Call for Proposals: 12th Immersive Learning Research Network (iLRN2026) Conference
Theme: "From Plato’s Cave to Open Immersive Societies: Transforming Learning and Knowledge"

In-person (Athens, Greece; National and Kapodistrian University of Athens) Conference Dates: June 27-30, 2026
Online (hosted by iLRN geographic chapters’ respective time-zones) Conference Dates: June 28-30, 2026

Conference website: https://immersivelrn.org/ilrn2026/

The Immersive Learning Research Network (iLRN) is pleased to announce the Call for proposals for its 2026 conference, centered around the theme "From Plato’s Cave to Open Immersive Societies: Transforming Learning and Knowledge".

The concept of "Open Immersive Societies" highlights the transformative potential of cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) in reshaping how knowledge is shared, acquired, and applied in an interconnected world. These immersive tools enable inclusive and interactive learning experiences, fostering innovation in education and knowledge-sharing.

iLRN2026 invites researchers, educators, developers, practitioners, and industry leaders to explore the transformative potential of immersive environments and technologies in learning and knowledge creation. We welcome submissions that engage with the innovative use of immersive learning environments, tools, and methods that support society in various educational contexts.

As the professional association advancing the quality of immersive learning to benefit humanity and our world, iLRN is especially interested in works that amplify and extend this mission.

In an era of rapid technological evolution, our engagement with the world is increasingly mediated by diverse communication modes and knowledge representation. Immersive learning environments, for instance, encompassing virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, and other interactive technologies—offer unprecedented opportunities to transform learning. The 2026 iLRN conference aims to comprehensively explore these opportunities, fostering discussions and sharing insights on how immersive environments can foster knowledge acquisition and contribute to a more equitable and informed society.


##### TOPIC AREAS #####

iLRN welcomes all submissions on the topic of learning and instruction with immersion as a focus, for instance with technology like VR, AR, XR, games or 360° videos. We encourage submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

Immersive digital humanities
Shaping the Immersive Learning discipline & community of practice
Designing Open Immersive Societies: Ethics, Accessibility, and Inclusion
Innovations in Immersive Technologies for Knowledge Transformation
From Plato’s Cave to Participatory Learning: Philosophical and Pedagogical Perspectives
Immersive Learning for Social Impact and Sustainability
XR Epistemology
Evidence-based practices in immersive learning
The Ethics of Immersive Learning
Neurophysiological measures in immersive learning
Generative AI & XR
Cognitive, affective, and psychomotor immersive learning
Design and implementation of tools for immersive learning
Cross-cultural and inclusive approaches to immersive learning
Case studies and best practices in immersive learning

##### CONFERENCE OVERVIEW #####

iLRN 2026 Program will bring together researchers, educators, and innovators from around the world to explore the future of immersive learning. Through keynotes, paper presentations, workshops, and hands-on experiences, participants will engage with the latest developments in XR, simulations, virtual worlds, and AI-powered learning environments. Beyond the academic program, attendees will enjoy a rich social schedule packed with opportunities to explore the beauty and history of Athens—a city that not only inspires with its ancient landmarks but also showcases its modern capacities for immersive and experiential learning. Here is an overview of the conference program.

June 26: Pre-Conference Day Tour – Nafplio - Includes historic sites, beach time & dinner in the old town (optional)
June 27: Welcome Ceremony – The Great Hall, NKUA Rectorate Building, Athens
June 28–30: Main Conference – Department of Pedagogy & Primary Education, NKUA, Kolonaki, Athens

Program Highlights
3 Keynotes (June 28–30)
4 Feature Talks (June 27–30)
Paper Presentations (June 27–30)
Workshops, Posters, Demos & Panel sessions (June 28–29)
EDUTECH–DSAI Track (special sessions)
Closing Ceremony (June 30)

Social & Cultural Program
Visits to iconic venues:
Acropolis Museum
Foundation of the Hellenic World
Aitherion Experience
Historic NKUA site in Plaka
Game Night
Conference Dinner & Awards Ceremony

##### SUBMISSION STREAMS & CATEGORIES #####

We welcome a variety of submission types to accommodate the diverse interests and expertise within our community.

** Academic Stream **
(Referred papers will appear in Scopus-Indexed Springer CCIS Conference Proceedings pending Springer confirmation, or in iLRN Conference Proceedings with individual DOIs, not indexed)

- Full paper (12-15+ pages) for oral presentation
- Short paper (8–11 pages) for oral presentation
- Doctoral colloquium paper (4–7 pages) for oral presentation in the doctoral colloquium
- Extended Abstracts (4–7 pages) for poster presentation

** iLEAD (Immersive Learning Education And Design) stream **
(Papers will appear in iLEAD Conference Proceedings with individual DOIs (not indexed) - Optional)

- Oral presentation
- Poster presentation
- Workshop proposal
- Special session proposal
- Panel session proposal
- Guided Virtual Adventures
- Product Demonstrations

For all iLEAD presentation formats, please submit an Extended Abstract (2-5 pages) with a summary of your contribution to immersive learning education and design.

