Events by University of Leeds

The South West Growers Show (SWGS) returns on Wednesday, 7th October 2026, marking a historic milestone as it celebrates 50 years of serving the regional and national horticulture community. Established in 1974 and holding its first commercial exhibition in Exeter in 1976, SWGS has grown into the premier trade gathering for commercial plant growers, trade buyers, local authority green space managers, and landscape architects across the United Kingdom. Hosted at The Matford Centre in Exeter, this landmark edition brings together over a hundred specialist suppliers and thousands of industry professionals under one roof. Managed by Kernock Park Plants Ltd on behalf of South West Growers Show Ltd, the exhibition maintains its dedicated focus on supporting regional production while showcasing global horticultural advancements. The 2026 show offers a comprehensive look at the future of commercial cultivation, sustainable land management, and nursery retail strategies. Exhibitor Showcases and Product Launches At the heart of the South West Growers Show is an extensive trade floor showcasing new plant varieties, advanced machinery, and sustainable growing technology. Attendees can evaluate live plant material, compare growing media options, and explore automated irrigation systems alongside eco-friendly packaging alternatives. Plant Introductions: Nursery exhibitors from across the UK will unveil new nursery stock, seasonal bedding plants, perennial lines, and hardy nursery stock tailored for commercial retail. Specialist Equipment and Supplies: Discover the latest developments in polytunnels, environmental control systems, potting machinery, biological control products, and growing media formulations. Retail and Landscaping Services: Explore point-of-sale solutions, labeling systems, retail display fixtures, and landscaping materials designed to boost garden center margins and installation efficiency. Networking and Industry Insights Beyond product displays, the event provides an unmissable face-to-face networking hub for professionals across the supply chain. Nursery owners can negotiate directly with wholesale suppliers, garden center managers can curate their upcoming stock collections, and landscape designers can secure reliable sourcing pathways for high-volume contract projects. The 50th-anniversary gathering highlights the resilient evolution of UK horticulture. Discussions throughout the day will address key industry challenges, such as peat-free growing transitions, labor automation, climate resilience, and pest management regulations. Visitors will gain actionable practical knowledge to optimize crop production and business performance in an evolving market landscape. Convenient Venue Facilities and Access Situated at The Matford Centre in Marsh Barton, Exeter, the show provides exceptional accessibility for visitors traveling from across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and further afield. The venue features extensive free parking, indoor exhibition halls, on-site catering options, and seamless access from major transport arteries including the M5 motorway and Exeter St Davids railway station. Admission is completely free for registered trade visitors, making it a cost-effective professional development opportunity for commercial operators. Whether you are looking to discover new plant collections, upgrade operational machinery, or strengthen your industry contacts, the 2026 South West Growers Show delivers an essential, single-day trade experience in the heart of Exeter.

The NASUWT Neurodiversity in the Workplace seminar is an innovative and timely event aimed at supporting the growing number of neurodivergent teachers within the profession. Taking place in Birmingham, this seminar focuses on how schools can better accommodate staff with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and other neurodivergent profiles. Historically, the focus of neurodiversity in education has been on students; this event pivots that focus toward the teachers themselves, recognizing that a diverse workforce is a stronger workforce. The session provides a comprehensive overview of the Equality Act 2010 and the "reasonable adjustments" that employers are legally required to provide. Experts in the field will lead discussions on how to navigate the workplace—from managing sensory environments in busy schools to advocating for flexible working patterns or specialized administrative support. This seminar is also an excellent opportunity for union representatives and school leaders to learn how to create a more inclusive culture that values different cognitive styles. By fostering an environment where neurodivergent teachers can thrive, schools can improve retention and ensure that talented educators remain in the classroom. The day includes interactive workshops where members can develop personalized support plans and share strategies for success in a high-pressure profession.

The future of the UK’s media landscape is at a critical crossroads. "Media Frontiers: What Next for Public Service Media?" is a vital roundtable event taking place this May at the University of Leeds. As the BBC Charter Review and evolving regulations from Ofcom reshape the production ecology, this session brings together the nation’s leading thinkers to discuss the survival and evolution of public service broadcasting in the age of global streaming giants. The discussion will focus on the "Future of the UK Production Ecology." With panels consisting of policy analysts, media historians, and active industry practitioners, the event explores how public service media can remain relevant to a diverse and fragmented audience. Key themes include the role of state funding, the importance of impartial news in a "fake news" era, and how UK-based production houses can compete with the likes of Netflix and Disney+ while maintaining a distinct British voice. Participants will gain exclusive insights into the regulatory shifts that will govern the next decade of British television and radio. This event is part of the School of Media and Communication’s commitment to influencing national policy through academic rigor and industry engagement. It offers a rare space for dialogue between those who study the media and those who create it. Whether you are interested in the politics of the BBC or the economic future of independent production in the North of England, this roundtable provides the essential context needed to navigate the shifting media frontiers of 2026.

