Future Scholars Forum

in Leadership and Policy Studies

A premier forum for emerging scholars to present pioneering research, engage with field leaders, and integrate into a global network dedicated to leadership and policy studies.

June 8-10, 2026
EdUHK, Hong Kong

Application Deadline:

1 May 2026

About the Forum

The Joseph Lau Luen Hung Charitable Trust Asia Pacific Centre for Leadership and Change (APCLC) at The Education University of Hong Kong presents the Future Scholars Forum in Leadership and Policy Studies.

 

This premier forum is designed specifically for emerging leadership and policy scholars. It offers graduate students and early-career researchers an exceptional opportunity to present their work, receive expert feedback, and connect with an international network of academics.

Key Objectives

  • Advance research in leadership and policy studies
  • Foster mentorship between emerging and established leadership and policy scholars
  • Create collaborative networks across institutions
  • Develop professional pathways for emerging leadership and policy researchers

Forum Highlights

Present & Receive Expert Feedback

Present research findings or proposals and receive structured, personalised feedback from leading scholars.

Attend Exclusive Research Seminars

Attend exclusive research seminars hosted by prominent academics, gaining direct insight into leadership and policy studies.

Build Professional Networks

Create meaningful mentorship and collaboration opportunities through networking events, connecting with established experts and a global cohort of peers.

Eligibility Criteria

The Future Scholars Forum welcomes applications from emerging scholars at various stages of their research careers who demonstrate strong potential in leadership and policy studies.

Doctoral Students

Currently enrolled in a doctoral programme (PhD, EdD, or equivalent) with research interests aligned with leadership and policy studies.

Research Master’s Students

Master's students with demonstrated strong research interests and capabilities in leadership and policy studies.

Pre-Doctoral Graduates

Master's graduates who are preparing applications for doctoral programmes in leadership, policy, or related fields.

Early-Career Researchers

Doctoral graduates within the last three years who are pursuing research careers in leadership and policy studies.

Research Talks

Distinguished scholars who will deliver featured research talks at the forum.

Professor Philip Hallinger

Professor Philip Hallinger

Mahidol University, Thailand;

University of Johannesburg,

South Africa 

 

Professor Tony Bush

Professor Tony Bush

University of Nottingham, UK
Professor Ellen Goldring

Professor Ellen Goldring

Vanderbilt University, USA
Professor Shuangye Chen

Professor Shuangye Chen

East China Normal University, China
Professor Marcus Pietsch

Professor Marcus Pietsch

Leuphana University, Germany
Professor Gu Qing

Professor Gu Qing

University College London, UK

Session Chairs and Mentors

Distinguished academics who will facilitate research sessions and scholarly discussions.

Professor Allan Walker

Professor Allan Walker

The Education University of Hong Kong
Professor Sedat Gümüş

Professor Sedat Gümüş

The Education University of Hong Kong
Professor Junjun Chen

Professor Junjun Chen

The Education University of Hong Kong
Professor Shengnan Liu

Professor Shengnan Liu

East China Normal University, China
Dr Jiafang Lu

Dr Jiafang Lu

The Education University of Hong Kong
Dr Wang Hui

Dr Wang Hui

The Education University of Hong Kong
Dr Paul Campbell

Dr Paul Campbell

The University of Hong Kong
Dr Soobin Choi

Dr Soobin Choi

The Education University of Hong Kong
Dr Haiyan Qian

Dr Haiyan Qian

The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Dr Kwok Kuen Tsang

Dr Kwok Kuen Tsang

The Education University of Hong Kong
Dr Cheng Yong Tan

Dr Cheng Yong Tan

The University of Hong Kong
Dr Hui Lin Daphnee Lee

Dr Hui Lin Daphnee Lee

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Programme Structure

This comprehensive three-day programme combines dynamic sessions designed to catalyse engagement, feedback, and professional connections.

Featured Research Talks

Presentations by leading scholars addressing contemporary themes in leadership and policy research, followed by interactive discussions.

Research Presentations

Participants present their research in thematic parallel sessions, receiving structured feedback from faculty mentors and peers.

Expert Feedback Sessions

Personalized feedback from established scholars on research projects and scholarly development.

Social Gathering

An informal event dedicated to participant networking and community building.

Application and Registration Process

Participation in the Future Scholars Forum involves two simple steps: First apply for acceptance, then register upon approval.

Step 1: Apply for Acceptance

Now Open - 1 May 2026

Submit your application through our online form. The application requires:

  • Research topic
  • Research interests
  • Education background
  • Forum expectations (max 200 words)

All registered participants will receive an official invitation letter for visa purposes and a certificate of attendance. These documents will clearly specify your role within the event, designated as either Presenter or Participant.

To be included in the programme as a Presenter, you must submit an abstract outlining your proposed presentation (Abstract Length: Maximum 200 words).

Applications are reviewed. Successful applicants receive acceptance notification within 2 weeks of submitting their application. 

 

Applications are now being accepted. Apply here.

Step 2: Register and Pay

1 March - 15 May 2026

Upon acceptance, complete your registration and payment to secure your place.

  • Registration opens: 1 March 2026
  • Early-bird rate: Until 31 March 2026
  • Regular rate: 1 April - 15 May 2026
  • Final deadline: 15 May 2026

The registration portal provides secure payment options. All accepted participants must register by 15 May 2026.

Registration Fees

The forum fee includes full access to academic sessions, meals during forum hours, and selected networking events. Registration opens on 1 March 2026 for accepted applicants.

Participant Category Early-bird Registration
(1 March - 31 March 2026)
Regular Registration
(1 April - 15 May 2026)
Graduate Students
Current doctoral or master's students enrolled in a research degree programme
USD 240 USD 270
Early-Career Researchers
Researchers within 3 years of receiving doctoral degree
USD 290 USD 320

Fee Includes:

  • Access to all academic sessions
  • Forum materials
  • Lunch and refreshments
  • Social event
  • Certificate of Attendance (Presenter or Participant)

Not Included:

  • Travel to/from Hong Kong
  • Accommodation
  • Additional meals outside forum hours
  • Optional cultural activities

Venue Details

The Education University of Hong Kong

Address: 10 Lo Ping Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR

Dates: 8 - 10 June 2026

Schedule: Full-day sessions from 9:00 to 17:30

Travel Information

Travel Support

Accepted and registered participants will receive an official invitation letter from the Centre to support visa applications where required. The letter will be issued upon completion of registration and payment.

Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation.

Join the Future Scholars Community

Take the next step in your scholarly journey. Connect with leading researchers, present your work, and become part of an international network of leadership and policy scholars. Applications are now being accepted.

Submit Your Application