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Creative and Participatory Inquiry in Practice 2026 is an international research conference hosted by De Montfort University in Leicester, United Kingdom. Taking place on 19–20 November 2026, the event brings together academics, practitioners, artists, community organisations and policymakers to explore innovative and collaborative research approaches that create meaningful social impact. The conference focuses on creative inquiry methods, participatory research practices and interdisciplinary collaboration across education, health, arts, social sciences and community development. Conference Overview Research is increasingly moving beyond traditional academic boundaries. This conference demonstrates how collaborative approaches involving researchers and communities can generate practical solutions for real-world challenges. Participants will learn how creative methodologies such as visual arts, storytelling, digital media, performance and participatory action research can improve research outcomes while engaging diverse audiences. Across two days, delegates will experience keynote presentations from internationally recognised scholars, panel discussions, practical workshops and interactive sessions designed to encourage knowledge sharing and partnership development. Why Attend? The conference provides opportunities to: Discover innovative research methodologies. Learn from internationally recognised experts. Share successful case studies. Explore interdisciplinary collaboration. Build partnerships with universities and organisations. Develop practical research skills. Exchange ideas with international delegates. Understand community-engaged research. Gain professional development opportunities. Expand academic and professional networks. Key Themes Topics covered throughout the conference include: Participatory Action Research Creative Research Methods Community Engagement Digital Innovation in Research Arts-Based Methodologies Social Justice Research Inclusive Research Design Public Engagement Knowledge Exchange Policy Impact Each session demonstrates how collaborative research contributes to sustainable social and economic development. Conference Programme The programme features a combination of academic excellence and practical learning, including: Opening keynote address Expert panel discussions Research paper presentations Interactive workshops Poster exhibitions Networking lunches Community partnership sessions Collaborative research showcases Closing reflections and future directions These sessions encourage delegates to exchange ideas while developing new partnerships for future research projects. Featured Speakers Leading researchers and practitioners from UK and international universities will discuss emerging trends in participatory inquiry. Topics include community-led innovation, digital storytelling, inclusive education, environmental research, public health engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration. Delegates will gain practical insights that can be applied across higher education, government, healthcare, charities and private industry. Professional Development Participants can strengthen their expertise through practical workshops that demonstrate how to: Design participatory research projects. Engage stakeholders effectively. Collect qualitative data creatively. Improve research impact. Communicate findings to wider audiences. Build long-term research collaborations. These sessions are valuable for both experienced researchers and those beginning their academic careers. Networking Opportunities Dedicated networking sessions provide opportunities to meet: International academics Research funders Community organisations Industry representatives Government agencies Doctoral researchers Policy professionals These interactions often lead to collaborative publications, funded research projects and long-term professional partnerships. Venue The Georgian Rooms at De Montfort University provide an excellent setting for academic conferences. Located on the university's Leicester campus, the venue offers modern conference facilities, comfortable meeting spaces and easy access to city-centre transport links. Delegates can also explore Leicester's cultural attractions, museums, restaurants and historic landmarks during their visit. Benefits for Delegates Attendees will leave with: New research knowledge Practical methodologies International contacts Collaboration opportunities Greater research impact Professional inspiration Access to emerging research trends Enhanced career development The conference aims to encourage innovative thinking while promoting collaboration across disciplines and sectors. Creative and Participatory Inquiry in Practice 2026 offers an outstanding opportunity for researchers and professionals interested in collaborative and socially engaged research. Through keynote presentations, interactive workshops and valuable networking opportunities, delegates will gain practical knowledge that supports impactful research and innovation. Hosted by De Montfort University, this event continues the university's commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research and strengthening partnerships that address global challenges.

