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Frequently Asked Questions

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General Information

What is SAMYRAD 2026? +

SAMYRAD 2026 is a pioneering international conference focused on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Education. Bringing together global scholars, educators, researchers, EdTech professionals, policymakers, and innovators, it offers a platform to exchange knowledge, develop skills, and forge collaborations that drive meaningful change in learning ecosystems.

Unlike traditional conferences, SAMYRAD emphasizes hands-on learning and practical impact, bridging academia, industry, and policy through a triangular alliance that helps research realize its full transformative potential.

When and where is the conference taking place? +

SAMYRAD 2026 will take place on October 5–6, 2026, in Seville, Spain. The main conference sessions will be held at Universidad CEU Fernando III, located at the CEU Andalucía University Campus in Bormujos, near Seville.

Who should attend SAMYRAD 2026? +

SAMYRAD is designed for anyone whose work sits at the intersection of AI and education, including:

Professors & Researchers University Leaders Doctoral Students EdTech Professionals Industry Innovators Policymakers Government Representatives

Whether you are presenting research, seeking collaboration, or simply attending to learn, SAMYRAD offers an enriching experience for all.

What are the key dates I need to know? +

Milestone	Date
Abstract submission deadline	June 3, 2026
Abstract acceptance notification	July 1, 2026
Early bird registration opens	July 1, 2026
Full paper submission deadline	August 8, 2026
Full paper acceptance notification	August 21, 2026
Registration opens to all	July 15, 2026
Final registration deadline	September 30, 2026
Conference attendance	October 5–6, 2026
Proceedings publication	October 10, 2026

What does the conference program look like? +

The two-day program follows a consistent structure:

Day 1 – October 5: Registration (8:00–9:00 am) → Keynote talks & training (9:00 am–12:00 pm) → Lunch & networking (12:00–1:30 pm) → Parallel presentations (1:30–4:30 pm)

Day 2 – October 6: Keynote talks & training (9:00 am–12:00 pm) → Lunch & networking (12:00–1:30 pm) → Parallel presentations (1:30–4:30 pm) → Gala Dinner & Award Ceremony (8:00–10:00 pm)

Is there a virtual participation option? +

Yes. SAMYRAD 2026 offers both on-site and virtual presentation access. Authors may register for Virtual Presentation Only or Virtual Presentation and Publication at the same rates as their in-person equivalents. Only audience members (Listeners) who have not pre-registered may register on-site at the conference.

What is the Special Training with OpenAI about? +

SAMYRAD 2026 features an interactive workshop developed in collaboration with OpenAI, presented by Julius Nganji, PhD (University of Toronto) and Carlotta Reviglio (Strategic AI Success Engineer, OpenAI).

The workshop introduces practical AI applications in teaching, learning, and research, covering predictive analytics for student success, sentiment analysis of student feedback, responsible AI in education, and real-world case studies of AI adoption in universities. By the end, participants will be able to apply AI tools, evaluate ethical considerations, and integrate AI responsibly into their own academic contexts.

Who are the keynote speakers? +

SAMYRAD 2026 features keynote speakers from academia, industry, and government:

Academia: Rose Luckin, PhD (UCL / Institute for Ethical AI in Education) · Ignacio Aguaded, PhD (Universidad de Huelva / UNESCO-MIL World Prize 2023)

Industry: Irena Palamani Xhurxhi, PhD (Director of People Science, Walmart) · Diba Kaya (Staff Insights Researcher, JSTOR / ITHAKA)

Government: Soribel Feliz (Senior AI Policy & Governance Specialist, U.S. Department of Homeland Security) · Stephen Burt (Associate Deputy Minister, AI & Data, Ontario Public Service)

How can I contact the organizing team? +

For general inquiries, reach the team at info@samyrad.com. For privacy or data matters, contact support@samyrad.com. You can also follow SAMYRAD on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X (Twitter).

