Australia's National Loneliness Conference
Where evidence
meets action
Join leading thinkers and changemakers as we explore loneliness and social connection across the lifespan.
Be a leader in shaping a more connected Australia
Align your organisation with Australia's leading conference on loneliness and social connection
About the conference
The most important conversations about loneliness in Australia happen here
National peak body Ending Loneliness Together is bringing together likeminded people to explore loneliness and social isolation across the lifespan. From the science to the systems, workplaces and communities where change happens - discover what's working and where Australia goes next.
Who is this for?
Whether you're in research, health, government, community, corporate or technology, this is your space to learn, connect and lead change.
- Research
- Health & clinical
- Government & policy
- Community sector
- Corporate
- Technology
- Education
- Not-for-profit
More than a conference
This is an opportunity to join a growing national network committed to reducing loneliness and building genuine connection across every stage of life.
Learn moreStay informed
Sign up to receive program updates, speaker announcements and early bird registration alerts.
Sign up for updatesKeynote speakers
Meet our featured speakers
Louise Hawkley
Silent Struggles: What Loneliness Does to the Brain and Body
Senior Fellow with the National Opinion Research Center and co-investigator on NSHAP, Professor Hawkley researches the biological and behavioural effects of loneliness across the lifespan.
Read moreAdditional speakers
to be announced
More keynotes coming soon
Sign up for updates to be the first to hear about our full speaker lineup.
Keynote speaker
Professor Louise Hawkley
Senior Research Scientist, NORC at the University of Chicago
Silent Struggles: What Loneliness Does to the Brain and Body
Professor Louise Hawkley is a Senior Fellow with the National Opinion Research Center, and is a co-investigator on the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), an ongoing panel study of older adults in the United States. Funded by the National Institute on Aging, this research has shown that being isolated and feeling isolated (lonely) are not the same thing, but each is associated with poorer health outcomes. These outcomes sometimes differ for being isolated versus feeling isolated, and range from an earlier death, to mild cognitive impairment, a higher incidence of frailty, and a greater likelihood of developing diabetes. Professor Hawkley has studied biological and behavioural factors that could explain the health effects of loneliness, and uses this research to inform consultations with local, regional, and national organisations that seek to prevent or reduce loneliness and its health burden.
Program
Two days exploring connection
across the lifespan
Collins Square Business and Events Centre
21–22 October 2026This year we're unpacking the unique challenges and opportunities different age groups face, from the pressures shaping youth connection to the changing social landscapes of later life.
Keynotes
Global experts, lived experience and the State of the Nation report
Lifespan streams
Childhood & adolescence, young adulthood & midlife, later life & ageing
ThinkTanks
Solutions, workforce capability and technology & lived experience co-design
Academic showcase
Lightning round spotlighting early career researchers
Panels
Insights from the Lancet Series on loneliness
Awards ceremony
Celebrating excellence in research and community connection
Networking
Catered lunch and a dedicated evening event
The full program and early bird registrations will open soon. Sign up for updates to be notified first.
What attendees say
Hear from those who've been a part of it
I made some wonderful new connections and really appreciated the opportunity to attend the pre-conference workshop.
AttendeeEveryone was there for the same purpose, and the speakers and workshops were very insightful, providing practical tips to take away.
AttendeeWell done to your team for putting on such a meaningful event that showcased a lot of the brilliant work being done in this space.
PartnerSuch an authentic, open and warm vibe. Truly it was a joy to be a part of this.
PanellistI hope to have the opportunity to attend next year. The conference was great!
AttendeeI enjoyed the whole thing and felt energised the entire time. I rarely stay the whole day at a conference.
AttendeeCall for abstracts
Share your research and practice
We invite researchers, practitioners, community organisations and academics to submit abstracts for presentation across our conference streams.
Conference streams
- Stream 1 Childhood and adolescence
- Stream 2 Young adulthood and midlife
- Stream 3 Later life and ageing
- Stream 4 Cross-lifespan themes
Submissions are now open and will close 27 July 2026. Selected abstracts will be invited to present at the conference.
Who can submit?
Abstract guidelines
Abstracts should clearly outline the research question, methodology, findings and implications for practice or policy. Further submission guidelines will be available on the abstract portal.
Inaugural awards
Celebrating excellence in research
and community connection
This year we are proud to introduce two national awards recognising outstanding contributions to addressing loneliness and facilitating connection across Australia.
Emerging Researcher in Loneliness Award
Celebrating an Early Career Researcher whose work is contributing to greater understanding, innovation or action to address loneliness, social isolation and strengthen social connection.
Nominations close 27 July 2026
Nominate nowCommunity Connector Award
Celebrating an organisation, community group, service, initiative or network making a meaningful difference by facilitating connection across Australia.
Nominations close 27 July 2026
Nominate nowReady to join the conversation?
Early bird registrations are now open.