UoBD Psychology Conference 2026: Redefining Student Mental Health and Wellbeing

Overview

We invite proposals for keynote speaker presentations that offer an empathetic, evidence-grounded and nuanced perspectives on redefining student mental health. Keynotes should challenge existing assumptions, introduce new frameworks, and/or inspire transformative approaches to supporting student wellbeing across educational systems. These discussions should help shape the conference’s intellectual direction and inspire new ways of thinking about student wellbeing.

Keynote speakers could address one or more of the following areas (but not limited to):

• Emerging paradigms in student mental health

• Systems-level approaches to wellbeing in education

• Strengths-based and inclusive models of support

• The impact of digital culture, technology, and AI on student well-being

• Rethinking academic environments, belonging, and institutional responsibility

• Future directions for policy and leadership in the context of student wellbeing Format & Structure

Each keynote session will follow a consistent structure designed to maximise engagement and impact:

• 40-minute keynote presentation: A focused, high-level talk offering new insights, frameworks, or directions for redefining student mental health.

• 10-minute moderated Q&A: An opportunity for the audience and experts to engage directly with the speaker, explore implications, and deepen understanding.

Submission requirements

Prospective keynote speakers are invited to submit a proposal that includes:

• Title of the keynote presentation (including name of individual and affiliation)

• Abstract (500 words) outlining the central argument, how the talk advances the theme “Redefining Student Mental Health”, and key insights

• Brief speaker biography (150 words) highlighting expertise and contributions to the field

Presentation slides or materials are not required at the submission stage

Submissions should generally demonstrate:

• Expertise in mental health, education, wellbeing, youth development, or related fields

• A clear, compelling perspective that advances systems-level or strengths-based thinking

• The ability to engage diverse audiences, including researchers, educators and practitioners

Who can submit

Keynote proposals are open to researchers, practitioners, educators, students who can offer forward-thinking insights on redefining student mental health.

Overview

The Pitch Pod provides an opportunity for students to share early-stage ideas, project concepts, or emerging research questions related to student mental health and wellbeing. These sessions are designed to encourage creativity, critical thinking, and constructive feedback in a supportive and low-pressure environment.

All ideas should align with the conference theme “Redefining Student Mental Health and Wellbeing.” This session is particularly aimed at students who are in the early stages of developing research or applied project.

Format & structure

• Pitch length: 3 minutes

• Q&A: 1-2 minutes

Pitches generally should:

• Clearly communicate the core research idea, its relevance to student mental health, and its potential to advance our understanding of redefining student mental health

• Provide insight into existing research and its impact on our understanding of student mental health.

• Feedback will be constructive and focused on helping presenters refine and strengthen their ideas

Submission requirements

Pitch Pod submissions must include:

1. Research Pitch Title

2. Presenter Details:

• Name, year of study, and institutional affiliation

3. Brief Description (up to 200 words):

• Background, which outlines the idea or concept

• Explain its relevance to student mental health and wellbeing

• Indicate whether the idea is research-based, applied, or exploratory (include concrete details regarding its implementation)

• Timeline of Status of research (idea, data collection, awaiting ethics approval etc..).

Who can submit

Pitch Pod Sessions are targeted at undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Outcomes and benefits

Pitch Pod Sessions provide a valuable opportunity for students to gain experience presenting ideas, receive feedback from peers and staff, and build confidence in academic communication.

Poster presentations

Poster sessions offer a visual and interactive format for presenting work and engaging in informal discussion with attendees.

• Research posters: 
  Empirical or systematic work related to student mental health, including quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods studies, dissertation or final-year project research, pilot studies, work in progress, or literature reviews.

Submission requirements

Poster presentations should incorporate illustrative materials such as tables, graphs, photographs, and large-print text, and materials should be clearly readable from three feet (primary text font should be 20 points or larger, and headings font at least 30 points).

The poster size is A0. Accepted posters should be submitted in PDF format by 18th May, and will be printed and ready for sessions on the day of the conference.

Oral presentations

Oral presentations are intended for research or applied work that can be clearly communicated within a short, structured format.

• Presentation length: 12 minutes

• Q&A: 3 minutes

• Presentations should outline the background, aims, key ideas or findings, and implications for student mental health and wellbeing

Submission requirements

Submissions for oral presentations and posters must include:

1. Title of the presentation or poster

2. Submission type: Oral Presentation, Poster Presentation.

3. Abstract ( 250 words):

• Overview of the research work

• Relevance to student mental health and wellbeing

Who should submit?

Submissions are welcome from postgraduate students, researchers, educators engaged in applied or theoretical work related to student mental health and wellbeing. Interdisciplinary and student-led submissions are particularly encouraged.

This segment invites submissions of creative work that interprets the theme “Redefining Student Mental Health and Wellbeing.” Through an art exhibition, participants can express how student mental health can be represented, reimagined, and communicated visually. Selected artworks will be featured in the conference exhibition and digital displays. Submissions are welcome from individuals across all disciplines, backgrounds, and levels of artistic experience.

Format and structure

Accepted art forms include:

• Digital illustration

• Painting

• Drawing

• Photography

• Collage

Artworks should:

• Clearly express a connection to the conference theme

• Demonstrate originality, intention, and thoughtful visual communication

• Be suitable for display in a digital or physical exhibition space

Submission requirements

Art Exhibition submissions must include:

1. Artwork File:

• High resolution image (PDF, PNG or JPEG)

2. Artist Statement (150–200 words):

• Explanation of the artwork’s concept

• Connection to student mental health and wellbeing

• Key themes, symbolism, or creative choices

The Logo Design Competition invites students to create a visual identity for the conference that embodies key ideas such as psychology, community, transformation, and student empowerment. The winning logo will be used across all platforms and materials.

Logos should:

• Clearly reflect the conference name and its core ideas

• Demonstrate originality, clarity, and strong visual communication

• Be suitable for use across print, digital, and largescale formats

Submission requirements

Logo submission format/structure must include:

1. Digital Logo File:

• Original design in PDF, PNG or JPEG format

2. Concept Description (150 words):

• Explanation of the design concept

• Key visual elements and symbolism