2nd PhD Finance Research Festival (PFRF) 2026: North East Universities Edition
We are delighted to invite you to join the 2nd PhD Finance Research Festival (PFRF) 2026: North East Universities Edition.
This exciting event is hosted by the Finance Subject Group at Newcastle University Business School. It is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, collaboration, and professional development among PhD students.
The North East Univsersities edition builds on the success of the previous year. It is particularly special as it expands beyond the Finance at Newcastle University.
It will bring together PhD students from universities across the North East, including:
- Newcastle
- Northumbria
- Sunderland
- Durham
- Teesside
Students will come from disciplines such as finance, accounting, economics, and other related areas.
Keynote speaker
Professor Savvas Papagiannidis
Professor Papagiannidis is Interim Deputy Dean and Professor of Information Systems, Digital Innovation and Transformation at Newcastle University Business School.
His keynote presentation will explore Artificial Intelligence and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Who should attend?
This festival is ideal for:
- PhD students in finance, accounting, economics and related disciplines
- early-stage researchers considering doctoral study
- doctoral candidates preparing for the academic or professional job market
- researchers seeking to build networks across North East universities
Event programme
Highlights
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- share and refine their research through presentations
- receive valuable academic feedback from peers and faculty
- build academic and professional networks across institutions
- explore career pathways and prepare for the job market
- engage in discussions about the PhD journey and future opportunities
Schedule
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 10:00 – 10:10 | Welcome and Vision: Opening Remarks |
| 10:10 – 10:40 | Keynote speech on Artificial Intelligence & Interdisciplinary Collaboration |
| 10:40 – 12:40 | The Research Edge: PhD and Job Market Paper (presentations) |
| 12:40 – 13:15 | Nextgen Scholars Connect (lunch and networking) |
| 13:15 – 14:00 | Roundtable 1: PhD Applications and the PhD Journey |
| 14:00 – 14:45 | Roundtable 2: Future Ready (Jobs in the UK) |
Why attend?
Whether you are polishing your thesis or just beginning your academic journey, PFRF 2026 offers opportunities for growth, inspiration and meaningful connections.
It provides a collaborative and supportive space to:
- engage with peers
- gain insights from experienced academics
- prepare for the next stage of your career