Call for Submissions
The call for submissions for the UK Literacy Association’s (UKLA) 62nd International Conference is now open! Guidance on submitting your paper can be found below.
Submission Guidance
Submitters for any of the presentation types might consider using any of the following questions to help guide their submissions, or interpret the theme in their own way:
- How are digital technologies being leveraged for more humanised language and literacy pedagogies?
- How are analogue technologies being (re)considered, (re)imagined, and (re)assembled for more holistic language and literacy learning?
- What are the emerging practices, resources, environments, relations, and dispositions for doing a 21st Century language and literacy education?
Conference Formats
We invite proposals for a range of formats: Research Report, Expert Practice, Symposium, Workshop, and PGR Poster. 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 or symposium makes clear the underpinning research; that an Expert Practice session clearly addresses an aspect of professional practice; that a Symposium outlines the overarching theme and provides a clear title and synopsis for each presentation; that a Workshop submission gives some information about the nature of activity and interaction; and that a PGR Poster 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)
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Postgraduate Research Posters
This is an opportunity for anyone currently engaged in postgraduate research programmes (Masters, EdD, PhD) to share their work. Each poster must contain clearly-defined sections that cover a) an introduction (research aims, context, rationale, and research questions), b) literature review (and theoretical framework where appropriate), c) methodology (including methods and ethics), c) data and findings (where available), and d) conclusions and implications for practice, policy, and/or theory. Posters must be designed for A2 dimensions (420 x 594 mm/ 16.5 x 23.4 in) and will be on display for the duration of the conference, but presenters can engage delegates during Friday and Saturday lunchtime slots. Presenters should prepare to arrange their own printing as the conference organisers cannot guarantee access to printing facilities.
Abstract Guidance: please outline the key focus of your research and your methods.
Submission Dates
| Submissions open on Oxford Abstracts | 28th September 2026 |
| Deadline for submission | 8th January 2027 |
| Notification of decision | 18th January 2027 – 22nd January 2027 |
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 2027 fees options will be made available as soon as possible. Please look out for updates on this page.
*All fees are payable at the point of conference registration through Oxford Abstracts. If your conference submission is accepted, you will then need to register (by purchasing your conference ticket) through OA to confirm your attendance and for your presentation to appear in the final programme.