Faculty of Education & Liberal Studies
June 17-18, 2026
6th
International
Conference 2026
From Insight to Impact: Driving Development through Evidence-Based Solutions
Conference Overview
Welcome to the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies' 6th staging of our
International Conference 2026
At the 6th staging of the biennial Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies’ International Conference, we are excited to bring together researchers, educators, policymakers, development practitioners, and academics to showcase and discuss applied research that generates practical, evidence-based solutions for sustainable development in small island states and the broader developing world. This conference emphasizes translating research insights into actionable interventions that address real-world challenges in these vulnerable and dynamic contexts. As we continue to grapple with compounded challenges, including worrying educational outcomes, limited resources, climate vulnerability, economic dependence, and the enduring legacies of colonialism that exacerbate our exposure to global inequities and external pressures, applied research plays a critical role in generating context-specific, actionable insights that empower communities, inform policy, and drive sustainable development. We particularly welcome contributions that integrate perspectives from education, the social sciences, the humanities, and the STEM fields to foster interdisciplinary dialogue on development challenges.
Conference Focus
- Technology, Equity & Innovation for Sustainable Development
- Interdisciplinary Approaches to Development
- Language, Culture and Communication for Sustainable Development
- People, Society, and Sustainable Progress
- Learning Analytics, Data-Informed Curriculum and Intervention Design
- Education in Context: Shapers of Educational Outcomes
Location
University of Technology, Jamaica (Papine Campus) - Shared Facilities
Call for Abstracts
Academic Research Papers
- Academic papers should address one of the topics listed in the call for papers and may present empirical or theoretical research. Submissions must report findings from a scholarly study relevant to the conference theme. Accepted papers will be presented in 15-minute sessions highlighting the key aspects of the research. This category is suitable for researchers with completed or near-completed work.
Posters
- Posters provide visual summaries of research, projects, or innovations that can be communicated succinctly or benefit from interactive dialogue. Posters will be displayed for the duration of the conference, with a scheduled session for presenters to discuss their work with attendees.
Work in Progress or Conceptual Papers
- This category welcomes submissions describing ongoing research, preliminary findings, or emerging conceptual or theoretical ideas. Papers do not need to be fully developed but should present promising insights or frameworks that would benefit from constructive feedback and scholarly engagement.
Non Academic / Industry Contributions
- Practitioners and organisations, including professionals, NGOs, government agencies, consultants, journalists, and community groups, are invited to submit presentations or demonstrations. These may include case studies, programme evaluations, policy briefs, organisational innovations, or other applied evidence-based solutions aligned with the conference theme.
Workshops
- We invite proposals for interactive workshops that foster dialogue, skill-building, and practical engagement among participants. Workshops should provide hands-on experiences, collaborative problem-solving, or innovative approaches relevant to the conference theme of development and transformation. Sessions may focus on applied strategies, emerging practices, or tools that empower participants to implement solutions in their respective fields. Abstracts should clearly outline the objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes of the session.
Panels
- Panels should consist of 3–5 presenters and a designated Chair to moderate the discussion. Proposals must address a common theme or issue and offer complementary perspectives. This format is ideal for research teams, multi-institutional collaborations, or groups engaging with a topic from multiple angles.
Media and Creative Works
- Submissions for this category showcase creative, multimedia, or artistic submissions that present evidence, explore social issues, or reflect human experiences through innovative formats. Examples include documentaries, photo essays, podcasts, digital storytelling, or other creative works aligned with the conference theme.
Roundtables
- Submissions for roundtables reflect interactive sessions focused on a critical issue, emerging challenge, or key question. They prioritise dialogue and shared reflection rather than formal presentations. This format is suited to researchers, practitioners, and community stakeholders seeking collective problem-solving or collaborative exploration.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The conference looks forward to receiving abstracts which meet any of the following criteria:
Abstracts: 250-300 words, clearly stating research question, methodology/approach, and key findings or implications
2.Full papers (where applicable): Structured with introduction, literature review, methodology/approach, findings/ analysis, discussion, and conclusions
3.All submissions must include evidence of empirical grounding, theoretical engagement, or practical application
4.Papers should clearly articulate the development relevance and implications for policy, practice, or education
5.All papers must follow academic citation standards (e.g. APA)
6.Submissions must include author names, contact information, institutional affiliation, and a brief biography (50-75 words) and a professional headshot.
7.All manuscripts must be in English
8.Submitted materials should be double-spaced, 12-point font, with 1-inch margins
Abstracts should be submitted by February 13, 2026 to our online submission portal or emailed to:
 felsconference@utech.edu.jm
Please refrain from including your name in the title. Confirmation of receipt will be sent within 48 hours. If you do not receive confirmation, please follow up with the conference secretariat.
