Call for papers

• Decolonising What—and From What? | Critical analyses of colonial legacies in higher education knowledge production, governance, curricula, and institutional practices.
• Pluriversality, Unlearning, Delinking, and Alternatives 

Theoretical and empirical explorations of how multiple ways of knowing and being can coexist, how colonial legacies can be unlearned, and how alternative academic imaginaries can be fostered. 

• Curricula, Pedagogy, Community, and Institutional Transformation | Decolonial approaches to teaching, learning, assessment, university structures, and inclusive community building.
• Quality, Access, and Human Rights | Comparative perspectives on higher education as a public good, including tuition-free versus fee-based models and differing understandings of education, access, and equity.
• From Reflection to Action: Best pratices | Practice-based contributions highlighting concrete tools, best practices, and strategies for advancing decolonial inclusion across academia. 

The conference is organised in a full hybrid format: The presenters and the audience can participate in person at the conference’s location at the University of Helsinki or online. 

We value everyone’s contribution, diverse views, and reflections on the topic. We encourage diverse participants to initiate sessions from their perspective and contribute to discussions with the community for mutual learning.

Proposal types include:

• Individual presentation: 20 minutes to present a research paper, practice-based case study, student thesis results or other initiative.
• Panel discussion: Composed of of 3–4 individual presentations following a common theme, guided by a Chair.
• Roundtable discussion: Composed of 3–6 participants discussing a common problem/issue with a moderator.

• Workshop, interactive or co-creative session: Focused on a practice-based task.

  If you have any questions regarding the submission guidelines and proposal requirements, please contact Conference Secretary Yuliya Brin ().

• Abstract: 250-300 words
• A short bio with an affiliation (max 150 words)
• Language: English.

Deadline for submission: Submit your proposal by 15 May 2026, 22:59 CET.

Presenters are allotted 20 minutes to present a research paper, practice-based case study, student thesis results or other initiative.

• Abstract of the panel, roundtable or workshop: 500-700 words, explaining the cohesiveness of the panel.
• List of participants with titles of their presentations
• Bios of participants
• Clear indication of chair, moderator and discussant.
• Language: English

Deadline for submission: Submit your proposal by 15 May 2026, 22:59 CET.