On 15 July 2026, CAFÉ and CITE centres from Birmingham City University Business School jointly hosted the inaugural Research and Dissertation Practice Conference 2026, bringing together academics, researchers and postgraduate students from across the UK to explore the future of dissertation supervision, postgraduate research, and research-informed education.
Supported by the Business School Research Development Fund (BSRDF), the conference was organised by Dr Krish Saha, Dr Hien Nguyen, Dr Sehar Zulfiqar, Dr Juanling Huang, Dr Cristina Chirita, and Gia-Phuc Le. The event forms part of a wider initiative to strengthen the Business School's research environment, enhance the quality of postgraduate research, and contribute to the University's REF2029 Strategy, People and Research Environment (SPRE) priorities, thereby promoting research-informed education and enhancing PTES and PRES.
The conference welcomed delegates from Birmingham City University, the University of Wolverhampton, the University of Birmingham, University College London (UCL), Birkbeck, University of London, Queen Margaret University Edinburgh, the University of Greater Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, Global Banking School (University of Suffolk Partnership), together with an international collaborator from the Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon, India. The diverse mix of institutions created an excellent opportunity for participants to exchange ideas, benchmark practices, and establish new research collaborations.
Rethinking Dissertation Supervision for a Changing Higher Education Landscape
Rather than focusing on a single theme, the conference explored the changing nature of dissertation education from multiple perspectives. Sessions examined innovative approaches to dissertation supervision, teaching research methods, supporting students undertaking non-traditional and interdisciplinary dissertation topics, assessment and feedback, and the opportunities and challenges posed by generative artificial intelligence.
A particular highlight of the conference was the discussion around supervising non-traditional dissertation topics. Speakers and delegates explored how supervisors can support students as they investigate emerging areas of research while maintaining methodological rigour and academic quality. These discussions generated lively debate and practical ideas that participants could immediately apply within their own teaching and supervision.
The conference also provided opportunities for delegates to reflect on evolving supervision models, collaborative approaches to supporting large postgraduate cohorts, and ways of strengthening research culture through cross-institutional learning and the sharing of effective practice.
Showcasing the Next Generation of Researchers
One of the defining features of the conference was its strong emphasis on student research development.
Rather than attending simply as observers, postgraduate students participated as presenters, showcasing their dissertation research to an audience of experienced academics from multiple universities. All reasonable adjustments were made to ensure inclusivity and engagement.
Six Master by Research (MRes) students presented their dissertation projects shortly before submission, receiving constructive academic feedback together with dissertation enhancement awards. A further ten MSc International Business and Management and International IMBA students presented their research, with outstanding presentations recognised through competitive awards judged by academic delegates. Every student presenter received a conference certificate in recognition of their achievement.
These sessions provided students with an authentic academic conference experience, enabling them to communicate their research, respond to scholarly questions, receive expert feedback and develop confidence as emerging researchers.
Developing Research Skills Beyond the Classroom
The conference also created valuable opportunities for postgraduate students to gain professional experience in research support and event management.
A doctoral researcher was recruited as the conference Research Assistant, supporting project coordination, delegate management and the post-conference evaluation. The Research Assistant was assisted by Eyayu Colin Eboku and Kristina Patel, students from the IMBA programme at BCU, who contributed to delegate registration, conference logistics and the smooth delivery of the event.
Their involvement provided valuable hands-on experience of organising a large academic conference while working alongside researchers from multiple institutions, further strengthening the Business School's commitment to research-informed education and postgraduate researcher development.
Positive Feedback and Lasting Impact
The conference generated an exceptionally high level of engagement throughout the day. Delegates remained actively involved until the closing session, with many continuing discussions and networking after the formal programme had concluded.
Twenty delegates completed the post-conference evaluation. Feedback indicated that participants left the conference with new ideas for dissertation supervision, greater confidence in supporting postgraduate researchers, and practical approaches that they intended to implement within their own institutions. Many also expressed strong interests in future collaboration and in establishing a cross-institutional Community of Practice dedicated to dissertation supervision and research methods.
One delegate summarised the collaborative spirit of the conference by commenting:
"Students have unique needs, and diverse approaches are required. Interdisciplinary, cross-collaboration is absolutely vital."
Reflecting on the event, Dr Krishnendu Saha, Conference Chair and Principal Investigator, said:
"The dissertation remains one of the most transformative experiences in postgraduate education, but the way we supervise and support students is evolving rapidly. Our aim was to create a collaborative space where colleagues could share practical approaches to supervision, discuss emerging challenges, learn from one another, and strengthen research culture across institutions. The enthusiasm and engagement throughout the day demonstrated just how valuable these conversations have become."
Looking Ahead
The success of the inaugural Research and Dissertation Practice Conference has established a strong foundation for future collaboration between Birmingham City University and partner institutions. The conference created a collaborative platform for interdisciplinary networking and knowledge exchange, enabling participants from multiple institutions to engage in constructive discussions on dissertation supervision, research methods, and postgraduate student support. Interactive discussion sessions facilitated the sharing of good practice and critical reflection on challenges of supervision/research journeys. The event also generated new professional networks and stimulated discussions about future collaborative research, joint scholarly activities, and an inclusive research spirit. The organising team intends to develop the conference into an annual flagship event, creating an enduring platform for sharing innovative dissertation practice, supporting postgraduate researchers, strengthening cross-institutional partnerships and advancing research-informed education.
Conference at a Glance
- Hosted by: CAFÉ and CITE
- Supported by: Business School Research Development Fund (BSRDF)
- Participating institutions: 9 UK higher education providers plus an international partner
- Conference themes: Dissertation supervision, research methods, non-traditional dissertation topics, postgraduate research, assessment and Generative AI
- Student research presentations: 16 Master's students
- Research Assistant: 1 PhD researcher
- Master's student volunteers: 2
- Evaluation responses: 20 delegates
- Future ambition: Establish an annual cross-institutional Community of Practice on dissertation pedagogy.