Roundtable on Fathers and Fatherhood

March 13, 2026, 2:30–5:30pm (Hybrid event, Zoom link available upon registration)

Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Melbourne (level 5, room 508, 111 Barry Street, Carlton 3053, Victoria)

This roundtable brings together researchers, advocates, and policy-makers to take stock of what social science currently knows about fathers and fatherhood, and to identify key gaps and opportunities for research–policy collaboration. The discussion will cover evidence on paternity leave and workplace institutions, strategies to increase father involvement in childcare, and the roles of incentives, norms, and constraints in shaping parenting and household decisions.

Among the academic participants is our visiting Eminent Research Scholar, Prof. Libertad González, whose research examines gender equality, family policy, fertility, and labour market responses to parental leave reforms.

The session will include:

• 2:30–2:45 Welcome to the country and opening remarks
• 2:45–3:30 Short set-up presentations
• 3:30–4:30 Facilitated open discussion structured around core themes (measurement, leave and workplaces, mechanisms, norms, and policy engagement)
• 4:30–5:30 Networking with canapes and drinks

The event will be held under the Chatham House Rule to support frank, constructive discussion across sectors. Should you have any questions, please contact Victoria Baranov or Jan Katábek.

If you would like to attend this event, please register here. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Photo by Kelli McClintock on Unsplash