Beyond Futures Research & Enterprise Festival Returns: Showcasing innovation and collaboration

The University of Wolverhampton is proud to announce the return of the Beyond Futures Research & Enterprise Festival, taking place from 9 to 11 September 2025. This dynamic three-day event will showcase the power of collaborative research, enterprise partnerships, and creative innovation in addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges.

From sustainability and inclusivity to health and digital creativity, the festival will feature inspiring panels, exhibitions, and talks that highlight how research and enterprise can shape a better future.

“Collaboration is at the heart of impactful research. By working together across disciplines and sectors, we can unlock new ideas, drive innovation, and ultimately improve lives,” said Professor Prashant Pillai, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Wolverhampton. “The Beyond Futures Festival is a celebration of this spirit - bringing people together to tackle challenges and create meaningful change.”

Festival Highlights Include:

• Tuesday 9 September
  Student Research Presentation & Poster Competition
  Hear directly from early career researchers and student innovators as they present their work through live talks and interactive posters.
  
  
• Wednesday 10 September – Addressing the Grand Challenges
  Session 1: Green Innovation (9.00 am - 1.40 pm)
  Explore the transition to Net Zero and sustainable futures through collaborative research.
  
  Session 2: Digital & Creative (12.00 pm - 3.35 pm)
  Discover how emerging technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are transforming creativity and digital expression.

• Thursday 11 September – Addressing the Grand Challenges
  Session 3: Inclusive Communities (9.00 am - 1.40 pm)
  Learn how research and partnerships are tackling youth violence and promoting social inclusion.

          Session 4: Health & Medicine (12.00 pm - 3.35pm)
          Engage with experts on the future of medicine, health, and clinical trials.
          Research Centre Launch: International Centre for Creative Industries and Critical Cultural Practices (CICCUP) (2.00 pm - 4.40 pm)

Celebrate the launch of a new initiative supporting cross-disciplinary research in arts and visual culture.

Why Attend?

• Hear from leading voices in research and enterprise
• Explore theme-aligned exhibitions and informal courtyard talks
• Network with researchers, innovators, and industry partners
• Experience live demonstrations and research showcases
• Discover new opportunities to connect, learn, and collaborate

Interested in Exhibiting?

Free exhibition spaces are available during the networking periods on 10 and 11 September. To express interest, please contact the organising team at beyondfutures@wlv.ac.uk.

The full programme will be announced shortly. For more information, visit the Beyond Futures website.