School of Education launches successful first Education Research Impact Showcase

The School of Education delivered its first Education Research Impact Showcase, uniting researchers, practitioners and partners for a vibrant programme celebrating impactful educational research work.

Hosted over four evenings, the showcase welcomed more than 50 delegates on its opening night, with attendees including external organisations, postgraduate researchers, and colleagues from across the University.

A diverse and engaging programme

The showcase featured a rich mix of workshops, poster exhibitions, and networking opportunities, creating space for meaningful dialogue and collaboration. Sessions were deliberately scheduled after school hours, ensuring accessibility for teachers and school leaders, and supported by free parking and refreshments.

Across the week, the programme explored a wide range of impactful topics, including:

• Language Education
• Active Travel and Youth Engagement
• Game-Based Learning
• Imaginative Curriculum Design

Each session highlighted innovative research and practical approaches, encouraging participants to consider how evidence-informed practices can address real-world educational challenges.

 

Key moments from the showcase

The Monday sessions kickstarted the week with a networking event and the launch of the awaited Community of Engaged Schools (CoRES), a community of practice for research engaged schools.

Tuesday highlighted the work being done on Language Education by staff and students across the School of Education, discussing how evidence from corpus liguistics can be effectively used in classroom practice, reading materials used to support English as an Additional Language (EAL), and looking at research actively being conducted by postgraduate researchers.

Wednesday sessions brought together three powerful conversations:

• Supporting youth in active travel, focusing on the opportunities young people have for more active travel. 
• Empowering educators of children with brain tumours, sharing insights into parent and school collaboration and communication when supporting children living with the effects of a brain tumour.
• Using LEGO to unlock new perspectives, demonstrating creative and participatory approaches to learning.

The final evening concluded with engaging discussions on Game-Based Learning and Imaginative Curriculum, providing inspiration for rethinking teaching strategies and learner engagement.

 

Positive reception and future ambitions

The inaugural showcase was widely praised by attendees, exhibitors, and presenters, who highlighted the value of bringing together diverse perspectives in an accessible and collaborative environment.

The success of this year’s showcase has laid a strong foundation for future events, with plans already underway to build on its momentum and expand engagement with schools and educational partners.

The School of Education extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended, presented, exhibited posters, and contributed to the event’s success.

We look forward to welcoming even more participants next year for the next Education Research Impact Showcase.

For more information on CoRES, please visit their website here.