CARN Conference 2026: Towards a just and humane society
“Join us in reimagining what it means to live, learn, and work — together”
- When: 5-7 November 2026
- Where: University of Humanistic Studies and University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Final abstract submission deadline: 30th May 2026
- Registration opening soon
- Questions: carn2026@uvh.nl
The conference mission
This conference brings together citizens, professionals, educators, researchers, and policymakers to explore new pathways towards a society that values dignity, justice, and mutual responsibility. We will share experiences of joint experiments and collaborative and participatory research projects at the local, regional, and national levels, and even global levels. We will learn from each other and co-create new forms of participatory research practice.
Key themes
- Wellbeing and empowerment of children and young people
- Quality of life and inclusion for older adults, people with disabilities or chronic illness, migrant and refugee people
- Professional learning and ethical development
- Emerging social movements and grassroots initiatives
- Peacebuilding, community resilience, and civic engagement
- Designing caring and sustainable environments and inclusive public spaces
- Systemic change, power and empowerment, and political influence
Keynote speakers
We proudly announce our keynote speakers:
- Dr. Carmen Martinez Vargas – Assistant professor in Education and Social Justice, School of Social Sciences, Lancaster University
- Prof. Dr. Sandra Schruijer – Professor in Organisation and Management, School of Governance, Utrecht University
- Dr. Jur Koksma – associate professor Transformative Learning, Health Academy Nijmegen & Radboudumc
- Dr. Arthur Kok – Assistant professor, School of Transforming the Economy, Fontys University of Applied Sciences
- Dr. Hanke Drop – associate professor Arts Therapy Studies, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
Program
Thursday
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Preconference @ Windesheim-Almere (limited places)
Together we make the city: 50 years old New Town Almere
The Urban Innovation research group (Windesheim University of Applied Sciences) warmly welcomes the Collaborative Action Research Network to Almere! Almere is a so-called new town, built on reclaimed land in the Netherlands. This year, Almere celebrates its 50th anniversary. It is the youngest city of the Netherlands with already over 220.000 inhabitants and plans for 300.000 in the near future. See for more information: History of Almere | Visit Almere
The Urban Innovation research group focuses on inclusive and sustainable urban development. The urban area is where great challenges of the future lie. There are social issues at stake, and at the same time cities face major challenges in the fields of (re)construction, sustainability and liveability. For a visual presentation see: Lectoraat Urban Innovation | hogeschool Windesheim – YouTube (use settings for subtitles).
Members of our research group use different research approaches. With the aim to contribute to a just and humane society in the research we pursue a participatory approach. We work and learn together with students, regional organisations, policy makers and residents, where different interests are at stake. These collaborations are interesting, enriching and oftentimes challenging.
During the preconference we are pleased to
• Take you on a journey through the origins of New Town Almere.
• Highlight a variety of our research collaborations together with diverse partners.
• Learn from your knowledge and experience: Where can we improve our participatory approach, where do you see opportunities and possibilities?Programma at a glance
• 9.00 a.m. Departure, by bus, from Utrecht Central Station to Almere
• 10.30 a.m. Welcome and presentation about New Town Almere
• 12.00 p.m. Walking lunch along various research projects
• 1.30 p.m. Workshop: learning about one of the participatory research projects
• 2.30 p.m. Departure, by bus, from Almere back to Utrecht Central Station
You will be on time for the opening sessionOther practical information
Estimated costs: 50 euro per person
Available tickets for max. 60 persons.
Transportation, lunch and drinks are included.
Part of the programme involves walking, so bring rainwear and warm clothing if necessary.
- 2.30 – 3.45 p.m. Registration University of Humanistic Studies
- 4.00 – 4.30 p.m. Opening session Singelkerk
- 4.30 – 5.30 p.m. Keynote speech Singelkerk
- 6.00 – 7.30 p.m. Welcome Reception University of Humanistic Studies: 50 years of CARN
Friday (including lunch)
- 8:30 a.m. Drop-in/registration University of Applied Sciences
- 9.00 – 10:30 a.m. Parallel sessions
- 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Break
- 11:00 – 12:00 a.m. 2 parallel keynotes speeches
- 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch
- 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. Posters Presentation
- 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Parallel sessions
- 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Break
- 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Parallel sessions
- 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. Arrival Stadskasteel Oudaen
- 7:00 p.m. Start conference dinner Stadskasteel Oudaen
Saturday
- 08:30 a.m. Drop-in/registration University of Applied Sciences
- 09:00 – 10:00 a.m. 2 parallel keynote speeches
- 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Break
- 10:30 – 12:00 a.m. Parallel sessions
- 12:15 – 13:15 p.m. Plenary session and announcement CARN 2027
- 13:15 p.m. Lunch (packages)
Timeline, Conference Fees and Registration
Dates to note:
- 30th May 2026: Submission of Abstracts
- 1st July 2025: Response to authors who submitted abstracts by 30th of May
- 7th September: Registration Deadline for Presenters
- Until 7th September 2025: Registration Early Bird (€ 375,- for CARN members; € 425,- for non-CARN members)
- 8th September 2025 – 22th October 2026: Registration (€ 425,- for CARN members; € 475,- for non-CARN members)
- Optional Preconference (Thursday): € 60,-
- Optional Conference Dinner (Friday): € 75,-
When registering as a non-CARN member, you receive a 1-year membership with CARN. By registering, you agree to share your data with CARN.
Reduced conference fee
There are very limited options to help with the costs for participants who have difficulty financing. In that case, you can send a request by email to carn2026@uvh.nl with an explanation of your situation.
Hotel Service
Hotel Service Utrecht has negotiated set (non-fluctuating) rates with flexible cancellation policies, fully refundable within the cancellation period. See the options here (more options will become available).
Call for Abstracts
- Final Abstract Submission Deadline: May 30, 2026
- Results of abstract review returned to authors: first week of July, 2026
- All proposals need to be submitted in English via this form.
The CARN formats are designed to create a highly interactive atmosphere and to accommodate the presentation of research at various stages. Please read carefully the document about the formats and submission guidelines.
Questions?
Should you have any further queries or require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us on carn2026@uvh.nl.
The Collaborative Action Research Network
The Collaborative Action Research Network (CARN) is committed to supporting and improving the quality of professional practice, through systematic, critical, and creative inquiry into the goals, processes and contexts of professional work.
