speaker in a navy jumper holding a microphone and gesturing at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Participants watching two presenters at the front of the room during the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • A speaker in a black jacket holding a microphone and gesturing at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Wide view of participants watching two presenters at the front of the room during the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Two presenters speaking to seated attendees at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Participants listening during a table discussion at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum, with worksheets spread in front of them.
  • A group of participants sharing ideas around a workshop table at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Participants discussing ideas around a table with worksheets and a small recording camera at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Wide view of several groups taking part in table discussions at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Participants smiling and exchanging ideas around a table at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • A participant in a black shirt smiling during a table discussion at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Two participants listening at table four, with workshop papers in front of them at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Participants talking around a workshop table beside a yellow wall at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Participants seated around table one sharing ideas at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • A participant gesturing while others listen around a table at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Participants taking part in a group discussion around a table, with other workshop groups behind them at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Close-up of colourful technology-themed stickers spread across a black table at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Overhead view of colourful stickers featuring computers, robots and other technology designs on a black table at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Participants smiling during a group conversation around a table at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • A participant in a blue T-shirt gesturing while speaking to others around a table at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Participants reviewing worksheets and talking around table seven at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Participants smiling while listening to a speaker seated across the table at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • A participant wearing glasses and a green jacket speaking during a table discussion at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • A participant wearing a denim jacket speaking with others around a workshop table at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Participants seated around a workshop table listening to a discussion at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Two participants wearing blue T-shirts talking with others around a table at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • A participant gesturing during a table discussion while others listen at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Participants discussing ideas around a table with worksheets and a small recording camera at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • A participant smiling while speaking at table three as others listen and take notes at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • A panellist in a denim jacket speaking into a handheld microphone while seated beside other speakers at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Side view of a seated panellist in a denim jacket holding a microphone during the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • A panellist wearing glasses and a purple T-shirt speaking into a microphone at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • A seated panellist wearing glasses and black clothing holding a microphone at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • A panellist in a navy jumper speaking into a microphone beside another seated speaker at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • A panellist wearing glasses and black clothing holding a microphone and looking towards the audience at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Three panellists seated on stools in front of a presentation screen at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Wide view of an audience seated at tables facing five panellists at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • A seated panellist in a light-coloured shirt speaking into a microphone and gesturing beside a speaker in a denim jacket at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • A panellist dressed in black speaking into a microphone while two other panellists listen at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Four seated panellists in discussion, viewed from the audience tables at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • A panellist wearing a navy jumper speaking into a microphone while the speakers beside him listen at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Audience members watching four panellists seated in front of presentation screens at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Wide view from the back of the room showing attendees at tables watching a panel discussion at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • An audience member wearing a grey fleece and headphones around his neck speaking into a microphone at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • A smiling attendee wearing glasses and a white T-shirt seated beside a table covered with colourful stickers at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Attendees chatting around a small table covered with stickers at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Attendees standing and talking together during the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • An attendee in a red hoodie gesturing while talking with a standing group at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Group portrait of ten attendees standing together at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Group portrait of five attendees standing together at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.
  • Group portrait of seven attendees wearing matching blue T-shirts at the UNSW–UTS TDS Student Forum.