The Norwich MrBead Bead Fair Autumn 2026 makes its highly anticipated return to Norwich on Sunday, 25th October 2026. Held at the accessible and comfortable Best Western George Hotel along Newmarket Road, this full-day exhibition offers an immersive marketplace for bead collectors, jewelry designers, craft hobbyists, and artisan creators across East Anglia. Organized by MrBead—one of the UK’s premier importers of high-grade gemstone beads and freshwater pearls—this event is an essential destination for anyone looking to source unique materials and elevate their craft. Whether you design handcrafted jewelry professionally for an online boutique, craft unique gifts for family and friends, or simply enjoy collecting rare mineral specimens, the fair provides a vibrant atmosphere packed with color, texture, and creative inspiration. Located just ten minutes from Norwich city center, the fair combines convenience with an extensive inventory of loose beads, jewelry findings, and specialized stringing supplies that are rarely found on the high street. Unrivalled Selection of Gemstone Beads, Pearls, and Findings At the center of the exhibition is MrBead’s vast catalog of newly imported semi-precious gemstones and freshwater pearls. Visitors will have the opportunity to browse thousands of high-quality gemstone strands, including jade, turquoise, agate, coral, jasper, lapis lazuli, amethyst, garnet, rose quartz, and labrodite. Each stone is hand-selected for clarity, color intensity, and consistency, giving jewelry makers the confidence to design durable, high-value pieces. In addition to loose gemstones and pearls, the fair showcases an extensive range of jewelry-making components, such as sterling silver clasps, bead spacers, wire, cord, and specialized hand tools. Attendees will also get exclusive access to finished custom pieces designed by The Bead Queen, offering inspiration for seasonal trends and gift ideas heading into the festive period. Being able to physically touch, inspect, and color-match beads in person ensures that you select the exact shades and dimensions required for your projects. Expert Guidance, Networking, and Community Engagement Beyond shopping, the Norwich MrBead Bead Fair serves as an engaging community hub for regional crafters. Nigel and the MrBead team bring decades of industry knowledge and are always on hand to offer advice on stone properties, care instructions, and design techniques. Whether you need help selecting complementary colors, understanding wire gauges, or learning how to care for natural organic pearls, the friendly team provides personal support throughout the day. The fair also presents a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow makers from Norfolk and Suffolk, exchange creative ideas, and discuss sourcing tips. Enjoying coffee and refreshments while chatting about new techniques makes for a relaxed, friendly weekend outing with like-minded creative enthusiasts. Plan Your Visit to The George Hotel, Norwich Admission to the Norwich MrBead Bead Fair Autumn 2026 is completely Free, and early visitors can take advantage of complimentary refreshments upon arrival. The Best Western George Hotel offers on-site parking and clear access from the A11 and inner ring roads, making travel straightforward from anywhere in Norfolk or London. Make a day of it by pairing your visit to the bead fair with a stroll around Norwich’s historic sights, castle, or vibrant shopping districts. Mark Sunday, 25th October 2026 on your calendar and discover the finest collection of beads and pearls in East Anglia!

As the digital frontier expands, the Institute of Mental Health is at the forefront of examining how technology intersects with psychological well-being. This intensive workshop, "Digital Innovations in Mental Health," provides a hands-on exploration of the tools currently reshaping the therapeutic landscape. From AI-driven diagnostic assistants to Virtual Reality (VR) exposure therapy, the event offers a comprehensive overview of the technological surge in the UK healthcare sector. The session begins with a critical analysis of current digital health policies and the ethical implications of data privacy in psychiatric settings. Participants will then move into "Experience Zones," where they can trial the latest mental health applications and wearable tech designed for mood tracking and anxiety management. This is not a passive seminar; participants are encouraged to bring their devices and engage with software developers who are building the next generation of NHS-approved digital interventions. The afternoon session focuses on the "Digital Divide," addressing the crucial challenge of ensuring that technological advancements do not leave vulnerable or elderly populations behind. We will discuss strategies for digital inclusion and how to train staff to facilitate tech-based treatments effectively. This workshop is particularly vital for service managers and clinicians who are overseeing the digital transformation of their departments. By the end of the day, attendees will have a robust framework for evaluating new technologies and a clear understanding of the regulatory pathways required to implement these tools in a clinical setting. The Institute of Mental Health remains committed to ensuring that innovation is always balanced with human-centric care.