Call for Proposals – WATLF 2026

connection and collaboration are the foundation of meaningful change in higher education

In 2026, WATLF is all about bringing people together — across institutions, disciplines, and perspectives — to imagine what’s possible when we work side by side. This year’s theme celebrates the power of connection and the impact of true collaboration on learning, teaching, and our university communities.

Throughout the Forum, we’ll explore bold ideas, practical solutions, and inspiring examples that show how collaboration can lead to innovation, inclusion, and lasting change. Whether you’re sharing your own work, sparking conversation, or simply soaking up inspiration, your contribution helps shape the future we’re building together.

We welcome staff and students from across WA’s universities – we especially encourage collaborative proposals that cross disciplines, roles, or institutions, and invite staff to consider including students as co-presenters.

Close-up of participants taking notes during a seminar—capturing active engagement and shared learning at the forum.

Our 2026 Theme & Program Streams

Co-creating the Future: Connection and Collaboration in Higher Education is a call to explore how we work together to create meaningful change.

Students sitting in a circle, collaborating with notebooks and devices—reflecting shared wellbeing and support in learning environments.

Thriving Together

Building cultures of care that support wellbeing and belonging for both students and educators

Person engaged in a traditional Indigenous ceremony with painted hands and smoking leaves—honoring cultural knowledge and learning practices.

Indigenous Knowledges and Ways of Learning

Embedding Indigenous perspectives to enrich cultural understanding and create deeper connections.

Two people collaborating at a computer in a library—highlighting how technology supports student learning and engagement.

Supporting Students Through Educational Technology

Harnessing technology and AI to enhance equity, access, and engagement.

Students writing in a classroom setting—representing evolving approaches to assessment and learner engagement.

Reimagining Assessment

Designing inclusive, authentic assessments that reflect diverse learner strengths

Hands holding a model building with solar panels—symbolizing innovative, cross-disciplinary approaches to sustainability in education.

Transdisciplinary Sustainability

Collaborating across disciplines to embed ecological literacy and sustainable practices in higher education.

Group collaborating around a table with laptops, notebooks, and coffee—reflecting shared efforts toward positive change in education culture.

Cultural Change

Creating the conditions for transformative, future-focused shifts in learning and teaching.

Presentation Categories for 2026

Showcase Presentation

20 mins + 5 mins of Q&A

Share a focused story of practice or research that aligns with the 2026 theme. Outline what you did, evidence of impact, and key takeaways others can adopt. Student co-presenters welcome.

Interactive Workshop

90 mins

A hands-on session where participants actively try, discuss, or build something together. State clear learning outcomes and the activities/tools you’ll use to achieve them. Plan for accessibility and time for reflection.

Nuts and Bolts

5-10 mins + 5 mins Q&A

A concise spotlight on a practical solution, tool, or strategy from your own teaching and learning—or a short version of a Showcase talk. Ideal for first-time presenters. Finish with a prompt to spark discussion on adoption/adaptation.

Closing Panel

90 mins including Q&A

Expressions of interest are encouraged from applicants who submit in the either the Showcase Presentation or Interactive Workshop to join a cross-institutional panel that weaves together insights across the streams and proposes next steps for WA higher education. Outline your perspective, the stream(s) you’ll speak to, and the contribution you’d bring.

*Please read the FAQ section for further information.

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