Theme: The Human Element in STEM Education: Community, Innovation, and Sustainability

Dates: Thursday, 11th June & Friday, 12th June 2026

Location: Dublin City University, St Patrick’s Campus, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, Ireland

Hosted by: CASTeL (Centre for the Advancement of STEM Teaching and Learning)

Registration is Open

Registration for the SMEC 2026 conference is officially open via Eventbrite. Please note that Early Bird rates concluded on April 30th.

  • General / Academic Registration: €180

  • Reduced Rate (Student/Teacher/Global South): €80

Please review eligibility guidelines at the bottom of this page before booking.

Click here to Register via Eventbrite

Author Submission & Review Requirements

The Call for Abstracts is now closed. We are currently in the peer-review and finalisation phase.

Important: The templates linked below are the Final Submission Templates. Unlike the initial blind-review phase, final versions must include all author names, institutional affiliations, and contact emails as formatted in the documents.

Log in to the SMEC 2026 ConfTool Portal

(Use this link above to upload your finalised, unblinded abstract.)

  • Formatting: All abstracts must include 1–3 references in APA 7th Edition.

  • Review Process: SMEC 2026 operates on a reciprocal basis. Lead authors are requested to review at least two other abstracts. A Reviewer Guidance Document is available within the portal.

Call for Presentations: SMEC 2026 Student Pre-Conference

Date: Wednesday, 10th June 2026

Time: 18:00–20:00 (Followed by a Refreshments Reception)

Location: DCU St. Patrick’s Campus (Room TBC)

Are you an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral student working on research or a project in STEM Education? We invite you to take part in the SMEC 2026 Student Pre-Conference – a dedicated, welcoming space designed specifically for students at all levels to share their work, gain experience, and connect with peers.

What is the Student Pre-Conference?

Kicking off the main SMEC 2026 conference, this evening event is a supportive, open setting for students to present their ideas and receive constructive feedback. Whether your research is just beginning, in the middle of data collection, or fully completed, we would like to hear from you.

Note on Registration: Attendance at the pre-conference is free for all – students, professional staff, and academics. Please note that registration for this evening event does not include registration for the full SMEC 2026 conference on Thursday and Friday.

Presentation Format

  • 10-minute presentation outlining your work.

  • 5-minute Q&A and feedback session with a friendly audience of peers and faculty.

What Topics are Welcome?

The main theme for SMEC 2026 is “The Human Element in STEM Education: Community, Innovation, and Sustainability.” While we highly encourage presentations that align with our core conference themes (Planetary Health & Action, Digital Horizons, Inclusive Communities, and Innovative Pedagogies), this pre-conference is open to ALL STEM Education topics. If you are passionate about a subject in STEM Ed, we want to give you the platform to share it.

Why Attend?

  • Gain valuable insights on your research from peers and experienced academics.

  • Meet fellow undergraduate and postgraduate students from across the country (and beyond).

  • Following the presentations, stick around for our evening reception with refreshments – a great chance to connect before the busy conference days ahead.

How to Apply or Register to Attend

Whether you wish to present your work or simply attend as a guest/academic, please use the link below to register.

For Presenters: You will be asked to provide:

  • Presentation Title: A working title for your talk.

  • Your Details: Name, institution, and level of study.

  • Short Abstract (Max 200 words): A summary of what you plan to share.

For Attendees (Students/Academics): Please complete the form to RSVP for catering purposes and to receive room updates.

Link to Student Submission & Registration Form

Important Dates

  • Submission Deadline: Friday, 15th May 2026

  • Notification of Schedule: Late May 2026

We look forward to welcoming you to Dublin and kicking off SMEC 2026

Travel and Transport

DCU St. Patrick’s Campus is located in Drumcondra, a well-connected suburb on the north side of Dublin city, situated approximately halfway between Dublin Airport and the City Centre.

From Dublin Airport

The airport is approximately 15 minutes away by taxi or bus.

