Informatics Research Centre (IRC) Conference 2026

Day 1: Informatics at the Crossroads of Automation and Human Systems

16 September 2026

The first day of the conference will focus on the theme "Informatics at the Crossroads of Automation and Human Systems". Internal and external speakers will share their expertise, insights, and research on informatics, operations, and the evolving relationship between automation technologies and human centred systems.

During the lunch break, a PhD Poster Exhibition will showcase the breadth and diversity of research being undertaken within the Informatics Research Centre. All PhD students whose primary supervisor is an IRC staff member are expected to contribute a poster presenting their ongoing research.

Day 2: Organisational Semiotics Reimagined

17 September 2026

The second day will focus on the theme "Organisational Semiotics Reimagined", highlighting contemporary developments and emerging research in organisational semiotics.

The morning programme will feature presentations from both internal and external researchers working in this field. In the afternoon, the conference will host an Organisational Semiotics Workshop, where selected researchers will present working papers and receive constructive feedback from peers and experts. The workshop aims to support the development of these papers towards submission to leading academic journals. A featured organisational semiotics workshop, led by Prof. Kecheng Liu, will be hosted from 4pm in the afternoon

Registration

Registration is now open and will close at 6:00 pm on 14 September 2026.

Registration link

We look forward to welcoming you to two inspiring days of research discussion, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

Conference Agenda

Please follow this link to see the conference agenda.

Transportation and Accommodation Information

Room G15
Henley Business School
University of Reading
Whiteknights Campus
Reading
RG6 6UD
United Kingdom

*The conference will take place at Henley Business School on the University of Reading's Whiteknights Campus in Reading. Please note that Henley Business School also has a Greenlands Campus in Henley-on-Thames. The conference is NOT taking place at the Greenlands Campus.

Travelling by Train

Reading railway station is the main railway station for the conference venue and has frequent connections with London and other major UK cities.

From London Paddington, frequent direct trains operate to Reading, with the fastest journeys taking approximately 25 minutes. Reading can also be reached from central London using the Elizabeth line, although this generally takes longer than the fast services from Paddington.

From Reading railway station, delegates can continue to the Whiteknights Campus by bus or taxi.

From Reading Station to Henley Business School

By bus

The White Knight 20 or 21 service provides a direct connection between Reading Station and the University of Reading's Whiteknights Campus. The journey from the station to campus takes approximately 10 minutes, depending on traffic.

Other local Reading Buses services also serve the University area. Delegates are advised to check the latest Reading Buses timetable before travelling.

Once on campus, follow signs for Henley Business School.

By taxi

Taxis are readily available at Reading railway station. The journey to Henley Business School normally takes approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Please tell the driver:

Henley Business School, University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, RG6 6UD.

Travelling by Car

The Whiteknights Campus is located approximately 1.5 miles from Junction 11 of the M4 motorway.

For satellite navigation, the University recommends the following postcodes for campus entrances:

• Shinfield Road / Pepper Lane entrance: RG6 6UR

Parking

Parking on the Whiteknights Campus is controlled and availability for visitors is limited. Delegates travelling by car should follow the parking arrangements provided by the conference organisers.

University visitor parking normally needs to be arranged in advance. Pay-and-display visitor parking is also available in designated areas, subject to availability.

Delegates are therefore encouraged to use public transport where possible, particularly when travelling from Reading Station.

Accommodations

Please find the information of accommodations nearby the conference venue. Accommodations

Conference Organisers

Prof. Keiichi Nakata (Director of Informatics Research Centre, Henley Business School)

Prof. Weizi (Vicky) Li (Deputy Director of Informatics Research Centre, Henley Business School)

Dr Lecky Li (Lecturer in Digital Business, Henley Business School)

Conference Contact

Dr Lecky Li (q.li6@henley.ac.uk)