Welcome to the Annual UFHRD 2025 Conference
Ulster University are delighted to host the 25th UFHRD International Conference at Ulster University Belfast. The International Conference is supported by the University Forum for Human Resource Development (UFHRD) and the Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD).
Conference Theme
“HRD 4.0: An Academic, Practical and Policy Perspective”
The fourth industrial revolution is transforming the workplace and human resources. As well as blurring the lines between people and technology, it is reshaping the way people work, manage, recruit, interact and learn. The impact of these changes is widespread and spans all industries, economies and societies. As a community of academics, professional practitioners and policy makers we have the opportunity, and arguably the obligation, to examine the future of work and HRD in this new industrial landscape.
The 2025 UFHRD conference will provide a platform for multi-disciplinary knowledge exchange as well as the creation and promotion of directions for HRD professionals, academics and government support agencies to help capitalize upon the benefits and mitigate the challenges of HRD 4.0.
The conference goals are two-fold and are designed to be of interest and relevance to our increasingly diverse UFHRD community:
- Exploration of how digitization and industry 4.0 has affected the field of HRD and what implications this has had / will have for professional practice, academia and policy support and intervention.
- Critical evaluation of the espoused value of HRD 4.0 and reconsideration of the role and importance of human interaction as a key mechanism underpinning HRD.
In line with the conference theme we invite submissions that address industry 4.0 and the implications it has had / will have for HRD from a practical, academic and policy perspective.
Areas of interest include but are not limited to:
- What implications does industry 4.0 have for HRD theory, policy, and practice?
- How can HRD contribute to enhanced societal, organisational, and individual success in the context of industry 4.0.
- How has the role of the HRD practitioner changed within the context of industry 4.0 and what does this mean for the profession?
- What new / existing models of HRD are prevalent in the industry 4.0 context? What are the implications of this for the HRD academic?
- What new conceptualisations of HRD may emerge in the context of industry 4.0 e.g. the emerging nature of AI and its impact in the workplace.
- How has industry 4.0 changed the future of work and what implications does this have for HRD.
- How can policy makers better support and encourage HRD practices in the increasingly digitized and technologically advanced workplace
Call for Submissions
For this year’s conference, we invite submissions however broadly, within the following conference themes:
- Leadership, management and talent development
- Coaching and mentoring
- Global, comparative and cross-cultural dimensions of HRD
- Employee engagement
- Workplace learning, training and development
- Strategic capabilities and the changing nature of work
- Learning in small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
- Practitioner Research & Learning and Education
- Critical, Social and Diversity Perspectives in HRD
Doctoral Symposium
The Doctoral Symposium is scheduled to take place on 11th June 2025 at Ulster University Belfast and we strongly encourage all interested Doctoral students to attend what is set to me a memorable and valuable symposium.
Location
The 2025 UFHRD conference will be hosted at Ulster University Belfast city campus. Officially opened in 2023 by President Joe Bidden the Belfast campus is situated in the artistic and cultural centre of the city, the Cathedral Quarter.
Belfast is a vibrant city that caters for all tastes and trends. Entrenched in history delegates will find interest in exploring the various historical landmarks located within the city and gain insight into our complex past via black cab or hop on hop off bus tours. For those wishing to sample some of our cuisine there are a wide array of restaurants on offer as well as St Georges Market which offers the opportunity to sample some of our hand-crafted local delicacies (of particular note is our namesake the “Belfast Bap”) as well as immerse yourself in some music, craft, culture and craic while you are there.
Delegates may also be interested to visit the Titanic Centre, one of Belfast’s most impressive visitor attractions and a recipient of the World's Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards. Alternatively, for those more intrigued by the stars of stage and screen, Belfast and Northern Ireland more generally has taken its place centre stage as a prime filming location for large scale productions including the Game of Thrones and Dracula to name but a few. No matter what your persuasion Belfast offers something for everyone, and we are confident that the 2025 UFHRD conference will leave a lasting impression on all of our delegates.
Map
Getting Here
Getting to Belfast couldn’t be easier.
Northern Ireland has three airports, sea crossings from England and Scotland, and a direct rail link from Dublin. Coming from further afield? No problem. You can fly direct to Belfast from over 20 European cities and a number of North American locations.
By Air
George Best Belfast City Airport
Belfast City Airport is just three miles from Belfast City Centre. Aer Lingus Regional, British Airways, KLM, EasyJet and Eastern Airways all fly to and from Belfast City Airport.
The Translink Airport Express 600 bus service runs between the airport and Belfast City Centre.
Belfast International Airport
Belfast International Airport is a 30 minute drive from Belfast City Centre. EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, Virgin Atlantic, TUI and Wizz all fly to and from Belfast International Airport.
The Translink Airport Express 300 bus service runs between the airport and Belfast City Centre.
Further Information
Delegate Offers
Belfast is famous for its hospitality and friendly warm welcome. To help you make the most of your visit we have made available a selection of exclusive offers and discounts for UFHRD 2025 conference delegates.
Accommodation
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Ramada Belfast
Ramada Belfast is a recommended conference hotel with 20% discount for UFHRD delegates.
Use the link below to book your accommodation and apply the discount.
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IBIS Belfast City Centre and Holiday Inn Express
10% discount off their best flexible rates for this conference. Guests can email or call their in-house reservations teams quoting UFHRD 2025 to book their own accommodation. A credit or debit card number with a valid expiry date will be required at the time of the booking.
Discounted rates are only available when booking directly with the hotel. Bookings can be made by phone or email:
Contact
- Telephone: 028 90 891 941
- Email: h7232-re@accor.com
The conference discount will be available until 6 weeks prior to arrival (29th April 2025).
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Grand Central Hotel
50 rooms have been held at a discounted rate of £230 per night (Bed and Breakfast). Bookings should be made as soon as possible by contacting the reservations team and quoting the discount reference: UFHRD and Block ID 651357
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Europa Hotel
30 rooms have been held at a discounted rate of £220 per night (Bed and Breakfast). Bookings should be made as soon as possible by contacting the reservations team and quoting the discount reference: UFHRD and Block ID 651356
