Privacy Policy

Last updated: 4 October 2026

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Shaping Connections respects your privacy and is committed to handling personal information responsibly and transparently.

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This Privacy Policy explains how information is collected, used, stored and managed when you visit our website, contact us or subscribe to our updates.

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This policy relates to information collected through the Shaping Connections website. Personal information collected as part of individual research projects may be subject to separate privacy notices, participant information statements and consent arrangements.

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1. Information we collect

When you interact with the Shaping Connections website, we may collect:

• Your name, email address and organisation, where provided.

• Information you include in enquiries or messages submitted through our contact form.

• Your email address, communication preferences and subscription details when you subscribe to our updates.

• Technical information about how you use our website, including browser type, device information, pages visited and website interactions.

 

We collect information directly from you when you complete a form or contact us. Some technical information is collected automatically through website technologies, including cookies and analytics tools.

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2. How we use your information

We use personal information to:

• Respond to enquiries and requests for information.

• Communicate about research, partnerships, projects and collaboration opportunities.

• Send research news, publications, insights and updates where you have subscribed.

• Understand how visitors use our website and improve its content, accessibility and performance.

• Maintain the security and functionality of our website.

 

We only use personal information for the purposes for which it was collected, related purposes you would reasonably expect, or where otherwise permitted or required by law.

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Providing information is voluntary, although we may be unable to respond to an enquiry or provide requested updates without the relevant contact details.

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3. Our relationship with RMIT University

Shaping Connections is associated with RMIT University through its research and engagement activities.

Information collected through the Shaping Connections website is managed using Wix and associated services, as described in this policy.

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Where personal information is collected, shared or managed as part of RMIT University activities, RMIT's privacy practices and applicable policies may also apply.

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For further information, please refer to RMIT University's Privacy Statement.

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4. Newsletter subscriptions

When you subscribe to Shaping Connections updates, we collect your email address and any preferences you choose to provide.

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Your information is used to send relevant news, research findings, publications and updates about Shaping Connections activities.

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You can unsubscribe at any time using the unsubscribe link in our emails or by contacting us directly.

We do not automatically subscribe people to our mailing list simply because they submit a general enquiry.

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5. Website hosting and data storage

Our website is hosted using Wix.com, which provides website hosting, online forms, contact management and related services.

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Information submitted through our website may be processed and stored using Wix Forms, Wix Contacts and associated Wix services.

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Wix operates internationally and uses service providers and infrastructure in multiple countries. As a result, personal information may be processed or stored outside Australia, including through Wix's international operations and service providers.

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Further information is available in the Wix Privacy Policy and its associated data processing documentation.

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6. Cookies and website analytics

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to support essential website functions, maintain security and understand website performance.

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We may also use analytics tools to understand how visitors find and interact with our content. This can include information about pages visited, website traffic and general visitor behaviour.

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Some cookies are necessary for the website to function. Other cookies, including analytics cookies, may be managed through available privacy and cookie preferences.

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You can also manage or restrict cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect some website functions.

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You can accept, decline or manage optional cookies using the cookie consent banner when you first visit our website. You can also review or change your preferences at any time using the Cookie Settings control available on our website. Essential cookies required for website functionality and security cannot be disabled through these settings.

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7. Third-party content and services

Our website may include links to external websites and embedded content, including videos hosted on YouTube.

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These services may collect information when you interact with their content and may use their own cookies or tracking technologies.

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External services operate under their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review those policies when accessing third-party content.

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8. Sharing and protecting information

We may share information with authorised people working on Shaping Connections activities where it is necessary to respond to enquiries, manage communications or support our research and engagement activities.

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We also use third-party service providers, including Wix, to operate and maintain our website.

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss and unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. However, no online service can guarantee absolute security.

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We do not sell personal information.

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9. Retention of information

We retain personal information for as long as reasonably necessary to manage enquiries, maintain subscription records, support legitimate operational needs and meet applicable legal or recordkeeping requirements.

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Information that is no longer required will be deleted or de-identified where appropriate, subject to any applicable retention obligations.

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10. Accessing or correcting your information

You can contact us to request access to personal information we hold about you or ask us to correct information that is inaccurate or out of date.

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You may also request that we delete information or stop using it for particular purposes, subject to applicable legal and operational requirements.

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We will consider and respond to requests in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

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You may also withdraw your consent to receive communications or request that we stop using your personal information for a particular purpose. We will assess requests in accordance with applicable privacy and recordkeeping requirements. Withdrawing consent does not necessarily require us to delete information we are legally required to retain.

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11. Privacy concerns and complaints

If you have a concern or complaint about how your personal information has been handled, please contact us using the details below and explain the nature of your concern. We will review your complaint and respond within a reasonable timeframe. If you are dissatisfied with the outcome, you may be able to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

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12. Contact us

For privacy enquiries, requests or complaints, please contact:

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Shaping Connections, School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, RMIT University

Building 80, 445 Swanston Street,  Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Email: torgeir.aleti@rmit.edu.au

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13. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes to our website, services, data practices or applicable legal requirements.

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The latest version will be published on this page with the date of the most recent update.