Challenge Based Education (CBE) international conference 2026

This international conference focuses on exploring and analyzing Challenge-Based Education (CBE) experiences implemented in higher education institutions in collaboration with global organizations. Our goal is to create a space for professional and multidisciplinary dialogue that goes beyond theory, fostering the exchange of innovative practices, the evaluation of their impact, and critical reflection on their scalability and sustainability.

The event will address how CBL drives the development of technical skills while simultaneously promoting essential 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, collaborative leadership, and social and environmental co-responsibility.

Researchers, teachers, managers, and professionals from diverse fields are invited to share their findings and reflections, ensuring a pluralistic and diverse representation of experiences that enrich the collective understanding of the transformative potential of CBE.

CALL FOR PAPERS

The CBE i3lab permanent laboratory at the University of the Basque Country (EHU) is organizing the First International Conference on Challenge-Based Education (CBE). The Conference will bring together professionals from the educational, research, professional, industrial, and community sectors to share experiences, research results, and collaborative models aimed at generating real social impact through education.

The central theme will be “CBE: Educating for Social Impact,” providing a space for critical dialogue, the exchange of innovative practices, and reflection on the scalability, sustainability and educational transformation offered by the CBE approach.

Submission of proposals

Proposals must be submitted through this FORM. Each author may submit up to two proposals in different formats, and applications will be accepted in the following languages: Basque, Spanish or English.

Objective of the Call for Papers

To gather and disseminate practical experiences, research, implementation strategies, and innovation case studies related to Challenge-Based Education, strengthening collaboration among educational institutions, organizations, and communities.

Thematic Areas

Proposals may address, among others, the following areas:

• Design and implementation of challenges in educational settings
• Collaboration with external stakeholders and community engagement
• Learning assessment in CBE-type projects
• Technological strategies and tools for challenge development
• Teacher training and institutional models for CBE
• Impact of CBE on skills, innovation, entrepreneurship, and employability
• Intersector-based experiences and collaborative work

Participation Modalities

1. Oral Presentation

Presentation of research, experiences, or theoretical developments.

Duration: 15 minutes + 5 minutes for questions.

Requirements: Title; Author/s and affiliation; Abstract (250–300 words); Objectives, methodology, results, and conclusions; Keywords (3–5).

2. Poster

Visual display of projects, research progress, or best practices.

Submission format: Abstract (200–250 words); Objective of the work; Challenge description; Participating entities; Keywords (3–5)

3. Interactive Session — Polyphony of Voices

Space to present collaborative case studies involving the academic community, external entities (companies, NGOs, government), and/or students.

Brief document (300–400 words): nature of the challenge; roles of participants; key results and reflections; added value of the collaborative work.

Evaluation Criteria

• Relevance to the CBE methodology
• Clarity of objectives and methodological coherence
• Soundness of results
• Degree of innovation and impact
• Effective collaboration among stakeholders
• Quality of writing and structure

Important Dates

Call for papers opening: 3^rd February 2026

Call for papers closing: 30^th April 2026

Notification of acceptance: 1^st June 2026

Conference dates: 27^th-28^th October 2026

Certification

All papers accepted and presented will receive an official certificate of participation. The best contributions may be invited to be included in a subsequent publication.

General Rules

• All authors must be registered and have paid the registration fee.
• Each author may contribute to a maximum of two publications.
• The person registering the paper is responsible for submitting the final text.
• If the work is accepted for publication, the title may be modified, but not the content or the research topic.
• Final submission deadlines are non-extendable.

Evaluation Committee · CBE 2026 International Conference
An international group of reference in Challenge Based Education and educational innovation will ensure the quality and rigor of all contributions.
Among its members are two prominent international leaders:

• Sonia M. Gómez Puente (TU Eindhoven, Netherlands)
• Mansi Sharma (University of Ghent, Belgium)

In addition, the committee includes professionals from CBE i3lab, UPV/EHU and Euskampus Foundation, experts in active methodologies, sustainability, employability, educational design and international projects.
• Aitor Mendia-Urrutia – Professor and researcher at the Faculty of Education, Philosophy and Anthropology (UPV/EHU).
• Ana Bilbao-Goyoaga – Professor of Business English and expert in active methodologies (UPV/EHU).
• Esther Cruz-Iglesias – Professor and researcher in Didactics and School Organization (UPV/EHU).
• Frederik Verbeke – UPV/EHU professor and promoter of active methodologies.
• Itziar Rekalde-Rodríguez – CBE i3lab coordinator and UPV/EHU associate professor.
• Julieta Barrenechea – Head of Educational Renewal and Employability at the Euskampus Foundation.
• Olatz Zinkunegi-Goitia – Researcher and PhD candidate in Education for Sustainable Development (UPV/EHU).
• Paula Canal – EmPACT i3 project technician at the Euskampus Foundation.
• Pilar Gil-Molina – Professor of Developmental and Educational Psychology (UPV/EHU).
• Xabier González Laskibar – Professor of Business Organization and Administration (UPV/EHU).
Double-blind peer review
The conference will use a double-blind peer review system, guaranteeing a fair and rigorous process.
Remember: contributions must be submitted completely anonymously.

Methodology

Our methodological approach departs from traditional passive formats to introduce a hybrid and immersive model, centered on active participation, co-creation, and the practical application of CBE during the conference itself.

Key elements:

• Interactive Presentation Sessions (Lightning Talks and Panel Discussions): Instead of lengthy presentations, we will encourage brief presentations (lightning talks) followed by discussion, prioritizing interaction with the audience and exchange among experts.
• Poster Exhibition: A space will be available for poster presentations, accompanied by question-and-answer sessions, increasing the reach and accessibility of the contributions.

This methodology aims to make the conference itself a "challenge-based learning experience," where attendees act as active agents in knowledge generation.

Interactive Session – Polyphony of Voices: Spaces will be organized where different agents (researchers, teachers, professionals and students) with advanced projects can present their work and receive structured and constructive feedback from their peers.