In September 2025, Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Dr Lisa Rees O’Donnell represented the University of Salford at the British Educational Research Association (BERA) Annual Conference 2025 at the University of Sussex. The annual conference brings together educational researchers, practitioners and policymakers to exchange knowledge and debate some of the most pressing issues in education.
Lisa presented her poster in the e-poster competition, exploring the lived experiences of mature British South Asian women in Business and Management Higher Education, focusing on the intersections of agency, identity and employability. Presenting in this forum gave her the chance to share findings, engage in thought-provoking discussions and receive constructive feedback to strengthen the impact of her ongoing research.
Keynotes and themes
The conference opened with Dame Alison Peacock and closed with Professor Dianne Gereluk from the University of Calgary, who challenged delegates to confront anti-racism in education, consider the consequences of today’s geopolitical landscape, and engage in urgent discussions around counter-radicalisation. These provocations underscored the importance of education as a site for serious dialogue and critical reflection, particularly in a period marked by uncertainty and division.
Throughout the conference, colleagues shared inspiring insights into collaboration with limited resources and the complexities of intersectionality across compulsory, further and higher education. Discussions highlighted the common challenges across the sector, from student belonging and employability to the shifting demands of the graduate labour market.
Looking ahead
Lisa described attending BERA 2025 as “an energising experience that reinforced the importance of collective scholarship.”
She added: “The discussions were rich, challenging and deeply necessary, reminding us that research and practice are at their most powerful when they address structural inequalities head-on and provide practical pathways for change.
“Presenting my research, engaging with national colleagues and reflecting on the themes shared by keynote speakers has given me renewed motivation for the year ahead. In today’s political climate, where questions of diversity, inclusion and opportunity are increasingly contested, the importance of my research could not be clearer. Never has it been more important to act as an ally, to amplify marginalised voices, and to ensure that Higher Education plays a meaningful role in shaping equitable futures.”
