Back by popular demand, The Big Pitch returns for a second year of bold ideas and engaging debate in health, care & protection.
This innovative research and networking in-person event will be held on Wednesday, 18 March 2026 (15:00 to 18:00 UK time) at Staple Inn, London.
Hosted by the Health and Care Lifelong Learning Committee, we invite you to submit papers that explore bold, forward-thinking ideas poised to shape the future of the protection, health, and care markets.
We are seeking research that combines robust technical insight with visionary thinking. Selected papers will be presented live and considered for publication in the British Actuarial Journal (BAJ). They may also seed future IFoA research working parties.
Submissions are welcomed from individuals and teams across academia, industry, and other disciplines, and are not restricted to members of the IFoA. However, to ensure the research resonates with our predominantly actuarial audience, we ask that at least one contributor or co-author be a qualified actuary or a member of a recognised actuarial association (such as the IFoA or an equivalent body internationally).
In response to strong attendee feedback, additional time will be allocated for audience questions and challenges, making this a lively and inclusive platform to exchange ideas and test new thinking. As last year, this will culminate in an audience vote for their favourite idea to be taken forward for further research.
We are broadening the scope of this call to welcome a wider range of topics and contributors. Submissions may include, but are not limited to:
All submitted papers will be reviewed and assessed by the Health & Care Research Committee, the H&C Lifelong Learning Committee and BAJ editors in advance of the event.
On the day, a combination of the assessment above and the audience voting and panel feedback will help determine the winning paper, which will be announced in the week following the event.
While not all papers will win, all selected submissions will be considered for publication in the BAJ and may inspire future research working parties.