Inaugural lectures at the University of Leeds are a prestigious tradition, marking the significant contributions of newly appointed professors to their fields. On 12 May 2026, the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences presents "Professor Mehmet Dogar: Robotics and AI at the Frontier." This event is a deep dive into the cutting-edge world of robotic manipulation and autonomous systems, reflecting Leeds' position as a global leader in AI research. Professor Dogar, a specialist in Robotics and AI at the School of Computer Science, will present his latest findings on how robots can interact more naturally and effectively with complex, cluttered environments. The lecture explores the intersection of computer vision, machine learning, and physical engineering. In an era where automation is transforming industries from manufacturing to healthcare, understanding the "intelligence" behind the machine is more critical than ever. This lecture is designed to be accessible to a broad audience, from students and fellow academics to industry leaders and the general public. It provides a rare opportunity to hear directly from a pioneer in the field about the future of human-robot collaboration. Following the presentation, there will be a Q&A session where attendees can engage with Professor Dogar on topics such as the ethics of AI, the limitations of current robotic hardware, and the roadmap for fully autonomous assistants in the home and workplace. This is a celebration of academic excellence and a glimpse into the technology that will define the next decade.

Nexus Connect returns this April with a high-impact session titled "Obesity in Preventative Health." This exclusive event, held at the University of Leeds’ premier innovation hub, Nexus, brings together a unique mix of academic experts, med-tech founders, and healthcare innovators. The session aims to bridge the gap between high-level laboratory research and real-world health solutions. Obesity remains one of the most significant challenges in modern healthcare, requiring a multifaceted approach that spans nutrition, technology, and policy. This event features a lively panel discussion where speakers will explore the latest advancements in "Preventative Health." Topics include the role of wearable technology in weight management, the impact of metabolic research on public health policy, and how start-ups are leveraging data to create personalized health interventions. Following the panel, the event transitions into a structured networking reception. This is where the magic happens—where founders meet regulatory leaders and researchers find commercial partners. As a hub for innovation, Nexus provides the perfect backdrop for these meaningful conversations. Refreshments are provided, ensuring a relaxed yet productive atmosphere for all attendees. Whether you are an established investor looking for the next big med-tech breakthrough or a researcher seeking to de-risk your concept, this Nexus Connect session is an essential date in the Leeds business and health calendar.

The School of Education at the University of Leeds is proud to host the 19th Research Students' Education Conference (RSEC) 2026. This year’s theme, "Evolving Knowledge: Interdisciplinary Perspectives, Methods, Ethics and Decision-Making," addresses the rapid transformations within the global research landscape. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected and technologically driven, this conference serves as a vital platform for Master’s students, PhD candidates, and Early Career Researchers to showcase their innovative work and fresh perspectives. The 2026 program is specifically designed to tackle the complexities of modern research. A primary focus is placed on "Technology and Digital Tools," where participants will discuss the application of AI, social media, and emerging digital platforms in data collection and analysis. The event delves into the ethical dilemmas of the digital age—how do researchers manage human and non-human interactions? What are the implications of using AI in qualitative research? These are the pressing questions that will be explored through a series of presentations and poster sessions. Beyond technology, RSEC 2026 emphasizes "Creativity and Innovation." By encouraging unconventional approaches to solve complex social problems, the conference fosters a space where imaginative and participatory techniques center the voices of participants. This is an inspiring, forward-thinking event that invites the next generation of scholars to explore how educational research adapts to cultural and social shifts. It is not just a showcase of findings, but a collaborative environment for networking and building ethically grounded research practices for the future.

The third annual Education through Podcasting (EPOD) Conference arrives at the University of Leeds this June, bringing together a global community of educators, researchers, and media practitioners. Under the 2026 theme, "Beyond the Classroom: The Power of Podcasts in Shaping the Future of Learning and Media," this two-day event explores how audio narratives are dismantling traditional educational barriers. In a world where digital consumption is at an all-time high, the conference dives deep into the "Pedagogical Possibilities of Podcasting." Participants will engage with sessions on flipped classrooms, micro-learning, and how reflective audio practices can support diverse teaching strategies. A significant portion of the event is dedicated to "Academic Storytelling," focusing on how complex research can be translated into engaging, accessible narratives for the public, bypassing the "gatekeepers" of traditional academic publishing. Furthermore, the conference examines the role of podcasting in civic engagement. It highlights how higher education institutions can use audio to foster community partnerships and collective cultural production. From student-generated podcasts used as assessment tools to the reconfiguration of academic authority through informal, conversational tones, EPOD 2026 is a catalyst for modernizing how knowledge is produced and shared. Attendees can expect a mix of keynote speeches, peer-reviewed paper presentations, and interactive workshops designed to equip them with the tools to start or refine their own educational audio journeys.