To celebrate the UK Literacy Association’s (UKLA) 61st International Conference, we invite you to explore the role of critical imagination in language and literacy education with us.
In a constantly changing and increasingly divisive world, language and literacy learners across all ages need access to education that nurtures cognitive development, creative experimentation, empowered civic participation, and emotional engagement in order to grow holistically and thrive. Critical imagination is a fundamental component of this: (re)imagining more inclusive curricular and pedagogies (re)imagining ourselves and our relationships to each other in the world, (re)imagining meaning-making across material and digital technologies, and (re)imagining research methodologies that serve a broad range of people and contexts. In developing our understanding of language and literacy education as both critical (i.e., related to power and identity) and imaginative (i.e., related to creativity, experimentation, and play), we hope to explore research and practice across an ever-growing UKLA community.
This year’s theme therefore also seeks to nurture delegates’ diverse perspectives and practices by bringing together an international community of language and literacy educators and researchers. Join us as we revisit old and ongoing questions, engage across differences, and (re)imagine the ‘conditions of possibility’ for a more sustainable and equitable future.
Conference Formats
We invite proposals for a range of formats: Research Report, Expert Practice, Symposium, Workshop, and PGR Student Slam. These are outlined below. We encourage those who wish to be playful with approaches to presenting and involving participants, and the use of different kinds of presentation. However, it will be important to stick to the timings outlined for each format. Please do make sure your submission clearly fits the format you have chosen, as the reviewing process looks at the match between the abstract and the chosen format. For example, it is important that a Research Report (1.1.) or symposium makes clear the underpinning research; that an Expert Practice (1.2.) session clearly addresses an aspect of professional practice; that a Symposium (1.3.) outlines the overarching theme and provides a clear title and synopsis for each presentation; that a Workshop (1.4.) submission gives some information about the nature of activity and interaction; and that a PGR Student Slam (1.5.)submission clearly outlines the focus and methods.
This year we require the submission of a 250-word abstract (for review and, if accepted, to be included in the detailed conference programme) and a shorter 50-word synopsis (if accepted to be included in the programme overview and/or pre-conference social media posts). Please note that all proposals must be submitted through Oxford Abstracts (OA) (link below) and the specific guidance for using OA is provided.
1.1. Research Report
This is a presentation of completed or ongoing research with details of the theoretical perspectives unpinning this work, the data collection and analysis methods used, and the key findings. We expect all empirical research presentations to have appropriate ethical approval. The presentation will be strictly limited to 15 minutes with 5 -10 minutes discussion time. Abstract Guidance: please specify clearly your research question, methodology and key findings.
1.2. Expert Practice Session
This is an opportunity to showcase a teaching, learning or assessment approach drawing on your professional practice and expertise, in line with UKLA’s mission. It may be linked to a project you have been involved with as a school, or it may be your own practice, and should include critical reflection on strengths and limitations of the approach. The presentation will be strictly limited to 15 minutes with 5 -10 minutes discussion time. Abstract Guidance: please describe clearly what aspect of professional practice you will be presenting.
1.3. Symposium
This is a grouping of 3-4 research papers on a theme, perhaps all from a single research project or from different projects exploring a coherent and overarching theme/issue. We expect all empirical research presentations to have appropriate ethical approval. The papers are presented in sequence in no more than 45 minutes, with 20-30 minutes for discussion at the end, facilitated by the symposium chair.
Abstract Guidance: please describe the theme/focus of the symposium and provide a title with a one-sentence description of each presentation. The symposium abstract (which includes all individual presentations) is limited to 250 words in total so please be clear and concise!
1.4. Workshop
This is a practical session on a theme or practice. It is an active participatory learning experience for participants, with a minimum of presentational input and high levels of interaction. A workshop is one hour and 15 minutes allowing time for exploration and discussion. The number of workshops will be restricted so submissions that outline innovative practice will be prioritised.
Abstract Guidance: please outline the focus of the workshop and the nature of the workshop
activities participants will experience.
1.5. Postgraduate Research Student Slam
This is an opportunity for anyone currently engaged in postgraduate research programmes (Masters, EdD, PhD) to contribute to our Postgraduate Research Student Slam which will feature brief presentations of work in progress. Each presentation will be 10 minutes, followed by 5 minutes for questions and discussion, and may be supported using software such as PowerPoint or by preparing a poster (digital or physical). Delegates intending to use physical posters must bring this with them to the conference as the conference organisers cannot guarantee access to printing facilities. The PGR Slam sessions will be scheduled for Friday only. Abstract Guidance: please outline the key focus of your research and your methods.
Presenter Information
Oxford Abstracts (OA) will ask you for the names of all authors/ presenters/ facilitators involved in the submission. For multiple author/presenter submissions, this allows you to include and name all colleagues who have been involved in the research or practice or who will be facilitating the workshop (depending on your submission type). The names of all listed authors/ presenters/ facilitators will appear on the conference programme, so please ensure this information is accurate. Only one person can be identified as ‘Presenter’ for the submission process – this is the ‘corresponding presenter’ who will then receive all conference communications and is responsible for sharing this information with their colleagues. Any/all listed authors/ presenters/ facilitators can present at the conference, provided they have each registered.
Submission of Proposals using Oxford Abstracts
Before submitting, please check the abstract guidance above regarding the different presentation types, as it is important that your abstract reflects the type of presentation you are submitting. UKLA is using Oxford Abstracts (OA) as the conference administration system. It is simple to use, and you can access your submission again once it has been submitted. You will also register for the conference via OA.
Please follow these steps to help ensure a smooth and successful submission:
STEP 1: Register and create an account – please keep a record of your username (email address used) and password so that you use the same account details throughout the conference process. This will ensure your conference submission, registration, and other communication details are synchronised. As part of setting up your OA account for the UKLA Conference, OA will send you a verification email. Please note that this can take up to 30 minutes to arrive in your inbox.
STEP 2: Access the submission system – use the UKLA Conference submission link and log in using your OA account details from ‘step one’. This will take you to the submission form.
STEP 3: Take a note of your OA login details (username/email and password) so you can use these to register for the conference when tickets become available. Also take note of your submission ID which you must use to issue queries with the conference organisers. Please submit your proposal using the link below.
SUBMISSION DATES
Submissions open on OA: 6th October 2025
Deadline for submission: 7th January 2026
Notification of decision: 26th January 2026 to 30th January 2026
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION DATES
Deadline for presenter registration: 27th March 2026
Early Bird registration fee: Starts 9th February 2026 to 1st March 2026
Standard registration fee: Starts 2nd March 2026 to 6th June 2026
Deadline for attendance-only registration: 8th June 2026
CONFERENCE FEES*
UKLA members qualify for a discounted conference registration fee (please use your UKLA membership number when registering). Only full-time registered students qualify for the student rate (you may be asked to submit supporting evidence). For all registration-types, you may add your attendance at the Saturday night gala dinner for an additional fee (only 120 places available). The 2026 fees options will be made available as soon as possible. Please look out for updates on our conference website.
*All fees are payable at the point of conference registration through Oxford Abstracts (see heading 3, above). If your conference submission is accepted, you will then need to register (incl. payment of the registration fee) through OA to confirm your attendance and for your presentation to appear in the final programme.
Call for Papers is now closed. Thanks to all those that submitted, please check your inboxes for updates.