Program | Edinburgh 2026
Our full program of events and talks at our upcoming 18th European Alum Symposium, which will be held on November 6-8, 2026 in Edinburgh, Scotland!
Program Overview
Set against the backdrop of a UNESCO world heritage site, Edinburgh is a city renowned for its layered history and innovation. The symposium calls on us to follow in Edinburgh's footsteps and start to re-imagine the institutions and systems that shape our world.
Through cross-disciplinary dialogue with MHC professors, alums and guests, we will weave together threads from the past and present to help us begin to design a better tomorrow:
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We will start by looking at the Edinburgh Seven (the first group of matriculated undergraduate female students at any British university) as a historical exemplar of pushing boundaries and how their work has influenced how women are viewed both professionally and socially today.
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We will then move onto a wider discussion that discusses the pros and cons of collaborative and interdisciplinary work when confronting today's complex problems.
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Following our plenary sessions, we will break out in groups to participate in workshops to begin to build a set of interdisciplinary tools to help us confront issues in our own spheres of influence.
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Last but not least, you will also have the opportunity to propose and discuss these specific issues with a wider group of interested attendees.
Location & Schedule
The main events will take place at the John McIntyre Conference Centre (JMCC) at the University of Edinburgh. It is located near Holyrood Palace and Arthur's Seat with easy access to public transport.
Thursday, November 5 (optional):
Celebration of Bonfire Night. Come join us for fireworks, food and drinks in the heart of Edinburgh.
Friday, November 6:
Various options will be offered to learn more about the city of Edinburgh, such as a Women Writers Walking Tour, Tours of Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace, and a trip to see a working Scottish Mill. After the tours is an optional whisky tasting at a private whisky club in the heart of Edinburgh. Learn more about Thursday, Friday & Sunday's optional activities here.
We will then come together at the end of the day for a High Tea at the JMCC.
Saturday, November 7:
Sessions will consist of keynote speakers and panel discussions in the morning, followed by lunch on-site with the opportunity to mingle.
The afternoon will have a series of interactive workshops designed collaboratively between alums, MHC professors and external speakers. Our interdisciplinary sessions will range from the arts to the sciences to the humanities.
The day will culminate in a festive dinner and silent auction followed by a Ceilidh (a traditional Scottish gathering with music and dance), celebrating connection, creativity, and community.
Sunday, November 8:
The day will start with an opening session, followed by workshops where participants can pitch topics for discussion. The most popular topics will be selected for lively exchanges.
The event will conclude by 12 pm, with an optional lunch and tour of Arthur's Seat to follow. Learn more about Thursday, Friday & Sunday's optional activities here.
Further questions?
Check out our FAQs page! If you still can't find the answer, reach out to mheacedinburghsymposium@gmail.com
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