ECER 2024

The European Conference on Educational Research (ECER) 2024  has successfully concluded after five days of research presentations, and fruitful networking. From August 26 to August 30, more than 2,500 academics, researchers, students, and educators from 71 countries gathered in Nicosia, making this one of the most significant events in the field of educational research this year.

The conference theme, “Education in an Age of Uncertainty: Memory and Hope for the Future,” resonated throughout the sessions as participants explored the challenges and opportunities facing education in today’s rapidly changing world. The agenda was packed with 9 workshops, 120+ paper presentations, 800+ sessions, and five keynote addresses from some of the most respected names in the Education:

1. Andreas Demetriou (University of Cyprus and University of Nicosia) discussed “Educating the Developing Mind in Uncertain and Unstable Times: Can Our Schools Cope?”
2. Susana Padeliadu (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) presented “Inclusive Education and Early Identification of Disability: The Case of Dyslexia.”
3. Marianna Papastephanou (University of Cardiff) explored “Education, the ‘Age of Uncertainty,’ and the Politics of Temporal Metaphors.”
4. Antoni Verger (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) addressed “Educational Reform in Times of Policy Movement and Growth: Unveiling the Micro-Foundations of Policy Change.”
5. Michalinos Zembylas (Open University of Cyprus) presented on “Educating for Anti-Complicity in the Era of Global Crises: An Affective Response to Political Violence.”

The conference was expertly organized by the European Educational Research Association (EERA), with the University of Cyprus serving as the hosting organization. EERA, which celebrated its 30th anniversary at this event, is comprised of over 40 national and regional Educational Research Associations from across Europe. Since its establishment, EERA has been dedicated to advancing educational research and fostering collaboration among scholars.

Participants also enjoyed numerous social events, including a lively Welcome Reception at the conference venue featuring live music and cooking demonstrations. Attendees had the opportunity to explore Cyprus through full-day excursions to Limassol, Paphos, and Choirokitia/Lefkara, as well as gala dinners at a Larnaca seaside restaurant and a rustic mansion in Nicosia.

Preceding the main conference, the Emerging Researchers’ Conference (ERC) set the stage with a keynote by Kirsi Pyhältö (University of Helsinki) on “Why Does Investing in Doctoral Researchers’ Wellbeing Matter?” The ERC Welcome Reception took place at the historic old town hall at Eleftherias Square, adding to the event’s charm.

Sustainability played a crucial role in this year’s conference, with several initiatives to reduce the event’s environmental footprint. Minimal printed materials were used, reusable water bottles were distributed, and food leftovers were donated to local charities, reflecting the conference’s commitment to responsible practices.

The conference was held under the auspices of the Cyprus Ministry of Education, Sport, and Youth, and supported by Love Cyprus and the Cyprus Convention Bureau. A variety of exhibitors, including MAXQDA, BELMAS, BRILL, IEA, Publishing Collective, Routledge, and Waxmann, contributed to the event’s success.

EasyConferences, the conference’s logistical partner, ensured a seamless experience for all participants. The scale of the event was vast, with over 25 hotels, more than 1,000 taxi bookings, 50+ bus routes, 8,000+ meals served, 60+ fully equipped conference rooms, child care support, poster printing services, and multiple keynote livestreams. This project would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of the volunteers who supported the event in various capacities.

Looking ahead, ECER 2025 is set to take place on September 8 in Belgrade, Serbia, under the theme “Charting the Way Forward: Education, Research, Potentials, and Perspectives.” The educational research community eagerly anticipates another successful gathering to continue advancing the field.