Current Call

54th eucen Annual Conference

Cork (IE), 29-31 May 2024

ULLL Positive Change in Challenging Times

The Call for Contributions connected to issue 8(2) of the European Journal of University Lifelong Learning (EJULL) and the 54th eucen Annual Conference that will be hosted by University College Cork (IE) 29-31 May 2024 IS CLOSED NOW. 

Themes of the Call

Contingency increasingly shapes our world, we are in a time of constant change, increasing complexity and in which it is becoming ever more challenging to predict the future. University Lifelong Learning (ULLL) is a key tool in helping individuals and society stay abreast of today’s challenges, but it is increasingly called upon to also help us meet the challenges of  tomorrow. The cocktail of emerging, interlinking and existential challenges include climate change, migration, security, health, advances in technology including artificial intelligence, misinformation and a rapidly transforming world of work. University lifelong learning has a significant role to play in equipping people with resilience and agility so that they can cope with and thrive in times of change. The challenge for universities is to achieve this in a way that ensures no one is left behind.Through EUCEN 2024, we want to encourage colleagues to reflect on this challenge and to share existing good practice and innovation in the sector. With a tripartite focus on learners, the university, and society, we hope to showcase the significant impact of ULLL in leading positive change and inspire colleagues from across Europe and beyond to embrace the United Nations’ message of “leaving no one behind”

The topics of the Call were:

1. ULLL as a vehicle for empowering learners to succeed in a complex and uncertain world

Life today can be challenging for many people around the world, especially for those from marginalised or disadvantaged groups. ULLL can help learners to develop their knowledge and skills to flourish in both their personal and professional lives.

We accepted contributions around:

  • Flexible approaches to programme design and delivery for non-traditional learners
  • Widening access and participation in universities through ULLL
  • Targeted learning initiatives for marginalised or disadvantaged groups
  • Enablers and/or barriers to ULLL for learners

2. Institutions of lifelong learning? The challenge in adapting the university to the new reality

With increasing recognition that learners will need to engage in a process of learning throughout their lives to cope with the complexity of modern life, there is a real opportunity for universities to adapt and welcome new learners beyond the traditional undergraduate or postgraduate cohorts. However, such a change will challenge the more traditional approach of universities and will require universities to become more flexible to meet the needs of new learners.

We accepted contributions around:

  • Enabling a culture of LLL in universities
  • Challenges faced in centres/departments of ULLL
  • The role of the university
  • Adaption to new tools and flexible approaches to delivery
  • The future for ULLL

3. Exploring the reach of ULLL beyond the university: A focus on partnership-building and case studies of good practice

In order to effectively meet the needs of learners, universities often need to reach out beyond their walls and engage with learners wherever they are – in the community, in business, etc. Through building partnerships and working collaboratively with key stakeholders, the impact of ULLL can be substantially enhanced.

We accepted contributions around:

  • University-business collaboration
  • University-community/NGO collaboration
  • Targeted initiatives for specific groups of learners outside of the university
  • The idea of the networking university
  • SDGs and Learning Cities

Papers processing

The Conference Scientific Committee is responsible for the selection of the submitted abstracts. Please submit your abstract using the online form below

  • Conclusion of review and notification of result to authors: 11 March 2024
  • Deadline for author registration to the Cork conference: 12 April 2024 

The chosen papers will turn into different types of contribution during the Cork conference:

  • Paper Presentation Proposals
  • Workshop Proposals
  • Roundtable Proposals
  • Poster Proposals

EJULL editorial process

All research papers undergo a double-blind review. Innovative practice/short papers, discussion papers, workshop/roundtable proposals, and posters are reviewed by one of the editorial board members.

Full conference papers will be externally peer reviewed and those that are accepted will be part of the European Journal of University Lifelong Learning – EJULL

  • Feedback from the Scientific Committee to authors: 11 March 2024
  • Deadline submission full papers: 30 June 2024 – send to journals@eucen.eu
  • Feedback to authors on reviews: 13 September 2024
  • Deadline for authors to submit revised papers: 30 September 2024
  • Publication date (expected): November 2024

These deadlines will be strictly observed. Authors are urged to stick to the given deadlines.

We welcome submission for three kinds of papers:

  1.  Research papers drawing on theoretical debates or empirical research, contextualised within current national and international policy debate, which develop the theoretical base of the field or report on empiricala research done.   Length: max. 3000-5000 words
  2.  Innovative Practice/Short papers including critical evaluations to share and discuss specific projects or practical approaches that either are in progress or have been completed. Length: max. 2000-3000 words
  3.  Discussion papers presenting an informed opinion or reflection on current research and policy developments on university lifelong learning. Length: max. 1000-2000 words

All research papers undergo a double-blind review. Innovative practice/short papers and discussion papers are reviewed by one of the editorial board members.

HOUSE STYLE

Please, always use the House Style in your manuscripts to avoid delaying or jeopardising the peer-review process.

INFORMATION FOR CONTRIBUTORS OF ABSTRACTS 

Abstracts are to be proposed and submitted by one person. Only up to three other people can be named as co-authors in the abstract proposal. For each participant, a maximum of two proposals, in which the person is named as an author or co-author, may be submitted. The abstract proposal must indicate which of the named authors will be presenting the paper. All those authors attending must register for the SMILE Symposium and 2023 eucen Autumn Seminar.  The author or one of the named co-authors is responsible for communicating with the eucen conference organisers about the paper. Please indicate who the nominated contact person is.  Accepted abstracts will be listed at these events’ website. At least one of the authors must register for the conference in Cork, May 2024.

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

  • Lyndsey EL AMOUD, University College Cork (IE)
  • Séamus Ó TUAMA, University College Cork (IE)
  • Rhiannon CAREY-BATES, University College Cork (IE)
  • Tamer ATABARUT, Bogaziçi University (TR)

ORGANISING COMMITTEE

  • Carme ROYO, eucen Secretariat (ES)
  • Lyndsey EL AMOUD, University College Cork (IE)
  • Rhiannon CAREY-BATES, University College Cork (IE)

Please contact events@eucen.eu for questions about the Conference.

Please contact journals@eucen.eu for questions about the Call, abstracts and papers.