The 12th International Conference on Higher Education Advances Opens Its Call for Papers
The 12th International Conference on Higher Education Advances, known as HEAd’26, has issued its official call for papers. Scheduled for June 15–18, 2026, in Valencia, Spain, the event will take place fully in person at the Faculty of Business Administration and Management of the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). Organizers expect more than 250 participants from over 50 countries, continuing a tradition of bringing together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers focused on applied and empirical work in higher education.
Building on a Decade of Success in European Higher Education Research
HEAd conferences have grown steadily since their inception, establishing themselves as a key forum for sharing findings that directly inform teaching, learning, and institutional practice across Europe and beyond. Previous editions demonstrated consistent international reach, with contributions addressing real-world challenges in universities and colleges. The 2026 edition builds on this foundation by emphasizing evidence-based approaches that can be implemented in diverse European higher-education systems.
Core Themes and Scope for HEAd’26 Submissions
The conference invites papers that communicate applied and empirical findings of interest to higher-education professionals. Submissions may cover areas such as innovative teaching methodologies, student engagement strategies, quality assurance mechanisms, digital transformation in learning environments, equity and inclusion initiatives, and the evolving role of universities in regional development. Emphasis is placed on work that offers practical insights rather than purely theoretical explorations, aligning with the needs of European institutions navigating post-pandemic recovery and ongoing regulatory changes.
Submission Process, Deadlines, and Review Timeline
Authors are encouraged to prepare original contributions that undergo a rigorous peer-review process. The submission deadline is January 30, 2026. Notifications of acceptance will be issued by April 1, 2026, with camera-ready versions due by April 20, 2026. Detailed guidelines, including formatting requirements and thematic tracks, are available on the official conference website. Early-career researchers and established scholars alike are welcome to contribute, supporting the conference’s goal of fostering dialogue across career stages.
Hosting Institution: UPV’s Leadership in Technical and Applied Education
The Universitat Politècnica de València serves as host, with its Faculty of Business Administration and Management providing the venue. UPV has earned recognition as the leading technical university in Spain according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2025. Its location in Valencia offers participants access to a vibrant Mediterranean city with strong academic infrastructure and growing international connections in higher education.
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Workshops and Pre-Conference Activities on June 15
In addition to the main program running June 16–18, workshops will be held on June 15. Several of these sessions are themselves issuing calls for papers, providing additional avenues for specialized contributions. These interactive formats allow deeper exploration of emerging topics and facilitate collaboration among attendees before the formal conference begins.
Relevance to European Higher-Education Priorities and Policy
HEAd’26 aligns closely with current European priorities, including the European Higher Education Area, digital skills development, and sustainable internationalization. Papers addressing cross-border mobility, recognition of qualifications, and the integration of artificial intelligence in curricula are particularly encouraged. The conference provides a platform for sharing experiences from institutions across the EU and associated countries, contributing to evidence-based policy discussions at national and European levels.
Opportunities for Publication and Research Dissemination
Accepted papers will be included in the conference proceedings, offering authors a recognized outlet for their work. The proceedings serve as a valuable resource for academics, administrators, and PhD-track researchers seeking current insights into European higher-education practices. This publication pathway supports career development by providing citable outputs that can strengthen applications for faculty positions, research grants, and institutional leadership roles.
Networking and Professional Development in Valencia
Beyond formal sessions, the in-person format enables rich networking opportunities. Participants can engage with colleagues from diverse European contexts, explore potential collaborations, and gain perspectives on job markets in higher education. Valencia’s academic and cultural setting enhances the experience, offering venues for informal discussions that often lead to lasting professional connections.
Preparing Competitive Submissions: Practical Guidance
Successful submissions typically feature clear research questions, robust methodologies, and explicit implications for practice. Authors should highlight how their findings address challenges faced by European universities, such as funding pressures, demographic shifts, or the need for lifelong learning pathways. Reviewing past proceedings and consulting the detailed scope on the conference site can help align proposals with reviewer expectations.
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Future Outlook for Higher-Education Research Events
As European higher education continues to evolve amid technological, demographic, and geopolitical changes, conferences like HEAd’26 play an essential role in disseminating actionable research. The 2026 edition is positioned to influence institutional strategies and national policies in the years ahead, reinforcing the value of evidence-based approaches to teaching and learning across the continent.
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