Events by Northumbria University

For students planning their next steps in higher education, the UCAS Discovery Exhibition at the Utilita Arena is the most significant event in the regional calendar. While hosted off-campus to accommodate the thousands of attendees, Newcastle University plays a central role as a major partner and featured institution. This exhibition is a "one-stop shop" for everything related to post-18 options, bringing together hundreds of universities, colleges, and apprenticeship providers under one roof. The event is designed to move beyond the static information found in prospectuses. Students can engage in face-to-face conversations with admissions experts and current students from Newcastle University to get a genuine feel for campus life, course structures, and career outcomes. There are dedicated zones for different subject areas, allowing visitors to compare programs in fields like Medicine, Law, Engineering, and the Arts in a single afternoon. In addition to the exhibition stands, the event features a series of live talks and workshops. These sessions cover essential topics such as writing a standout Personal Statement, navigating the student finance system, and how to choose the right degree for specific career paths. For teachers and careers advisors, the event provides a vital opportunity to gather the latest information on admissions trends and entry requirements. By centralizing all these resources, UCAS Discovery ensures that every student in the North East has the information they need to make an informed decision about their future.

Newcastle University’s INSIGHTS Public Lectures series continues its tradition of bringing world-class thinkers to the local community with a special presentation by Jake Morris-Campbell. Titled "Between the Salt and the Ash: A New North East Pilgrimage," this lecture offers a deep dive into the cultural and geographical identity of the North East of England. Morris-Campbell, an acclaimed author and researcher, takes the audience on a journey through the landscapes that define the region, from the coastal salt marshes to the industrial heritage of the coal ash fields. The lecture is more than just a geographical survey; it is an exploration of the "pilgrimages" we take through our own history and environment. By blending literature, history, and physical geography, the speaker examines how the physical scars of the industrial past have transformed into the cultural landmarks of today. This event is part of the Tyneside Geographical Society’s annual program, hosted in the prestigious Curtis Auditorium. Public lectures at Newcastle University are designed to be accessible to everyone, requiring no prior technical knowledge of the subject. They provide a space for civil discourse and intellectual stimulation, allowing the public to engage with authors and academics in a Q&A format following the main presentation. For those interested in the heritage of the North East, local history, or the intersection of landscape and literature, this lecture promises to be a thought-provoking evening that recontextualizes the ground beneath our feet.

The International Conference for Production Research – Africa, Europe and Mid-East Region (ICPR-AEM) 2026 is a premier academic and industrial gathering hosted by the Newcastle University Business School. This year’s theme, "Smart Production for Sustainability," addresses the urgent global need to harmonize industrial growth with environmental stewardship. As the manufacturing landscape undergoes a radical digital transformation, this conference serves as a critical forum for exchanging cutting-edge research and identifying the emerging trends that will define the next decade of production. Over the course of five days, delegates will explore a wide array of topics, including sustainable manufacturing, supply chain resilience, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence in industrial systems. The conference is structured to facilitate high-level networking between international researchers, industry leaders, and policy-makers. Keynote sessions will feature world-renowned experts discussing how "Industry 5.0" can create more human-centric and resilient production models. Beyond the formal presentations, the event includes specialized tracks for digital transformation and circular economy practices. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in panel discussions that bridge the gap between academic theory and industrial application, ensuring that the research discussed has a tangible impact on global sustainability goals. Located in the state-of-the-art Business School building at the gateway to the Newcastle Helix site, the venue provides the perfect backdrop for a conference focused on innovation and future-facing technologies.

The Discover Festival is Newcastle University’s flagship community event, designed to transform the city-centre campus into a vibrant hub of curiosity and interactive learning. This one-day extravaganza invites the public to step inside the world of a leading Russell Group university and engage directly with the groundbreaking work happening behind its doors. The festival is meticulously curated to appeal to all ages, bridging the gap between complex academic research and everyday life through hands-on activities, live performances, and expert-led demonstrations. Visitors can expect a jam-packed schedule that spans the entire breadth of the university's expertise. From the Faculty of Medical Sciences, "health detectives" will guide participants through real-life science experiments, while the School of Engineering showcases the latest in robotics and sustainable technology. The atmosphere is one of celebration and exploration, encouraging young minds to envision themselves as the scientists, artists, and engineers of the future. In addition to the STEM-focused exhibits, the festival features a strong cultural component. The university’s historic grounds will host live music stages featuring student and professional performers, while indoor galleries offer crafts and artistic workshops. Whether you are interested in how the brain works, the future of our planet, or simply looking for a high-quality family day out in the heart of the North East, the Discover Festival provides a welcoming environment to learn something new. While the event is free to attend, certain high-demand workshops require advanced booking to ensure a personal and immersive experience for all attendees.

The Northumbria University IP Showcase 2026 is a flagship event organized by the IP Commercialisation Team within the Research and Innovation Services department. Designed to bridge the gap between academic brilliance and industrial application, this showcase presents a unique platform for investors, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to explore cutting-edge technologies and research-based services born within the university's laboratories. The event features a comprehensive program including keynote presentations from senior university leadership and prominent venture capitalists. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with academic founders through a series of "Spinout Opportunities" pitches, highlighting disruptive technologies in sectors such as MedTech, Bio-Tech, Net Zero, Space-Tech, and Artificial Intelligence. A central part of the day is dedicated to an exhibition of research-based products, where participants can interact with innovators and discuss potential joint R&D ventures or investment paths. The afternoon includes a "Fireside Chat" on the journey of an academic founder, providing raw insights into the transition from research to a commercial entity. Whether you are looking for the next big investment or seeking a collaborative partnership to solve complex industrial challenges, this showcase provides the networking and information-rich environment necessary to foster innovation. The event concludes with a forward-looking discussion on upcoming projects and the university’s long-term commercialisation strategy.