Research Summit

# 2026 KWB Summit: Research as Sense-Making in Times of Uncertainty

**October 22-23, 2026**

Sponsored by the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies and the Research and Scholarship Enterprise

ABOUT OUR VIRTUAL KWB SUMMIT

## Theme: Research as Sense-Making in Times of Uncertainty

The 2026 Knowledge Without Boundaries Virtual Research Summit invites scholars, practitioners, and community partners to explore research as sense-making in times of uncertainty. 

The 2026 Summit theme for this year invites us to reconsider the role of research in times  of evolving social, economic, and environmental contexts. At the heart of this year’s theme is the call to meaningful research, where a productive lens for interpretation, reflection, and responsible engagement can fill the gap whenever environmental frameworks are strained and when meaning is challenged.

This 2-day Summit will be held on October 22-23, 2026, and will be entirely online, creating an accessible, international space for dialogue across disciplines, sectors, and career stages. 

 

**Meet Our Keynote Speaker**

We are delighted to welcome**Dr. Scott A. McCalla**as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Knowledge Without Boundaries Research Summit. Dr. McCalla serves as a faculty member and dissertation chair in the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies and as a Research Fellow in Residence with the Center for Organizational Wellness, Engagement and Belonging (CO-WEB).

Before entering academia full-time, he 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, Dr. McCalla brings a unique perspective that bridges rigorous research with real-world application.

Join us as Dr. McCalla shares compelling 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.

 

Event Registration

[Register here](https://events.zoom.us/ev/AqLeVQbSn-Eb5hYY32YZJoWQev0DXSH0QSGGEYImP9oKIZOE8rnh~AqEiW0i5zA2y-K7CbLyHPVoQYIlHQXaFL2OgVYKYI3LMuvY5dXp7g26Vwg)
**KWB Conference Schedule **

**Day One: Thursday, October 22, 2026**

10:00 AM - 10:50 AM (AZ)       Opening Session/Keynote Presentation

11:00 AM - 12:20 PM (AZ)        Presentations

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM (AZ)           Break

1:30 PM -2:50 PM (AZ)              Presentations

3:00 PM - 4:20 PM (AZ)             Presentations

4:20 PM - 4:30 PM (AZ)             Closing Session

 

**Day Two: Friday, October 23, 2026**

10:00 AM - 10:50 AM (AZ)       Opening Session/Award Ceremony

11:00 AM - 12:20 PM (AZ)        Awardee Presentations 

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM (AZ)           Break

1:30 PM -2:50 PM (AZ)              Presentations

3:00 PM - 4:20 PM (AZ)             Presentations

4:20 PM - 4:30 PM (AZ)             Closing Session

![People in attendance at a conference](https://uop.scene7.com/is/image/phoenixedu/careerguide-networking-970x580px-unsmushed.webp?fmt=webp-alpha&qlt=70&fit=constrain,1&wid=970)

## 2026 summit benefits:

**Research Trajectory Advancement**  
Encourages aspirational thinking and future-oriented research through themed calls for innovation.

**Research Networking**  
Over 700+ participants enable interdisciplinary collaboration and professional connections.

**Academic Credentialing**  
Presenters gain formal recognition through peer-reviewed conference presentations, enhancing academic CVs.

**Support for Early-Career Scholars**  
Dedicated opportunities for doctoral students to present and engage in scholarly dialogue.

**Catalyst for Future Scholarship**  
Aspirational calls for research encourage forward-thinking projects and long-term academic innovation.

**Recognition of Excellence**  
Dissertation of the Year award highlights and validates exceptional doctoral research.

**Intellectual Engagement**  
Keynote speakers and special guests provide high-level scholarly insights and raise the conference’s academic prestige.

**Digital Scholarly Credentials**  
Issuance of digital badges for presenters promotes visibility and portable recognition across platforms.

**Integration into Prestige Economy of Academia**  
Elevates participants’ symbolic, social, and institutional capital, reinforcing their standing in scholarly communities.

**Faculty Scholarship Alignment**  
Enables faculty to meet institutional goals through scholarly activity, potentially linked to funding or professional advancement.

**Thought Leadership Exposure**  
Access to keynote speakers and special guests positions participants within cutting-edge disciplinary dialogues.

## Questions? Email any of the conference designers:

**Kimberly Underwood**- Call for Proposals, Submission Process, Presenter Information - [kwb.summit@phoenix.edu](mailto:kwb.summit@phoenix.edu)

**Mansureh Kebritchi**- Dissertation of the Year Nominees and Selection - [mansureh.kebritchi@phoenix.edu](mailto:mansureh.kebritchi@phoenix.edu)

**Rodney Luster**- Communications/Guest Speaker Selections - [rodney.luster@phoenix.edu](mailto:rodney.luster@phoenix.edu)

**General Inquiries**-  [kwb.summit@phoenix.edu](mailto:kwb.summit@phoenix.edu)

[View events calendar](/research/events.html)