AUDE’s 2025 Annual Conference took place at Prifysgol Caerdydd | Cardiff University from 28 April to 1 May. We were delighted to be able to welcome guests from across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, as well as international delegates representing partner organisations, to the Welsh capital.
Our theme for conference was ‘Cynefin: A place where we feel we belong’. ‘Cynefin’ is a Welsh language word with no direct English translation. It might be said to have multiple meanings, including ideas around habitat but also home, community and belonging. The word helped us think about all of the following. Placemaking – the creation of campuses that are unique and which help thriving communities to grow. Universities as vital places in their locality, with deep ties to local industry and civic society, and champions of regional excellence even as they strive for international recognition. Campuses supporting distinct communities of learning that are tuned into the geography and nature of the places they serve, and committed to protecting those unique environments. Campuses that change and develop for the future of their universities but also support their local communities and have a place in the local environment. Institutions deeply engaged in promoting the sense of belonging and connection that supports the wellbeing of students and staff: happy, healthy and even homely environments that work for everyone, and focused on enhancing the experience of every student as they learn. AUDE and its members as a community of practitioners that are dedicated to their own learning every day, able to bring the best of the old and traditional ways into the fast-changing world of the new.
Thank you to everyone that helped AUDE bring this conference about, including our wonderful hosts at Cardiff; the many speakers and contributors that kept our conversations flowing; the supporters and exhibitors without which conference couldn’t happen, this year led by JLL and Overbury; and of course to the delegates for their engagement throughout.
We are thrilled to have been able to announce that the AUDE Conference 2026 will be held at the University of Leeds from 20 to 23 April, and we look forward to seeing the whole AUDE community there once more. If you have any questions about our 2026 conference please email corinne@aude.ac.uk.
The AUDE Annual Conference will be CPD accredited.
