About Us

The 2026 Graduate Student Research Conference (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 (FGS) in partnership with Athabasca University Graduate Students’ Association (AUGSA) has been delivering a Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC)—like no other. This year, AUGSA and the Research Office are working collaboratively to deliver the 2026 GSRC and Research Forum as back-to-back events, with the Research Forum taking place Oct. 22-23, 2026 in Athabasca. To bridge the two events, attendees from both events are invited to attend a mixer on campus on Friday, Oct. 23, sponsored jointly by the Research Office, FGS and AUGSA. Those attending the Research Forum are encouraged to stay and attend the GSRC. Those only attending the GSRC are encouraged to arrive on Friday, Oct. 23 to attend the evening mixer, connecting GSRC and Research Forum attendees. We are excited about the opportunities that will arise from this collaboration as our coordinated efforts will provide invaluable spaces for connections between AU’s faculty and students.