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Healthcare Educators NET Conference 2025 - Sustainability of Healthcare Education: Enabling the Future

A conference brought to you by the Networking and Innovation in Healthcare Education Committee and Advance HE.

The conference committee and Advance HE warmly invites all healthcare educators from the UK and around the world to submit abstracts for sessions at the newly named Healthcare Educators NET Conference 2025. The title for this years’ conference is “Sustainability of Healthcare Education: Enabling the Future” and will take place on 2-3 December 2025 in Leeds.

The NET Conference has been running for over 30 years and has become the leading UK and International conference for networking in healthcare education. Over the years, it has fostered national and international collaborations in research and education development. The 2025 conference will offer a vital space for reflection, discussion, and innovation, focusing on how healthcare education can remain sustainable amidst ongoing challenges and transformation.

Networking is at the heart of the conference, fostering a supportive and collegial environment where participants can share research, innovations, and best practices. Delegates have described the conference as:

“An inclusive, collegial, and welcoming conference.”
“A vibrant event with a great atmosphere for networking.”
“A positive and rewarding experience for new presenters.”

Event Information

Date: 2-3 December 2025                   

Location: Hilton Leeds City Centre

Bookings are now closed for this year's conference. To register your interest for next year's event, please use the link below. 

 Register your interest
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Who should attend?

We welcome healthcare education professionals from diverse disciplines, including but not limited to: nursing, midwifery, medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, radiography, dentistry, veterinary sciences, psychology, paramedicine, speech and language therapy, social care, social workers and other allied health professions.
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Why attend? 

In this video, Prof Michelle Ellwood, Associate Professor in Diagnostic Imaging, Programme Lead: BSc Diagnostic Radiography, University of Leeds and Dr Andy Melling Dean of School of Nursing and Midwifery,  University of Lancashire, discuss the benefits of attending the conference. 
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Speakers

 

Keynote speaker

Gemma Stacey

Associate Dean for Practice
 ,
Nottingham Trent University
Gemma Stacey
A Mental Health Nurse by background, Professor Gemma Stacey is an academic, and former Charity Executive currently working as Associate Dean for Practice at Nottingham Trent University, where she leads the strategy to enable knowledge exchange initiatives that translate research, education and practice into real-world impact. She is also Editor-in-Chief of Nurse Education Today and a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, having recently completed her Executive MBA from Cranfield University.
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Ed Hughes

Chief Executive, The Council of Deans of Health
Ed Hughes
Ed has been Chief Executive at the Council of Deans of Health, representing the universities and colleges across the UK delivering education and research in nursing, midwifery and the allied health professions, since July 2023.
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Panel speakers

Laura Smith

Deputy Dean for Student Education in the Faculty of Medicine and Health
 ,
University of Leeds
Laura Smith
Laura is the Deputy Dean for Student Education in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Leeds, UK. She is an Associate Professor of Clinical Education, with extensive academic leadership experience and has held a number of senior roles within the School of Medicine, including Director of the Leeds Institute of Medical Education, Director of Student Education, and Head of Clinical and Simulation-Based Education.
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Lewis Everett

Student
 ,
University of Leeds
Lewis Everett
My name is Lewis, and I am a mature student studying Diagnostic Radiography with the University of Leeds. I completed my 1st year competencies with Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and will be spending my 2nd year at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
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Steven Hope

Director of EduFuturists, CEO of Primary Goal
Steven Hope
I wear two hats, both fuelled by a passion for education's future. As Director of EduFuturists, I host a podcast that explores the evolving learning landscape through insightful interviews. On the other side, I'm CEO of Primary Goal, an independent training provider running digital apprenticeships for the education and commercial sectors in England.
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Dr Swapnali Gazula

Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator for the Bachelor of Nursing at Federation University Australia
Dr Swapnali Gazula
Dr Swapnali Gazula is a Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator for the Bachelor of Nursing at Federation University Australia. With a PhD in Nursing and extensive experience in education and research, Dr Gazula leads curriculum development and mentors future nurses. She actively serves as Chair (VIC) and Professional Advisory Panel member for the Australian College of Nursing and has received multiple awards for collaboration and teaching excellence. Her research focuses on nursing education and mental health, with publications in leading journals. Her work is driven by a passion for innovation, excellence, and empowering future healthcare leaders.
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Conference Themes

The Healthcare Educators NET Conference 2025 will focus on Sustainability of Healthcare Education, emphasising the strategies, innovations, and leadership required to ensure the sector’s resilience and readiness for the future. Submissions should align with one of the following four thematic strands:

Compassionate Education

Exploring how healthcare education fosters wellbeing, belonging, and inclusive learning environments through curriculum design, teaching practices, and assessment approaches. Topics may include:
•    Mental health and wellbeing in healthcare students and educators
•    Inclusive learning environments and sense of belonging
•    Assessment practices that support student success and equity
•    The role of reflective and compassionate pedagogies in professional development

Sustainable Healthcare Education

Addressing the sustainability of healthcare education models, balancing quality, resources, and outcomes in a changing landscape. Topics may include:
•    Financial and structural sustainability of healthcare education
•    Flexible and adaptable curriculum models
•    The role of interprofessional education in sustainability
•    Environmental sustainability in healthcare education
•    Global perspectives on sustainable healthcare education

Leadership for the Future

Examining leadership in healthcare education and its role in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and transformation. Topics may include:
•    Compassionate leadership in healthcare education
•    EDI in leadership and curriculum development
•    Transformational leadership approaches
•    Funding and policy challenges in sustaining healthcare education
•    The role of leadership in responding to workforce shortages

Innovation and the Future Workforce

Exploring forward-facing innovations, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), technology, and workforce development strategies to enhance retention and employability. Topics may include:
•    AI, digital tools, and technology-enhanced learning in healthcare education
•    Developing and retaining a future-ready healthcare workforce
•    Student employability and transitions into professional practice
•    Mapping student journeys for long-term success
•    Current innovations shaping the future of healthcare education
•    New and emerging roles in healthcare education
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Programme and abstracts

We're delighted to share a programme of speakers and abstracts of their sessions. 
Download the programme

Day 1 programme

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Download the abstracts

Day 1 abstracts

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Download the programme

Day 2 programme

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Download the abstracts

Day 2 abstracts

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Download the poster presentations

Poster presentations

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Download the poster abstracts

Poster abstracts

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Register your interest in the Healthcare Educators NET Conference 2026

Please complete the form below to register your interest in the NETworking & Innovation in Healthcare Education Conference or to ask any questions about the conference. We use the information we collect to ensure that the event you are interested in is right for you and to contact you about your interest in the event.

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