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Submissions & Call for Papers

What types of submissions are accepted? +

SAMYRAD 2026 accepts:

Full Papers – Up to 8 pages (including references). Completed studies with defined findings and methodological rigor.
Short Papers – Up to 5 pages. Completed studies in a concise format with clear findings.
Work-in-Progress Papers – Up to 3 pages. Ongoing work, pilot studies, or early-stage projects with preliminary findings.
Workshop Proposals – Applications for thematic workshops held during the conference.

Submissions may include qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods studies; conceptual papers; case studies; new educational tools; review articles; and work in progress.

What topics and tracks does SAMYRAD cover? +

SAMYRAD 2026 is open to all academic and professional disciplines where the work addresses AI's role in education, training, or learner preparation. The conference has 10 thematic tracks plus a Special Track on AI for Sustainable Development (UN SDGs):

Track 1: Cross-Disciplinary AI in Education (Medicine, Business, Engineering, Humanities, STEM, Law, Arts, etc.)
Track 2: AI-Enhanced Learning Environments
Track 3: Instructional Design and Teaching Innovation
Track 4: Designing and Assessing AI Tools in Education
Track 5: Ethical, Cultural, and Societal Considerations
Track 6: Educators, Leaders, and Institutional Innovation
Track 7: Infrastructure, Strategy, and Policy Frameworks
Track 8: Academic Research and Publishing Innovations
Track 9: Interdisciplinary and Cross-Cultural Insights
Track 10: Future Outlooks and Disruptive Developments
Special Track: AI for Sustainable Development (SDGs 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17)

How do I submit my paper? +

All submissions must be made through the CONFTOOL online system at conftool.com/samyrad2026. You first submit a structured abstract using the official SAMYRAD abstract template. Upon acceptance, you upload the full camera-ready manuscript by July 15, 2026, following the IEEE template.

Are there templates I need to follow? +

Yes. All submissions must follow official SAMYRAD formatting guidelines:

Abstract Template: The SAMYRAD Abstract Template (downloadable from the Call for Papers page).
Full/Short/WiP Manuscript Template: The IEEE Full Paper Template (also downloadable from the Call for Papers page).

The final camera-ready manuscript must strictly follow the IEEE template, pass compliance via PDF eXpress, and be accompanied by a completed eCopyright Form.

Is peer review required for accepted authors? +

Yes. Authors with accepted abstracts who proceed to submit a manuscript are required to complete three (3) peer reviews for the conference. Active participation in the peer-review process is mandatory. To volunteer as a reviewer, complete the SAMYRAD 2026 Reviewer Interest Form on the Call for Papers page. Reviewers receive an official certificate upon completion, which can be included in a CV and the Web of Science Reviewer Dashboard.

What is SAMYRAD's policy on AI-generated content in submissions? +

SAMYRAD 2026 upholds strict academic integrity standards regarding AI use:

Permitted: Using AI tools for language editing, grammar correction, text polishing, or improving clarity — as long as these do not contribute to the intellectual substance of the work.

Strictly prohibited: Generating text, arguments, ideas, analysis, citations, or data using AI tools. All intellectual contributions must be entirely the authors' own.

Mandatory disclosure: If AI tools were used in any capacity, authors must clearly disclose this in the Acknowledgements section, specifying the tool and purpose (e.g., "Used ChatGPT for language editing").

Manuscripts found to contain AI-generated intellectual content, undisclosed AI use, or fabricated references will be immediately rejected without review. No exceptions.

What is the Code of Conduct at SAMYRAD? +

SAMYRAD is committed to a welcoming, respectful, and harassment-free environment for all participants, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, appearance, race, religion, or background. Harassment of any kind — including intimidation, offensive language, unwelcome physical contact, or non-consensual recording — will not be tolerated.

Violations should be reported to the Conference Manager. SAMYRAD reserves the right to expel individuals in violation of this Code without refund. All attendees are expected to uphold integrity, inclusivity, and professionalism throughout the event.

03 /

Registration & Fees

When does registration open? +

Registration for SAMYRAD 2026 will open on July 15, 2026. Early bird registration is also available from July 1, 2026 for authors with accepted abstracts. The final registration deadline is September 30, 2026.

