Future Scholars Forum | Leadership and Policy Studies

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.

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 Speakers

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

Professor Philip Hallinger

Mahidol University, Thailand

University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Professor Tony Bush

University of Nottingham, UK

Professor Ellen Goldring

Vanderbilt University, USA

Professor Shuangye Chen

East China Normal University, China

Professor Marcus Pietsch

Leuphana University, Germany

Professor Gu Qing

University College London, UK

Session Chairs

Distinguished academics who will facilitate research sessions and scholarly discussions.

Professor Allan Walker

The Education University of Hong Kong

Professor Sedat Gümüş

The Education University of Hong Kong

Professor Junjun Chen

The Education University of Hong Kong

Professor Shengnan Liu

East China Normal University, China

Professor Zachary M Walker

The Education University of Hong Kong

Dr Jiafang Lu

The Education University of Hong Kong

Dr Hui Wang

APCLC, The Education University of Hong Kong

Dr Paul Campbell

The University of Hong Kong

Dr Soobin Choi

The Education University of Hong Kong

Dr Haiyan Qian

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Dr Kwok Kuen Tsang

The Education University of Hong Kong

Dr Cheng Yong Tan

The University of Hong Kong

Dr Hui Lin Daphnee Lee

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Dr Dong Nguyen

University of Macau

Dr Chun Sing Maxwell Ho

The Education University of Hong Kong

Dr Ewan Wright

The Education University of Hong Kong

Dr Jiahui Jess Luo

The Education University of Hong Kong

Dr Miron Kumar Bhowmik

The Education University of Hong Kong

Dr Asmaa Al-Fadala

Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar

Dr Donnie Adams

The University of Melbourne

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.

Networking Events

Structured and informal opportunities to connect with fellow participants, faculty, and researchers throughout the forum.

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.

Programme Details

Full schedule for the Future Scholars Forum, 8–10 June 2026.

Download Full Programme (PDF)

Day 1 — Monday, 8 June 2026
8:30 – 9:00	Registration	D1-LP-06
9:00 – 9:15	Welcomes	D1-LP-06	Prof. Sedat Gumus, Prof. Zachary Walker
9:15 – 9:30	Opening Speech: Simple Rules for Becoming a Real Scholar — Prof. Allan Walker	D1-LP-06	Chair: Zachary Walker
9:30 – 9:45	Group Photo & Tea Break
9:45 – 11:00	Research Talk #1: Conducting Mixed Methods Research in Leadership Studies — Prof. Qing Gu	D1-LP-06	Chair: Allan Walker
11:15 – 12:15	Parallel Session 1 (R1: D2-LP-02, R2: D2-LP-03, R3: D2-LP-04)	3 rooms	Chairs: R1 Paul Campbell, R2 Ewan Wright, R3 Shengnan Liu
12:30 – 13:30	Lunch – Western Restaurant
13:30 – 14:45	Research Talk #2: Writing an Effective Research Proposal: Turning Your Idea into a Plan — Prof. Ellen Goldring	D1-LP-06	Chair: Jiafang Lu
14:45 – 15:00	Tea Break
15:00 – 16:15	Mentoring Session 1 (6 groups in R1,R2,R3 & C-LP-05A-C)	6 small rooms	Mentors: 1A Ewan Wright, 1B Jiafang Lu, 2A Shengnan Liu, 2B Jiahui (Jess) Luo, 3A Paul Campbell, 3B Miron Bhowmik
16:30 – 17:00	Key learnings from the day led by Dr. Paul Campbell	D1-LP-06
Day 2 — Tuesday, 9 June 2026
9:15 – 10:30	Research Talk #3: Developing Mindset and Strategies for Sustainable Publication — Prof. Philip Hallinger (Online)	D1-LP-07	Chair: Sedat Gumus
10:30 – 10:45	Tea Break
10:45 – 12:00	Parallel Session 2 (R1: D2-LP-02, R2: D2-LP-03, R3: D2-LP-04)	3 rooms	Chairs: R1 Dong Nguyen, R2 Kuen Tsang, R3 Soobin Choi
12:00 – 13:30	Lunch – Chinese Restaurant
13:30 – 14:45	Meet the Editors: Tips for Publishing in International Journals — Prof Tony Bush, Prof. Shuangye Chen, Dr. Dong Nguyen	D1-LP-07	Chair: Daphnee Lee
15:00 – 16:30	Mentoring Session 2 (6 groups in R1,R2,R3 & C-LP-05A-C)	6 small rooms	Mentors: 1A Kuen Tsang, 1B Soobin Choi, 2A Daphnee Lee, 2B Dong Nguyen, 3A Junjun Chen, 3B Hui Wang
16:30 – 17:00	Key learnings from the day led by Dr. Soobin Choi	D1-LP-07
Day 3 — Wednesday, 10 June 2026
9:00 – 10:15	Research Talk #4: Rethinking Evidence in Educational Leadership and Governance — Prof. Marcus Pietsch	D1-LP-07	Chair: Cheng Yong Tan
10:15 – 10:30	Tea Break
10:30 – 11:45	Parallel Session 3 (R1: D2-LP-02, R2: D2-LP-03, R3: D2-LP-04)	3 rooms	Chairs: R1 Haiyan Qian, R2 Cheng Yong Tan, R3 Marcus Pietsch
11:45 – 12:15	Closing (Sedat Gumus & Jiafang Lu)	D1-LP-07
12:30 – 13:30	Lunch – Western Restaurant
13:30 – 17:00	Shuttle bus from EdUHK Campus to Victoria Peak for Group Walk and Photo (Voluntary Social Event)

Keynote Presentations

Access the slide decks from our distinguished keynote speakers.

Prof. Philip Hallinger

Developing Mindset and Strategies for Sustainable Publication

Download Slides (PDF)

Prof. Ellen Goldring

Writing an Effective Research Proposal: Turning Your Idea into a Plan

Download Slides (PDF)

Prof. Marcus Pietsch

Rethinking Evidence in Educational Leadership and Governance

Download Slides (PDF)

Prof. Gu Qing

Conducting Mixed Methods Research in Leadership Studies

Download Slides (PDF)

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 - 11 May 2026

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

Research topic
Research interests
Education background
Forum expectations (max 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 - 11 May 2026

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

Registration opens: 1 March 2026
Early-bird rate: the end of April 2026
Regular rate: 1 May - 11 May 2026
Final deadline: 11 May 2026

The registration portal provides secure payment options. All accepted participants must register by 11 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 - the end of April 2026)	Regular Registration (1 May - 11 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

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: 9:00–17:00 on 8–9 June 2026,

and 9:00–12:30 on 10 June 2026.

View on Google Maps

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