The Science of Storytelling Workshop - By Graeme Clark Institute Students

Hey there, Graeme Clark Institute Students! Are you ready to dive into the science of storytelling? Join us at the Manhari Room for an interactive workshop where you'll learn all about the power of storytelling. Discover how to craft compelling narratives and engage your audience like never before. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to enhance your storytelling skills!

This 2-hour workshop will introduce you to many communication skills relevant or your work, PhD, and even your personal life! Plus, there is FREE FOOD available!!

Auriane Drack is a third-year PhD candidate at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and the University of Melbourne, developing silk-based cardiac patches enriched with stem-cell nanovesicles to repair the heart after a heart attack. Passionate about sharing her research, she was a guest on RRR radio, won National science communication competitions, including Runner up at FameLab Australia 2024 and Falling Walls Lab Australia 2025, and received multiple conference presentation prizes, demonstrating her ability to engage diverse audiences. She now shares her experience to help early-career researchers communicate their work with confidence and impact.

Mihin Perera is a second-year PhD candidate at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) and the University of Melbourne, where he develops innovative robotics and software solutions to advance cancer research and targeted therapy design. His work has earned significant recognition, including being a finalist at the 2024 Proto Axiom Challenger Summit, winner of the InnoVision 2024 Pitch Competition, and recipient of the Judge's Prize for best conference presentation at the ARC CCeMMP 2024 Research Symposium. Mihin also won WEHI's Art of Science competition in 2024 and was a finalist in 2025. Mihin now assists fellow researchers in developing their presentation and pitching skills for both academic and commercial applications.

Artwork used in the banner was created by Kate Bugden

The Graeme Clark Institute student committee acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the unceded land on which we work, learn, and live: the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples.

We recognise the unique place held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original owners and custodians of the lands and waterways across the Australian continent, with histories of continuous connection dating back more than 60,000 years. We also acknowledge their enduring cultural practices of caring for Country.

We pay respect to Elders past and present, and acknowledge the importance of Indigenous knowledge in the Academy. As a community of researchers, teachers, professional staff and student,s we are privileged to work and learn every day with Indigenous colleagues and partners. Sovereignty was never ceded.

This was and always will be Aboriginal Land.

Info: Interactive Workshop

Info: Catering provided

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Manhari Room (Level 7, Melbourne Connect), 700 Swanston St, Carlton, Australia