Researching lifelong learning and innovation for work in times of crisis

The current era is characterised by crises associated with climate change, mass migration, social and economic transformation, aging populations, domestic violence and geopolitical tension. Consequently, nation states, communities and individuals are experiencing unprecedented levels of uncertainty and concern. Such a complex set of challenges inevitably generates a range of impacts at national, community and individual levels. Many of these challenges and their potential resolutions are directly or indirectly associated with work and working life. Consequently, it is incumbent upon researchers in the disciplines informing work, learning and innovation to be active, agile, and focused to generate evidence and effective practices to advance workers’ learning, development and participation in workplace innovations. It follows then that as social scientists, the Researching Work and Learning research community needs to engage with and address these challenges.

Key dates

DatesDetails
30 January 2026 Call for abstracts opens
5 June 2026Registration opens
8 May 2026Draft Program
30 June 2026Deadline for abstract submissions
28 August 2026 Early bird registration closes
23 October 2026Full Program released
8 December 2026Conference starts

Conference details

When:  8 - 11 December 2026

Where: Brisbane

Pre-conference

A pre-conference workshop for doctoral students and early career researchers will be organized on Tuesday December 8th 2026.

Conference sessions

The main conference will progress from 9.00 AM on Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th December until 5.00 PM and on Friday 11th December from 9.00 AM to 2.00 PM.

About this Conference

The Researching Work & Learning (RWL) International Conference Series is the world's longest, continuously running international research conference series serving the field of workplace learning. It was initiated in 1999 by researchers at the University of Leeds (UK). As of 2026 it has visited eleven countries in five continents.

The conference series as a whole is organized through the work of the RWL International Advisory Committee. This committee is composed of leading international scholars in the diverse field of workplace learning.

Subscribe

Subscribe for conference updates or email us for general enquiries