Phenomenography and Variation Theory Global Network Inaugural Conference
The Phenomenography and Variation Theory Global Network Inaugural Conference will bring together researchers, doctoral students, early-career researchers, and research-engaged practitioners working within and alongside phenomenography and variation theory. The conference will take place at University of Gothenburg, Sweden 7–9 October 2026.
About the conference
This first conference marks an important moment for the international PVT community. It aims to provide a collegial space for scholarly dialogue, knowledge exchange, methodological discussion, and collaboration across countries, disciplines, and educational contexts. We are pleased to announce that registration for the conference is free. This reflects the network’s commitment to accessibility and to supporting participation across career stages and geographical contexts.
The conference will include keynote presentations, paper sessions, PhD and ECR activities, and informal networking opportunities. Planned social and networking events will also provide space for delegates to connect during the conference.
More information
The Phenomenography & Variation Theory Global Network Inaugural Conference is the first conference organised by the newly established PVT Global Network. The conference focuses broadly on Phenomenography and Variation Theory, bringing together work that contributes to the development, application, and critical discussion of these research traditions. It welcomes contributions from across educational research and related fields, including studies concerned with learning, teaching, knowledge, experience, subject didactics, professional learning, and methodological development. The conference aims to support international dialogue and collaboration across the growing global PVT community. It is intended as a space for established scholars, doctoral students, early-career researchers, and research-engaged practitioners to share research, discuss theoretical and methodological questions, and develop connections across contexts.
- Phenomenography
- Variation Theory
- Learning and lesson study
- Teaching and learning in schools, higher education, and professional settings
- Methodological development
- Subject didactics
- Professional learning
- Early childhood, school, university, and workplace learning contexts
- Cross-disciplinary applications, including health, nursing, AI, and professional practice
- PhD and early-career researcher development
Contact
Contact
Contact
Registration
Registration for the Phenomenography & Variation Theory Global Network Inaugural Conference is now closed. We look forward to welcoming registred delegates to the University of Gothenburg 7-9 October 2026.
Abstract Submissions
Abstract submissions for the conference are now closed. Accepted abstracts are available in the Book of Abstracts.
Conference Programme
The conference will take place from Wednesday 7 October to Friday 9 October 2026 at the Department of Pedagogical, Curricular and Professional Studies University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Phd and ECR activities
PhD Breakfast with the Keynote Speakers
PhD students are warmly invited to join an informal breakfast with the keynote speakers on Friday 9 October, 08:30–09:30. Coffee and pastries will be available, and the session will provide a relaxed space for questions, conversation and networking. This is an opportunity to meet other PhD students working within and around phenomenography and variation theory, ask questions about research, methodology and academic development, and hear more about ongoing and future PhD-focused activities within the PVT Global Network.
Networking and Social Events
The conference includes several opportunities for informal discussion, collaboration and networking.
- The Collaborative Space session on Thursday afternoon will provide an opportunity for delegates to meet, exchange ideas and explore possibilities for future collaboration through small-group discussions.
- An optional guided city walk will take place on Thursday 8 October at 17:15. Places are limited to 25 participants, and sign-up will be available at the registration desk. The walk will finish at Hotel Flora, where all delegates are warmly invited to join for an informal drink and social networking afterwards.
- The conference will conclude with the PVT Network Forum and Conference Closing on Friday 9 October, 11:00–12:00. This will be an open meeting for all delegates and an opportunity to contribute to the future direction of the PVT Global Network.
Key Note speakers
We are pleased to announce two keynote speakers for the Phenomenography & Variation Theory Global Network Inaugural Conference.
Dr Lam, Ho Cheong
Department of Early Childhood Education, The Education University of Hong Kong
Title: Reflecting Upon Core Concepts of Phenomenography and Variation Theory
Professor Åke Ingerman
Vice-Chancellor of Örebro University and Professor in Science and Technology Education
Title: From Making Sense of Studying to Facilitating Learning at Scale
Practical information
The conference will be hosted at the Department of Pedagogical, Curricular and Professional Studies, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Conference Venue
Pedagogen House B, Läroverksgatan 15, Gothenburg, Sweden
Registration will take place at the reception area when you enter Pedagogen House B.
Conference rooms
- Room BE015
- Room BE016
- Room B1116
Getting to the venue
From Landvetter Airport, it takes approximately 30–40 minutes by bus using Flygbussarna Airport Coaches to Kungsportsplatsen, which is located close to the conference venue.
From Gothenburg Central Station, delegates can either walk to the venue in approximately 15 minutes or take tram 9 to Grönsakstorget.
For public transport information, delegates can use the official Västtrafik journey planner and search for routes to or from Grönsakstorget.