ARMA 2026 announces change to plenary line-up

The ARMA Conference 2026 programme has been updated following the news that Holly Yates is unfortunately no longer able to attend this year’s event. 

While we are disappointed not to welcome Holly, we are pleased to announce an exciting new format for plenary one. The opening plenary will now take place as a dynamic panel discussion titled ‘At the Frontline of Change: Why Research Management Matters More Than Ever’. 

Across the globe, research systems are facing unprecedented complexity – from constrained funding environments and evolving policy priorities to increased scrutiny around research security, culture and impact. In this context, research managers and administrators are no longer operating behind the scenes; they are central to shaping how research organisations respond, adapt and thrive. 

This timely panel will bring together leading voices from across the sector to explore how the profession is responding to these challenges. Through a wide-ranging discussion covering funding landscapes, organisational sustainability, cultural transformation and the growing importance of transferable skills, the session will highlight the critical role of research management expertise and leadership at a moment when it is needed most. 

The panel will feature: 

• Steph Bales, Director of the Research and Enterprise Office at Teesside University 

• Chris Browne, Head of Research Strategy & Engagement at Queen’s University Belfast 

• Dara C. Little, President, Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI) 

• Susan Soulsby, Head of Engagement at UK Research and Innovation 

• Bryony Wakefield, Executive Director of Research Management & Innovation at King’s College London 

Together, they will offer diverse organisational and funder perspectives, providing valuable insight into the evolving landscape and the opportunities ahead for the profession. 

Lorna Wilson, ARMA Chair, said: 

“I am really excited to have such a fantastic panel of colleagues coming together for the ARMA conference keynote 2026. We’ll be exploring the current global research landscape, discussing how as research management professionals we can navigate what are incredibly challenging times and be the change that we’d like to see.” 

This refreshed plenary promises to set the tone for the conference, offering both strategic insight and practical reflection for delegates navigating an increasingly complex research environment. 

Further programme details are available on the ARMA Conference website.