Call for Contributions - ENLIGHT Teaching and Learning Conference 2026, Bern

The ENLIGHT Teaching and Learning Conference 2026 will take place at the University of Bern on the theme “Context and Learning.” The conference brings together teaching staff, educational developers, and students from the ten ENLIGHT universities to explore contextualised learning: connecting teaching to meaningful physical, disciplinary, social, and work‑related contexts.​

Conference Details

• Dates: 22.10.26 -24.10.26

• Location: University of Bern

• Participation on all conference days is expected; please note that parts of the programme will be held on Saturday.

Conference Theme and Focus

Contextualised learning embeds knowledge and skills in real and meaningful contexts, linking theory to practice, learners’ lives and real‑world challenges. Contributions are invited that address, for example:​

• Teaching and learning contexts (e.g. problem‑based learning, challenge‑based education).​

• Physical contexts (innovative teaching spaces and learning environments).​

• Subject‑based contexts (trans‑ and interdisciplinary teaching approaches).​

• Work contexts (collaboration with external partners, authentic tasks and professional settings).​

Formats

Participants can submit proposals in three formats:

• Workshops (90 minutes, max. 25 participants)

  • Types: idea‑generation, co‑creation of teaching offers, or critical friends.

  • Aim: actively involve participants in co‑creating ideas, teaching designs or feedback on projects.

• Campfire sessions (90 minutes, up to 20 participants)

  • Informal, device‑free discussions around challenges and problems related to a topic you introduce.

  • Focus on collective reflection and mutual learning rather than immediate solutions.

• Showcase sessions (60 minutes)

  • Short presentations of inspiring teaching and learning practices, followed by discussion.

  • Aim to highlight what others could learn and transfer to their own contexts.

For detailed format descriptions, please consult the Call for Papers.

Submission

• Abstract length: up to 1500 characters (approx. 200-250 words).​

• All abstracts must address the conference theme “Context and Learning” and follow the guidelines for workshops, campfires, or showcases.​

• Submission deadline: 31 March 2026 (23:59 CET).​

• Submission: Submission of abstracts

Abstracts will be reviewed in a double-blind process. Please do not include author names in the abstract text.

ENLIGHT Perspective

The conference is part of the ENLIGHT Teaching and Learning agenda and highlights ENLIGHT education principles such as challenge‑based education, collaboration, versatility, communication skills, digital competencies, transdisciplinarity, and collaboration with external stakeholders.​

Potential Financial Support for First-Time Participants

Participants who attend the ENLIGHT Teaching and Learning Conference for the first time may be eligible for limited financial support to facilitate their participation. If you submit a proposal and this would be your first time attending the conference, please contact us for more information about possible funding options at enlight@rug.nl

Financial support cannot be guaranteed and depends on the availability of funds.

Contact

• Questions about the different formats: r.h.huizinga@rug.nl

• General questions about participation from the University of Groningen: enlight@rug.nl