International Research Culture Conference
IRCC 2026
Collaboration for Lasting Change
Monday 21st & Wednesday 23rd September 2026
Call for Abstracts
Welcome to the International Research Culture Conference 2026 (IRCC26), a global gathering dedicated to improving research culture. This year’s theme, Collaboration for Lasting Change, places partnership, co-creation, and collective action at the centre of the conversation.Across two days (Monday 21st September: virtual; and Wednesday 23rd September: in-person), we invite participants to explore how working together, across disciplines, institutions, and systems, can build research cultures that we are proud of.
Speakers
Prof Jimmy Volmink – Executive Director for Equity, Wellcome Trust
Dr Kelly Vere MBE – Director, UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy, University Director of Technical Strategy, University of Nottingham
Research Professional Futures Panel, chaired by Lorna Wilson -Managing Director of Research and Innovation Services, Durham University & Chair, Association of Research Managers and Administrators, with panel members:
Steph Bales – Director of the Research and Enterprise Office, Teesside University
Rob Johnson – Director, Research Consulting
Alis Oancea – Professor of Philosophy of Education and Research Policy, University of Oxford
More information coming soon!
Rob Johnson – Director, Research Consulting
Alis Oancea – Professor of Philosophy of Education and Research Policy, University of Oxford
More information coming soon!
Key Dates
- Call for abstracts and proposals close: 24 April 26
- Abstract outcomes sent out: week commencing 08 May 26
- Early bird registration £125 (in-person) opens: 15 April 26
- Standard registration £145 (in-person) opens: 11 June 26
- Registration closes: 7 August 26 17:00
- Event dates: Monday 21 September (Virtual) and Wednesday 23 September (In Person)
Conference Fees
| Option | What's Included | Fee |
|
Limited programme ticket
|
Online livestream access to keynote/panel sessions only (on both days) | Free |
| Full programme ticket | Access to all online sessions on Monday 21 Sept; In-person attendance on Wednesday 23 Sept (including plenary sessions; all breakout discussions; parallel presentations, workshops; poster gallery; research culture carousel sessions). | £125 early bird; £145 standard |
Keep in touch
NCRC Conversations Series
The National Centre for Research Culture (NCRC) 'Conversation Series' is an opportunity for those working on research culture projects to share their work in an open online forum. Take a look at our upcoming events.
Sign up to Illuminate
Subscribe to our quarterly research newsletter to keep up to date on the latest news and opportunities around research culture, research impact and future events. The next edition is out this autumn!
Conference organising committee
Chair: Professor Kirstie Haywood (Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor – Research Culture)
Conference Leads: Dr Marie SamsLink opens in a new window (Head of the National Centre for Research Culture); Adele Kenny Link opens in a new window(Research Culture Officer)
Team: Dr Rika Nair Link opens in a new window(Research Culture Manager); Vicky Strudwick Link opens in a new window(Head of Research Culture Partnerships); Carole Harris Link opens in a new window(Associate Director, Research Culture); Andrea Stevenson (Marketing Coordinator); Emma Sembi (Marketing Officer)
Team: Dr Rika Nair Link opens in a new window(Research Culture Manager); Vicky Strudwick Link opens in a new window(Head of Research Culture Partnerships); Carole Harris Link opens in a new window(Associate Director, Research Culture); Andrea Stevenson (Marketing Coordinator); Emma Sembi (Marketing Officer)