SHIFT, which is now into its 18th year, is our annual conference of learning and teaching in Higher Education. The name SHIFT reflects the ever changing landscape in Higher Education. Each year, our conference focuses on a new and current theme relevant to learning and teaching in the higher education sector. Providing a platform to a multitude of speakers in the UK and internationally, it facilitates opportunities for research and knowledge exchange and sharing innovative practice.
Key Dates
| Proposal submission opens | 30 September 2024 | |
| Delegate registration opens | 30 September 2024 | |
| Proposal submission deadline | 28 October 2024 | |
| Proposals receive feedback | 15 November 2024 | |
| Programme announced | 16 December 2024 | |
| Delegate registration closes | 2 January 2025 | |
| Conference | 8 January 2024 - Online (Open to everyone) 9 January 2024 - In-Person, Greenwich Campus (For Çï¿ûÊÓƵ Staff and Post-Graduate Students only) | |
Conference Theme
Higher Education in a changing world: Adapting to the now, preparing for the future
As the world around us changes, so too must our universities and approaches to teaching. As we see socio-economic shifts, changes in policy, advancements in technology, and the growing effects of climate change – How do we prepare ourselves and our students for the now and for the future?
For SHIFT 2025, we will be looking at these four core areas:
- Inclusivity and wellbeing
Socially just approaches to teaching and learning and the university experience. Prioritising equity amongst students, colleagues and the wider sector - Sustainable, authentic and real-world approaches
Authenticity and sustainability are key characteristics of assessment and learning. Embedding skills that promotes learning based on practices found in workplaces - Technology Enhanced Learning
The integration of various technological tools, platforms, and approaches to create more engaging, interactive, and personal learning experiences for students - Partnerships and co-creation
Enhancing the way we work with our students, employers, communities and key stakeholders to prepare for the future
Keynote Speaker
To be announced soon.
Proposal Formats
We welcome submissions that align with the Conference sub-themes in the following formats:
Presentation
20 minutes with 5 minutes for questions
A traditional conference presentation for sharing ideas with the audience. This can be about a research project (whether complete or in progress) or a case study of a teaching practice you wish to share. We encourage staff presenting about their practice to consider co-presenting with students or with colleagues from other disciplines. Presentations should make clear to attendees how particular principles and methods can be applied in teaching practice.
Workshops
50 minutes with 10 minutes for questions
Interactive sessions based on engaging the audience with a key idea, practice, tool or research outcome. Workshop facilitators may utilise their own practice, research or scholarship as a basis for the workshop. Your proposal must outline how you intend to encourage interactive participation in your session (e.g., through specific activities).
Showcase or Panel Discussion
50 minutes with 10 minutes for questions
Discussion sessions featuring a group of colleagues (around 2-5) from the same or different programme or school. These informal sessions will share a variety of practices (e.g., technology use, exemplary practice, etc.) with an emphasis on how they connect. We encourage staff presenting about their practice to consider co-presenting with students.
Lightning Talk
7 minutes and 3 minutes for questions
A short presentation on a topic of your choice. This can be about some research (particularly in progress), new ideas or sharing expertise in a quick, insightful and easily digestible format.
Submit a Proposal
We are looking for proposals that focus on one or more of the core areas detailed in our conference theme using one of the listed proposal format types.
We welcome proposals from all staff and students. Co-presenting with staff and students is encouraged, as well as cross-disciplines.
Proposals must be submitted by Monday 28th October (Midday - 12pm GMT)
Reviewing Process
Proposals are assessed according to the following criteria:
- Contribution to the conference theme and sub themes
- Clarity and coherence of the proposal, including the problem or question addressed, findings or solutions offered, and practical take away learnings
- Theory and/or evidence suggesting the effectiveness of highlighted practices, solutions or findings or quality of reflections on lessons learned
- Likely value to a range of participants across contexts, fields, disciplines.
All submissions are blind peer-reviewed. Authors will be notified about the result of their submission via the e-mail provided in the submission form
Registration
Our conference is free and welcomes all staff, students, and external visitors to our university.
Our first day, 8 January, will be held online via Microsoft Teams and welcomes all to take part and attend.
Our second day, 9 January, will be held in person on Greenwich Campus. This is for Çï¿ûÊÓƵ Staff and Post-Graduate students only. Free refreshments will be provided.
Contact us
For any enquiries about SHIFT, please contact our team by clicking on the button below.
Privacy Notice
When registering to attend or submitting a proposal to present at our conference, we process information about who you are and your contact details; information that you provide on adjustments that may need to be made to enable you to attend and your dietary requirements. This information will be used by relevant Çï¿ûÊÓƵ employees to manage your attendance and participation at SHIFT 2025 and enable you to provide your feedback afterwards. The data that you provide will be held for a period of 5 years and will not be shared with third parties. General information about the university's approach to data protection and to your rights can be found here.