IMPORTANT DATESÂ
Abstract Submission Deadline: February 13, 2026
Notification of Abstract Acceptance: March 5, 2026
Conference Dates: June 17 – 18, 2026
Venue: Shared Facilities, University of Technology, Jamaica
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Relevance: Direct connection to development challenges in small island states or the developing world; significance for education, social sciences, humanities, or STEM fields
Evidence Based: Strength of evidence, methodology, data quality, or theoretical grounding
Originality: Novel insights, innovative approaches, or underexplored research questions
Actionability: Clear implications for policy, practice, education, or further research
Clarity: Well-articulated arguments, accessible writing, and effective communication to interdisciplinary audiences
Rigour: Sound research design, appropriate analysis, transparent discussion of limitations
PUBLICATION OPPORTUNITIES
Selected papers from the conference will be considered for publication through multiple outlets:
- Peer-reviewed edited volume or special journal issue
- Open-access conference proceedings
- Opportunities to contribute to policy briefs for development practitioners
- Potential articles in education and development practitioner journals
Authors will have the opportunity to incorporate feedback from the conference presentation into revised submissions.
CONTACT INFORMATION
CONFERENCE SECRETARIAT
Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies
University of Technology, Jamaica
Kingston, Jamaica
Email: felsconference@utech.edu.jm
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Conference Speakers
The Most Honourable Andrew Michael Holness ON, PC, MP
Prime Minister of Jamaica
Keynote Speaker
Leonard A. Francis, JP
Chief Executive Officer for the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA)
Dr. Ruth Potopsingh
Consultant in Energy and Environment, Former Associate Vice President-Sustainable Energy and Head, Caribbean Sustainable Energy and Innovation Institute (CSEII), UTech Ja
Michael Taylor
Professor of Climate Science and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Mona Campus, The University of the West Indies (UWI
Dr. Emily Wilkinson
Principal Research Fellow in ODI's Global Risks and Resilience Programme and Director of the Resilient and Sustainable Islands Initiative (RESI)
Registration Fees
one day
-
Standard Registration US$100
-
Student Rate (with ID) US$55.00
-
Early Bird Registration (before April 10, 2026) US$80.00
Two days
-
Standard Registration US$175.00
-
Student Rate (with ID) US$100.00
-
Early Bird Registration (before April 10, 2026) US$150.00
Programme Agenda
12:30 pm
Lunch break
12:30 pm
Lunch break
Organising Committee
Utech, Ja. Climate change conference 2024
Chair: Dr. Glendon G. Newsome
Faculty of the Built Environment, UTech Ja
Mrs. Suzette Adams-Rickards
Faculty of the Built Environment, UTech Ja
Mr. Omar Alcock
Climate Change Division
Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation
Mr. Fernandez Anderson
Faculty of the Built Environment, UTech Ja
Prof. Carol Archer
Faculty of the Built Environment, UTech Ja
Dr. Earl Bailey
Faculty of the Built Environment, UTech Ja
Mr. David Barrett
Course Advisory Committee, Master of Science is Sustainable Energy & Climate Change, UTech Ja
Mr. Ivor Bennet
Marketing Unit, UTech Ja
Dr. Therese Chambers
Faculty of Engineering and Computing, UTech Ja.
Mr. Peter Clarke
Water Resources Authority, Jamaica
Ms. Crystal-Gail Clue
Faculty of the Built Environment, UTech Ja.
Ms. Shakira Davis
Learning Technologies Support Unit, UTech Ja.
Dr. Rosemarie Dixon
College of Business and Management, UTech Ja.
Mr. Erinski Easy
Learning Technologies Support Unit, UTech Ja.
Mr. Wycliffe Frater
Faculty of the Built Environment, UTech Ja.
Dr. Nadine Freeman-Prince
Faculty of the Built Environment, UTech Ja.
Ms. Tiffany Givans
Faculty of the Built Environment, UTech Ja.
Dr. Anetheo Jackson
Faculty of the Built Environment, UTech Ja.
Dr. Addonna Jardine-Comrie
Faculty Science and Sport, UTech Ja.
Mr. Maurice Mason
Institute for Sustainable Development, UWI
Mrs. Mlela Matandara-Clarke
Faculty of the Built Environment, UTech Ja.
Mr. Ian McGowan
Faculty of Engineering and Computing, UTech Ja.
Mr. Frederick Mills
College of Business and Management, UTech Ja.
Dr. Laurence Neufville
Faculty of the Built Environment, UTech Ja.
Ms. Meisha Paul
Faculty of the Built Environment, UTech Ja.
Dr. Elizabeth Pigou-Dennis
Faculty of the Built Environment, UTech Ja.
Dr. Ruth Potopsingh
Head, Caribbean Sustainable Energy and Innovation Institute (CSEII), UTech Ja.
Mr. Kirkland Rowe
Faculty of Engineering and Computing, UTech Ja.
Mr. Carlyon Russell
Learning Technologies Support Unit, UTech Ja.
Mrs. Sara Shabaka
Faculty of the Built Environment, UTech Ja.
Dr. Copeland Stupart
Faculty of the Built Environment, UTech Ja.
Ms. Mareka Sutherland
Faculty of the Built Environment, UTech Ja.
Mrs. Patrice Thomas-Cameron
Faculty of the Built Environment, UTech Ja.
Mrs. Nakiesha Whitfield
Caribbean Sustainable Energy and Innovation Institute (CSEII), UTech Ja.
Mr. Meredith Williams
College of Health Sciences, UTech Ja.
Prof. Garfield Young
Faculty of the Built Environment, UTech Ja.