International Symposium and Book Launch 2026
Date: Thursday 9th April 2026
Venue: Brooks Building, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK
The International Teaching and Learning Special Interest Group (ITLSIG), hosted by Manchester Metropolitan University, held a one-day International Symposium for educators, researchers, postgraduate students and policymakers on Thursday 9th April 2026.
Symposium Theme: Innovative Approaches to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Contemporary Global Perspectives
The symposium attracted a diverse and high‑quality range of abstracts highlighting innovative, collaborative, and practice‑focused work in higher education. Presentations offered varied perspectives and approaches, combining theoretical insight with practical impact across these subthemes:
- Pedagogical Innovation
- Digital and AI‑Enhanced Learning
- Inclusive and Equitable Education
- Student Engagement and Co‑Creation
- Assessment and Feedback Innovation
- Professional Development and Academic Practices
- Sustainability and Ethics in Higher Education
The programme featured a range of presentation formats, including mini keynotes (15 minutes), research papers (10 minutes), practice‑based case studies (10 minutes), creative formats such as lightning talks (7 minutes), and poster presentations. In addition to speakers from more than 15 UK universities, there were international speakers from countries including China, Malta, New Zealand, Spain, UAE, and the USA.
Book launch
Two newly published edited books were launched during the symposium. Some of the contributing authors were present to share their work.
Invited guest speakers
Presenter Biography: Dr Richard Nelson, the Head of Teaching Excellence at the University of Bradford, leads a team supporting staff in creating engaging and successful learning journeys through higher education. He currently chairs the University AI special interest group and presents on AI developments in teaching, learning, and assessment at Universities and Further Education colleges, as well as the UK JISC National Centre for AI. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/richardnelsononline
Presentation Title: Academic Identity in the Age of AI
Presentation Abstract
The Landscape of Higher Education is changing. Over the last decade, almost every institution has started on a digital transformation journey, and the speed and scope of this transformation has increased due to the rapid rollout of generative artificial intelligence. This has led to an identity crisis for Academic staff, increasing anxiety over how this will impact their academic freedoms, integrity and role as teachers. Taking extracts from his book, ‘Academic Identity in the Age of AI’, Dr Nelson’s presentation will outline how artificial intelligence has proliferated and increased its influence over academic identity, provide examples of use cases and explore the concerns of adapting or dying. Book URL: https://bookstore.emerald.com/academic-identity-in-the-age-of-ai-hb-9781835498675.html.
Presenter Biography: Professor Charlotte Chatto, works at the University of the Cumberlands, USA. She holds a PhD in Applied Neuroscience, is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy with over 35 years of clinical practice and three decades of academic experience. In 2017, she was selected to be the only physical therapy educator to participate in the Harvard-Macy Institute Program for Educators in Health Profession. She is Professor Emerita at Augusta University. While at Augusta University, Professor Chatto was honored for her work with Outstanding Faculty, Distinguished Service, and Outstanding Clinical Educator awards. She was also chosen to be a Teaching Scholar Fellow, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Fellow, and Faculty Development Fellow. In her career, she considers her most important clinical and educational contributions to be her volunteer work in Haiti. She treated patients following the 2010 earthquake during five visits between 2011 and 2017. She currently is a faculty member at Faculté des Sciences de Réhabilitation de Léogâne (FSRL) of Université Épiscopale d’Haiti (UNEPH) teaching neuroanatomy and research. She is also leading efforts for the physiotherapy education program to achieve World Physiotherapy accreditation.
Presentation Title: How to Build a Brain: Using the Science of Learning to Guide Pedagogy
Presentation Abstract
Professor Chatto will ask the audience to join her on an ongoing journey to find the best ways to teach complex concepts of neuroanatomy to health science students. This journey has been the inspiration for many innovative teaching techniques…some successful, and some not. As the evidence accumulates for the science of learning, there is now increasingly more knowledge about how to enhance memory and manage cognitive load. Professor Chatto will share this evidence and how it has informed the creation and evolution of her learning activities, encouraging the audience to enhance their own teaching.
Symposium programme
More than 35 speakers contributed to the parallel sessions, in addition to the two keynote speakers. You can access the full programme and speaker schedule by clicking here.
| Time | Activity |
| 8:15-9:00 | Registration & Welcome Coffee |
| 9:00-9:30 | Official Welcome & Opening Remarks |
| 9:35-10:20 | Keynote Address 1 |
| 10:20-10:40 | Morning Tea & Coffee Break |
| 10:40-11:25 | Keynote Address 2 |
| 11:30-12:30 | Parallel Sessions 1 |
| 12:30-13:25 | Lunch & Networking |
| 13:30-14:45 | Book Launch Ceremony |
| 14:45-15:00 | Transition-Tea & Coffee |
| 15:00-16:20 | Parallel Sessions 2 |
| 16:25-16:45 | Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks |
Sponsors
