InForm Conference 2026

Registration and Breakfast Buffet Alan Walters building 

Sponsored by Kaplan

Alan Walters G03

Welcome Neil Richards 

Keynote 

Changing Language(s) and Discourse(s) about and in the International Foundation Year

Professor Bee Bond (University of Leeds) 

Platinum Sponsor: Pearson (James Carmichael)

Gold sponsor: Macmillan (Jo Krousso)

Alan Walters

Go3: Parallel Session 1

‘Why Do Our Students Do That? What CQCan Reveal in the EAP Classroom’

Adam Mountford, University of Birmingham

103: Parallel Session 2

‘From Complexity to Coherence: Streamlining International Foundation Provision’

Natalie Drake and Rachel Rushton, University of Reading

111: Parallel Session 3

‘Navigating Change Through Student Motivation: Understanding the Evolving Foundation Learner’

Anna Tranter and David Tapp,University of Warwick‘

112: Parallel Session 4

A first-year programme’s responses to shifts in student readiness and engagement at a Canadian university’

Sandra Zappa-Hollman, Universityof British Columbia

Refreshments served in Alan Walters 

Alan Walters

G03 Parallel Session 1

‘Crossing Disciplinary Boundaries: EAP and STEM Collaboration in an International Foundation Programme’

Alan Kean and Emily Watts, University of Edinburgh‘

103 Parallel Session 2

The Invisible Foundation: Bridging the "Diagnostic Gap" with AI-Powered Inclusion’

Aida Sahutoglu, OnCampus

111 Parallel Session 3 - extends to 12:30

‘Reflective Practice or Reflective Performance?: Rethinking Reflection in Foundation’

Louise Dearden and Kate Pullen, University of Birmingham

112 Parallel Session 3 - extends to 12:30 

‘From Fixed to Flexible: Negotiating the EAP Curriculum on International Foundation Programmes’

Julia Clifford, University College

Alan Walters

G03 Parallel Session 1

‘Breaking Subject Specific Language Barriers Through Inclusive Tools’

Elena Borodina, University of Bristol‘

103 Parallel Session 2

AI for Writing Development in EAP:Lessons from a Custom GPT’

Paulina Poplawska, University of Birmingham

Lunch served in Alan Walters 

Alan Walters

G03 Parallel Session 1

'Beyond Teaching: Academic Citizenship and Changing Professional Roles in Transnational Higher Education’

Amira Hussain, University of Birmingham Dubai

103 Parallel Session 2 - extends to 14:30

‘A Measured Response to AI and Assessment: Re-designing the ‘Whole’ Rather Than Parts’

Philip Davies, University of Edinburgh

111 Parallel Session 3 - extends to 14:30

'A Stitch in Time Saves Nine! Making Space for Pronunciation in Academic Vocabulary Teaching and Why It Matters’ 

Jo Bolton, University of Birmingham

112 Parallel Session 4 - extends  to 14:30

‘Understanding Nervous System Regulation in the EAP Classroom’

Dave Watton, University of Birmingham

Alan Walters

G03 Parallel Session 1 

‘Breaking the Silos: An Interthematic Approach to Politics in a Changing World’ 

Christos Efstathiou and Ravjeet Kour, University of Birmingham

Alan Walters

G03 Parallel Session 1

‘Strong Roots, Strong Wings’: Understanding the ‘Foundation’ in Foundation Level Through the Student Learning Journey’

Hannah Ryan and Sarah Parry, University of Birmingham 

103 Parallel Session 2

‘Who said EAP needs to be boring? Designing Assessments Students Actually Care About in the Age of AI’

Jake Groves, University of Birmingham

111 Parallel Session 3

‘Screen Free Classes: Enhancing Engagement and Learning in Initial Interactions with Written Sources’

James Ackroyd and Panagiota Kesidou, King's College London

112 Parallel Session 4

‘Assessment Under Pressure: Rigour, Wellbeing and AI in International Foundation Programmes’

