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**Call for Expression of Interest (EOI)- University Host for IC-DEA 2026

International Conference on Digital Education for All (IC-DEA 2026)**
Deadline for University Co-Host EOI Submission: 15 December 2025

Proposed Conference Dates: 7th to 10th March, 2026

Call for University Host EoI Webpage: https://udedu.org/call-for-expression-of-interest-eoi-university-host-for-ic-dea-2026/  

Conference Website: https://udedu.org/adei-ic-dea-2026/  

The Organizing Committee of the International Conference on Digital Education for All (IC-DEA 2026) invites universities worldwide to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) to serve as a Co-Hosting University for the 2026 Conference.

The conference is organized by Universal Digital Education Initiatives (UDEI) in collaboration with:

  • Association of Digital Universities (ADU)
  • Digital University Ranking (DUR)
  • Digital Education Forum (DEF)
  • Association of Digital Education Providers (ADEP)
  • Association of Digital Education Institutions (ADEI)
  • Indian Internet Observatory (IOI)

The conference is aligned with the Emerald Special Issue: Digital Education for All in the journal Quality Education for All edited by the conference chair Abirlal Mukherjee.

Publishing Opportunities (Optional)

All the selected papers in the conference will be eligible for full paper submission for the Special Issue Digital Education for All in the Journal Quality Education for All, by Emerald Publication, which is a dedicated journal on SDG 4. The special issue is edited by the OC members of the conference to promote SDG 4 globally.

Indexing: Scopus, DOAJ.
Website: https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/journal/qea 
Special Issue Website: https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/calls-for-papers/digital-education-all 

APC Applicable

The Conference is approved by Atlantis Press, part of Springer Nature for publication of the selected peer reviewed proceedings in Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities ResearchSeries, ISSN (Online): 2352-5398, ISSN (Print):, 2731-8060.
Website: https://www.atlantis-press.com/proceedings/series/assehr 
Indexing (Subject to database acceptance decision): all the proceedings post publication will be sent for indexing to the major databases like Scopus, Web of Science, CNKI, Dimensions, DOAJ, EBSCO Discovery Service, Google Scholar, Naver, OCLC WorldCat Discovery Service, ProQuest-ExLibris Primo, ProQuest-ExLibris Summon, TD Net Discovery Service, Wanfang Data.


APC Applicable.
As our Association Journal Host: Dukady will publish all remaining proceedings as a Book with ISBN and selected papers in the Association Journal Univesal Digital Education Initiatives (UDEI) Journal
Website: https://dukady.com/ 

(Minimal Discounted APC applicable)

1. Conference Theme & Purpose

Digital education stands at a critical crossroads. Advancements in digital infrastructure, AI-driven learning, online platforms, and hybrid education models have opened new horizons—but they have also highlighted inequalities in access, digital readiness, and inclusivity. The COVID-19 pandemic illustrated both the promise and the persistent challenges of digital learning across global contexts.

The International Conference on Digital Education for All aims to:

  • Foster global dialogue on inclusive, equitable, and accessible digital education
  • Bring together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and institutions
  • Support the dissemination of high-quality research aligned with SDG 4, SDG 9, and SDG 10
  • Provide a platform to connect conference outputs with the Special Issue on Digital Education for All

2. Conference Tracks (Aligned with the Special Issue)

Universities hosting or co-hosting the conference will help facilitate work across the following thematic areas:

  • Digital Inclusion and Equity
  • Pedagogical Innovations & Emerging Digital Pedagogies
  • Teacher Training & Digital Competency
  • Policy Frameworks, Governance & Institutional Strategies
  • Community-Driven Digital Education Initiatives
  • Infrastructure, Accessibility & Affordability
  • Ethics, Digital Well-Being & Data Privacy
  • Assessment Technologies & Quality Assurance
  • Cross-Cultural, Global and Collaborative Perspectives
  • AI-Based Learning Futures & Sustainable Models

3. Hosting Models Available

Universities may apply under one of the following categories:

A. Offline Co-Host (Primary Host University Partner)

The university will serve as a physical venue for the in-person components of the conference.