** All online presenters except Keynote and Featured Speakers and invited panels will be required to submit a 3 - 5 minute video depending on the submission type.

Please see the conference website for templates and guidelines.

##### PUBLICATION & INDEXING #####

All accepted, registered, and presented Full Papers and selected Short Papers in the Academic Stream at iLRN 2026 will be published in the Scopus-indexed Springer CCIS Conference Proceedings. All other accepted, registered, and presented papers in the Academic Stream will appear in the iLRN Conference Proceedings with individual DOIs (not indexed). Additionally, authors of selected papers will be invited to submit expanded versions of their work for consideration in various Scopus and Web of Science-indexed journals.

Submitting Extended Abstracts in the iLEAD 2026 is optional but encouraged. Accepted abstracts will appear in the iLEAD Conference Proceedings with individual DOIs (not indexed).

##### PROGRAM TRACKS #####

Papers and proposals may be submitted to one of 10 program tracks:

Track 1. Foundations of Immersive Learning Research and Theory (not linked to any particular application area).
Track 2. Assessment and Evaluation (A&E)
Track 3. Galleries, Libraries, Archives, & Museums (GLAM)
Track 4. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, & Social Justice (IDEAS)
Track 5. STEM Education
Track 6. Language, Culture, & Heritage (LCH)
Track 7. Medical & Healthcare Education (MHE)
Track 8. Nature & Environmental Sciences (NES)
Track 9. Workforce Development & Industry Training (WDIT)
Track 10. Self and Co-Regulated Learning with Immersive Learning Environments (SCILE)

Academic communities wishing to cater to other topics are welcome to propose a special track by emailing the Program Chairs at ilrn2025.generalchairs@immersivelrn.org no later than July 31, 2025, with a short description, rationale for immersive learning, and its program committee.


##### CONFERENCE COMMITTEE #####

General Chairs

- Tassos Anastasios Mikropoulos, University of Ioannina, Hellenic Scientific Association of Information & Communication Technologies in Education, Greece
- George Koutromanos, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
- Stylianos Mystakidis, University of Patras, Greece
- Daphne Economou, University of Westminster, UK

Academic Chairs
- Stavros Nikou, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
- Tharrenos Bratitsis, University of West Macedonia, Hellenic Scientific Association of Information & Communication Technologies in Education, Greece
- Genevieve Smith-Nunes, University of Roehampton, UK (Online Academic)

iLEAD Chairs

- Chryssoula Lazou, Democritus University of Thrace
- Emmanouel Fokides, University of Aegean, Hellenic Scientific Association of Information & Communication Technologies in Education, Greece
- Paula MacDowell, University of Saskatchewan, Canada

##### KEYNOTE SPEAKERS #####

Keynote 1 - Guido Makransky, University of Copenhagen
Keynote 2 - David Joseph Brown, ‪Nottingham Trent University
Keynote 3 - Eleni Kyza, Cyprus University of Technology

Feature Speaker 1 - TBA
Feature Speaker 2- TBA



##### IMPORTANT DATES #####

- Special Tracks Proposal Submission Deadline: July 31, 2025
** Academic submissions **
- Submission Deadline: October 1, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: December 15, 2025
- Camera-Ready Submissions: February 1, 2026
- Academic Author Registration Deadline: February 15, 2026
** iLEAD submissions **
- Submission Deadline: January 12, 2026
- Notification of Acceptance: February 8, 2026
- Camera-Ready Submission: March 1, 2026
- Early Bird Registration Deadline: March 15, 2026
- Online Conference Dates: June 28 - 30, 2026 (something to talk about until April)
- In-person (Athens) Conference Dates: June 27-30, 2026


##### WHY PARTICIPATE #####
This conference is your opportunity to:
Showcase your research or project to a global audience.
Network with thought leaders in immersive learning and related fields.
Gain insights into cutting-edge innovations and applications of immersive technologies.
Contribute to shaping the future of Open Immersive Societies.
Join us in exploring how immersive technologies are transforming knowledge and learning and inspiring a new era of education.
We look forward to receiving your proposals and to the rich discussions and collaborations that will emerge at iLRN 2026. Join us in exploring how immersive technologies can revolutionize the ways we read and interact with the world.

##### CONTACT #####

For more information, please visit our [conference website] (https://www.immersivelrn.org/ilrn2026/).

Feel free to reach out to us at ilrn2026@immersivelrn.org for any inquiries.