"Research is important because at its heart it isn't only about solving problems it's about imagining what's possible, about asking the 'what if?' and having courage to pursue the answer even when the path isn't clear."
- Dr Sue Le Masurier, Research Festival Organiser
University College Jersey (UCJ) is proud to host the Festival of Research 2026, which will take place at Highlands College on Tuesday 19 May 2026, from 9.30am–3pm.
Now in its third year, the Festival is an established annual event that celebrates research, showcases success and creates valuable opportunities for island connections and collaboration.
The Research Festival is an open, welcoming event designed for everyone - whether you are actively involved in research, considering future study, or simply curious about the ideas shaping Jersey and beyond.
What to Expect
The Festival offers a vibrant and inspiring programme. The Great Hall will be filled with academic research posters and digital displays, allowing visitors to explore a wide range of research projects at their own pace. These showcase work undertaken by staff, undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Throughout the day there will be short presentations, where people will present their research projects, including how they were designed, what questions they explored, what they discovered and why it matters. Alongside this, there is dedicated time for refreshments, informal discussion and networking.
What Research will be Showcased?
The Festival highlights the diverse nature of research taking place in Jersey, bringing together work from UCJ, Highlands College and the Faculty of Health, Education and Care.
Visitors can expect to see research from a broad range of subject areas, including:
- Childhood Studies
- Psychology and Criminology
- Digital Technologies
- Sport and Health
- Education
The projects reflect real‑world issues and explore new perspectives, demonstrating how research can inform practice, challenge assumptions and make a genuine difference.
History of the Research Festival
The UCJ Festival of Research was created to celebrate research and make it more accessible. It provides a platform to showcase current research and future research plans, while also celebrating the achievements of students and staff.
Dr Sue Le Masurier, Event Organiser says: "By bringing research out into a shared space, the Festival shows that purposeful research is happening locally and that it is something people from all backgrounds can engage with. It also showcases the amazing work that our UCJ and Highlands College students and staff do, and hopefully inspires the next set of researchers.
Dr Le Masurier's advice to anyone curious of undertaking a research project: "I would say 'go for it' if you are curious, enjoy asking questions or want to find out more about something then doing research could be really rewarding.
"If you already have a degree and are interested in doing more research then you could consider doing the MRes Island Studies with us. This is a two year part time programme where you have one day a week in college developing research skills in the first year and the second year is to undertake a research project that is of relevance to the Island."
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