  • Public Bus: Routes 16 and 41 depart frequently from the airport (Zone 15) and stop directly outside the campus or at the Skylon Hotel (a 2-minute walk away).

  • Coach: The Aircoach (Route 700) serves the Drumcondra area with frequent departures.

  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside both terminals. The fare typically ranges from €20 to €30 depending on traffic.

From Dublin City Centre

The campus is served by numerous Dublin Bus routes, including the 1, 11, 13, 16, 33, 41, and 44. Most of these stop directly at the campus gates. A journey from the city centre typically takes 10–15 minutes.

By Train

Drumcondra Train Station is a 10-minute walk from the campus. It is on the Commuter Rail line, connecting to Connolly Station (for DART and Intercity services) and Maynooth.

Car Parking

Limited parking is available on the St. Patrick’s Campus but will be very limited and the nearby All Hallows Campus.

  • Rates: €1.50 per hour or €8 for 24 hours.

  • Payment: All parking is managed via the APCOA Connect app. Given the central location and excellent bus links, public transport is highly recommended.

Accommodation

There are several accommodation options ranging from campus rooms to 4-star hotels within walking distance of the conference venue.

Dublin Skylon Hotel

Located immediately adjacent to the DCU St. Patrick’s campus, the Skylon is the most convenient option for delegates. It features a bar and grill and is a major transit hub with buses to the airport and city centre stopping every few minutes.

DCU Rooms (General, All Hallows, and Glasnevin)

During the summer months, DCU offers a variety of on-campus accommodation options for visitors and conference delegates.

  • All Hallows: Located just a 5-minute walk from the main St. Pat’s site, offering quiet rooms in a historic academic setting.

  • St. Patrick’s: Limited single-room occupancy may be available on the conference campus itself.

  • Glasnevin Campus: The main DCU campus, located a short bus ride or 20-minute walk away, offers a larger volume of modern apartment-style rooms.

Maldron Hotel Croke Park

A brand-new 4-star hotel located on Jones’ Road, directly across from the stadium. It is approximately a 15-minute walk from the St. Patrick’s Campus and offers modern facilities and close proximity to the city centre.

The Croke Park Hotel

A high-end 4-star hotel also located on Jones’ Road. It is roughly a 15-minute walk from the venue and is well-regarded for its service and dining options.

Other Local and City Options

In addition to the hotels listed above, there is a wide variety of B&Bs, guest houses, and hotels located both in the immediate Drumcondra/Glasnevin locality and throughout Dublin City Centre. These offer a range of price points and styles to suit all preferences.

Exploring the Local Area and Sightseeing

The Drumcondra and Glasnevin area is one of Dublin’s most historic districts, offering plenty to see and do between conference sessions.

Local Amenities

Drumcondra Road is packed with coffee shops, pharmacies, and gastropubs.

Croke Park Stadium and GAA Museum

One of Europe’s largest stadiums is just a short walk away. We highly recommend the Croke Park Stadium Tour and the GAA Museum, which provide a deep dive into Irish sporting history and the cultural significance of Gaelic Games.

Glasnevin Cemetery and National Botanic Gardens

  • Glasnevin Cemetery: Known as Ireland’s national cemetery, it offers fascinating historical tours. It is the final resting place of many influential figures, including Michael Collins and Daniel O’Connell.

  • National Botanic Gardens: Located right beside the cemetery (with a connecting gate), these gardens are free to enter and feature stunning Victorian glasshouses and world-class plant collections.

Dublin City Tours

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Tours: For those looking to see the wider city, Dublin’s “Hop-On Hop-Off” tour buses serve all major landmarks. The nearest pick-up points (such as Parnell Square) are a 10-minute bus ride from the campus.

  • City Centre Attractions: From the Parnell Square/O’Connell Street area, you are within walking distance of the GPO, Trinity College (Book of Kells), and other popular Dublin sights.

