About
The EARLI 2027 conference will be hosted by EARLI and the Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, from 23 - 27 August 2027. The conference will be preceded by the JURE 2027 pre-conference on 21 - 22 August 2027.
Theme
The theme of the EARLI 2027 conference is Learning and Instruction for Dialogue across Divides.
In a world which is increasingly characterised by division and a move to extremes, from which the field of education has not been shielded, we see this theme as allowing us to reflect on the way in which research into Learning and Instruction can help us to develop a more dialogic and constructive approach.
In these times the value of rigorous empirical research is more important than ever. We are developing an ever more rigorous body of knowledge about how children and young people learn, in what contexts and under what circumstances. It is this shared body of evidence-based knowledge that provides a basis for dialogue in the educational research community, as. We move towards out shared goal of better and more equitable educational outcomes.
The conference theme is also linked to the history of Belfast and Northern Ireland, and the pioneering work of Queen’s University Belfast on conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Queen’s has played a key role in helping to develop a more harmonious and peaceful society following the period of ‘The Troubles’, and is still heavily involved in addressing the divisions in society that remain following the end of the armed conflict in 1998.
Venue
Belfast, the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, is a dynamic and unforgettable city where history, creativity, and energy come together. Set along the River Lagan and framed by rollingc hills, Belfast has transformed from a powerful industrial and maritime centre into one of the UK and Ireland’s most exciting urban destinations. Famous as the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, the city celebrates its heritage through striking landmarks, atmospheric streets, and world-class attractions. Its lively neighbourhoods are filled with music, street art, independent cafés, bustling markets, galleries, and welcoming pubs, giving Belfast a character that is both authentic and full of life. With respected universities, a flourishing cultural scene, and stunning landscapes just beyond the city, Belfast offers a thrilling blend of tradition, resilience, and modern spirit, making it a destination that surprises, inspires, and captivates visitors.
Call for Submissions
Submissions will open in October 2026 and close 26 November 2026.
Selecting the most suitable format for your research is crucial to enhancing your chances of being accepted to present at EARLI 2027. Please refer to our comprehensive submission guidelines, which will guide you through the various steps in preparing your proposal.
At EARLI 2027, we welcome the following submission types:
Symposia
Symposia provide an opportunity to present research on one topic, often from multiple perspectives, compiling a coherent set of papers for discussion. Symposia sessions are directed by a chair, involving four presenters and one discussant, from at least three different countries. We recommend that each individual submission is checked for its own quality and its relevance and coherence to the topic of the symposium prior to formal submission to EARLI 2027.
A symposium is scheduled for 90 minutes, allowing 15 minutes presentation time per speaker, 10 minutes for the discussant, and 20 minutes for open discussion.
For EARLI 2027, symposia will continue to be evaluated and accepted as a whole, rather than by splitting the symposium into individual papers and considering these separately. This means that the assessment of a symposium will be holistic. If a symposium does not reach the symposium acceptance threshold, its individual papers will not subsequently be considered or accepted as standalone papers for EARLI 2027.
To reflect the collaborative nature of the symposium format, the acceptance threshold for symposia will be lower than the threshold for individual papers. In doing so, EARLI acknowledges that the value of a symposium lies not only in the strength of its individual contributions, but also in the coherence, complementarity, and collective contribution that emerge from bringing these researchers and perspectives together.
Paper
Paper sessions consist of four thematically clustered paper presentations, followed by a discussion with the audience. It is important that empirical papers have data and results or they will not be accepted. Theoretical papers, which provide background research, specific evidence, analytical thinking and/or recommendations on specific themes and topics, are also welcome.
Paper sessions are scheduled for 90 minutes. Four presenters are given 15 minutes presentation time followed by 5 minutes for questions. At the end of all presentations there is a 10- minute open discussion.
Poster
Interactive poster sessions involve a number of posters, visually presenting research studies. A short presentation of about 5 minutes for each poster is given to an audience gathered as a group. After the authors’ brief presentations, an in-depth discussion between them and the audience follows, in an exhibition format. The poster session offers researchers the chance to present their work in a visual format and allows for more opportunities for interaction and discussion.
Poster sessions are scheduled for 90 minutes, following the format above. Materials for fixing posters on the walls or poster boards will be provided.
Roundtable
Roundtable sessions offer opportunities for a more discursive exploration of research issues. This may well involve discussion of work in progress. The presenters elaborate on their emerging data and theory, and invite the participants to contribute to a discussion on potential challenges. Three to five presenters will explain and discuss their research one after another.
Roundtable sessions are scheduled for 90 minutes and consist of 3 to 5 thematically clustered roundtables. Each presenter provides a 5-minute presentation, followed by time for questions, equally divided among the number of roundtables per session.
Demo Session
Demo sessions allow presenters to display, explain, and familiarise participants with approaches or tools specifically developed for education or research purposes. The presentation may include references to completed research, but the point of the session is to demonstrate a tool or approach, not to present the research for criticism. The audience may offer their viewpoints and share their experiences with similar tools or practices.
Demo sessions are scheduled for 90 minutes and will consist of 3 thematically clustered demo session submissions. Each presenter will be offered 30 minutes for their demonstration.