Research Forum

The Research Forum is an opportunity for AU faculty researchers to share their work, exchange ideas, and strengthen research connections across disciplines.

2026 AU Research Forum details

Date: Oct. 22 and 23, 2026
Location: Hybrid; in-person at the Academic Research Centre on Athabasca University’s Main Campus, in Athabasca, Alta., and virtual via Microsoft Teams
Registration deadline: Sept. 18, 2026
Preliminary scheduleRegister now

The Research Office and the Academic Research Committee (ARC) are pleased to launch the 2026 AU Research Forum as a hybrid event with in-person components taking place in our beautiful home community of Athabasca.

This year’s Forum is organized around the theme of Together in Research: Connecting Ideas. Inspiring Discovery. It is designed to be a space for faculty to present their ongoing research while encouraging active engagement, connection, and the development of collaborations and partnerships.

The Research Office is working alongside the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) and AU’s Graduate Student Association (AUGSA) to deliver the 2026 Faculty Research Forum and the Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC) as back-to-back events. Students are invited to attend the Forum on Oct. 23 prior to a joint mixer marking the end of the Forum and kicking off the GSRC.

Discounted hotel rates are available for attendees of both conferences between October 22 and 25 at The Days Inn Athabasca and Super 8. Mention “Graduate Student Research Conference” when calling to book.

Program information

The call for proposals is now closed.

The program will include the following sessions and engagement opportunities:

• 5-minute spark talks featuring AU researchers across disciplines
• In-person roundtable discussions
• 3 Panels surrounding the themes of Gen-AI in Research, Knowledge Mobilization, and Online Research Supervision
• Keynote addresses
• Presentations and discussions with the AU Library and AU Press
• In-person social networking activities with space to discuss ideas and connect with one another
• A combined student-faculty mixer hosted alongside FGS and AUGSA on October 23

 Learn more and register for the 2026 AU Research Forum