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The SAERA executive would like to invite you to its 13th annual conference hosted by the Faculty of Education, Nelson Mandela University

Conference Dates: 
9 – 12 November 2026
Pre-conference workshops: 9 November 2026
Main conference: 10 – 12 November 2026
 
Venue:

Boardwalk Convention Centre, Gqeberha

IMPORTANT DATES

Due date for submission of abstracts: 15 July 2026

Due date for registration: 30 August 2026

Due date for payment: 11 September 2026

Submission of Abstracts For 2026 SAERA Conference

All abstracts should be submitted via the conference website: https://saeraconference.co.za/abstracts-submission/

Abstract submission will open on 30 May 2026 and close on 30 July 26.

Abstracts should be submitted via the conference website.

Action Research

Assessment and Testing

Curriculum Studies

Educational Technology

Inclusive Education

Knowledge building in Education

Self-reflexive and arts-based methodologies

Teacher Education

TVET, Higher Education and Work

General Stream

Abstracts may be submitted for individual presentations, panel presentations or arts-based contributions. All abstracts should be clearly linked to the overall theme of the conference and authors should indicate the SIG in which they wish to present. 

Individual Papers (200-250 word abstract)

Individual papers are to be based on substantive research (empirical and/or theoretical). Proposals of research still to be conducted, or research proposals should not be submitted.  Abstracts for empirical studies need to clearly state: the background/context of the study, the research problem, the research design, the findings of the study and the main argument of the paper.  Abstracts for theoretical or methodological papers must state the research problem, the body of scholarship engaged and the main argument. In addition, four to six keywords should be provided. Please use the template provided on the website for the submission. Presenters will have 15 minutes to present and 10 minutes for interaction and question time.  

Select Individual paper during abstract submission process online. 

Panel Presentations (1 000 word abstract)

Panels may include three to four presenters. In addition, four to six keywords should be provided. The duration of the presentation will be 90 minutes, including discussion. Where possible, we invite panels with a mix of experienced and early-career researchers.  

Select Panel presentation during abstract submission process online. 

Workshops:

– Abstract length 300-400 words
– Must outline learning outcomes and facilitation approach 
– Duration: 90 Minutes 
– 4-6 Keywords Required

Arts-based Contributions (300-400 word abstract)

A maximum of 6 people per team may submit abstracts for arts-based contributions that may range across a spectrum of disciplines but remain within the conference theme. The presentation should take 90 minutes. Four to six keywords or phrases should be provided. Examples of arts-based presentations may include visual representation in areas such as autobiography and memoir, poster art and display, visual narratives, multi-media thesis representations and/or multi-media forms of working with research data and representation.  

Select Arts-based contributions during abstract submission process online.

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