Reflections from the MRC Research Conference 2025
On 18th June 2025, Mont Rose College (MRC), in collaboration with Buckinghamshire New University, hosted the much-anticipated MRC Research Conference 2025. With the compelling theme, “Future-Proofing Leadership for a Resilient, Sustainable World: Innovating at the Intersection of Technology and Human Well-Being,” the conference brought together academics, students, industry experts, and policymakers to tackle one of the most critical questions of our time:
What kind of leadership does the future demand?
The event was a focal point for insightful discussions, innovative ideas, and collaborative strategies aimed at redefining leadership. Against the backdrop of accelerating technological developments, climate change, and evolving social structures, this year’s conference served as a platform for reflection, rethinking, and reshaping leadership for today and tomorrow.
Key Highlights and Insights from the MRC Research Conference 2025
Opening Address by Ms Sayeda Zain
Principal Sayeda Zain set an engaging tone for the conference, encouraging attendees to reflect on leadership as more than just direction but a framework that fosters responsibility, adaptability, and collective impact. She highlighted that leadership needs to be deeply rooted in authenticity, empathy, and diversity to effectively tackle today’s uncertainties.
Keynote Presentations
The six keynote speakers challenged conventional perspectives, offering forward-thinking insights into leadership that transcends industries and disciplines.
Ms Abby Ghafoor – The Power of the Pivot:
Abby Ghafoor, CEO of Arc Growth, focused on embracing change and positioned well-being as a strategic imperative, rather than an afterthought. She argued that nurturing human welfare amidst change is vital to unlocking organisational growth.
Prof. Sainey Faye – Transdisciplinary Leadership for Sustainability:
Professor Sainey Faye called for breaking traditional silos to address multifaceted global challenges. His presentation emphasized how leadership rooted in sustainability and resilience fosters collaboration across disciplines. His key takeaway? Leadership without ethics breeds innovation without trust.
Dr Saira Osama – AI with a Human Purpose:
Dr Saira Osama gave a scientifically robust talk on how AI can transform public health systems, leveraging her experience in advancing stroke care in Pakistan. She showcased how technology, underpinned by human-centric goals, can create systemic solutions that are both functional and equitable.
Prof. Sarah Williams – Women’s Work in Public Relations:
Through her research, Professor Sarah Williams illuminated the invisible labour of women in strategic communication. She advocated for equity and inclusivity in workplaces to amplify underrepresented voices and ensure resilient work cultures.
These sessions, along with contributions from Ms Tina Benbow on academia and menopause support and Principal Sayeda Zain on innovation-driven academic leadership, intricately wove together the themes of resilience, equity, and purpose-driven innovation.
Panel Discussion with Dr Samson Ojo
The keynote speeches culminated in a dynamic Q&A panel moderated by Dr Samson Ojo. The panellists synthesised their insights, reaching consensus on a crucial message:
Leadership must evolve to serve as a bridge between rapid technological change and enduring human values.
Breakout Sessions and Poster Presentations
Interactive Breakout Sessions
The conference’s breakout sessions brought the theme of “bridging ideas and action” to life, encouraging participants to explore leadership at the convergence of technology and humanity. Attendees engaged with cutting-edge research on ethical AI, human-centred design, and inclusive technological transformations, which underscored empathy as the foundation of innovation.
Research & Posters Gallery
An inspiring highlight was the vibrant array of poster presentations from staff and students, showcasing research across diverse domains such as ESG reporting, AI ethics, sustainability leadership, and mental health. One poster, addressing innovative homelessness solutions, particularly highlighted the importance of values-driven, cross-sector approaches to global problems.
The session concluded with an audience vote to honour the Best Poster Presentation, a step that celebrated both creativity and real-world impact in academic research.
Powerful Reflections from the Conference
Memorable Quotes from the Day
- “Leadership without ethics is innovation without trust.”
— Prof. Sainey Faye, Buckinghamshire New University
- “Technology should serve humanity, not replace it.”
— Ms Abby Ghafoor, CEO, Arc Growth
- “This conference is part of a growing movement, initiated in 2024, which now thrives on strong partnerships and shared purpose.”
— Ms Sayeda Zain, Principal, Mont Rose College
These quotes serve as enduring calls to action for leaders across industries to prioritise human well-being as they innovate.
A Blueprint for Future Leadership
The 2025 MRC Research Conference was more than an academic gathering; it was a global dialogue about the kind of leadership that will uplift communities and safeguard the planet. The conversations organically illustrated how resilience, sustainability, and well-being are not final goals but the very foundations of future-ready leadership.
Continuing the Work
Dr Samson Ojo, Head of Research at Mont Rose College, closed the conference by emphasising that this was just the beginning. He encouraged attendees to extend these conversations into classrooms, boardrooms, and policy discussions, ensuring that the work started here creates tangible societal progress.
Moving Forward
The MRC Research Conference 2025 underscored the importance of rethinking leadership as a catalyst for inclusion, innovation, and sustainability in a world marked by complexity and rapid change.
- Want to relive the moments or catch up if you missed out? Follow the conversation online with #MRCResearchConference2025.
- Explore all research proceedings in Mont Rose College’s Journal of Academic Reviews (link).
- Interested in presenting your research next year or collaborating on an interdisciplinary project? Get in touch with us at centre@mrcollege.ac.uk.
Together, we can lead with purpose, empathy, and authenticity.
