I’m delighted that our first CEDAR conference was such a success. Across the afternoon we heard from staff and students about so many of the fantastic initiatives that are going on in education across the IoPPN, and it’s exciting to see how CEDAR is supporting this and allowing us to highlight and to share it broadly. Thanks should go to Andrea for organising, to all of our excellent speakers and to everyone who attended and joined in the discussions.
Professor Juliet Foster, IoPPN Dean of Education
02 July 2025
Beyond Borders – Centre for Education Development & Research Conference
At its latest conference on 9 June 2025 at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), the Centre for Education Development and Research (CEDAR) showcased new approaches to interdisciplinary teaching and collaborative research.
Bringing together educators, students and researchers, the conference explored how crossing disciplinary boundaries is reshaping higher education.
The afternoon began with a welcome from Professor Juliet Foster, IoPPN Dean of Education, and Andrea Williams, Centre Manager of CEDAR, followed by lightning talks where students shared how learning across disciplines has broadened their academic thinking.
The panel discussion tackled the challenges and opportunities of interdisciplinary curriculum design. Speakers including Professors Juliet Foster, Matthew Hotopf, Alice Egerton and Clemens Kiecker reflected on how breaking down academic silos can lead to richer student experiences and improved career readiness.
Later sessions spotlighted innovation in teaching. Dr Rebecca Upsher presented results from a student-led randomised control trial evaluating how embedding Generative AI in essay writing workshops can help students think about how they learn and become more independent in their studies. Dr James Findon and Dr Francesca Cotier introduced how Team-Based Learning (TBL) can help students take responsibility in the classroom and learn actively by working together, both in-person and online.
The theme of student partnership ran throughout the day. Dr Anja Harrison highlighted two CEDAR-supported initiatives, the Collaborative Library (TCL) and the Student-led Research Hub, that empower students to move beyond assessments and co-create publishable work.
The day concluded with project showcases from recent CEDAR-funded initiatives and closing reflections on how the Centre is supporting education innovation across the university.
CEDAR was founded on the idea that meaningful change in education happens when we cross boundaries - between disciplines, between roles, and between students and staff. ‘Beyond Borders’ celebrated this spirit of collaboration and showed what’s possible when we create space for shared learning, creativity, and new perspectives.
Andrea Williams, CEDAR Centre Manager
Launched in September 2024, CEDAR continues to grow as a hub for education research and development at the IoPPN, King’s College London. The ‘Beyond Borders’ conference offered a glimpse into a future of higher education that is not only interdisciplinary, but collaborative, inclusive and impact-driven.
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Dean of Education
Centre Manager, Centre for Education Development and Research