HUBS Annual Meeting 2026
Biosciences at the Crossroads: Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact in a Changing World
Details
When? Tuesday 2 June 2026, 10:15 to 17:45
Where? The Rose Bowl, Beckett University, Portland Way, Leeds LS1 3HB
CPD Approved This event is approved for CPD
Biosciences at the Crossroads: Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact in a Changing World
HUBS are a special interest group of the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), comprised of bioscience departments, represented by their heads of department from over 70 universities from across the UK. HUBS act as a forum for heads of university departments and subject leads to discuss national issues on the provision of research and teaching in the biological sciences.
This two-day in-person conference hosted at Leeds Beckett University 2-3 June 2026, is an opportunity to hear from diverse and influential voices in higher education. Against a backdrop of global change, the 2026 conference interrogates how innovation, inclusive practice, and measurable impact can shape the future of bioscience teaching, research, and policy.
Sessions will include:
- Policy/Key Priorities 1: Reflections on the HE Landscape — examining strategic shifts, funding pressures, and institutional responses.
- Policy/Key Priorities 2: Inclusive Research Practice — advancing equity, ethics, and interdisciplinarity in bioscience research.
- Resilience in HE: navigating uncertainty, fostering wellbeing, and building adaptive leadership across the sector.
- Celebrating Excellence: The conference will also see the presentation of the HE Bioscience Teacher of the Year Award. recognising outstanding contributions to bioscience education and pedagogic innovation. Delegates will hear presentations from each of the three shortlisted candidates, on their innovative and effective teaching methods.
We are delighted to have the following speakers confirmed:
- Dame Chi Onwurah - Chair of the UK GOV Science and innovation Select Committee
- Professor Malcom Press CBE, Vice-Chancellor Manchester Metropolitan University and President of Universities UK
- Professor Emannuel Adukwu, Deputy Head of Department University of the West of England
- Dr Doug Brown CBiol FRSB - CEO Royal Society of Biology
- Professor Jason Love - Chair of Heads of Chemistry UK
- Professor Richard Reece CBiol FRSB - DVC University of Kent
- Dr Wendy Nicholls - Chartered Coaching Psychologist and Consultant
- Martyn Edwards - Director of External Relations, University of Leicester
Cost and booking
Advance registration is essential through the link at the top of the page, all rates are inclusive of VAT:
- Member - Full conference + accommodation = £260
Includes Tuesday 2 June accommodation & breakfast at the Radisson Blu hotel, and the conference dinner - Day rates without accommodation (member and non-member) will be open for bookings from 1 April 2026.
The first day of the conference will close with a networking event and conference dinner at Sous le Nez, an opportunity to network with colleagues from throughout the HE Bioscience sector, which include a 3 course dinner and wine/ soft drinks. Attendees can select their menu on the day.
The registration deadline is 2 May 2026
Venue
The venue is The Rose Bowl, Beckett University, Portland Way, Leeds LS1 3HB.
This is a 15 minute bus ride or a 13 minute walk from Leeds Railway Station.
Accommodation
Accommodation is included in the member Full Conference registration fee, at the Radisson Blu City Centre hotel, a 5 minute walk from the conference venue, and 7 minute walk from Leeds Railway Station. Accommodation will not be included in day rates.
Parking
There are public pay and display car parks at the Rose Bowl, City Campus. Alternative public car parks are available across the city centre, with Woodhouse Lane being the closest. See Leeds City Council website for more information and charges.
Contact
If you have any questions about the meeting, including booking enquiries, please contact events@rsb.org.uk
Special requirements
If you have accessibility requirements, please let us know during your booking, and we will do what we can to accommodate your needs.
Sponsors
If you would like to sponsor this event, please see our sponsorship information, and contact Lucy Eckersley at events@rsb.org.uk or on 020 3925 3445.
With thanks to our sponsors LearnSci, JoVE, HSTalks, Haier Biomedical, PHC Europe, Macmillan Learning, Sarsdt, SLS and Eppendorf.
With thanks to our sponsors LearnSci, JoVE, HSTalks, Haier Biomedical, PHC Europe, Macmillan Learning, Sarsdt, SLS and Eppendorf.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
This event has been approved by the Royal Society of Biology for the purposes of CPD and counts as 36 CPD points.We very much look forward to seeing you at HUBS 2026.
Code of Conduct
By its Royal Charter, the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) has the powers to promote, establish and support standards of professional skill and conduct. The RSB is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in the life sciences, and supports diversity throughout the pipeline. We proactively promote a culture of inclusivity within our discipline and the broader STEM community. It is vital at any RSB event or meeting, that everyone attending is free from any form of harassment or discrimination, feels comfortable and safe, and has the opportunity for an enjoyable experience.