IC-DEA 2026
International Conference on Digital Education for All — Call for Expression of Interest (EOI)
Deadline for University Co-Host EOI Submission: 15 December 2025
Organised in collaboration with:
About the Conference
Digital education stands at a critical crossroads. Advancements in infrastructure, AI-driven learning systems, hybrid models and online platforms have opened new horizons — yet inequalities in access, readiness, and inclusivity remain. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the promise and the persistent challenges of digital learning. IC-DEA 2026 creates a global forum to discuss inclusive, equitable, and accessible digital education and to connect conference outputs with the Emerald Special Issue Digital Education for All (Journal: Quality Education for All).
Conference Aims
- Foster global dialogue on inclusive digital education
- Bring together scholars, practitioners, policymakers and institutions
- Support dissemination of high-quality research aligned with SDG 4, 9 & 10
- Provide a platform to connect outputs with the Emerald Special Issue
Who should co-host?
Universities with strong commitments to digital learning, edtech research, teacher training, or those seeking global visibility and research collaborations are encouraged to apply as Offline or Online Co-Hosts.
Conference Tracks (Aligned with the Special Issue)
Digital Inclusion & Equity
Pedagogical Innovations & Emerging Digital Pedagogies
Teacher Training & Digital Competency
Policy Frameworks, Governance & Institutional Strategies
Community-Driven Digital Education Initiatives
Infrastructure, Accessibility & Affordability
Ethics, Digital Well-Being & Data Privacy
Assessment Technologies & Quality Assurance
Cross-Cultural & Collaborative Perspectives
AI-Based Learning Futures & Sustainable Models
Hosting Models
A. Offline Co-Host (Primary Host University)
Serve as the physical venue for in-person conference activities.
Expectations & Responsibilities
- Provide conference halls, presentation rooms and local logistics
- Sponsor venue-related costs for in-person attendees/presenters
- Support local organising committee, branding and technical hybrid support
- Optional cultural events or campus tours
B. Online Co-Host (Virtual Partner)
Host online sessions, parallel digital tracks or thematic panels.
Responsibilities
- No financial or infrastructural sponsorship required
- Provide virtual hosting platform (Zoom/Teams/Webex) and technical support
- Host thematic panels, workshops or special sessions digitally
Why Partner as a Co-Host?
- Global visibility via alliances and Emerald Publishing
- Priority access for faculty and researchers
- Opportunity to lead thematic tracks and special sessions
- Increased institutional recognition and collaboration opportunities
Important Dates
| Activity | Deadline / Date |
|---|---|
| Call for Co-Host University Opens | Immediately |
| Deadline for EOI Submission | 15 December 2025 |
| Announcement of Selected Host(s) | 30 December 2025 |
| Abstract Submission for Conference | 30 December 2025 |
| Manuscript Submission Opens (Special Issue) | 1 January 2026 |
| Conference Dates | March/April 2026 (TBA with host) |
| Manuscript Submission Deadline (Special Issue) | 1 May 2026 |
Required Format for Expression of Interest (EOI)
Please submit a concise 1–2 page PDF including the sections below. File name format: EOI_YourUniversityName_ICDEA2026.pdf.
- Institutional Information: University name, full postal address, accreditation status, and contact details of proposed conference coordinator(s).
- Proposed Hosting Category: Offline Co-Host or Online Co-Host.
- Rationale for Hosting: Institutional strengths, relevant departments and research centres.
- Proposed Support & Commitments: Venue/infrastructure (offline) or digital platforms/technical support (online); suggested thematic areas.
- Previous Experience: Past events, partnerships and international collaborations.
- Additional Contributions (Optional): Student volunteers, cultural events, sponsorships, travel grants, awards.
Selection Criteria
- Institutional commitment and readiness
- Quality and adequacy of proposed infrastructure
- Alignment with conference theme and SDGs
- Experience in hosting national/international events
- Ability to support inclusive and accessible participation
- Proposed contributions to the conference programme
Contact
Conference Chair: Abirlal Mukherjee
Founding Chair — Digital University Ranking, Association of Digital Universities, Universal Digital Education Initiatives, Digital Education Forum
Guest Editor, Digital Education for All, Quality Education for All (Emerald)
research.abirlal@gmail.com
Co-Chairs & Organising Committee:
- Dr Amita Somya — Amity University Bengaluru
- Dr Rajat Bharadwaj — Amity University Bengaluru
- Dr Sweta Mukherjee — GITAM Deemed to be University
- Dr Madhavi G.M. — Amity University Bengaluru
- Dr Vignesh Ramamoorthy — Amity University Bengaluru
(Additional Chairs, Session Chairs and committee members will be selected from host universities and partner organisations.)