Festival of Scholarly Activity and Research returns in summer 2024

A festival set up to celebrate higher education in college-based settings is returning for a second year in 2024. 

The Festival of Scholarly Activity and Research, run by the College-Based HE Network, is an opportunity for staff working in colleges which deliver higher education to network and collaborate on developing and fostering a higher education culture and ethos within a further education college. 

This year, it takes place on 8 July at University Centre Peterborough. 

Launched through the Advance HE Collaborative Development Fund in 2022, the College-Based HE Network provides insights and a solution-focused approach to developing higher education cultures in college settings. 

With 106 individual members, from 57 CBHE providers across the UK and Channel Islands, the Network brings together practitioners to share practice and collaborate on the challenges and complexities of college-based HE. 

Miki Evue is Chair of the CBHE Network and Head of Department for Higher Education & Professional Studies at the University Centre at Salford City College. 

She said, “The Network provides a valuable platform for practitioners to exchange best practices and collaborate, shaping approaches in each institution as we navigate the dynamic world of College-Based Higher Education. 

“My first meeting as chair set out the focus of the Network in this academic year, including the creation of a central repository for CBHE colleagues to publish their research and pool resources for funding opportunities, exploring the role of AI in education and enhancing student engagement. 

“I am looking forward to our second CBHE Festival this summer and encourage Network members to get involved. It’s a fantastic opportunity to continue to harness great insight and best practice from one another, while also creating a valuable space for colleagues new to research and scholarly activity, as well as the more experienced, to hone their presenting skills.”