What are the registration categories and fees? +

Professionals

Category	Rate
Presentation and Publication (on-site)	USD 500
Presentation Only (on-site)	USD 400
Virtual Presentation and Publication	USD 500
Virtual Presentation Only	USD 400
Listener (on-site)	USD 300

Students & IEEE Members

Category	Rate
Presentation and Publication (on-site)	USD 400
Presentation Only (on-site)	USD 300
Virtual Presentation and Publication	USD 400
Virtual Presentation Only	USD 300
Listener (advance)	USD 200
Listener (on-site)	USD 250

Additional Charges

Item	Rate
Additional papers	USD 300
Extra pages (beyond 6)	USD 30/page
Gala Dinner ticket	USD 250

What do the different registration categories mean? +

Author Registration (Presentation + Publication): For participants submitting a full-length paper for publication and presentation at the conference.

Presenter Registration (Presentation Only): For those submitting an abstract and intending to present, without publishing a full paper.

Listener Registration: For attendees who will not present or publish any work — audience members only.

How do I pay? What payment methods are accepted? +

Payments are made via credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express) through the official Stripe payment links on the Registration page. There is no additional fee for card payments. For PayPal or alternative payment arrangements, contact info@samyrad.com.

Important: All payments must be made through official conference channels indicated in your acceptance letter. The organizing committee will never request credit card information for accommodations or travel — report any such requests as potential fraud.

Is there a student discount? What proof is required? +

Yes. Students receive discounted registration rates (approximately 20% less than the professional rate across equivalent categories). A valid student ID must be provided at the time of registration to qualify for the student discount.

Can I transfer my registration to someone else? +

Yes. Substitutions — such as co-authors or colleagues from the same institution — are allowed with prior approval from the organizing committee. Contact the conference team at info@samyrad.com to request a transfer.

What is the refund policy? +

Refunds will not be granted for circumstances including, but not limited to, visa denial, illness, travel issues, or financial difficulties. Registration is required for conference participation. If you cannot attend, a substitution with prior approval is the recommended alternative.

Are there page limits for manuscripts, and what are the extra-page charges? +

Manuscripts must be between 4 and 8 pages. Additional page charges apply for papers exceeding 6 pages, including all content (figures, tables, references). The extra-page fee is USD 30 per additional page. Late registration may result in publication delays.

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Publication & Awards

Where will my paper be published? +

SAMYRAD 2026 offers multiple publication pathways:

1. Abstract Book of Proceedings – All peer-reviewed and accepted abstracts are published in the SAMYRAD Abstract Book (ISSN + ISBN + individual DOIs).

2. Full Papers Book of Proceedings – Double-blind peer-reviewed full papers accepted by the Editorial Committee are published (ISSN + ISBN + DOIs). This volume will be submitted for indexing in Scopus.

3. IEEE Xplore (Select Proceedings) – Approximately 30% of high-quality full papers meeting IEEE's technical and ethical standards will be recommended for inclusion in the official IEEE-published proceedings and submitted to IEEE Xplore (indexed via Scopus, subject to IEEE's final approval).

4. Invited Journal Publications – A limited number of outstanding papers will be invited to submit extended versions to partner journals associated with the conference, including Intelligent Nudge in Education and Escuela Abierta.

What does it mean for my paper to be submitted to IEEE Xplore? +

A select number of the highest-quality full papers (~30%) will be recommended for inclusion in the official IEEE-published conference proceedings. These papers receive IEEE DOIs and are indexed through Scopus, subject to IEEE's final approval and quality control processes. Selection is based on meeting IEEE's technical and ethical standards — not all submitted papers will qualify.

What are the Best Paper Awards? +

SAMYRAD 2026 recognizes outstanding contributions through three awards presented at the Gala Dinner & Award Ceremony on October 6:

🏆 Best Paper Award — for the most impactful and original research contribution.
🎨 Best Poster Award — for the most creative and effective visual communication of research.
🎤 Best Presentation Award — for the most engaging and clearly delivered conference presentation.