Expectations & Responsibilities:

  • Provide physical infrastructure such as:
    • Conference halls / auditoriums
    • Presentation rooms
    • On-campus logistics (registration desk, volunteers, etc.)
  • Sponsor venue-related costs for in-person attendees and presenters
  • Provide institutional support for:
    • Local organizing committee
    • Venue branding
    • Technical support for hybrid sessions (if required)
  • Support cultural events or campus tours (optional)

B. Online Co-Host (Virtual Partner Institution)

The university will host online sessions or parallel digital tracks.

Responsibilities:

  • No financial or infrastructural sponsorship required
  • Provide virtual hosting support (Zoom/MS Teams/Webex)
  • Facilitate technical support for online presentations
  • Host thematic panels, workshops, or special sessions digitally

4. Why Partner as a Host?

Benefits for the Host Universities

For Offline (On-Site) Host Universities

Hosting the International Conference on Digital Education for All (IC-DEA 2026) on campus provides a wide range of academic, institutional, and global benefits, including:

  • Global Visibility & Prestige: Position your institution as a leader in digital education, innovation, and inclusive teaching practices.
  • International Academic Networking: Engage with global scholars, research leaders, policymakers, and industry experts.
  • Opportunity to Showcase Campus Excellence: Highlight your infrastructure, research centers, labs, and academic strengths to an international audience.
  • Institutional Collaboration Opportunities: Build long-term MoUs, research partnerships, and exchange programs with participating universities.
  • Enhanced Research Profile: Host keynote lectures, workshops, and thematic panels aligned with your institutional priorities.
  • Student Participation Advantage: Provide hands-on exposure, volunteering opportunities, and networking for your students.
  • Publication Opportunities with The Conference.
  • Chairs and OC Members will be selected from the Host Universities.

Local Economic Engagement: Generate positive impact for the local community through conference tourism and outreach.

For Online (Virtual) Host Universities

Online hosting offers unique advantages for universities spearheading digital innovation:

  • Leadership in Digital Education: Demonstrate the university’s excellence in virtual learning environments and EdTech capabilities.
  • Global Reach: Engage participants worldwide with zero geographical barriers.
  • Cost-Effective Hosting Model: Reduce infrastructural and logistical costs while maximizing academic impact.
  • Showcase Digital Infrastructure: Highlight your institution’s online learning platforms, digital labs, and virtual teaching ecosystem.
  • Research & Visibility Gains: Host virtual keynote panels, roundtables, and digital workshops under your institutional banner.
  • Broadened Accessibility: Support the mission of “Digital Education for All” by making the conference inclusive for participants with limited mobility or travel constraints.
  • Sustainability Impact: Demonstrate a low-carbon, climate-responsible hosting model aligned with global SDG goals.
  • Publication Opportunities with The Conference.
  • Chairs and OC Members will be selected from the Host Universities.

5. Important Dates

ActivityDeadline
Call for Co-Host University OpensImmediately
Deadline for EOI Submission15 December 2025
Announcement of Selected Host(s)30 December 2025
Abstract Submission for Conference30 December 2025
Manuscript Submission Opens (Special Issue)1 January 2026
Conference DatesMarch/April 2026 (Final dates to be announced with host)
Manuscript Submission Deadline (Special Issue)**1 May 2026

6. Required Format for Expression of Interest (EOI)

Universities should submit an EOI (1-2 pages) including:

A. Institutional Information

  • University name and address
  • Accreditation status and institutional profile
  • Contact details of proposed conference coordinator(s)

B. Proposed Hosting Category

  • Offline Co-Host (with infrastructure sponsorship must be available from the university)
  • Online Co-Host

C. Rationale for Hosting

  • Institutional strengths in digital education, e-learning, edtech, or related fields
  • Relevant departments, research centers, or digital learning units

D. Proposed Support & Commitments

Depending on chosen category:

  • Venue and infrastructural commitments (for offline host)
  • Technical support and digital infrastructure (for online host)
  • Suggested thematic areas for hosting special sessions or panels
  • Marketing and promotion supports

E. Previous Experience

  • Past conferences, seminars, workshops
  • Partnerships with international or digital education bodies

F. Additional Contributions (Optional)

  • Student volunteers
  • Cultural events or local tours
  • Sponsorships (travel grants, awards, etc.)

