(Un)Conference Theme: The Emerging University: Co-creating Learning Ecosystems for the Futures We Need

Our central theme asks us to move beyond preservation and towards active, collaborative creation. In a landscape shaped by disruption, the university must be more than a repository of knowledge; it must be a living ecosystem of knowledge engagement, generation and production. This ecosystem is co-created by and for students, university staff, and communities, for the multiple alternative futures we can conceive of. To explore this, we will focus on five interlocking subthemes, each a flashpoint for the larger storm we embrace in all its tumult and its promise.

Submission Guidelines

Proposals must include the following information:
● Proposal Title (not more than 20 words).
● Presenter (and co-presenter where applicable) information.
● Format preference (select a format).
● Proposal (up to 500 words, with 3–5 keywords.) Proposals should address relevant subtheme(s), the context, research question/objective, methods, findings and scholarly contributions, etc.
● Engagement questions: 2–3 questions designed to spark conversation and involve participants in dialogue.
● For workshops: A brief outline of the interactive structure and participant engagement strategy.

Proposals will be double-blind peer reviewed and only accepted proposals will be in the programme.
For any queries please do not hesitate in contacting via email : HELTASA2026@wits.ac.za

Our Sub-Themes