International Tax Research Network Annual Conference 2025

We are reflecting on the Tax Research Network (TRN) Annual Conference 2025, hosted by Nottingham University Business School from 8 to 10 September 2025. The event brought together academics, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world to explore innovative developments in taxation research and teaching. We were particularly pleased to welcome a strong cohort of PhD students and early-career researchers attending for the first time, alongside our returning participants. 

The conference opened with a welcome from Professor David Park, Dean of the Business School, who emphasised the importance of international collaboration in advancing understanding of taxation and its role in society. Delegates also heard from Professor Jane Frecknall-Hughes, who coordinated the event on behalf of the Business School, alongside TRN Chair Dr Amy Lawton, and Deputy Chairs Dr Sara Closs-Davies and Terry Filer. 

Over three days, participants engaged in a comprehensive programme of parallel sessions, keynote speeches and networking opportunities, covering key themes such as tax avoidance and evasion, international taxation, VAT and GST, sustainability, tax justice, and digitalisation. 

Day one ended with a keynote speech by Chris Irwin (HMRC) on raising standards and building trust in the tax advice market. Delegates also attended a welcome reception and formal dinner at the University’s GSK Carbon Neutral Laboratory for further networking and discussion. 

On the second day, sessions included a panel on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in tax administration and practice, led by Dr George Hardy (former EY tax partner and AI specialist) and David Hadwick (Researcher, Centre of Excellence DigiTax, University of Antwerp). The discussion explored the impact of digital transformation on the future of tax practice. 

The conference concluded with a Tax Education Day, which focused on innovative approaches to teaching, including AI, virtual reality, gamification and strategies to improve employability. 

Reflecting on the event, Professor Frecknall-Hughes said: 

"The TRN conference is a valuable platform for sharing research, exchanging ideas, and shaping the future of tax policy and practice, as well as tax teaching issues. We were delighted to host colleagues from across the globe and showcase the Business School as a hub for international collaboration and thought leadership.” 

 Further information 

 Find out more about the Department of Work, Organisation and Management at the Business School. 

(Photo above of Dr Hafez Abdo, Chris Irwin (HMRC), Professor Jane Frecknall-Hughes, and Dr Jinning Hong)