7. Submission Guidelines

Submit your EOI as a PDF document titled:
EOI_YourUniversityName_ICDEA2026

Submit via Email to:
📧 research.abirlal@gmail.com

For queries, you may contact the Organizing Committee via the same email.

8. Selection Criteria

EOIs will be evaluated based on:

  • Institutional commitment and readiness
  • Quality and adequacy of proposed infrastructure
  • Alignment with the conference theme
  • Experience in hosting national/international events
  • Ability to support inclusive and accessible participation
  • Proposed contributions to the conference program

Sponsorship — IC-DEA 2026

We invite institutions, organizations, ed-tech companies, NGOs, and corporate partners to support the International Conference on Digital Education for All (IC-DEA 2026). Sponsors will gain high visibility, branding opportunities, and direct engagement with global leaders in the field. (We also encourage our partner universities to apply for the sponsorship at the same time.)

Sponsorship Categories

Platinum Partner (Committment of 8,000 USD)

  • Premium logo placement on all conference materials
  • Exclusive speaking opportunity in the inaugural or plenary sessions
  • Full-page advertisement in the conference brochure
  • Five complimentary registrations
  • Branding on event merchandise and main stage banners
  • Acknowledgment in all press releases and digital promotions

Gold Partner (Committment of 5,000 USD)

  • Logo on event website, banners, and proceedings
  • Opportunity to host one thematic session or workshop
  • Half-page advertisement in brochure
  • Three complimentary registrations
  • Special acknowledgment during opening and closing ceremonies

Silver Partner (Committment of 2,500 USD)

  • Logo on website and digital brochure
  • Opportunity to display promotional material
  • Two complimentary registrations
  • Mention in digital communications

Bronze Partner (Committement of 2,000 USD)

  • Logo on the sponsors’ page of the website and brochure
  • One complimentary registration
  • Acknowledgment during technical sessions

Green/Sustainability Partner (Committment of 500 – 1,000 USD)

(For organizations supporting eco-friendly, digital-first, or low-carbon initiatives)

  • Recognition as the Sustainability Partner for IC-DEA 2026
  • Logo featured in the “Green Conference Initiative” section
  • Opportunity to contribute eco-friendly digital resources or technologies
  • Two complimentary registrations
  • Highlight in social media campaigns focusing on sustainability

9. Contact Information

Conference Chair:
Abirlal Mukherjee, Founding Chair, Digital University Ranking, Association of Digital Universities, Universal Digital Education Initiatives, Digital Education Forum.
Guest Editor, Digital Education for All, Quality Education for All (Emerald)
Email: research.abirlal@gmail.com

Co-Chairs and Organising Committee Members

  1. Dr Amita Somya, Professor and Assistant Director of Research, Amity University Bengaluru
  2. Dr Rajat Bhardwaj, Associate Professor and Program Lead, Amity University Bengaluru
  3. Dr Sweta Mukherjee, Associate Professor, GITAM Deemed to be University
  4. Dr Madhavi G.M., Associate Professor, Amity University Bengaluru
  5. (TO BE SELECTED FROM HOST UNIVERSITIES)
  6. (TO BE SELECTED FROM HOST UNIVERSITIES)
  7. (TO BE SELECTED FROM HOST UNIVERSITIES)
  8. (TO BE SELECTED FROM PARTNER ORGs/INSTITUTIONS)

Associate Chairs

(TO BE SELECTED FROM HOST UNIVERSITIES)

Session Chairs

(TO BE SELECTED FROM HOST UNIVERSITIES)