Call for Contributions:

Boys’ Impact Conference 2025

Manchester Metropolitan University

Wednesday 10th - Thursday 11th September

Call for Conference Contributions

Taking place on 10-11 September at Manchester Metropolitan University, the conference invites contributions from researchers and practitioners who are passionate about supporting the educational outcomes and progression of young men who are eligible for Free School Meals. It convenes expertise from across the spheres of research and practice, equipping delegates with the knowledge and skills to effectively and equitably engage with young men on issues related to masculinity inside and outside of the classroom.

If you are undertaking innovative activity to support young men inside or outside of education, we’d love to hear from you!

Session proposals may take the following formats:

  • Spotlight Session (20 minutes) These are suited to educators and practitioners who have conducted pilot activities with young men in education and wish to share their story!

  • Research Paper (20 minutes) These are suited to researchers who have been studying issues related to education, masculinity and inequality, and wish to share their findings.

  • Exploration Session (45 minutes) These are suited to those who an idea or an issue they wish to explore. It could be a discussion, a workshop, or a panel session with young men and practitioners.

The deadline for proposals is Friday 20th June.

Guest speakers

This year, we are delighted to be joined at the conference by some of the UK’s leading researchers, educators, and youth practitioners from across England, Wales and Northern Ireland

  • Dr Richard Gater, Author of The 21st Century Ladz: Continuity and changes among marginalised young men from the South Wales Valleys

  • Prof. Debbie Ging, Researcher in Gender and Digital Media, Dublin City University

  • Prof. Richard Waller, Researcher in Education and Social Justice, University of the West of England

  • Dr Alex Blower, Author of Lost Boys: How Education is Failing Young Working-Class Men & Founder, Boys’ Impact

  • Dr Ashley Hickson-Lovence, Writer, educationalist, and author of Your Show, The 392, and Wild East

  • Susan Morgan, Principal Researcher, Taking Boys Seriously

  • Laura Moore, Director, United Learning Multi Academy Trust

  • Dr Sophie King-Hill, Associate Professor, University of Birmingham

  • Dr Emily Setty, Associate Professor, University of Surrey

  • Nick Hillman, Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute

  • Mark Brooks OBE, Policy Advisor, All-Party Parliamentary Group for Issues Affecting Men and Boys

  • Krista Cartlidge, Chief Executive Officer, MYTIME Young Carers

  • Hannah Constanzo, Head of Cross-Phase Projects, PiXL