Call for Proposals 

We invite proposals for the following types of oral presentations: 

1. Mentoring Research in Action // Individual Presentations

2. Connecting Mentoring through Research // Integrated Research Symposium 

3. Trend Talk

 

Session formats and timing 

  1. Mentoring Research in Action // Individual Presentations

Individual presentation submissions are intended for in-depth reports of current or completed research projects, or for theoretical/conceptual work that contributes to the development of mentoring research and/or practice. These presentations offer an opportunity to share findings, engage with new ideas, and contribute to ongoing conversations in the field. We expect each presentation to be ~ 15 minutes.

We invite abstracts that align with the conference’s key theme and present either:

  • Empirical / research-based work, or

  • Theoretical / conceptual papers.

Proposal Requirements

For empirical research presentations, your abstract should include:

  • (a) Purpose of the study

  • (b) Overview of relevant literature

  • (c) Theoretical or conceptual framework

  • (d) Methods and data sources

  • (e) Key findings

  • (f) Conclusions and/or implications

Note: Research need not be fully completed but should be sufficiently developed to report at least preliminary findings.

For theoretical/conceptual presentations, your abstract should include:

  • (a) Purpose of the paper

  • (b) Review of relevant literature

  • (c) Connection to existing frameworks or scholarship

  • (d) Contribution to theory development or implications for mentoring practice

Submission Guidelines

Your individual presentation proposal should include:

  • Title and 3–5 keywords

  • Presentation abstract (250–300 words)

  • Author name(s), affiliation(s), and contact information

  • Intended audience (e.g. researchers, educators, practitioners)

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be assessed based on:

  • Relevance to the conference themes

  • Clarity of purpose and conceptual or practical grounding

  • Rigor of research design or scholarly engagement

  • Contribution to mentoring theory, policy, or practice

  • Potential to stimulate discussion and audience engagement

  • Presenter expertise and originality

We encourage proposals that bring fresh perspectives, share robust scholarship, and promote meaningful dialogue across disciplines and sectors involved in mentoring.

   2. Connecting Mentoring through Research // Integrated Research Symposium 

The Integrated Research Symposium brings together multiple contributors to explore a focused area of mentoring-related research or practice from diverse perspectives. These 60-minute sessions are designed to synthesize existing knowledge, introduce new insights, and encourage rich dialogue and interaction among participants.

Each symposium features 2 or 3 interconnected presentations, introduced and concluded by a designated chair or discussant who frames the session with an integrative overview. The chair is responsible for demonstrating the coherence and thematic connection among the individual presentations.

Symposia should present a well-aligned exploration of a shared topic, research question, or issue of professional importance—grounded in empirical evidence or theoretical frameworks relevant to the conference theme.

Submission Guidelines:

An integrated research symposium submission should include the following elements: 

  • Symposium title and 3–5 keywords

  • Names, affiliations, and contact information for all presenters and the chair

  • Intended audience (e.g. researchers, practitioners, policy makers)

  • Symposium abstract (250–300 words):
    An integrative introduction that situates the session’s topic within current mentoring research or practice literature. The abstract should also include
    a brief summary of each presentation, clearly connected to the symposium theme.

Evaluation Criteria:

Submissions will be reviewed for:

  • Relevance to conference themes

  • Thematic coherence across presentations

  • Clear purpose and grounding in theory or practice

  • Quality of research design or literature engagement

  • Significance for theory, policy, or professional practice

  • Potential to engage participants in discussion

  • Expertise and originality of the presenters

We encourage symposiums that reflect collaborative insight, cohesive scholarship, and promote critical and reflective dialogue.

 

 3. Trend Talk 

Trend Talks are designed for sharing emerging innovations, best practices, new developments, or compelling case studies from research or practice in the mentoring and education sectors. This dynamic format features 4 concise presentations (8 minutes each), followed by a 25-minute chaired discussion with the audience.

Ideal for early insights, practical solutions, or provocative ideas, Trend Talks encourage rapid exchange and collective reflection.

Submission Guidelines:

  • Abstract length: 200–250 words

  • Include:

    • Title and 3–5 keywords

    • Presenter name(s), affiliation(s), and contact details

    • Brief description of the innovation, development, or case

    • Intended audience

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Relevance to mentoring, professional learning, or educational innovation

  • Clear, focused purpose and real-world relevance

  • Originality and potential to spark discussion

  • Presenter expertise and audience suitability

We welcome contributions from researchers, practitioners, and sector leaders aiming to share fresh ideas in a concise, engaging format.

 

Poster Presentations

Posters will be presented in an informal 90-minute networking session, which provides an opportunity to present early-stage research, work-in-progress, or late-breaking findings from the mentoring and education sectors. This format is especially suited for emerging ideas, exploratory studies, or practical initiatives that benefit from open dialogue and feedback.

Presenters are responsible for printing their posters (easels will be provided) and should be prepared for informal, interactive discussions with conference attendees throughout the session.

Submission Guidelines:

  • Abstract length: 200–250 words

  • Include:

    • Title and 3–5 keywords

    • Presenter name(s), affiliation(s), and contact details

    • Description of the research, project, or practice featured

    • Intended audience

What We Look For:

  • Relevance to mentoring and professional learning

  • Clarity of purpose and presentation

  • Potential to generate discussion and engagement

  • Originality, practical value, or research significance

  • Suitability for visual and interactive format

We welcome submissions from researchers, practitioners, and students. This is a great format for sharing ideas and connecting with others in a relaxed and engaging setting.