Academics

Featured Academics

WIL Australia celebrates the scholars and practitioners who are at the forefront of work-integrated learning.  Our featured academics  are leaders in their fields for one or more of the following; driving innovation in WIL teaching, producing impactful WIL research, community contributions to ( and/or advocating for ) quality and inclusive WIL, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to quality student experiences in WIL.

We're always on the lookout for a WIL academic you think should be featured for their exceptional WIL practice or research.

As Co‑Chair of the Professional Learning Committee at Work‑Integrated Learning (WIL) Australia, Professor Thayaparan Gajendran plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering professional development across the national WIL sector. Alongside fellow Co‑Chair Heather Pate, he provides strategic leadership to a diverse committee. Crucially, they oversee the organization and adjudication of WIL Australia’s biennial Case Study Award, ensuring recognition of exemplary practice.

Professor Thayaparan Gajendran has significantly advanced Work-Integrated Learning at the University of Newcastle. As  Professor and Head of the School of Architecture and Built Environment, he champions pedagogical innovation—integrating studio-based, problem- and project-focused learning with authentic industry and community engagement—ensuring students acquire practical, culturally informed skills and experience.  His research further explores how Indigenous and Western learning methodologies can be meaningfully combined in WIL settings. In a notable contribution, his collaborative work proposes a comprehensive framework that leverages the ‘8 Ways of Knowing’ Indigenous pedagogical model alongside co‑design and studio-based learning, promoting culturally enriched and socially embedded student learning through authentic partnerships with Indigenous communities.

Continuous professional development is key to delivering high-quality and innovative WIL activities. WIL Australia is committed to providing academics with rich opportunities for growth, networking, and scholarship.

WIL Research & Teaching Resources

The nexus of research and teaching is where innovation in WIL thrives. 

Embedding research outcomes in your teaching to create a dynamic learning environment, or participating in WIL research projects to contribute to national and international evidence base for quality WIL.

WIL Australia champions the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, encouraging the integration of scholarly inquiry into teaching practice to enhance curriculum design and student outcomes. 

Equip yourself with the tools and resources needed to design, deliver, and manage high-quality WIL.  This hub serves as a starting portal for WIL development resources and guides.

Learn from the success of your peers. Our featured case studies showcase innovative and effective WIL practices from a range of disciplines, providing valuable insights and inspiration. 

Submit your own Case Study

Publishing case studies facilitates the following in the WIL community: sharing expertise and resources; inspire innovation; strengthen all WIL curricula; strengthen WIL evaluation; bench marking good WIL practice; effective WIL leadership; engagement with industry and community; embedding WIL in the curriculum for credit.