Wednesday - Plenary Session 1: Strategy, Teaching and Learning

The first plenary session of the conference explored teaching and learning as a central strategic priority for the University of Manchester. Led by President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Ivison, alongside Professor Adam Danquah (Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health) and Humanities student Szaff Jarbath, the session introduced the University’s forthcoming strategy, set to launch in the new term.

The discussion centred on placing students at the heart of institutional decision-making by embedding student voice at every level. Key themes included the evolving relationship between students and technology, the importance of employability beyond graduation, and the need for a holistic and inclusive approach to supporting both staff and students. The panel also addressed the importance of visibility - ensuring student concerns are clearly acknowledged and acted upon - highlighting the University’s commitment to transparency and meaningful engagement.

• Click here to watch the Strategy, Teaching and Learning plenary.

Thursday - Plenary Session 2: Beyond satisfaction surveys: What university teaching really means to students?

This thought-provoking plenary, led by Professor Steve Jones (Professor of Higher Education, Institute of Education), challenged attendees to look beyond traditional satisfaction surveys and performance metrics to gain a deeper understanding of what university teaching truly means. Central to the session was a dynamic student panel featuring Fariha Agha, Rachel Cynthia, Valavan Vetrigo, and Olivia Shaw, whose lived experiences brought the discussion to life.

Professor Jones presented five key arguments, including the notion that those who deliver teaching and learning may not fully grasp the student experience—and that mis-conceptualising teaching can lead to mismanaging it. The conversation highlighted the importance of reimagining higher education with students as co-creators, not just recipients. Students shared how their most impactful learning occurred when academic staff offered personalised, responsive support, reinforcing the value of authentic partnership in the learning process.

• Click here to watch the Beyond satisfaction surveys plenary.

Thursday - Plenary Session 3: Supporting a-typical pathways?

This compelling plenary session explored how universities can better support and empower students who follow non-traditional or "atypical" pathways into and through higher education. Led by Dr Perpetual Idehen (University of Manchester alumna and postdoctoral researcher in sustainability and chemical engineering) and Emma Lewis-Kalubowila (Access and Success team), the session highlighted the importance of recognising diverse experiences and enriching student journeys beyond conventional routes.

A diverse student panel, including Dominik Kaleta, Carl Kulimushi, Victor Sanchez, Naz, Zanib Patel, Marty Maquillan-Graham, Lilian Chidi-Onuorah, and Savanna, shared honest reflections on their challenges and growth. Panellists spoke about experiences such as transitioning between courses, taking gap years, coming from underrepresented schools, or being care-experienced or estranged. A shared theme across stories was the transformative power of support systems that focus not on past circumstances, but on students' potential moving forward. The session offered practical insights into how staff can actively listen, respond, and create inclusive environments that allow all students to thrive—regardless of how they arrived at university.

• Click here to watch the Supporting a-typical pathways plenary.

The conference featured a series of engaging poster presentations that explored a range of innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Highlights included using student voice to advocate for interdisciplinary AI literacy, rethinking assessment and feedback practices, widening access to medical and dental education, and culturally responsive cooperative learning for English as a foreign language students. Together, these presentations offered fresh perspectives and practical strategies that enriched the conference’s collaborative atmosphere and inspired ongoing reflection and action.

Click here to access the poster presentations.

Standard Papers

The conference featured paper presentations on three key themes: inclusive education, building belonging and raising student voices and redefining learning and teaching in higher education. From these themes emerged engaging sessions covering a broad spectrum of topics including widening access to data-science teaching, embedding diversity within the curriculum, integrating applied practice into classroom settings and exploring the impact of interdisciplinary learning. The presentations sparked rich discussions among participants, inspiring reflection and innovation in teaching and learning approaches across higher education.

Day 1

Day 2

Wicked Problem Sets

This year’s Wicked Problem Set sessions challenged participants to engage with complex, real-world issues currently affecting higher education today. The sessions focused on topics such as inclusive assessment, digital literacy, and sustainable curriculum design, the sessions invited collaborative problem-solving and critical reflection. These discussions provided a space for diverse perspectives and creative thinking among participants, reinforcing the conference’s commitment to addressing systemic challenges through partnership and innovation.

Click on the tiles to access the session materials.

Where fresh thinking meets fast delivery—insights on learning, inclusion, and student voice

Themes this year:

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Teaching and Learning - Watch Lightning Talk Session 1 here
• Inclusive teaching innovation - Watch Lightning Talk Session 2 here
• Assessment & Feedback, Collaboration to Empower Students - Watch Lightning Talk Session 3 here
• Sustainable Development, Inclusive and Reflective practice - Watch Lightning Talk Session 4 here 
• Peer Learning to build belonging and SU Initiatives Raising Student Voice - Watch Lightning Talk Session 5 here

 

Lightning Talks

The Lightning Talks sessions featured fast-paced, engaging presentations from staff and students, each offering concise insights into current challenges and innovations in teaching and learning. Talks were organised across five thematic sessions: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Teaching and Learning; Inclusive Teaching Innovation; Assessment and Feedback, Collaboration to Empower Students; Sustainable Development, Inclusive and Reflective Practice; and Peer Learning to Build Belonging and SU Initiatives Raising Student Voice.

Topics ranged from embedding AI and neuro-inclusive writing practices, to student-staff co-creation, and developing supportive networks. The format encouraged impactful storytelling and was followed by interactive Q&A discussions that inspired idea-sharing, cross-disciplinary dialogue, and practical takeaways. These sessions highlighted the University's ongoing commitment to inclusive, forward-thinking education and the importance of partnership in shaping meaningful change.