Paper submission opening January 15, 2025

Authors are invited to submit high-quality manuscripts reporting original unpublished research and recent developments.

Submissions should align with the conference theme and the topics related to the scope of the conference (see below). All paper types will be double-blind peer-reviewed by members of the Scientific Committee. Find all the submission types and guidelines below.

There are three different paper submission categories: Full paper, Concise paper and poster.

Full paper – A Full Paper allows you to present a slightly longer account of your work. This presentation format is better suited to sharing the findings of case studies, research projects or more mature innovations related to the conference theme/topics which allow you to provide a richer analysis, description and interpretation of the work. Importantly, a Full Paper should identify the main implications or discussion points which will be of wider interest to conference participants. The paper length is 2500 to 3500 words, including tables, figures and references.

Full papers may be two types:

• An experience paper (based on the project or other innovative practice);
• A research paper with a clear research methodology and research results. 

Only research based Full papers will be considered for the Best Research Paper Award. 

If your Full Paper is accepted, the presentation time is a maximum of 15 minutes and 5 minutes for questions (i.e., 20 minutes in total). 

Concise paper – a Concise Paper allows you to present a shorter summary of your work. This presentation format is ideally suited to small projects, new and emerging areas and works in progress. The format allows you to showcase and/or offer a brief snapshot of your work, with a specific focus on the main findings or discussion points that should be of wider interest to conference participants. The length of a Concise Paper abstract should be 200-500 words. If your Concise Paper is accepted, the presentation time is 10 minutes with 5 minutes for questions (i.e., 15 minutes in total).

Poster – A Poster allows you to present your work on a poster board which will be on display throughout the conference. This format is ideal for showcasing and/or offering a brief snapshot of your work to generate more interest and follow-up conversations with conference participants. The author(s) need to bring the printed poster to the conference and attach it to the poster board when they arrive at the conference venue. There will be a dedicated poster session in the conference programme, but we encourage presenters to be available to discuss their work during the refreshment breaks. Poster submissions are between 250 and 500 words, including references. Authors of posters accepted for presentation will be required to prepare a maximum A0 (1189mm x 841mm) size poster for display. More details concerning poster requirements will be provided upon acceptance.

Guidelines for posters:

The author(s) need to bring the printed poster to the conference and attach it to the poster board when they arrive at the conference venue. There will be a dedicated poster session in the conference programme, but we encourage presenters to be available to discuss their work during the refreshment breaks. Authors of posters accepted for presentation will be required to prepare a maximum A0 (1189mm x 841mm) size poster for display.

Note: Posters’ authors are not required to make poster presentations

Action Lab– upon invitation only. Action Labs allow participants to debate, discuss and engage in lively professional dialogue on high-profile topics or issues relevant to the conference theme. Each Action lab will be structured around a handful of big questions for participants to debate. 

General Instructions

As all submission types will be subject to a peer review process. Full Papers will be double-blind peer-reviewed by members of the Scientific Committee consisting of international experts working in the field. Other paper types will be peer-reviewed by the conference co-chairs and members of the Programme Committee. Authors should leave their names and affiliations blank when uploading submission documents, and take care to avoid details that could be used to identify contributing authors. These include institution information, specific funding information and clear self-citations. Authors of selected top-quality Full Papers will be invited to submit an extended manuscript for publication as a scientific journal paper in EURODL.

All Papers will be published in EDEN’s conference proceedings (ISSN: 2707-2819). Full papers will be published as Ubiquity press proceedings special issue with unique DOIs. The formatting of all types of submissions should follow the guidelines and templates provided. References should follow the APA (7th) style.  Please note that authors are limited to one Full Paper in which they are the first author. There is no restriction on the number of submissions by multiple authors.

Acceptance Criteria

Decisions on acceptance will be based on the following criteria:

• Originality
• Innovation
• Quality of scholarship
• Contribution to new knowledge
• Alignment to the conference theme

Contributions outside of the main conference themes will be considered if they bring new knowledge and benefit delegates. The Conference co-chairs and the Scientific Committee will make the final decision as to the accepted submission format to ensure quality and the coherence of the conference theme. Note that some Full Paper submissions may be accepted following revisions as Concise Papers after the review process. All Full Papers will be considered for the prestigious EDEN Best Research Paper Award, which will be presented at the Gala Dinner. 

