IRCC26 Events Information

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.

This years conference takes place across two days (Monday 21st September: virtual; and Wednesday 23rd September: in-person at The Oculus, University of WarwickLink opens in a new window, with a limited number of sessions being streamed, for free online.

Based in the heart of the UK, the University campus is accessible by many major motorway and train routes. For our international visitors, Birmingham International Airport is just 20 minutes’ drive away. Find out more information on how to find us.Link opens in a new window

Accommodation

Limited rooms are available on site, just a short walk from where the conference will take place. Onsite accommodation can be booked via Warwick Conferences. Otherwise, the nearest bookable hotels are a short taxi ride away, including Premier Inn (A45)Link opens in a new window (approx. 8 min drive), The Village HotelLink opens in a new window (approx. 5 min drive), Chesford Grange HotelLink opens in a new window (approx. 8 min drive).

Hotels within walking distance of Coventry Railway Station (approx. 8 min taxi ride from Warwick Campus), includes the Indigo HotelLink opens in a new window (2 min walk from station), and the IbisLink opens in a new window (10 min walk from station).

Parking

Please note that the conference car park uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). If you do require parking, please ensure that you have registered in advance to ensure that no charge is applied. Once you’ve registered and paid for the conference, you will receive an email with a promotional code to use to place a booking for your free parking, which includes details of where to park. Car parks can be found on the campus mapLink opens in a new window. The Oculus is clearly labelled on central campus on this map, and we recommend parking in one of the surrounding car parks indicated with a blue 'P'.

Accessibility

If you are travelling by car and are a blue badge holder, there is detailed guidance on where to park on our Car Parking AccessibilityLink opens in a new window page.

All sessions at the in-person event are taking place across two floors. The Oculus lifts can be found on either side of the building.

There are designated spaces for wheelchairs and mobility scooters in the main lecture theatre. These are accessible from two levels: Floor 1 (via the lift), which leads to a space midway up the lecture theatre seating, and Floor UG (via the lift), which leads to a space at the bottom of the lecture theatre seating.

Dietary requirements

We are providing a vegan and nut free menu for all delegates throughout the day. Those who have made us aware of specific allergies/intolerances and where lunch will be plated separated, you will be contacted to confirm details.

IRCC26 Programme Highlights

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 byLorna 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
Dan King – Director, Research Consulting
Alis Oancea– Professor of Philosophy of Education and Research Policy, University of Oxford
Presentations and interactive workshops.
Research Culture Carousel
Poster presentations
And much more to come!

Wellbeing Space

We’re committed to creating inclusive and nurturing spaces for all our delegates, and will be providing a dedicated reflection space—a quiet area designed for rest, mindfulness, or personal reflection throughout the event.

To maintain the calming atmosphere, we kindly ask that these rooms not be used for phone calls or virtual meetings. You’ll find clear signage on the day, and our friendly events team will be happy to guide you or provide more information.

Get in touch

For further queries relating to the International Research Culture Conference, please email ncrc@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window