Current challenges/Future Focused: How VET research can balance contemporary challenges with an eye to emerging and future needs

As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Kangan Report, our conference theme calls for a reflective and forward-looking dialogue on the role of vocational education and training (VET) in shaping our economic and social landscapes, especially in the context of a more integrated tertiary sector. This theme is a call to action for educators, policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to share insights, challenges, and innovations. It celebrates research as a catalyst for significant educational and workforce development outcomes, offering a bridge from historical milestones to future aspirations. In celebrating the legacy of the Kangan Report, which championed rigorous research and academic distinction, we delve into the symbiotic relationship between empirical evidence and its practical implementation. This examination is particularly crucial to foster a more nuanced, evidence-driven understanding of vocational learning's potential to shape futures that acknowledges the unique characteristics and demands of VET.