EDEN Best Research Paper Award in cooperation with The UNESCO Chair in Education and Technology for Social Change

EDEN Best Research Paper Award competition is based on evaluation results on submission of Full Papers in research category presented to the Annual Conference that follow five standard evaluation criteria:

• The paper deals with a research question.
• Rigorous examination/research methods are applied.
• Findings, results and outcomes are convincingly presented and critically examined.
• Conclusions are thoroughly discussed (including applicability, transferability, and further research.
• Literature is reviewed against state of the art.

The composition of the honourable jury for the EDEN Best Research Paper Award is composed in cooperation with The UNESCO Chair in Education and Technology for Social Change

The decision on the winner of the EDEN Best Research Paper Award will be announced on June 16th at the EDEN Annual Conference Gala Dinner in Bologna, Italy.

EDEN Annual Conference PhD Symposium held in previous years in Barcelona (2018), Bruges (2019), Dublin (2019), Timisoara (2020), Lisbon (2020), Madrid (2021), Tallinn (2022), Dublin (2023) and Graz (2024) has been designed to foster the exchange of experiences and knowledge among doctoral students conducting research in the area of technology-enhanced online, digital, open and distance learning, and provides a valuable forum for the advancement of doctoral research.

The Symposium is open to all doctoral students, both PhD and EdDs, and will be led by the host university with contributions from EDEN Management Board members and a panel of international experts.

Doctoral candidates are invited to submit a brief Synopsis Paper of their work in progress or proposed research topic, as there will be an opportunity to discuss your research during the Symposium. This Synopsis Paper should be a maximum of 500 words, including references. Participation in the Symposium is not dependent on the submission of a paper.

 

Sunday, June 15 2025

9:00 a.m. Registration Desk Opens

More information soon.

10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PhD Symposium

More information soon.

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch Break

More information soon.

1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. PhD Symposium

More information soon.

1:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Registration Desk Open / Post Display Setup

More information soon.

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Welcome Reception / EDEN Fellow and Senior Fellow Awards

Venue: Hercules Courtyard of Palazzo Poggi (Via Zamboni 33, Bologna).
This historic Renaissance courtyard, adorned with a striking statue of Hercules, reflects the grandeur and intellectual legacy of the University of Bologna. Built in 1550, Palazzo Poggi now serves as the university’s Rectorate and houses museums, a library, and a gallery of over 600 portraits.

Monday, June 16 2025

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration Desk Open

More information soon.

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Opening Plenary Session

-EDEN President´s Welcome
-Chair Welcome
-Local University of Bologna official welcome 
-Spotlight speaker 1 
-Keynote speaker 1 

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Refreshment Break

More information soon.

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Action Lab / Parallel Sessions

More information soon.

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m Lunch Break

More information soon.

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Plenary Session

-Spotlight speaker (2)
-Spotlight speaker (3)
-Spotlight speaker (4)

2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Action Lab / Parallel Sessions

More information soon.

3:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Refreshment Break

More information soon.

4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Action Lab / Parallel Sessions/ Journal Workshops

More information soon.

7:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m Gala Dinner / EDEN Best Research Paper Award in cooperation with The UNESCO Chair in Education and Technology for Social Change

More information soon.

Tuesday, June 17 2025

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration Desk Open

More information soon.

9:00 a.m – 10:15 p.m Plenary Session

-9:00-9:10 Welcome to Day 2
-9:10-9:30 Spotlight Speaker (5)
-9.30-10.10 Keynote speaker 2

10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Parallel sessions / Action labs

More information soon.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Parallel Sessions / Action Labs

More information soon.

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Lunch Break

More information soon.

2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. The Great EDEN Debate

More information soon.

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Action Lab / Parallel Sessions

More information soon.

4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Closing Panel Session

More information soon.

