The British Educational Research Association (BERA), which is set to host its 2018 annual conference in NewcastleGateshead, has announced its programme and line-up of key speakers for what is the largest conference of its kind in the UK.
Following events in Leeds (2016) and Brighton (2017), BERA will bring over 700 delegates to this year’s NewcastleGateshead event, to be held at Northumbria University 11–13 September. The conference will welcome speakers from Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Chile and Singapore.
The programme will offer presentations around educational research and curriculum development, including sessions looking at re-engaging underachieving male students through a sports-based life skills programme and on fostering social inclusion of people with learning disabilities through football fandom.
Delegates will be welcomed to the city on the evening of 11 September at Northumbria University’s Business and Law Building, while a gala dinner will take place in one of NewcastleGateshead’s grandest Georgian venues, The Assembly Rooms, on the evening of 12 September.
Dominic Wyse, Conference and Events Committee chair at BERA, said: “We are delighted that Newcastle will host this ‘must-do’ event of the educational research community’s year. With such a vibrant atmosphere, exceptional hospitality, inspiring heritage and a unique friendliness, the city was a perfect choice for the 2018 conference.”
Paul Szomoru, director of business events at NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau, said: “The launch of the BERA Conference 2018’s programme has revealed some exciting topics which are at the forefront of the education research field worldwide. Speakers are flying in from universities across the globe, and we also have some great local representation with speakers from Northumbria University, Newcastle University and University of Sunderland included on the line-up.
“Conferences such as these have a significant impact on our local research eco-system, bringing expertise and knowledge sharing into the city. We are looking forward to giving a warm welcome to BERA speakers and delegates when they arrive in September.”
Several fringe events have also been confirmed, with the conference preceded by the BERA Annual General Meeting 2018, as well as the BERA Physical Education and Sports Pedagogy Invisible College 2018 event, which both take place at The County Hotel on the 10 September prior to the main conference programme.
BERA is a member-led charity that exists to encourage educational research. BERA has expanded into an internationally renowned association with UK and non-UK based members.
