MRC Annual Research Conference 2026
Bridging Academia and Industry:
Higher Education’s Role In Upskilling And Reskilling for Future Workforce Readiness
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We are excited to announce that the 2026 conference will be hosted on 17th June, 2026, bringing together distinguished researchers, industry leaders, and thought pioneers from around the world.
Conference Objective
Our mission is to bring together academics, students, policymakers, and industry professionals to explore how higher education can bridge the gap between academia and industry by fostering upskilling, reskilling, and lifelong learning to prepare individuals and organisations for the future workforce.
- Examine evolving industry skills and their implications for higher education.
- Explore how higher education can design curricula and learning environments that support workforce upskilling and reskilling.
- Showcase research, case studies, and best practices demonstrating effective academia–industry collaboration.
- Investigate innovative teaching approaches, including digital learning, work-integrated learning, and micro-credentials, to enhance workforce readiness.
- Foster partnerships among universities, industry, researchers, and policymakers to support future workforce development.
Key Highlights of The Conference
- High-profile keynote speakers
- Expert panel discussion (Q&A) anchored by Dr. Samson Ojo
- Interactive breakout sessions with industry & academic presenters
- Poster presentations on display all day, with voting
- Best Poster Award announcement
Looking Back: 2024 Highlights
Mont Rose College hosted its inaugural research conference in June 2024, themed:
“Sustainable Futures Powered by AI: Nurturing Innovation, Conservation, and Ethical Considerations.”
With over 200 participants from academia and industry, the event featured globally recognised keynote speakers, innovative breakout sessions, and high-impact poster presentations. It sparked critical conversations at the intersection of ethics, technology, sustainability, and human development.
Looking Back: 2025 Highlights
Mont Rose College hosted its annual research conference in June 2025, themed:
“Future-proofing Leadership for a Resilient, Sustainable World – Innovating at the intersection of technology and human well being”
The event brought together over 200 participants from academia and industry and featured internationally recognised keynote speakers, engaging breakout sessions, and impactful poster presentations. It sparked meaningful discussions on future-proofing leadership for a resilient and sustainable world, with a focus on innovation at the intersection of technology and human well-being.
Research Conference Agenda
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 09:15 – 09:50 | Registration & Welcome Reception |
| 09:50 – 10:00 | Opening SpeechMr Arsalan NayyarManagement Consulting Principal Director, Accenture Inc. Toronto, Canada |
| 10:00 – 10:20 | Keynote 1Dr Joe HazzamAssociate Professor of Digital Marketing, University of Staffordshire |
| 10:20 – 10:40 | Keynote 2Ms Liz HannamService Lead for Economic Development, London Borough of Redbridge |
| 10:40 – 10:55 | Keynote 3Dr Sajeel AhmedPrincipal Lecturer in Business Systems and Management, University of Bedfordshire |
| 10:55 – 11:15 | ☕ Coffee Break |
| 11:15 – 11:55 | Student-led Presentations |
| 11:55 – 12:15 | Keynote 4Ms Sayeda ZainPrincipal, Mont Rose College |
| 12:15 – 12:30 | Keynote 5Dr. Amarachi AmaugoPhD, FHEA, Academic FCIPD |
| 12:30 – 13:20 | Panel Discussion |
| 13:20 – 13:50 | 🍽️ Lunch & Networking |
| 13:50 – 14:10 | Poster Presentations & Networking |
| 14:10 – 15:40 | Break-out Sessions parallel |
| 15:40 – 16:00 | Award Presentation |
| 16:00 – 16:15 | Closing Remarks & Acknowledgements: Dr Samson Ojo |
Keynote Speakers
Meet Our Keynote Speakers
Hear from leading voices across higher education, digital innovation, public services and workforce development.
For further information, please contact us at
research.centre@mrcollege.ac.uk
If you have any accessibility needs or special requirements to enhance your experience at the conference, kindly let us know in advance. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment for all participants.
We look forward to welcoming you to this landmark event. Let’s collaborate, innovate, and lead the way towards a more resilient and sustainable future.
