Plenary speaker line‑up announced for Teaching & Learning Conference

20 Apr 2026

Plans continue to take shape for this year’s Teaching & Learning Conference, taking place 8–9 July 2026, and we’re delighted to share the first announcement of plenary speakers.

Across two days, colleagues will hear from leading voices in higher education, alongside senior leaders from the University, as they explore how teaching and learning can drive innovation, inclusion and social justice.

Confirmed plenary sessions include:

• Professor Helen Walkington (Oxford Brookes University) on Research‑Informed Teaching and Learning – 8 July, 15:30–16:30
• Dr Hardeep Basra (De Montfort University) on Social Justice in Teaching and Learning – 9 July, 09:30–10:20
• Professor Jenn Hallam and Professor John Holden (University of Manchester) on Teaching and Learning as Innovation – 9 July, 16:10–16:50

Together, these sessions will explore how research, inclusion and innovation can shape meaningful teaching and learning experiences, both within the University and across the wider higher education sector.

Registration opens on 4 May, with further programme details and session information coming soon. Colleagues are encouraged to save the date and look out for the next update.

About the Teaching and Learning Conference

The Teaching & Learning Conference is an annual event for University of Manchester colleagues involved in teaching, learning and the wider student experience, bringing together academic and professional services staff from across the University. Over two days, the conference will explore current challenges, emerging practice and future directions in teaching and learning, with opportunities to hear from external experts, senior leaders and colleagues from across the institution.