Scope & topics I·HE2026 

Under the theme From Innovation to Impact: Transforming Higher Education at Scale, I-HE2026 explores how emerging developments are reshaping higher education across Europe and beyond.

As institutions rethink learning design, student and staff support, and cross-border collaboration in digital ecosystems, the challenge is moving from innovation to systemic impact — delivering accessible, high-quality, and sustainable education at scale. The programme brings together strategic, pedagogical, and technological perspectives, addressing digital and online learning, responsible AI integration, flexible and personalised pathways, and new forms of international collaboration. It also considers inclusivity, interoperability, sustainability, research and educational innovation, and institutional leadership.

Particular attention will be given to emerging forms of international collaboration through university alliances, expert networks, and joint degrees, as well as the growing role of Centres for Teaching and Learning (CTLs) in supporting institutional transformation.

The thematic areas outlined below provide further detail on the conference topics and scope for contributions.

Online, Blended and Synchronous Hybrid Education

• Effective combinations of classroom and online learning
• Course design, pedagogy, and assessment in digital environments
• Quality assurance in blended and online education

Generative AI, Large Language Models and AI Governance

• Applications of AI to enhance teaching and learning
• Supporting knowledge acquisition, collaboration, and critical thinking
• Ethics, policy and governance of AI in higher education

Digital Student & Staff Services

• Enhancing student experience, well-being, and digital communities
• Digitising recruitment, career services, and closing the digital skills gap
• Professional development and digital capacity building for educators and staff

International Collaboration through University Alliances, Networks and Joint Degrees

• University alliances and networks advancing digital, blended and open education
• Cross-border innovation in education and research
• Joint degrees and programmes

Micro-credentials and Lifelong Learning

• Personalised learning pathways and flexible provision
• Micro-credential design, formats, and stackability
• Recognition, valorisation, digital credentialing and eSealing

Diversity, Digital Equity and Inclusion

• Institutional strategies for diverse student populations
• Accessible and inclusive digital learning environments
• The role of universities in reducing bias and promoting equity through digital innovation

Interoperability

• Standardised digital infrastructures and shared protocols
• Inter-university campuses and virtual learning environments
• Bridging systems, policies, and pedagogies

Sustainability and the Green Campus

• Smart and sustainable campus strategies in the context of digital transformation
• Ethical and environmental dimensions of higher education innovation
• Leadership and institutional responsibility for sustainable and future-proof universities

Innovation in Research and Educational Technology

• Impact of digital technologies on research capabilities
• Data infrastructure and collaboration in digital research
• Research on pedagogical innovation and the digital transformation of education

The role of Centers for Teaching and Learning (CTLs) in driving educational innovation and digital transformation

• Governance, positioning, and strategic alignment of CTLs within universities
• Professional development, faculty support, and capacity building for digital education
• Collaboration, networks, and communities of practice for educational innovation

Course and Curriculum Design

• Personalised and flexible learning pathways in hybrid, blended and online environments
• Immersive learning (AR/VR) and AI-enhanced pedagogical approaches
• Learning analytics and data-informed curriculum enhancement
• Innovative digital and hybrid assessment practices

Leadership, Digital Strategy and Future Trends

• Institutional leadership driving digital transformation at scale
• Digital strategy and governance in higher education
• IT leadership, organisational change, and systemic innovation
• Emerging trends in education technology and strategic foresight

Open Education and Skills Development

• Expanding access through open educational resources and open practices
• MOOCs and open online provision
• Developing digital courses for 21st-century and future skills