Call for papers
Please note: the deadline for submissions is Monday 19 February 2026 at 17:00.
The summit invites session proposals from researchers, practitioners and students that relate to any aspect of enhancing access and success in postgraduate study and/or research among underrepresented and minoritised groups and build on the theme “Celebrating progress and planning next steps.” We particularly welcome proposals that:
Reflect on successes in embedding equity in postgraduate study and research and ways that they can be built on further
Share practical strategies and advice on implementing interventions that embed equity in postgraduate study and research
Identify gaps in current provision and how they might be addressed
Centre co-creation with current and prospective Masters and doctoral students
Explore intersectional experience of postgraduate study and research
Are collaborations between researchers, practitioners and/or students
Where possible, proposals should aim to address one of the suggested topics below:
Outreach and engagement: including access to information and guidance, perceptions of postgraduate study and research, perceptions of providers, research internships, and collaboration with external partners
Equitable admissions: including universal design for applications, contextualised admissions, positive action, access to funding, and application support
Programme design and experience: including accessible programme design, academic support, peer support and networking, careers guidance and support, and cost pressures
Personal and non-academic support: including mental health and wellbeing support, access to facilities and participation in extra-curricular activities, and mentoring and support networks
Transition between postgraduate stages: including the postgraduate study to postgraduate research pipeline, transition between postgraduate study and research, embedding research experience in postgraduate study, and supporting successful transition into doctoral study
Student voices and co-creation: including students as change agents, engaging students to collaborate, and working with students to deliver postgraduate access and success initiatives
Session types
Oral presentations (25 mins): Oral presentations should address the conference theme or one of the conference topics in an engaging way, leaving at least 5 minutes for questions.
Interactive workshops (50 mins): workshop sessions should be participatory and allow attendees to actively engage with the topic and each other. Workshops should include exercises designed to encourage discussion, exploration and collaboration. Proposals should address which interactive tools or techniques will be used.
Poster submission: Poster submissions represent information in a written or graphic format. Posters will be displayed at the symposium venue throughout the day.
Submission timeline
Monday 03 November, 2025 : Open call for abstracts
Monday 19 February, 2026: Deadline for abstract submissions
Monday 02 March, 2026: Acceptance notifications
Monday 16 March: Full agenda published
Tuesday 12 May: Summit
