Patrick Vernon

Caribbean Research Conference 2026

On Tuesday, 12th May, the University of Greenwich will host the Caribbean Research Conference 2026: a dynamic gathering dedicated to advancing Caribbean scholarship, fostering collaboration, and amplifying voices across disciplines and borders.

Taking place at the Queen Anne Building in London and accessible globally via a hybrid format, the conference brings together scholars, practitioners, and advocates committed to shaping the future of Caribbean research and impact.

A Platform for Caribbean Excellence

The conference is designed to elevate Caribbean knowledge and create meaningful dialogue across the global diaspora. It is more than a one-day academic event—it is part of a broader movement to strengthen intellectual exchange, collaboration, and real-world impact across sectors.

Organised by the Society of Caribbean Academics  in collaboration with the Management Inquiry Group at the University of Greenwich, the conference aims to:

• Showcase cutting-edge research and practice
• Amplify Caribbean perspectives and lived experiences
• Foster interdisciplinary conversations
• Build long-term partnerships and collaborations

  

Keynote Speakers

A major highlight of the event is the keynote address by Professor Patrick Vernon OBE. The session, “Diaspora Leadership: Shaping Caribbean Futures, Influence, and Global Connections,” will set the tone for a day focused on leadership, identity, and global impact.

Alongside the keynote, the conference will feature over 25 speakers presenting research and insights across a wide range of themes.

Diverse Themes, Critical Conversations

The conference programme is structured across three core streams, each addressing pressing issues and future opportunities:

1. Education, Decolonisation & Identity

This stream explores the role of education in shaping identity, addressing colonial legacies, and fostering inclusive practices. Topics range from Black women’s creative methodologies to linguistic diversity and inclusive assessment frameworks.

2. Health, Governance & Economic Development

Focusing on societal wellbeing and structural systems, this stream examines issues such as migration and mental health, ageing in Caribbean communities, public policy, and leadership dynamics in sectors like aviation and sports.

3. Innovation, Technology & Caribbean Futures

Looking ahead, this stream highlights the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and regional development. Discussions include AI, digital transformation, social enterprise, and the future of Caribbean-led innovation.

The conference concludes with a networking session, encouraging attendees to translate ideas into collaborations. By bringing together voices from across academia, industry, and community spaces, the event aims to bridge gaps between research and real-world application.

Importantly, the conference is free to attend, making it accessible to a wide audience and reinforcing its mission to democratise knowledge and participation.

The Caribbean Research Conference 2026 represents a collective effort to reframe narratives, centre Caribbean perspectives, and build sustainable networks across the diaspora. It is a space where ideas meet action—and where scholarship becomes a catalyst for change.

As the global conversation around equity, representation, and decolonisation continues to evolve, this conference stands as a timely and necessary platform for shaping inclusive futures grounded in Caribbean knowledge and experience.

For more details, click here