The Oxford-Cambridge Exchange 2026: Building Connections Across Education Research

On 15 May 2026, postgraduate students from the Department of Education at the University of Oxford and the Faculty of Education at the University of Cambridge came together for the Oxford-hosted leg of the annual Oxford-Cambridge Exchange (OCE). The Exchange is a student-led initiative designed to foster collaboration, collegiality, and academic exchange across institutions.

The Exchange brings together master’s and doctoral students working across a wide range of educational research areas, creating opportunities to share ideas, learn about ongoing projects, and build connections that may develop into future collaborations and research partnerships within the field of education. This year’s Oxford-hosted programme was designed and delivered by a team of student volunteers from across the Department of Education, who worked together to coordinate speakers, organise activities, manage logistics, and support the overall delivery of the event, creating a welcoming environment for visiting Cambridge students.

The event was organised by Khansa Maria, the Student Liaison Coordinator (SLC) at the Department of Education, who served as the main event lead and overall coordinator, including inviting guest speakers.

As part of the volunteer organising team, I contributed to coordinating speakers and moderating the afternoon sessions. It was rewarding to see the event come together after weeks of discussion and preparation. The day relied on a collaborative effort across multiple volunteer teams, with students supporting all aspects of the event, including welcome and registration, logistics and set-up, programme delivery, food and hospitality, tours and guest experience, and photography.

The day began with students collecting their name tags, enjoying breakfast, and participating in informal introductions before opening remarks from Professor Velda Elliott. This was followed by the first activity of the day, where students were asked to spend one minute describing their dissertation in just three to five words before sharing their ideas with the wider group. Throughout the morning and afternoon, students and staff engaged in a wide-ranging programme of themed flash talks, workshops, and discussions that reflected the breadth of educational research taking place across both institutions. Each session also included opportunities for questions and discussion.

Morning sessions included discussions on teacher education, neurodivergent education, children’s self-regulation during digital activity, child development and education, and applied linguistics. Afternoon sessions explored the research environment within Oxford’s Department of Education, the role of research students, and ways of transforming research culture through writing papers with purpose. Additional highlights included discussions surrounding LGBTQ+ research and the Vice-Chancellor’s Award.

One of the key themes that emerged throughout the day was the importance of collaboration and community-building within higher education. Speakers reflected on the value of networking, interdisciplinary exchange, and making research more accessible beyond university settings and within wider communities. Discussions also encouraged students to think critically about whose perspectives are represented within educational research and how universities can create more inclusive and collaborative spaces for future scholarship.

Before lunch, participants gathered for a group photograph. Following lunch, alongside the academic sessions, workshops focused on practical aspects of academic development, including engaging wider communities beyond academia, led by student organisers. After a workshop on building a global university, the event concluded with a plenary discussion led by a student organiser, reflecting on key takeaways from both parts of the Exchange and exploring how connections between Oxford and Cambridge students might continue beyond the event itself. Conversations focused on future collaborations, research communities, and how postgraduate students can contribute to shaping more inclusive and globally engaged universities.

Alongside the academic programme, Cambridge students also had time to explore Oxford, creating opportunities for conversations and connections outside the formal sessions and helping foster a strong sense of community across both departments.

“The Oxford-Cambridge Exchange was a wonderful experience, giving the opportunity for both interesting conversation and meaningful networking across research groups. I found the storytelling session particularly captivating, and I am looking forward to tailoring my work for different audiences. Thank you again for a fantastic day!”

— Rebecca J. Scott, Cambridge student participant

“I had a wonderful time volunteering for the Oxford-Cambridge Exchange. As a DPhil student, the journey can sometimes feel isolating, but events and opportunities like these – especially those that connect you with both Oxford and Cambridge colleagues – are a welcome respite. Hosting the plenary was the cherry on top, as I had the opportunity to facilitate discussions on future collaboration between the two departments.”

— Devika, Oxford student volunteer and DPhil Education student

The Oxford-Cambridge Exchange continues to demonstrate the value of student-led academic collaboration and the important role postgraduate students play in shaping supportive and intellectually vibrant research communities. The organising team would like to thank all speakers, volunteers, and participants who contributed to making this year’s Exchange such an engaging and enjoyable event. A special thank you goes to Khansa Maria, whose leadership and organisation made this Exchange possible.

On Friday 5 June, Oxford students will visit the Cambridge Faculty of Education for what we know will be an equally enriching experience.

Written by Farzana Chowdhury.