Teaching and Learning Conference 2026 - Call for papers

28 Jan 2026

The University of Manchester will host its fourth teaching and learning conference on 8–9 July 2026.

This free, two-day internal conference will bring together staff and students to share practice, ideas and innovation in teaching and learning across the University.

We welcome proposals from staff and students across all disciplines aligned to one or more of the following themes:

1. Research-informed teaching and learning
2. Teaching and learning as innovation
3. Social justice in teaching and learning

Presentation formats

Submissions may be made by individuals or teams and can be proposed in any of the following formats:

• Wicked problem sets: One-hour sessions in which presenters introduce a complex issue or ‘big question’ linked to the conference themes. Participants then work together in an action learning set, culminating in a shared summary of ideas and recommendations.
• Standard paper presentations: A 15-minute presentation on a specific topic, followed by five minutes of questions.
• Poster presentations: Posters will be displayed during the conference, with presenters giving a short spoken overview. Posters will also be shared via an online gallery after the event.
• Lightning talks: Short, focused presentations of up to five minutes (maximum 20 slides). These may showcase an initiative, pedagogic idea, success, challenge or learning from practice.

How to submit

Proposals should be submitted via the online submission form. You will be asked to provide:

1. Details of who is involved (names of presenters, whether students are included, lead contact email address and University area).
2. The conference theme your submission primarily addresses.
3. Your chosen presentation format.
4. The title of your submission.
5. An abstract of approximately 250 words (maximum 1,500 characters), which will be anonymously reviewed by the paper committee. Abstracts should include:
   - consideration of inclusion, accessibility and equity
   - how the work is collaborative with students, or its impact on students
   - how the submission aligns with the chosen conference theme(s)
   - its wider relevance beyond the conference (for example, impact on policy or practice, sector-wide learning, innovation, or links to the UN sustainable development goals)
6. Whether you wish to opt out of having your session recorded.
7. Your availability across both days of the conference.

• Submit your proposal by 5pm on Friday 27 February 2026.

Support and next steps

A workshop on writing conference abstracts will run as part of the Institute of Teaching and Learning open workshop programme on Thursday 12 February 2026, 11am–12pm. Further details are available on the events page.

Examples of abstracts accepted at last year’s conference can be found online.

• Attend our Briefing for paper submission workshop for further support and guidance on the call for paper submission process.

If you are new to academic conferences or would like advice on formats or submissions, please contact the organisers at teaching.learning@manchester.ac.uk.

Submissions will be reviewed by a paper committee made up of students and staff from across the University. Speakers will be notified of the outcome and invited to register for the conference by 24 April 2026.