Events 2026
Annual Doctoral Symposium 2026
24–26 November 2026 — Online and Newcastle upon Tyne
Our annual celebration of doctoral research brings together researchers, supervisors, alumni, and guests for a day of intellectual exchange, peer learning, and community. Open to all Brenkley Doctoral College researchers and invited guests.
About the Symposium
A Day for the Brenkley Doctoral College Research Community
The Brenkley Doctoral College Annual Doctoral Symposium is the centrepiece of our academic year. It is a day for researchers at all stages — from those just beginning their doctoral journey to those preparing to submit — to share their work, receive peer feedback, and connect with the wider community of practitioner-scholars.
The 2026 Symposium runs in a hybrid format, with a live venue in Newcastle upon Tyne and a fully interactive online stream. Whether you attend in person or remotely, you will have access to the full programme, including keynotes, parallel research sessions, methods workshops, and an evening networking reception (in-person).
Research presentations are supported and developmental — this is not a competitive conference but a community event. Feedback is constructive, facilitated by a faculty discussant, and designed to help researchers strengthen their work.
Date
24–26 November 2026
Format
Hybrid — Newcastle upon Tyne venue (TBC) and fully interactive online stream
Who Should Attend
All current Brenkley Doctoral College researchers, alumni, supervisors, and invited professional guests. Applications to present welcome from Year 1 onwards.
Cost
Free for all current Brenkley Doctoral College researchers and supervisors. Guest tickets: £95 in-person, £25 online. Alumni: complimentary online access.
Abstracts
Submission deadline for research presentations: 1 August 2026. 300-word abstract required. All submissions reviewed by the Symposium Committee.
Symposium Programme
Provisional Programme — 24–26 November 2026
Tuesday 24th November 2026
Arrive at Event
Head to the registration desk – register and collect your programme and lanyard/badge, and locate essential facilities like restrooms, the cloakroom, and the main presentation halls.
Welcome and Opening Keynote
Prof. Stanley Oliver, Principal — Brenkley Doctoral College. Annual research community address and keynote on practitioner research in a changing world.
Researcher Presentations — Session A
Chair: Dr Zahra Salimi – Brenkley Doctoral College
Parallel tracks: Leadership & Organisational Change — how leaders navigate transformation, culture, and resistance in complex organisations. Three presentations per track, each with faculty discussant feedback.
Break & Networking
In-person coffee and discussion. Online researchers participate in facilitated virtual networking rooms.
Researcher Presentations — Session B
Chair: Dr Xiaoling Wu – Edinburgh Napier University
Parallel tracks: Education Policy & Practice — research into teaching, learning, curriculum, and institutional leadership in educational settings. Three presentations per track.
Closing Plenary & Community Discussion
Reflections from the day, announcements, and open discussion on the future of practitioner research.
Evening Reception (In-Person)
Informal drinks and networking for in-person attendees at the historic Newcastle upon Tyne venue.
Wednesday 25th November 2026
Alumni Keynote
Dr Mikele Grosser – Affiliation TBC
A Brenkley Doctoral College alumnus presents the impact of their doctoral research on practice.
Researcher Presentations — Session C
Chair: Dr Paul Oliver – Edinburgh Napier University
Parallel tracks: Strategy & Innovation — how organisations develop competitive advantage, manage disruption, and drive innovation. Three presentations per track, each with faculty discussant feedback.
Break & Networking
In-person coffee and discussion. Online researchers participate in facilitated virtual networking rooms.
Methods Workshop
Dr Zahra Salimi – Brenkley Doctoral College
Annual methods focus session. 2026 theme: Research Ethics in Insider Research — navigating access, positionality, and organisational politics.
Lunch
In-person lunch provided at the historic Newcastle upon Tyne venue. Online participants take a break.
Alumni Keynote
Dr Stefanie Schulster – Affiliation TBC
A Brenkley Doctoral College alumnus presents the impact of their doctoral research on practice.
Researcher Presentations — Session D
Chair: Dr Elizabeth Blower – Brenkley Doctoral College
Parallel tracks: Workforce, Wellbeing & HR — people management, employee experience, diversity, and organisational health. Three presentations per track.
Closing Plenary & Community Discussion
Reflections from the day, announcements, and open discussion on the future of practitioner research.
Evening Reception (In-Person)
Informal drinks and networking for in-person attendees at the historic Newcastle upon Tyne venue.
Thursday 26th November 2026
Alumni Keynote
Dr Premnath K Narayanan – Affiliation TBC
A Brenkley Doctoral College alumnus presents the impact of their doctoral research on practice.
Researcher Presentations — Session E
Chair: TBC
Parallel tracks: Public Services & Social Impact — research in healthcare, government, third sector, and community-facing organisations. Three presentations per track, each with faculty discussant feedback.
Break & Networking
In-person coffee and discussion. Online researchers participate in facilitated virtual networking rooms.
Researcher Presentations — Session F
Chair: Dr Premnath K Narayanan – Affiliation TBC
Parallel tracks: Digital Transformation & Technology — the impact of AI, data, and digital systems on organisations and professional practice. Three presentations per track, each with faculty discussant feedback.
Closing Plenary & Community Discussion
Reflections from the day, announcements, and open discussion on the future of practitioner research.
2026 Events Calendar
All Upcoming Events
Annual Doctoral Symposium
The flagship event of the Brenkley Doctoral College year. A full day of researcher presentations, keynotes, a methods workshop, and networking. Hybrid format — Newcastle upon Tyne venue and online stream. Abstract submissions open from 1 June.
Audience: Researchers, supervisors, alumni, guests
Cost: Free for current researchers
Supervisor Development Workshop
A dedicated professional development day for doctoral supervisors. Themes: supporting researchers through difficulties, use of AI tools in research supervision, and managing multi-supervisor relationships. Facilitated by Brenkley Doctoral College supervisors and external guests.
Audience: Brenkley Doctoral College supervisors and invited HE professionals
Cost: Free for Brenkley Doctoral College supervisors / £75 external
Research Methods Webinar Series
Open to all Brenkley Doctoral College researchers and the wider practitioner-research community. Topic: Navigating the Literature Review — from systematic search to critical synthesis. Hosted by Brenkley Doctoral College faculty with a Q&A session.
Audience: Open to all
Cost: Free
Join the community
Whether you are a current researcher, prospective applicant, alumni, or interested professional — Brenkley Doctoral College events are open and welcoming. Register your interest to receive updates and invitations.