9th International Conference on Professional & Practice Based Doctorates

Theme Descriptions

Technology and Innovation:
This theme can include ways in which the landscape of technology integration is changing. Examples of how digital tools and platforms can enhance doctoral research and professional development for example with the use of wifi, data and AI are welcome. The potential and challenges of AI both in terms of its doctoral study, as a subject discipline in its own right, in individual doctoral projects. Also its application/​use in the doctoral study and theses production (e.g. flexible supervision approaches, access to resources, monitoring progress). How older and newer technologies are being leveraged to inform research.

Other topics could be related to data ethics and privacy in practice doctorates. The ethical consideration around using AI to gather, interpret and disseminate research. Are there different approaches to ethical considerations in collecting, analysing, and interpreting data in professional and practice-based doctoral research?

Protecting creativity:
This theme is aiming to explore ways to lead and protect creativity in professional and practice based doctorates through developing research strategies, practice-based methodologies and new research methods for practice-based design research. How to use the research strategies from creative fields in a range of subject disciplines. The approach to coming together and connecting organically. How creativity could help with Inter‑, trans- and cross-disciplinarity?

Social and Environmental Responsibilities:

This theme investigates the significance of social and environmental responsibilities in professional and practice-based doctoral research. What is the role of sustainability, circularity, social and environmental responsibilities in the context of professional and practice-based doctoral journeys? What potential challenges may arise when conducting socially and environmentally responsible professional and practice-based research in the Arts, Sciences and Humanities? What strategies can be used to evaluate social and environmental impact and make a positive difference to the social and economic well-being of the wider community through research. Using research findings to influence government policy, work with industry and change society.

Reimagining Doctorates:
This theme is aiming to discuss transforming traditional doctoral programmes to better align with contemporary societal needs and professional landscapes. What will doctoral education look like in the future? What are the key opportunities and challenges of doctoral education in the future? This includes insights into EDI, collaboration, structure and process and doctoral education. How Professional Doctorate and Practice Based Doctorate can follow diverse career pathways beyond academia. How can reimagining doctorates equip candidates with skills, innovation, remind relevance and be impactful in a changing world? How intersectional thinking is an inclusive way of looking at diversity and innovation in doctoral education. 

Entrepreneurship:
What role do entrepreneurship and innovation play in advancing professional and practice-based doctoral research and education? How does exploring what professional and practice based doctoral education will look like in the future, determine impact and value given that this can involve changes to national or local practice, institutional practice or the practice of individual doctoral candidates. How to integrate theoretical insights with hands-on experience to lead transformative initiatives, sustainable solutions and contribute to the advancement of theory and practice? 

Inclusivity at UKCGE events

Everyone involved in the conference should be able to enjoy it and benefit from attending, whether they are an organiser, supporter, presenter or audience member. Those who are most affected by prejudice, micro-aggressions or abuse of power are often those who face other systemic barriers relating to their race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, gender or (mental) health.

Ahead of the conference, we are asking everyone involved to think about how to promote inclusivity, and to play their role in actioning change. We want a conference which is safer, more accessible, more inclusive, and convivial, not just for those who already experience these spaces as comfortable or welcoming, but for everyone. We all have a role to play in challenging and changing the environment around supporting access for all. Participation in the conference is conditional on behaving in accordance with UKCGE Equality, Diversity and Inclusion ethos in ways that are fair, collegiate, caring, equitable, inclusive, respectful, non-exploitative and anti-discriminatory.