Events by the university of manchester

The "Creativity and AI" series reaches its second installment with a dedicated focus on Cultural Heritage. Hosted by the CreaTech Network at The University of Manchester, this event explores the intersection of cutting-edge artificial intelligence and the preservation and interpretation of our past. As museums, galleries, and archives increasingly turn to digital solutions, this seminar investigates how AI can be used to reconstruct lost artifacts, transcribe ancient texts, and create immersive historical experiences for the public. However, the event also addresses the ethical dilemmas inherent in "digitizing" culture, such as the ownership of digital twins and the potential for AI to replicate historical biases. The session will feature case studies from University-led projects that utilize AI to map historical sites and manage vast digital archives. Experts in archaeology, digital humanities, and computer science will come together to discuss the "CreaTech" ecosystem in Greater Manchester. This is more than a technical seminar; it is a conversation about how we define and protect our collective memory in the 21st century. Attendees will see live demonstrations of AI tools used for heritage conservation and have the chance to participate in a "world-café" style discussion to brainstorm future collaborations. This event is a must-attend for heritage professionals and tech enthusiasts alike who are interested in the digital future of the past.

Returning to its birthplace after 15 years, the R&D Management Conference 2026 is set to be one of the most significant gatherings for innovation leaders in the UK. Organized by the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research (MIoIR), this conference addresses the theme of "Creativity and Resilience in an Era of Technological Disruption." In a world where rapid advancements in technology—ranging from quantum computing to synthetic biology—are upending traditional business models, the conference examines how organizations can remain steadfast yet flexible. The program includes competitive paper sessions, developmental workshops, and high-level plenary talks from global R&D directors. It focuses on the dual necessity of creativity as a driver for novel solutions and resilience as the mechanism for long-term adaptation. Attendees will gain insights into managing multi-level disruptions across firms, industries, and entire ecosystems. The event also provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the heritage of R&D management research in Manchester while looking forward to sustainable and ethical innovation practices. With its deep roots in the city's industrial history and its current status as a tech hub, Manchester provides the perfect backdrop for these crucial discussions. Early bird registration is recommended for this high-demand event.

As part of the National Productivity Week 2026, The Productivity Institute, headquartered at The University of Manchester, is organizing a public-facing showcase at the iconic Manchester Central Library. This event is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and practical economic impact. The showcase highlights seven integrated research programs that focus on strengthening regional and national productivity in the UK. Productivity is often discussed in abstract economic terms, but this event aims to humanize the data, showing how better productivity leads to improved living standards, higher wages, and a more resilient economy. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with leading economists and social scientists who are tackling the "productivity puzzle." The event features a series of short, punchy presentations followed by roundtable discussions where business owners and policymakers can voice their challenges. From analyzing the impact of infrastructure on local businesses to understanding the role of skills and education in the workforce, the program covers a diverse range of topics. It is a vital event for those interested in the future of the North of England's economy and the broader UK landscape. The setting in the Central Library emphasizes the event's commitment to accessibility and public engagement.

As generative AI continues to permeate the academic landscape, The University of Manchester is hosting a landmark international conference to address the dual nature of this technological shift. Hosted by the School of Environment, Education, and Development, this event moves beyond the technical mechanics of AI to explore its profound societal implications. The core focus is on whether AI will bridge the digital divide or inadvertently widen the gap for underrepresented groups. Attendees will engage in a series of keynote interviews, interactive workshops, and panel discussions designed to evaluate how AI tools can be designed through the lens of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). The conference serves as a critical platform for educators, students, and policymakers to share evidence-based research on AI’s role in personalized learning and assessment design. By highlighting the voices of accessibility specialists and marginalized learners, the event aims to produce a set of practical strategies for institutional leaders. Participants will explore how to maintain academic integrity while leveraging AI for creative collaboration. The hybrid format ensures a global reach, connecting Manchester’s research community with international experts to shape the next generation of inclusive educational technologies. It is an essential gathering for anyone committed to ensuring that the future of higher education is both innovative and equitable.

The Digital Environment Conference 2026, co-hosted by The University of Manchester’s Digital Futures platform and the NERC Digital Solutions Hub, represents the vanguard of "human-planet intelligence." As we navigate an era defined by rapid climatic shifts and unprecedented technological growth, this conference serves as a critical nexus for exploring how integrated digital systems can shape a sustainable planetary future. The event is designed to move beyond theoretical discourse, offering a space where the systems of tomorrow are actively imagined, contested, and built. A primary focus of the 2026 gathering is the integration of diverse data streams—ranging from satellite imagery and IoT sensor networks to socio-economic indicators—to create a "digital twin" of our environment. By leveraging these technologies, researchers and policymakers can simulate the impacts of environmental policies and industrial activities in real-time, allowing for more agile and evidence-based decision-making. The conference will specifically address the ethical implications of environmental data, ensuring that the transition to a digital-first environmental strategy remains equitable and accessible to all global communities. The program features a prestigious opening keynote from NVIDIA, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between high-performance computing leaders and environmental scientists. This collaboration highlights the increasing necessity of GPU-accelerated processing and Artificial Intelligence in modeling complex ecological systems. Attendees can expect a series of interactive workshops, panel discussions, and technical demonstrations that showcase the latest tools in environmental informatics. Furthermore, the conference emphasizes the role of interdisciplinary collaboration. It brings together computer scientists, ecologists, urban planners, and social scientists to break down the traditional silos that often hinder large-scale climate action. By fostering a community centered on the "Digital Solutions Hub," the event aims to provide practitioners with the open-source tools and frameworks necessary to implement local solutions to global problems. Whether it is predicting urban heat islands or monitoring biodiversity loss through machine learning, the Digital Environment Conference 2026 is the premier venue for those dedicated to harnessing technology for the benefit of the Earth and its inhabitants.