About Us

The 2026 GSRC conference will be held in-person and virtually October 23-25 in Athabasca, Alberta.

The GSRC is a multi-disciplinary academic research forum that brings together graduate students and alumni, staff, and faculty from all disciplines at AU. Undergraduate students are also invited to participate and present their work. In addition to facilitating research links between AU students and alumni, the GSRC offers the opportunity to showcase student research, and to develop and gain research presentation experience in a supportive peer environment. It is the ideal setting for thesis students to test themselves and prepare for their public thesis defense and high-profile national and international research conferences.

This conference is attended by Athabasca University students, faculty and staff. 

 2026 Graduate Student Research Conference

 Together in Research

Reflecting on 15 years of community, growth, and research excellence

Since 2012, Athabasca University in partnership with Athabasca University Graduate Student Association (AUGSA) has been delivering a Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC)—like no other. The 2026 theme, 'Together in Research,' celebrates how far we've come, and looks toward where we're going as one research community. It speaks to AU's fundamental belief of flexible learning as Canada's Open University and invites past and present participants to share their learnings and inspire a new generation of researchers.

This year’s conference brings both student and faculty research expertise together in our home community of Athabasca to present, collaborate, and grow their research knowledge for future years to come.