What are the connected journals for extended publications? +

Following the conference and proceedings publication in IEEE Xplore, the Editorial Team will invite a limited number of outstanding papers to submit extended versions to:

Intelligent Nudge in Education – a journal focused on AI-enhanced educational approaches.
Escuela Abierta – an open-access scientific journal indexed in Scopus Q1 (available via Universidad CEU Fernando III).

Acceptance of these invitations is entirely optional and subject to each journal's independent peer-review process.

When will the proceedings be published? +

The conference proceedings are scheduled for publication on October 10, 2026, four days after the conference concludes.

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Venue & Accommodation

Where is the conference held? +

The conference takes place at Universidad CEU Fernando III, at the CEU Andalucía University Campus in Bormujos, near Seville, Spain. CEU Fernando III is a partner institution with over 90 years of academic history, offering modern facilities and an internationally oriented academic model.

Is there a recommended hotel for attendees? +

Yes. SAMYRAD 2026 has partnered with NH Hotel Plaza de Armas in Seville to offer exclusive preferential room rates for conference attendees. You can book through the SAMYRAD-specific link on the Venue page (nh-hotels.com/en/event/horizonne-views).

The conference bus to the venue will depart directly from NH Hotel Plaza de Armas.

What is the Gala Dinner and where does it take place? +

The Gala Dinner & Award Ceremony will be held on the evening of October 6, 2026 (8:00–10:00 pm) at the iconic Hotel Alfonso XIII, in its elegant Royal Hall (Sala Real). The hotel is a 5-star Luxury Collection landmark in Seville's historic Santa Cruz quarter, adjacent to the Reales Alcázares and Seville Cathedral.

The evening will feature local entertainment, networking with speakers and key decision-makers, and the presentation of the Best Paper, Best Poster, and Best Presentation Awards. Registration is required to attend the Gala Dinner; tickets are USD 250.

Will the organizing committee help with hotel or travel bookings? +

The organizing committee does not arrange individual travel or accommodations beyond providing the partner hotel booking link. Important: The organizing committee will never request credit card information for accommodations or travel. Any such request should be reported as potential fraud. For accommodation, use the official NH Hotel booking link provided on the Venue page.

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Partnerships & Sponsorships

What sponsorship opportunities are available? +

SAMYRAD 2026 offers three sponsorship tiers tailored to different types of organizations:

Industry Partners – Ideal for companies, startups, tech leaders, and organizations in AI, EdTech, digital transformation, or innovation. Benefits include brand visibility across the conference (website, stage, programs, communications), participation in panels and workshops, VIP networking access, and exhibition opportunities.

Academic Institutions – Ideal for universities, research institutes, schools of education, and academic networks. Benefits include a platform to shape the global AI-education dialogue, faculty and researcher participation in editorial boards and thematic sessions, preferential registration discounts for the institution's community, and invitations to high-level events including the Gala Dinner.

Academic Advocates – Ideal for individual researchers, thought leaders, and community builders. Benefits include a unique trackable link and discount code, commission-based rewards tied to registrations, visibility on SAMYRAD's channels, and invitations to exclusive sessions at higher tiers.

How do I become a sponsor or partner? +

Fill out the sponsorship interest form at forms.gle/hDKRNoQDs6r5z73r6. The SAMYRAD team will contact you with a tailored sponsorship proposal detailing brand presence and impact opportunities for your organization.

Who are the current conference partners? +

SAMYRAD 2026 partners include leading global organizations across academia, industry, and the public sector:

Key partners: IEEE · OpenAI · IEEE Education Society · IEEE Spain · Universidad de los Andes · Universidad CEU Fernando III · University of Calcutta · WISE (Qatar Foundation) · Oxford Brookes University (REAL-HE) · Teknológico de Monterrey (IFE) · Centrum PUCP · Smart Data Analysis Systems Group · BH Futures Foundation · Udekom Balkans · Horizonne Views · and more.