Conference Keynote Speakers

Professor Wouter van Joolingen

Wouter van Joolingen is a professor of science and mathematics education at the Freudenthal Institute, Utrecht University. His work focuses on teaching and learning science, including the development of scientific literacy and scientific thinking. Examples are modeling, systems’ thinking and mechanistic reasoning. Prominent in his work is the application of digital technology in support of inquiry-based learning and modeling. These applications include computer simulations, modeling tools, as well as augmented and virtual reality. Central is the alignment of human and computer-based instruction with the envisaged learning process. Recent projects include the application of Lesson Study as a means to engage teachers in the design process of science education. In such settings, teams of teachers design lessons together with researchers based on theoretical and practical insight. When teaching the lesson, the focus is on student learning. This approach both leads to deep insights into student learning and improves inclusion as students’ individual needs surface in the observations. Wouter has applied Lesson Study in multiple studies, including those into systems thinking, model-based reasoning and sustainability education. In Wouter’s view, teachers are always also researchers of their teaching.

Dr Ulrika Sultan

Dr. Ulrika Sultan is a researcher and university lecturer specialising in technology education and girls’ interest in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She is a Visiting Research Fellow in Engineering Education Research at Chalmers University of Technology.

She is particularly engaged in issues of gender equality and inclusion within technical and engineering education. Her research highlights how norms and perceptions influence girls’ self-image and participation in STEM fields. In addition to her academic work, she is actively involved in several national and international initiatives to increase diversity in the technology sector. She has also received multiple awards for her efforts to promote young women’s engagement in technology and innovation.

Professor Lucy Avraamidou

Lucy Avraamidou is a Professor of Science Education and the Director of the Centre for Learning and Teaching at the University of Groningen. She currently serves as the President of the European Science Education Research Association. Her research is associated with theoretical and empirical explorations of what it means to widen and diversify STEM participation in school and out-of-school settings through the lenses of intersectionality and identity with a focus on equity and social justice.

About the 2026 SMEC STEM Education Conference

Addressing global challenges requires all STEM Education disciplines to act together, with other disciplines and with our broader communities. We are living through a defining moment for our planet. We face converging crises of climate breakdown and biodiversity loss, alongside the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements and AI.

In a world of fast-moving information cycles, STEM literacy in the general population is critical. All of these require STEM skills to be combined with a social focus; STEM Education has never been more important, or more complex.

This year, we explore how STEM Education – in the form of scientific inquiry, mathematical reasoning, engineering design, and technological innovation – can come together to foster a resilient and hopeful future, in partnership with our learners and our communities.

How do we equip learners with the knowledge to understand and navigate complex systems, the skills to engineer sustainable solutions, and the empathy to protect and steward our environment and community?
We welcome submissions from educators, researchers, and practitioners across Early Years, Primary, Post-Primary, Further Education, and Higher Education.

Conference Themes & Integrated Strands

1

STEM Education for Planetary Health & Action

Focus: Applying STEM Education knowledge to real-world environmental challenges.
  • Nature & Biodiversity: Fostering ecological literacy, nature restoration education, and nature-based learning.
  • Climate Solutions in Education: Engineering design, sustainable systems, and climate science.
  • Data for the Planet: Using data and modelling to develop student understanding of decision-making related to environmental change, supporting democratic structures and facilitating community-based action.
  • Social Responsibility: Ethics, climate justice, and socioscientific issues in education.
2

Digital Horizons & Innovation in Education

Focus: The tools we use and how we use them.
  • Positive Tech Solutions: Educational applications of AI, remote sensing, and digital tools to monitor and protect the environment.
  • The Human-Digital Interface: Educating for balance – navigating AI and screen time while maintaining connection to the physical world. Ethical dimensions of technological tools in education.
  • Future Skills: Preparing learners for a rapidly changing technological landscape, digital literacy, and cyber resilience.
3

Inclusive Communities & Identity in Education

Focus: The people behind STEM Education.
  • Broadening Participation: Strategies for equity, retention, and diversity in all STEM Education fields.
  • Identity & Agency: Helping learners view themselves as capable “STEM people” and changemakers.
  • Collaborative Inquiry: How classrooms and communities work together.
4

Innovative Pedagogies & Practice

Focus: The craft of teaching and learning.
  • Interdisciplinary Approaches: STEAM and cross-curricular learning (e.g., Math + Art, Engineering + History).
  • Discipline-Based Educational Research: Investigations, interventions, and innovations from STEM disciplines.
  • Active Learning: Maker education, design- and problem-based learning, and training.
  • Assessment: New strategies for assessing competencies, critical thinking, and practical skills.
  • The Education Continuum: Transitions and progressions from Early Years to Adult Education.

