We are pleased to invite you to participate in the upcoming Aurora Symposium 2026, which will take place on 27–29 May 2026. The symposium will focus on the overarching theme of Global Citizenship.
The event will bring together educators, researchers, students, and professionals interested in this theme from across Aurora and beyond to share insights, best practices, and innovative ideas that contribute to fostering global citizenship in higher education and society.
We warmly invite you to submit an abstract for a poster, workshop, or presentation related to the following symposium themes. Submissions may address theoretical perspectives, methodological approaches, practical experiences, or collaborative initiatives.
All submitted abstracts will be reviewed by a panel of experts. The best submissions will be awarded a prize in four categories; best abstract, best poster, most community engaging initiative, and initiatives that contribute most to peace!
Whether you're a student, professional, community practitioner, or seasoned researcher, we look forward to your contribution.
Your abstract should:
- Be written in English (max. 250–300 words)
- Clearly describe the aim, approach, and outcomes of your contribution
- Indicate the theme you would like to contribute to
- Explain its relevance to the symposium theme
- Include 3–5 keywords
- Indicate the theme you would like to contribute to
- Indicate your preferred format: presentation, poster, or workshop
Abstract submission deadline: February 23rd, 2026. You can submit your abstract via Google Forms. News and updates will follow.
Themes
We invite contributions that connect to one or more of the following symposium themes:
- Peace, Conflict, and Social Justice
Peacebuilding and conflict resolution, Human rights and social justice, Inclusion and equality, Global governance and democracy or Migration, refugees, and displaced communities - Community Engagement and Civic Participation
Community-led initiatives, Participatory democracy and civic education, Service learning in higher education, Transdisciplinary research and collaboration, Citizen science and participation, or Equitable partnerships between the Global South and North - including South-South Triangular Cooperation - Education for Global Citizenship
Teaching critical global awareness, International collaboration in higher education, Experiential learning and exchange programmes, Transformative learningpedagogy and reflective practice or Development and assessment of Competencies for Social justice, Societal impact, and Social entrepreneurship and innovation
Symposium Registration Rates
- Participants from Aurora (including all staff and students at VU Amsterdam): participation is free of charge. Please remember to contact your local Institutional Coordinator for further instructions.
- Please register using this form. Deadline to register: 30 April 2026.
- Participants from non-Aurora institutions: if your abstract is selected, a registration fee will be required. Full details on fees and payment procedures will be available on the Symposium website.
- Early bird registration (before March 27th, 2026): €150 for students (incl PhD candidates), €250 for academics, €250 for Professionals, incl representatives of NGOs and communities.
- Regular registration: €200 for students (incl PhD candidates), €300 for academics, €300 for Professionals, incl representatives of NGOs and communities.
- Register and pay using this form. Deadline to register: 30 April 2026.
We look forward to welcoming you to an inspiring and collaborative conference in May 2026!