 Victoria Wilson-Crane and Jacqui Browne, Kaplan International Pathways

Refreshments served in Alan Walters

Alan Walters

G03 Parallel Session 1

We’re All in This Together – A Collaborative Approach to Supporting IFP Transition: Preparation, Progression and Early Undergraduate Success’ 

Malgorzata Drewniok and Xinyang Lu, University of Bristol & Kaplan International Pathways

103 Parallel Session 2

‘Assessment, Ethics, and AI in Contemporary Education: Designing Meaningful Assessment in the Age of Generative AI”

Buela Vemuri, Northumbria University

111 Parallel Session 3

‘Upsetting the Classroom - Using Taboo Topics to Broaden Discussion’

Ann Shapiro, University of Birmingham

112 Parallel Session 4

‘4000 miles from Home: Supporting the Wellbeing of International Foundation Students’

Esther Reeves, University of Birmingham

Alan Walters G03

InForm Journal 

Mark Peace 

Panel Discussion:

Dr. Ben Warwick

Profesor Bee Bond

Dr. Austin Tomlinson

After closing Remarks

Drinks Reception Alan Walters Atrium

Sponsored by Pearson

Please use the registration link at the top of this page to purchase tickets for InForm Conference 2026.

Tickets cost £80.

The conference will take place in The Alan Walters Building next to the Green Heart on the Edgbaston campus.

There are a variety of options to reach the campus

Train

The university has its own train station (University). This can be accessed directly from Birmingham New Street station (the Cross City Line to Bromsgrove/Redditch).

Car

There is ample paid parking on the university campus. The closest car park to the venue is the North East car park. Please use the postcode: B15 2SA (Opposite G9 on the campus map)

Parking at the weekend and Bank Holidays is permitted not only in the North East multi storey but across campus, charged at a £3.00 flat day rate (chargeable hours are 8am - 6pm).

Register with RingGo to pay via your credit/debit card on your mobile phone.

Location Code for Non-Permit Holders is 15677

Bus

There are several bus routes that directly link the campus to the city centre. Find out more about travelling by bus. 

View other travel options for getting here.

In this conference, we will be discussing how we adapt or practice to support evolving student needs and a changing world, as well as addressing the challenges posed by technology, such as GenAI.

We will be exploring the concept of change within the context of pedagogy, support, assessment, ethics, curriculum, and professional identity.

Themes:

1. The Evolving Learner

This stream focuses on how our students are changing and how our teaching methods must adapt in response.

2. Assessment and Ethics in the Digital Age

This stream addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and other technologies.

3. Rethinking the Curriculum

This stream looks at what we teach, ensuring our curriculum is relevant, meaningful, and prepares students for their future degrees and careers.

4. Evolving Our Practice and Identity

This stream turns the focus inward, exploring how we as educators are changing our roles, skills, and approaches to professional development.

Yes. Tea and coffee will be available on arrival and at break times during the day. Lunch will also be provided.

No, the conference will be entirely in person. Slides will be shared after the conference.

Yes. Please see the Edgbaston campus mobility map (PDF, 449KB) for more details.

For further information, please contact us at inform2026@contacts.bham.ac.uk

There are two options on campus, both just a few minutes' walk from the venue.

Edgbaston Park Hotel is offering a 10% discount for conference attendees. Please quote the following code when booking: ACIF26.

Peter Scott House is a slightly cheaper option.

Both can be booked by emailing: reservations@edgbastonparkhotel.com or calling 0121 414 8888.

Please note that bookings using this code can only be made by phone or email, not via the online booking system.

The university is within easy commutable distance to Birmingham City Centre which has a number of hotels suitable for a range of budgets.

Eduroam is the main WiFi network for both staff and students at the University and is available across all of the University's campuses. The eduroam network is also available to visitors from participating institutions who can sign in using their home institution credentials.

UoBGuestWiFi is our free guest WiFi service on the main Edgbaston campus and is available for visitors and guests to the University of Birmingham. Guests will need to register before using the service. Once registered, a guest account is valid for up to 30 days.

To learn more, view the support article: WiFi Networks Available