5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Closing Reception

Gutentor Simple Text

Conference Scientific Committee:

• Wim E.A. Van Petegem, EDEN President, Belgium; Chair
• Antonella Poce, EDEN DLE Management Board, Italy; Chair
• Pier Cesare Rivoltella, Bologna University, Italy; Chair
• Airina Volungevičienė, Lithuania
• Alfredo Soeiro, Portugal
• Chiara Panciroli,  Bologna University, Italy
• Denise Whitelock, The Open University, UK
• Elena Trepule, EDEN / Vytautas Magnus university, Lithuania
• Giuliana Benvenuti, Bologna University, Italy
• Josep M. Duart, UOC, Spain
• Mark Brown, DCU, Ireland
• Mart Laanpere, Tallinn University, Estonia
• Maurizio Gabbrielli, Bologna University, Italy
• Maurizio Sobrero,  Bologna University, Italy
• Polona Baloh Kremavc, Slovenia
• Rebecca Montanari, Bologna University, Italy
• Roberto Vecchi, Bologna University, Italy
• Sandra Kučina Softić, University of Zagreb University Computing Centre, Croatia
• Simone Martini,  Bologna University, Italy
• Simona Tondelli, Bologna University, Italy
• Vlad Mihăescu, UPT, Romania

Registration opening January 15, 2025

Registration Fees – Late Member	€495
Registration Fees – Late Non-Member	€560
Registration Fees – Early Bird Member	€440
Registration Fees – Early Bird Non-Member	€495
Registration Fees – Students	€390
Registration Fees – Late Students	€430

Host Institution

Welcome to the EDEN Bologna Annual Conference 2025, hosted at the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the Western world, founded in 1088. Nestled in the heart of Bologna’s historic old town, this esteemed institution is a vibrant hub bustling with students and rich in cultural heritage. As the cradle of history and innovation, the university has played a pivotal role in shaping higher education and continues to be a centre of academic excellence. The lively atmosphere of Bologna, with its picturesque streets and thriving student community, creates the perfect backdrop for an engaging and inspiring conference experience. Join us in this remarkable setting, where centuries of knowledge and progress converge!

The Belmeloro Campus of the University of Bologna will host the EDEN Bologna Annual Conference 2025, providing a welcoming and engaging space for all attendees. With its spacious lecture halls and flexible meeting rooms, the campus is designed to facilitate both inspiring plenary sessions and interactive workshops. Its central location makes it easy to explore local attractions and immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage.

The University of Bologna features a diverse range of museums that highlight its rich academic heritage. One standout is the Museum of the History of Bologna, where visitors can dive into the city’s fascinating past. The Palazzo Poggi Museum offers collections in fields like natural history, including minerals, zoology, and botany, showcasing the university’s contributions to various sciences. There’s also a museum dedicated to naval history, reflecting Bologna’s maritime significance. Additionally, the University’s Art Collection presents a variety of paintings and historical documents that capture its artistic legacy. These museums create an inviting space for everyone to explore the university’s multifaceted contributions to knowledge and culture in Bologna.

Bologna City, Italy

Bologna is an ideal venue for a conference, offering the perfect blend of history, accessibility, and charm. Its compact size makes it incredibly walkable, allowing attendees to easily explore the city’s key landmarks, cultural attractions, and vibrant squares on foot. The city’s central location in Italy also ensures excellent connectivity for international travellers. Beyond its convenience, Bologna is known for its world-class cuisine, making it the perfect place to indulge in some of the finest food Italy has to offer after a productive day of meetings.

Bologna is widely regarded as the gastronomic capital of Italy, boasting a rich culinary heritage that has earned it global recognition. From its famous ragù alla bolognese to fresh handmade pasta like tortellini and tagliatelle, the city offers an authentic food experience that celebrates tradition and local ingredients. In addition to its renowned dishes, Bologna’s vibrant markets and trattorias provide endless opportunities for conference attendees to savour the flavours of Emilia-Romagna, a region famous for its Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, and cured meats.

Hotels

Keeping in mind that Bologna is a highly attractive travel and event destination we highly recommend to plan your trip and book yourself a hotel at your earliest convenience if you prefer to stay in the old town. As organizers, we are not recommending any particular hotels as they are so popular and are always booked ahead of time by an intensive stream of tourists that pre-bookings for events are not being offered. Therefore, if you are willing to stay in the old town where the University of Bologna is located, we kindly advise you to book your accommodation as soon as possible.