Submission Types & Guidelines

Submissions for SMEC 2026 (Call Now Closed)

Thank you to everyone who submitted their work!

You can still access the SMEC 2026 ConfTool portal here to log in for peer review

(Please note: The guidelines, templates, and format details below remain available for reference during the peer review phase.)

Final Submission & Formatting Requirements

To ensure a consistent look for the conference proceedings, all final versions of accepted work must adhere to the following:

Final versions must include all author names, institutional affiliations, and contact emails as laid out in the templates above.

All abstracts should include 1–3 references formatted in APA 7th Edition.

All content must showcase a connection to research/practice in the field of STEM Education and outline key findings or conceptual approaches

The Peer Review Process

SMEC 2026 utilises a collaborative peer-review model. To support the STEM education community, we operate on a reciprocal basis: all lead authors submitting an abstract are requested to peer review at least two other abstracts.

  • Guidance: A formal Reviewer Guidance Document will be provided to all authors.
  • Oversight: The process is moderated by the Organising and Scientific Committees to ensure the integrity of the conference themes.

Proceedings: Conference proceedings will follow the conference for those with accepted abstracts who wish to contribute.

All abstracts must showcase a connection to research in the field of STEM Education and outline key findings. Please choose from the following formats:

Submission Formats

  • Oral Presentation: 300 words max.
  • Poster: 300 words max.
  • Lightning Talk: 300 words max. (7-minute pre-recorded video).
  • Symposia: 600 words max.

Registration & Fees

Registration for SMEC 2026 is Now Open!

Please select the appropriate rate below. Early Bird rates are available until Thursday, 30th April 2026. Full price applies from 1st May 2026.

1. General / Academic Registration

2. Reduced Rate (Student/Teacher/Global South)

(Please read the eligibility definitions below before booking this rate)

Full-Time Student

This rate is strictly reserved for individuals whose primary occupation is as a student.

  • Eligible: Students currently enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programme (e.g., B.Ed., PME, MSc, or PhD).

  • Ineligible: Professionals who are working full-time and completing a part-time course/degree qualification.

  • Requirement: You may be asked to provide a valid Student ID or a letter from your registrar/supervisor confirming your full-time status.

Practising Teacher

This rate is intended to support the professional development of active classroom educators.

  • Eligible: Teachers currently practising in Early Years settings, Primary schools, or Post-Primary (Secondary) schools.

  • Requirement: Applicants must provide the name of their current school.

  • Note: This rate is for school-based practitioners. Higher Education lecturers and academic researchers should register under the General/Academic rate.

Global South Participants

In our effort to foster international collaboration and equity in STEM education, a reduced rate is available for participants travelling from the Global South.

  • Eligible: Researchers, practitioners, and project partners currently based in low and middle-income countries.

Note: This rate is specifically for school-based practitioners. Higher Education lecturers and full-time academic researchers should register under the General/Academic rate.

Key Dates & Details

Abstract Submission Deadline: Closed Thursday, 19th February 2026.

Review Process: Feedback will be provided by reviewers to all authors by 13th April 2026

Student Pre-Conference: A pre-conference for students will be held on the evening of Wednesday, 10th June 2026. Details to follow.

Proceedings: Conference proceedings will follow the conference for those with accepted abstracts who wish to contribute.

Registration: Now open

Mailing List: Join our conference mailing list here

Unsubscribe from our Mailing List: here