Annual Academic Development Symposium 2026

Welcome and Keynote

Inclusive Aberdeen

Adapting Teaching Practices for today's learners

Student-led learning

The architecture of belonging

STEP Session and Closing Remarks

From Participation to Belonging: Exploring Student and Staff Perspectives on Engagement

Wednesday 29 April 2026, King's Conference Centre, Old Aberdeen Campus and via MS Teams

The theme for 2026 blended Annual Academic Development Symposium was 'From Participation to Belonging: Exploring Student and Staff Perspectives on Engagement'. The Symposium took place on Wednesday 29 April 2026. It opened with a keynote presentation from Eve Lewis, Director of Student Participation in Quality Scotland (sparqs). The keynote was followed by a range of presentations and workshops exchanging practice and ideas in a supportive and collaborative environment. The event concluded with the recognition of Excellence in Education Awards, Principal's Teaching Excellence Award, and the presentation of prizes for the Symposium poster competition.