Welcome reception – Hercules courtyard of Palazzo Poggi

(Via Zamboni 33, Bologna) at 18.00 pm Sunday, June 15, 2024

Welcome reception is planned in a unique location – Hercules courtyard of Palazzo Poggi – a striking feature of this historic building, reflecting the grandeur of Renaissance architecture and design. Located at the heart of the palazzo, the courtyard is named for the impressive statue of Hercules that dominates the space, symbolizing strength and wisdom—qualities that reflect the mission of the University of Bologna, to which the palazzo belongs. This statue, surrounded by graceful arcades and adorned with classical columns and arches, exemplifies the palatial style and artistic aspirations of Bologna’s past. The courtyard’s serene and balanced design invites visitors to pause and appreciate the architectural details and craftsmanship, while its open-air layout provides natural light, creating an atmosphere of calm and contemplation. This iconic courtyard serves not only as a beautiful architectural element but also as a symbolic reminder of the rich intellectual and cultural history housed within Palazzo Poggi.

Palazzo Poggi – the current Rectorate building of the University of Bologna, was built in about 1550 as as the home of Alessandro Poggi, while in 1714 the Palazzo Poggi became the House of the Science Institute of Bologna. Pallazo Poggi also houses various university museums, the university rectorate, the Bologna University Library and the picture gallery, with over 600 fine portraits.

NB. In unfortunate case of heavy rain Welcome reception could be moved inside of Palazzo Poggi.

Guided tour to Palazzo Poggi museums starting 17.00 pm Sunday, June 15, 2024

Don’t miss the chance to join a guided tour of the Palazzo Poggi Museums in English! You can register for the tour when signing up for the conference. Please note that only registered participants who have signed up for the tour will be admitted. The 30-minute guided tour costs €9 per person and will begin at 17.00 PM. There is only a limited number of tickets available for these tours so do not miss it!

The Palazzo Poggi houses a fascinating museum collection offering a window into Renaissance and Enlightenment scientific exploration, reflecting Bologna’s historical commitment to knowledge and discovery. The Palazzo Poggi Museums hold a unique array of collections, spanning topics from natural history and anatomy to military architecture, physics, and maritime sciences.

One of the most impressive halls in the Palazzo Poggi Museums is the anatomical collection, which showcases the extraordinary advances made in human anatomy and medical knowledge during the 17th and 18th centuries. This hall features meticulously crafted anatomical wax models created by Ercole Lelli and his successors, which were used to teach medical students in an era when dissection opportunities were rare. The life-sized, hyper-realistic figures reveal the complexity of the human body with stunning accuracy, detailing muscles, organs, and veins in vivid, sometimes unsettling, precision. These models are didactic – were used for student education, have moving parts and reflect both scientific rigor and artistic skill, making them both educational and visually striking. Together with other medical instruments and manuscripts, the anatomical collection immerses visitors in a period when Bologna was at the forefront of medical and anatomical studies, leaving an indelible mark on the development of modern medicine.

Gala Dinner – Palazzo Isolani

(Via Santo Stefano, 16, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy) at 19.00 pm Monday, June 16

Do not miss a spectacular and authentic experience of EDEN Gala dinner at the historical Palazzo Isolani in the old town of Bologna. EDEN Gala dinner is also distinguished with the traditional EDEN Best Research Paper Award in cooperation with The UNESCO Chair in Education and Technology for Social Change.

Palazzo Isolani, located in the heart of Bologna near the iconic Piazza Santo Stefano, is a magnificent example of 18th-century architecture, though it incorporates elements from earlier periods. The palace showcases a blend of Baroque and Neoclassical styles, reflecting the grandeur and influence of the prominent Isolani family, who once resided there. Inside, visitors can admire beautifully frescoed ceilings, elegant halls, and historical furnishings that evoke the aristocratic lifestyle of the era. Today, Palazzo Isolani serves as a cultural and social hub, hosting events, exhibitions, and private gatherings. Its historical significance and architectural beauty make it a must-visit destination for those exploring Bologna’s rich heritage.

NB: Palazzo Isolani is an authentic and historical building that is not equipped with modern air-conditioning.

Sponsors

Learn more about sponsorship possibilities for EDEN 2025 Annual Conference that will be held in University of Bologna (Italy), 15-17 June 2025, in the following booklet: