Physiology teaching: Fit for the future

As UK higher education continues to evolve, facing increasing class sizes, constrained finances, and shifting academic career structures, educators in all aspects of physiology must come together to share knowledge, celebrate innovation, and raise the profile of our discipline. The 2026 Education and Teaching Meeting at Newcastle University on 15–16 April, will provide a forum for collaboration, exploration, and forward-thinking discussion.

This two-day meeting will explore how the teaching of physiology is adapting within broader biomedical, sports and exercise, nutritional and clinical curricula, how educators are continuing to engage students with core physiological concepts, and how we as a community are responding to both practical and pedagogical challenges.

The programme will centre around four timely and interrelated themes:

Students as co-creators

Recognising students as active partners in their education can transform learning. This session will explore how student involvement in programme design improves engagement, supports co-ownership of learning, and strengthens the student-educator relationship. We welcome contributions from both academics and students who are exploring or implementing these practices.

Bringing research culture to the undergraduate experience

Fostering a research mindset in undergraduates equips them with critical thinking skills, reinforces curriculum content, and provides valuable real-world experience. But what does undergraduate research look like beyond the traditional lab and practical classes? This theme invites discussion on how research-led teaching is being integrated into physiology education today.

Innovations and hot topics in curriculum design

From the use of generative AI to the increasing application of bioinformatics and new authentic assessment methods, curriculum design is changing rapidly. Three years after the widespread introduction of free tools such as ChatGPT, we’ll examine their impact on teaching, learning, and academic integrity and explore what’s coming next.

Education-focused academic careers

As institutions change their approach to teaching and reshape academic contracts, what does it mean to build a successful education-focused career in physiology? This session will highlight experiences from across the UK, showcasing support systems and challenges faced by teaching-focused staff, particularly early-career academics.

With a mix of oral and poster communications, workshops and networking opportunities, this meeting is designed to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and support everyone committed to delivering high-quality physiology education.

Whether you’re a seasoned educator, a student partner, or an early-career academic, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of physiology teaching.