The Yorkshire Language Teaching Research & Scholarship (YLTRS) Network Symposium is an annual event that provides an opportunity for language and culture practitioners from the universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York to share good practice: presenting and discussing Learning and Teaching (L&T) innovation and ideas, scholarship, and research practices as well as developing new connections.
Symposium III Date: Thursday, 11th September 2025
Abstract Submission Deadline: 6th June 2025 (Extended deadline: 27th June 2025)
Results of abstract review returned to presenters: 8th July 2025
Event programme release: 18th July 2025
Registration deadline: 3rd September 2025
Practical information for the day
Following the success of the first Yorkshire Language, Teaching, Research and Scholarship Network event at the University of Sheffield in January 2024, and the second event at the University of Leeds in September 2024, the University of York was invited to join the network at the start of 2025, expanding it to three institutions.
The network supports language scholars at all career stages by providing an open forum for sharing knowledge, presenting research, and professional development. It offers a supportive space to discuss initiatives, collaboration on research and scholarship projects, and the opportunity to continue developing through constructive feedback.
The network’s idea originated at the Association of University Language Communities (AULC) conference in 2023, where Leeds and Sheffield colleagues addressed gaps in opportunities for language educators to connect at regional level. Having a platform to help and support colleagues at any stage of their careers, while also learning from the wealth of experience and skills that everyone has to offer, is at the heart of the network's core objective.
Hence, events aim to facilitate discussions on key issues in language learning in higher education, e.g. teaching and assessment innovation, inclusivity, AI, mental health, decolonisation of the curriculum, etc. Feedback from the previous events has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the network’s role in fostering collaboration and academic growth.
The event will:
Provide a space for delegates to engage in creative thinking around language and culture teaching, research, and scholarship.
Generate rich discussions around the improvement of both the student and practitioner experience.
Enhance delegates' understanding and confidence to further develop and refine their teaching, learning and research skills, leading to a positive impact on their students' and institutions' success.
Establish closer connections amongst members of the network who take pride in their teaching, scholarly, and research practices.
We invite submissions for Symposium III of the Yorkshire Language Teaching Research and Scholarship Network.
Detailed information about the themes, submission guidelines, and key dates can be found in the Call for Papers section also available from the top menu.
See below for further information about the topics covered in previous YLTRS events:
Symposium I (Inaugural meeting) at the University of Sheffield in January 2024.
Symposium II at the University of Leeds in September 2024.
Symposium III is being hosted by the Department of Language and Linguistic Science at the University of York.
There is no registration fee for this symposium, which is open to academic staff affiliated with the Universities of Sheffield, Leeds, and York.
Elia Lorena López | Géraldine Enjelvin | Carmen Álvarez-Mayo