We’re inviting you to submit an abstract for the upcoming UPCA Student Research Summit – Emerging Minds in a Changing World, taking place online on Saturday 31 January 2026.
This annual event celebrates the creativity, curiosity, and commitment of trainee and newly accredited practitioners in counselling and psychotherapy. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share your research, present your ideas, and connect with peers and established researchers in a supportive and stimulating environment.
đź“ť Call for Papers
If you’re engaged in research or would like to lead a workshop or presentation, we warmly encourage you to submit your proposal by 14 November 2025.
👉 Submit your abstract here
Results announced: 28 November 2025
Technical rehearsal: 22 January 2026
Event date: 31 January 2026
🌟 Why Take Part?
- Share your research with a national audience
- Develop your confidence as a practitioner–researcher
- Gain feedback and insight from experienced academics and peers
- Be part of a vibrant, creative research community
Don’t miss this chance to showcase your work and contribute to shaping the future of counselling and psychotherapy research.
🌟 Event Highlights
Our keynote speakers are all respected leaders in their specialist areas, each actively contributing to the growth of the research community through their own projects, research
teams, and student mentorship. Together, they will guide participants through essential themes and frontiers in counselling and psychotherapy research:
- Oktober Evennett – Opening & Closing Remarks
Chair of Council for UPCA, Oktober will open and close the summit, setting a reflective and visionary tone for the day. - Dr Faisal Mahmood – How to Choose a Research Subject
An experienced researcher and educator, Faisal will share practical insights into developing and refining research questions that align with professional curiosity and academic rigour. - Dr Dwight Turner – Creativity in Research
A renowned scholar known for his work on intersectionality and diversity, Dwight will inspire participants to embrace creativity, authenticity, and innovation in their research approaches. - Professor Gary Winship – Future Vision for Research / Ethics for Autoethnography
A leading voice in psychotherapy research, Gary will explore the ethical and methodological considerations shaping the future of qualitative inquiry. - Phil Goss – IPA and TA
A specialist in interpretative phenomenological analysis and transactional analysis, Phil will offer a rich exploration of how these methods can illuminate personal and relational meaning in research. - Heike Myers – Reflexivity in Research
Heike brings her expertise in reflexivity and supervision to support students in understanding the researcher’s position and its impact on inquiry.
Student Workshops
Interactive student-led sessions offering opportunities to present projects, exchange feedback, and engage in peer-to-peer learning.
Round Tables and Debates
Lively discussions with keynote speakers and course leaders on ethics, methodology, and the evolving role of the practitioner–researcher.
Use this link to – Submit your paper https://onlinevents.notion.site/23d440c09b688151b7f4db9261af1ccbÂ
Use this link to – Register for the conferenceÂ
https://onlinevents.co.uk/event/emerging-minds-in-a-changing-world-upca-students-research-summit-3/
EVENT FAQ
Will I get access to recordings?Â
Yes your ticket will offer you access to the LIVE event and the summit recordings.
Will IÂ receive an attendance certificate?
Yes once the summit is over Onlinevents will send a link to download a certificate of attendance.Â
Who do I contact if I have any questions about the summit or registration?Â
Onlinevents’ team will be hosting the summit and support attendees throughout the event. If you need any help, please reach out to their team at help@onlinevents.co.uk.