The University of Manchester Teaching and Learning Conference 2026

The University of Manchester Teaching and Learning Conference 2026 was a successful and engaging two-day event that brought together staff and students to explore current developments in teaching and learning.

The conference centred around three key themes: Research-informed Teaching and Learning, Teaching and Learning as Innovation, and Social Justice in Teaching and Learning. These themes provided a platform for colleagues to share practice, exchange ideas, and reflect on approaches to enhancing teaching and learning across the University.

Attendees took part in a diverse programme of Wicked Problem Sets, Lightning Talks, Poster Presentations, and Standard Paper Presentations, creating a vibrant environment for collaboration, discussion and knowledge exchange.

The conference offered valuable opportunities for learning, networking and collaboration, inspiring participants to continue developing and enhancing teaching and learning across the University of Manchester and beyond.

Wednesday - Plenary 1: Teaching and Learning Through Research: Moving Towards a Partner Enabled Learning Approach?

The first Plenary session of the conference explored Teaching and Learning Through Research As a Key Driver of Student Engagement, Wellbeing and Partnership. Led by Professor Helen Walkington (Oxford Brookes University), alongside a panel of contributors, the session examined how research-inclusive education can empower students to become active participants in knowledge creation throughout their academic journey. 

The discussion centred on embedding authentic research experiences across the curriculum, positioning students as researchers and partners in learning. Key themes included the benefits of enquiry-based learning for student confidence and wellbeing, the importance of mentoring and inclusive research opportunities, and the value of creating meaningful pathways for students to share their work through conferences, journals and other forms of dissemination. The session also highlighted how research-informed teaching, authentic assessment and collaboration with external partners can strengthen employability, foster a sense of ownership, and create a more inclusive and impactful learning experience for all students. 

Thursday - Plenary 2: Social Justice in Teaching and Learning

The second plenary session of the conference explored Social Justice in Teaching and Learning, challenging attendees to reflect on how higher education can move beyond aspirations of inclusion towards meaningful structural change. Led by Dr Hardeep Basra (Head of Educational Development, De Montfort University), the session was followed by a panel featuring Alec Severs, Dr Sadia Habib, Dr Laura Shobiye, Dr Hamied Haroon and Professor Rachel Cowen, bringing together student, academic and professional perspectives on equity and belonging. 

Dr Basra encouraged delegates to consider social justice as a foundation for teaching and learning rather than an additional consideration, raising critical questions about power, representation and whose voices are valued within higher education. The panel brought together academic, professional and student voices to share perspectives on inclusion, belonging and lived experiences. The discussion explored the importance of compassionate pedagogy, decolonising practice and institutional responsibility in creating learning environments where all students feel recognised and supported. 

Thursday - Plenary 3: Innovation in Action – Reimagining the Student Experience

This plenary session explored how teaching and innovation can work together to shape the future student experience at The University of Manchester, aligned with the ambitions of Manchester 2035. Led by Professor Jenn Hallam (Vice-President for Teaching and Learning) and Professor John Holden (Vice-President for Innovation), the session examined how partner-enabled learning, entrepreneurship education, interdisciplinary collaboration and challenge-led teaching can prepare students to thrive in a changing world. 

The discussion highlighted the importance of creating a culture where learning, research and ideas can translate into real-world impact. Speakers explored how partnerships, innovation and new approaches to education can empower students as active contributors to society, while strengthening the University’s role in addressing global and local challenges. 

Standard Papers 

Standard Paper Presentations covered a broad spectrum of topics across key areas of Teaching and Learning, including innovations in assessment and feedback, interdisciplinary teaching, the role of generative AI in Higher Education, curriculum approaches that support diverse Student Experiences, and initiatives addressing access, inclusion, and belonging. The presentations sparked rich discussions among attendees, encouraging the exchange of ideas and inspiring reflection and action in Teaching and Learning across Higher Education. 

Day 1

Day 2

Wicked Problem Sets 

This year’s Wicked Problem Set sessions encouraged attendees to engage with complex and evolving challenges within Higher Education. The sessions explored topics such as rethinking Academic Advising, developing more inclusive approaches to Higher Education, and addressing barriers to student success and belonging. These discussions provided a space for collaborative problem-solving, critical reflection, and the sharing of diverse perspectives, reinforcing the conference’s commitment to addressing challenging issues through partnership and innovation. 

Click on each box to access the session slides.

Poster Presentations 

The conference featured a series of engaging Poster Presentations that explored innovative approaches to Teaching and Learning across a range of disciplines. Highlights included Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education, student engagement and co-creation, inclusive curriculum design, assessment and feedback, sustainability initiatives, and subject-specific educational approaches. Together, these presentations fostered knowledge sharing, encouraged attendees to reflect on existing practices, and inspired further exploration of approaches to enhancing Teaching and Learning. 

You can also find the album of poster presentations here. 

Lightning Talks 

The Lightning Talks sessions featured dynamic and insightful presentations from staff and students, delivering concise insights into current developments, challenges and emerging approaches in Teaching and Learning through a fast-paced format. Talks explored a range of themes, including Innovation in Assessment, Using (and not abusing) AI in Assessment and Beyond, Research Informed and Innovative Teaching, Accessibility and Inclusion in Assessment, the Digital and Beyond, Playful Experiences and Gamified Learning, and Communication and Clarity in Teaching and Learning. The format enabled presenters to share ideas in a focused and accessible way, followed by interactive Q&A discussions that encouraged rich dialogue, critical reflection and knowledge exchange among attendees. Together, the sessions showcased diverse perspectives and practical approaches that contributed to ongoing conversations about improving teaching and learning.