ICER 2026
3rd International Conference on Education Research
Keynote Speaker Outlines
The following are outlines for the Keynote Speeches which will take place at ICER 2026
Reimagining Higher Education: Building Future-Ready Skills for a World in Transition
Led By: Dr Jon-Hans Coetzer
The keynote talk emphasise the transformative role of higher education in preparing students for a rapidly changing world, driven by technological advancements, sustainability imperatives, and evolving societal needs. It advocates for a new social contract in education, focusing on equipping students with future-ready skills that align with work environments in transition. Drawing on the Four Worlds of Work in 2030 framework, the talk wil explore the diverse scenarios—ranging from collectivist green economies to corporate-driven innovation—and highlight the critical competencies required, such as adaptability, problem-solving, sustainability literacy, education for sustainability for delivering SDGs 4, 16, 17, and emotional intelligence. By fostering these skills, higher education can empower students to thrive in a complex, uncertain future while addressing global challenges like climate change and social equity.
What Next for Education?
Evidence, Innovation and Successful Learning in a Changing World
While much attention has focused on technological innovation and digital transformation in higher education, the more important question may be whether these developments are leading to better learning.
Artificial intelligence, digital technologies and geopolitical and societal change continue to shape and reshape how we learn, teach and create knowledge. Traditional assumptions about educational success are increasingly being challenged. This keynote examines what comes next for higher education and explores how evidence, innovation and human-centred approaches can work together to support successful learning in an uncertain world. Drawing on international experiences of digitally enhanced, online and blended learning, it considers emerging opportunities and persistent challenges related to inclusion, belonging, engagement, wellbeing and lifelong learning. The keynote argues that the future of education will be defined not by technology itself, but by how effectively educators and institutions use evidence-informed innovation to create learning environments in which all learners can thrive. Participants will be invited to reflect on the future of education and the collective responsibility of the researchers, practitioners and leaders in shaping it.