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Higher Education Research Centre
HELLIN 4th National Conference on Lifelong Learning - University of Limerick, Friday December 8th, 2017

HELLIN 4th National Conference on Lifelong Learning - December 8th, 2017

Call for Abstracts

The Higher Education Lifelong Learning Ireland Network (HELLIN) is delighted to extend a call for papers for the 4th National Conference on Lifelong Learning. HELLIN is a consortium of Irish Universities and Institutes of Technology's who work together collaboratively with the aim of promoting and improving the field of Lifelong Learning -see www.HELLIN.ie

The Theme for the 2017 conference is: Enabling Lifelong Learning, with the following sub themes:

1. Technology Enhanced Learning
2. Employer Engagement
3. Meeting Challenges
4. Relevance
5. Personal Development
6. RPL

The conference will take place in the University of Limerick on Friday December 8th, 2017.

Guide to Abstract and Panel Submissions
This year we have decided to update the format of our conference.  In addition to the normal paper presentations (three papers each 20-minute presentation followed by 10-minute discussion) that will take place during the morning of the conference; we will run three panel discussions (three 5-minute presentations on a topic followed by a 75-minute chaired panel discussion) during the afternoon.  The theme and topics listed above apply to both Papers and Panel Discussions.

Submissions of Abstracts for Papers:
We invite abstract submissions for research, practitioner and case study papers. Abstracts on research should include research statement, methodology and a brief discussion of the findings. We welcome abstracts from students who have completed undergraduate and graduate research.  Abstracts should not exceed 600 words and should be a concise summary of what will be presented, including a title and the aim of the presentation.

Submission of Proposals for Panel Discussions:
We invite proposals for research and practitioner panel discussions.  Abstracts should identify a key topic supported by research, policy and/or publications.  Abstracts should also indicate a justification for inclusion in a panel discussion and an explanation why this topic should lead to an engaged discussion amongst conference attendees.  Proposals should not exceed 600 words and should be a concise summary of the topic and areas for discussion.

Please submit both abstracts and proposals as PDF documents, naming the document as the presenter's surname and first initial (e.g. KellyF.pdf).  Within the document authors should clearly indicate whether the submission is for a paper or panel discussion and also which of the 6 conference themes is being addressed.

The conference web site is still under development and will go live early in September.

Abstracts and proposals must be submitted by Friday 13th of October 2017.  Acceptance of abstracts/proposals will be confirmed by 27th October 2017. Final version of both papers and panel discussion topics must be submitted by Wednesday 29th  November 2017.

  • Final versions of full papers should be ideally 4,000 and no more than 6000 words including references. Paper presentations must not exceed 20 minutes in length.
  • Final versions of panel discussion topics should consist of 1,000 - 2,000 briefing document including 3 - 5 discussion topics/questions.  Presentations for Panel Discussions should not exceed 5 minutes in length.Conference proceedings will be published in early 2018.

Should you have any questions in relation to the conference you should contact catherine.mccarthy@ul.ie.  Additionally, if you are aware of somebody who may be interested in the themes of the conference or in forwarding an abstract to us, please forward this communication to them.

Finally, full conference details, accommodation, costs etc. will be available on www.HELLIN.ie in September.