EDUNEXT International Conference 2026 in Italy | EIC26 Palermo Conference

The 1st EDUNEXT International Conference (EIC26) is set to take place in Palermo, Italy, from 17–19 June 2026. Organized by the EDUNEXT Digital Education Hub, the conference will bring together scholars, researchers, educators, technologists, Ph.D. students, trainers, and professionals working in the fields of open, distance, online, and digital education.

EIC26 focuses on the theme:

“Practices and Research in Open, Distance, and Digital Education: Towards Not Extraordinary Praxis”

The conference aims to explore how digital and online education can become a natural and integrated part of everyday teaching, learning, and institutional practice rather than an exceptional alternative.

Conference Details

• Host Country: Italy
• City: Palermo
• Conference Name: 1st EDUNEXT International Conference (EIC26)
• Dates: 17–19 June 2026
• Venue: University of Palermo
• Conference Type: International Academic Conference
• Presentation Languages: English and Italian
• Registration Fee: Free
• Mode: In-Person Conference

Conference Venue

The conference will primarily take place at:

Complesso Monumentale dello Steri

Sala delle Capriate
Piazza Marina 61, Palermo, Italy

Some sessions may also be organized at the Department of Engineering, Campus Viale delle Scienze, University of Palermo.

The University of Palermo is one of Italy’s leading academic institutions and an active partner within the EDUNEXT Digital Education Hub network.

About EDUNEXT

EDUNEXT is one of Europe’s largest university digital education networks, bringing together 35 Italian universities and multiple institutional partners to promote innovative, flexible, and inclusive digital learning models.

The initiative focuses on:

• Open digital education
• AI-supported learning
• Flexible and blended learning models
• Educational innovation
• Microcredentials and open badges
• Accessibility and inclusion
• International collaboration in higher education

Call for Papers

The conference has officially opened its Call for Papers and welcomes submissions from:

• Scholars
• Researchers
• Teachers and trainers
• Educational technologists
• Ph.D. students
• Policy experts
• Learning designers
• Academic professionals

Participants are invited to submit research papers, case studies, innovative practices, and educational projects related to digital and open education.

Main Topics and Themes

EIC26 will cover a broad range of themes related to education and digital transformation, including:

Digital Education & Innovation

• Online and distance learning
• Open education practices
• Hybrid and blended learning
• Digital pedagogy

Artificial Intelligence in Education

• AI-supported learning
• Intelligent tutoring systems
• Generative AI in education
• AI ethics in teaching and learning

Teaching & Assessment

• Innovative assessment models
• Learning analytics
• Student engagement strategies
• Multimedia learning and podcasts

Inclusion & Accessibility

• Inclusive education
• Accessibility in digital learning
• Equity in education technology

Professional Development

• Faculty development
• Teacher training
• Digital competencies for educators

Governance & Policy

• Educational governance
• Digital transformation strategies
• Ethics and policy frameworks in digital education

Microcredentials & Certification

• Open badges
• Competency-based education
• Flexible certification systems

The conference particularly emphasizes practical experiences and research that demonstrate how digital education can become sustainable and integrated into mainstream educational systems.

Conference Tracks

EIC26 will feature three official tracks:

1. EDUNEXT Initiatives

Presentations related to projects, innovations, and activities developed within the EDUNEXT ecosystem.

2. Experiences and Research

Research papers, case studies, and innovative teaching experiences related to digital education.

3. Ph.D. Showcase

A dedicated platform for doctoral students to present research projects and connect with international academics.

Important Dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: 5 June 2026
• Acceptance Notification: 8 June 2026
• Authors Registration Deadline: 9 June 2026
• Conference Dates: 17–19 June 2026

Registration Benefits

One of the most attractive aspects of EIC26 is that participation is completely free for both presenters and attendees.

Free registration includes:

• Access to all conference sessions
• Coffee breaks
• Lunch
• Social dinner on 18 June 2026

This makes EIC26 a highly accessible international conference for students, early-career researchers, and educators.

Why This Conference Matters

The global education sector is rapidly evolving due to advances in:

• Artificial intelligence
• Digital learning platforms
• Open education systems
• Flexible teaching models

Conferences like EIC26 provide an important platform for educators and researchers to exchange ideas, showcase innovations, and discuss the future of higher education in a digitally connected world.

The conference also reflects growing international interest in:

• Lifelong learning
• Digital accessibility
• Inclusive education systems
• AI-enhanced teaching methodologies

Who Should Attend?

EIC26 is ideal for:

• University faculty members
• Educational researchers
• Ph.D. students
• Instructional designers
• Education policymakers
• EdTech professionals
• Online learning specialists
• Teachers and trainers
• Academic innovators