UALL & SCUTREA Conference

Tilda Gaskell Emerging Research Symposium

The Tilda Gaskell Emerging Research Symposium is a new initiative launching at the UALL Annual Conference 2026. It has been created to recognise, support, and celebrate individuals at the beginning of their research journey—wherever that journey is taking place, and whatever form it currently takes.

Rooted in the values of openness, inclusivity, and lifelong learning, the symposium offers a dedicated space for emerging researchers to showcase work‑in‑progress, receive constructive feedback from experienced members of the UALL community, and build meaningful connections across sectors, generations, and global contexts.

This symposium honours the legacy of Tilda Gaskell, whose commitment to community‑centred learning, widening participation, and creative research methodologies continues to influence the field of adult and lifelong education.

Who the symposium is for

Unlike the main conference programme, which typically features completed or published work, this symposium is designed for researchers who are already engaged in an active project that is still in progress. Presenters are invited to share developing analyses, early findings, methodological challenges, evolving frameworks, or sections of work that are currently being shaped as part of a live research process.

We welcome applications from:

Master’s and PhD students
Early‑career researchers of any age or background
Practitioners conducting research in professional, community, or workplace settings
Independent or self‑funded researchers
Individuals transitioning into research roles
Anyone at an early stage of a research project who would benefit from a supportive, developmental environment

We particularly encourage submissions from individuals and communities underrepresented in academia and the wider education sector, including but not limited to applicants racialised as minorities, people from working‑class backgrounds, people with disabilities, and individuals with minoritised gender identities.

What the symposium offers

Expert feedback and guidance

A panel of three experienced UALL members selected for their expertise and commitment to nurturing new researchers, will offer:

Constructive and encouraging feedback
Suggestions for relevant literature and theoretical framing
Methodological guidance
Potential connections to researchers, networks, or projects
Advice on dissemination routes and next steps

This is a developmental space, not an evaluative one.

International and intergenerational dialogue

Unlike university‑based PhD symposia, this initiative brings together perspectives from across the UK and UALL’s wider global networks, including colleagues in South Africa, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, mainland Europe, and beyond. Presenters will benefit from feedback shaped by diverse academic traditions, contexts, and worldviews.

Format and presentation structure

Up to five applicants will be selected to present at the symposium. Each presenter will deliver a short research spotlight: around 5‑minute presentation + 10 minutes of feedback and discussion.

Presentation guidelines will be provided to help with structure while still allowing flexibility in format and style. Creativity and authenticity are very welcome.

While presenters will join us on site at the University of Warwick, we are exploring the option of a remote audience joining the session online. This will enable presenters to share their work with colleagues beyond the conference venue and broaden opportunities for networking and discussion. More details about hybrid access will be shared closer to the conference date.

Bursaries

Thanks to generous support from SCUTREA, each selected presenter will receive a £200 bursary to support participation costs. Bursaries are awarded automatically to all presenters.

Application process

Applying to the Tilda Gaskell Emerging Research Symposium offers a meaningful opportunity to deepen, refine, and progress your current research. Whether you are working within a university context, a professional setting, a community organisation, or independently, the symposium provides a rare space to step back, share your work‑in‑progress, and receive guidance that can shape your next stages. As part of the experience, you will join a community of peers and mentors who are committed to nurturing early‑stage research. You will gain feedback that is constructive, encouraging, and tailored to your project’s needs.

In addition, the symposium connects you with an international network of colleagues working across adult, lifelong, and community learning. These conversations can open doors to new collaborations, alternative perspectives, and future opportunities for dissemination. Many participants also value the visibility the symposium provides, helping them situate their work within a broader research landscape.

Some of the key benefits include:

A supportive environment to refine emerging analyses, methods, or arguments
Focused feedback from experienced researchers who understand work‑in‑progress
A chance to grow your confidence in presenting developing research
Connections with peers and potential collaborators across sectors and countries
Recognition and visibility within the UALL and SCUTREA communities