Centre for Education Research and Scholarship Showcase

The University of Lancashire’s Centre for Education Research and Scholarship warmly welcomes colleagues from higher education, further education, schools, and health and social care practice to our first education research showcase. This friendly, collaborative event brings together practitioners, academics and research students to share ideas, explore emerging areas of education research, and spark meaningful new connections across the region and beyond.

🔑 We’re delighted to host Professor Nic Whitton (Professor of Digital Learning and Play, Northumbria University), who will share insights from her journey from early research ideas to securing major education research funding.

⚡ Across the showcase, you’ll be able to explore a range of hands‑on activities, including demonstrations, poster presentations and lightning talks highlighting ongoing education research across the University. Topics include:

• Dipping your toe into research: sharing collective experiences as a research method
• Creating and sharing open education resources
• Getting playfully creative
• Using LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® to explore professional identity
• Assessment feedback: Student perceptions on the feedback experience
• Emotions in learning
• Interprofessional Education in action

🌟 We end the evening with an inspiring public lecture from Russell Hogarth, who will share stories of community engagement in education and social research.

☕ Refreshments and parking are available

📄 Certificates of attendance for professional development on request.

15:30 Arrival - grab some refreshments and have a chat!

16:00 Welcome to the Centre for Education Research and Scholarship

16:15 Keynote Learning to Fail: The Story of Winning a Large Research Grant by Professor Nic Whitton, Professor of Digital Learning and Play, Northumbria University

17:15 Research and Scholarship Showcase A range of hands-on activities including demonstrations, posters and lightning talks

19:00 Public lecture Towards a Better Tomorrow by Russell Hogarth, Honorary Fellow & Community Engagement Ambassador

20:00 Close

The new University of Lancashire Centre for Education Research and Scholarship (CERS) supports the development of excellent research that informs and enhances teaching, learning and assessment practices, influences policy and practice, and addresses key challenges in education. The centre embodies a transdisciplinary, dynamic and inclusive environment that fosters connection, collaboration, innovation and excellence.

Our vision is to cultivate a vibrant community dedicated to advancing knowledge, transforming practice, and promoting equity in all levels of education from early years through to lifelong learning.

Nic Whitton is Professor of Digital Learning and Play at Northumbria University in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK. Her research focuses on the use of digital games and playful approaches in higher education and she has published widely in the area, most recently on the pedagogy of play in adulthood and the philosophy of the playful university. Her latest research project has focused on what teachers can learn from escape room gamesmasters and she is PI of the three-year ESRC-funded RE:PLAY project, which will provide a large-scale evidence base for the use of playful learning in higher education in institutions across the UK.

Russell Hogarth is an Honorary Fellow and Community Engagement Ambassador at the University of Lancashire. His expertise in social entrepreneurship, lifelong learning and active citizenship is recognised both nationally and internationally. Russell's 2015 publication, Creative Education, Teaching and Learning is often quoted as a pathway to inclusion and accessible education. Amongst other roles, Russell is an EU virtual VET ambassador at Cedefop, an advisor to the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the British Association of Social Workers, a mentor for UnLtd and a trustee for Creativity Works Preston.

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