Experiencing ICEDU 2026: A Professional, Inclusive, and Engaging Conference

It was a real pleasure to participate in ICEDU 2026 as a keynote speaker, panel member, and workshop facilitator. I look back on the conference as a highly positive experience and was genuinely impressed by the professionalism and care with which it was organized.

From communication and logistics to the overall coordination of the program, the conference was managed to a very high standard. Everything ran smoothly, creating a welcoming, collegial, and professional atmosphere that made participation both easy and enjoyable.

I also very much appreciated the breadth and variety of the program. The interdisciplinary selection of keynote speakers was, in my view, one of the conference’s notable strengths. It invited participants to look beyond the boundaries of their own field and to think about their work in a broader and more connected way.

A particularly valuable feature of ICEDU 2026 was the diversity of its audience. The conference was clearly aligned with its focus on sustainability and inclusiveness, not only in its themes but also in the community it brought together. I especially appreciated the strong presence of researchers from the Global South, including many colleagues with whom I would not normally have the opportunity to interact. For me, this was one of the most enriching aspects of the conference, as it broadened perspectives and contributed to a truly international and inclusive exchange of ideas.

As is often the case at larger conferences, the quality of individual sessions was somewhat varied. However, what stood out consistently was the engagement of the audience. The questions were thoughtful, the discussions were lively, and there was a clear sense of genuine interest and intellectual exchange throughout the event.

One possible suggestion for future editions would be to consider slightly fewer parallel sessions, perhaps complemented by larger poster sessions in which presenters briefly introduce their work before continuing the conversation with interested participants. I believe this could create even more opportunities for interaction and increase the visibility of a wider range of contributions.

Overall, ICEDU 2026 was a rewarding, enjoyable, and very well-executed conference experience. I greatly appreciated the invitation and the opportunity to contribute in several roles, and I would be very happy to stay connected with this inspiring conference community.

-Prof. Fred Paas, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands-