Virtual research summit Oct. 22–23 explores “Research as Sense-Making in Times of Uncertainty” and brings together scholars, practitioners and community partners across disciplines
PHOENIX, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies will host its 13th annual Knowledge Without Boundaries Summit, on October 22-23, 2026, “Exploring Scholarship, Society and Change.” The fully online research conference co-sponsored by the Research and Scholarship Enterprise (RSE) and the College of Doctoral Studies, will explore the theme, “Research as Sense-Making in Times of Uncertainty.”
The 2026 Knowledge Without Boundaries Summit features the intentional work of faculty, students, alumni and industry leaders, and invites scholars, practitioners and community partners to examine how research can support understanding and responsible engagement amid rapidly changing social, economic and environmental conditions. The interdisciplinary event will explore how research is conducted, interpreted, communicated and mobilized when established assumptions, methods or frameworks are challenged.
“Periods of uncertainty can challenge how we understand complex issues, but they can also create important opportunities for inquiry, reflection and new ways of thinking,” said Hinrich Eylers, PhD, vice provost of the College of Doctoral Studies. “The Knowledge Without Boundaries Summit brings together researchers and practitioners across disciplines to consider how rigorous, responsible scholarship can help us ask better questions, make sense of evolving evidence and connect research to the real-world challenges facing organizations and communities.”
What will the 2026 Knowledge Without Boundaries Summit explore?
The Summit is designed to create an interdisciplinary space for research and dialogue across sectors, disciplines and career stages. Areas of exploration include:
Research practices during periods of crisis, disruption or transitionMethodological innovation, data ambiguity and contested evidenceInterdisciplinary approaches to complex problems and community-engaged researchResearch ethics, responsibility and trust in uncertain or high-stakes environmentsDigital methods, artificial intelligence and algorithmic sense-makingCommunicating research findings amid uncertainty and disagreement
The program welcomes perspectives spanning completed and ongoing research, theoretical or conceptual scholarship and effective practices grounded in real-world application.
What can attendees at the 2026 Knowledge Without Boundaries Summit expect?
The Summit supports scholarly development and connection through opportunities for doctoral students and early-career scholars to present research, interdisciplinary networking, recognition of exceptional scholarship and digital scholarly credentials for presenters. The Summit schedule includes:
Faculty, alumni and student-led sessions that ignite inquiry.90+ research and scholarship presentations across disciplines.Announcement of the 2026 Dissertation of the Year winners, recognizing dissertations that have stood out as exceptional for elements beyond what is expected and observed by their respective chairs.Announcement of the winners of the 2026 President’s Award for Organizational Excellence and Empowerment in the categories of research, scholarship and dissertation. The winning scholars will present their work.Research networking enabling interdisciplinary collaboration and professional connections.Scholarly conference credentialing for presenters and digital badges of attendance for audience members
College of Doctoral Studies Dissertation Chair serves as 2026 Keynote Speaker
This year’s keynote speaker is Scott McCalla, DM, MA, faculty member and dissertation chair in the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies and a Research Fellow in Residence with the Center for Organizational Wellness, Engagement and Belonging (CO-WEB). Before entering academia full-time, McCalla spent more than two decades in corporate leadership, advancing to C-suite roles and gaining extensive experience translating organizational challenges into practical solutions. As a seasoned executive, accomplished scholar, and two-time recipient of the John Sperling Distinguished Faculty Award, McCalla provides a unique perspective bridging rigorous research with real-world application. He will share insights on how research can serve as a powerful tool for sense-making, informed action, and positive change, empowering individuals and communities to advance in an increasingly complex world.
In collaboration with College faculty, leaders and scholars, the Summit proceedings are directed by University research centers’ leaders: Kimberly Underwood, Ph.D., chair, Center for Organizational Wellness, Engagement, and Belonging (CO-WEB) and KWB project manager and executive sponsor of the President’s Award committee; Mansureh Kebritchi, Ph.D., chair, Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR) and lead of committee on Dissertation of the Year Award; and Rodney Luster, Ph.D., chair, Center for Leadership and Entrepreneurial Research (CLER) and KWB communications liaison.
The Summit is open to external guests, free to attend, and registration is available here.
About the College of Doctoral Studies
University of Phoenix’s College of Doctoral Studies focuses on today’s challenging business and organizational needs, from addressing critical social issues to developing solutions to accelerate community building and industry growth. The College’s research program is built around the Scholar, Practitioner, Leader Model which puts students in the center of the Doctoral Education Ecosystem® with experts, resources and tools to help prepare them to be a leader in their organization, industry and community. Through this program, students and researchers work with organizations to conduct research that can be applied in the workplace in real time.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit the University of Phoenix website.
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SOURCE University of Phoenix
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