We invite educators, professional staff, and collaborators across the higher education sector to contribute to WATLF 2026. Submitting a proposal is your opportunity to share innovative practices, spark discussion, and build connections with colleagues across institutions.
Proposals are welcome from all disciplines and roles — whether you’re leading large-scale projects, trialling new approaches in your classroom, or developing strategies to support student and staff success.
Equity & Inclusion: WATLF warmly encourages proposals from early-career educators, Indigenous colleagues, people with disability, neurodivergent educators, and others whose voices are often underrepresented.
To help ensure consistency, we’ve outlined the requirements for each presentation category below. Please review these carefully before submitting, and remember to keep your language clear and accessible, as accepted abstracts will be published in the program.
We welcome proposals from all staff working in teaching and learning across WA universities — both academic and professional, students, and cross-institutional teams. Collaboration is strongly encouraged.
First-time presenters are especially encouraged to submit. WATLF is a collaborative, supportive space — a chance to share ideas, trial new approaches, and learn together. Every contribution helps shape the conversation and inspire the community. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of learning and teaching across WA and beyond.
WATLF strongly encourages submissions from early-career educators, Indigenous colleagues, people with disability, neurodivergent educators, and other underrepresented voices.
Showcase Presentation: Abstract length up to 250 words.
Interactive Workshop: Description length up to 150 words.
Nuts and Bolts: Description length up to 100 words.
Closing Panel: Showcase and Interactive Workshop submissions will also be considered for the Closing Panel. When submitting, you will be asked if you’d like to self-nominate to represent your institution as a WATLF Closing Panel Champion. If you select “yes,” you’ll be prompted to provide additional responses in the form.
Additional Requirements:
Clearly indicate which stream and presentation category your proposal aligns with.
You’ll be asked to respond to a set of category-specific questions in the online form. Please review the preview link for details before submitting.
Use clear, accessible language — accepted abstracts will be published in the program.
Submissions must be completed online by the published deadline (see Important Dates).
Proposals will be reviewed on:
Alignment with the forum theme and streams
Relevance to teaching and learning in higher education
Clarity, originality, and potential impact
Balance across program streams and categories
Closing Panel Selection Criteria:
Panelists will be selected from self-nominated Showcase and Workshop presenters based on their ability to:
represent their institution in a collaborative and collegial way,
speak confidently in front of a large audience, and
engage in cross-disciplinary discussion that reflects the broader themes of WATLF.
The organising committee will also consider diversity of institutions, disciplines, and perspectives to ensure a balanced and inclusive panel.
1st September 2025 — Call for Proposals opens
7 November 2025 — Call for Proposals closes
Late November 2025 — Presenter notifications
10 November 2025 — Early-bird registration opens
15 December 2025 — Early-bird registration closes
16 December 2025 – 22 January 2026 — Full registration period
23 January – 1 February 2026 — Late registration period
5–6 February 2026 — WATLF 2026 Forum
You’ll be asked to select one of the following categories when submitting.
Showcase Presentation – Share insights, research, or case studies in a concise talk.
Interactive Workshop – Hands-on sessions where participants learn by doing.
Nuts and Bolts – Practical tips, tools, or demonstrations for immediate use.
Closing Panel – Contribute to a collaborative dialogue wrapping up forum themes.
👉 Detailed guides for each category will be available 1st September to preview submission questions and prepare offline.
Yes — multiple proposals are welcome, though only one may be accepted depending on program balance. You must submit an online form for each proposal.
Yes — co-presentations and cross-institutional teams are strongly encouraged.
Yes — all presenters must register to attend the forum.
Please select the stream that feels like the closest fit. The program team may reassign if appropriate.
All presentation rooms will be equipped with:
A projector or display screen
Power access
2 x USB inputs and 1 x HDMI input
Tables and chairs
You're welcome to bring your own device for your session. If you’re using a Mac, we recommend also bringing an adaptor just in case. To make things as smooth as possible, you’re also encouraged to bring a copy of your presentation on a USB drive, which can be loaded prior to the start of your session.
Workshop rooms will include:
A projector or display screen
Power access
2 x USB inputs and 1 x HDMI input
Tables and chairs that can be reconfigured for group work
If your workshop involves interactive or movement-based activities, you are welcome to adjust the furniture layout to suit your needs. Please return the room to its original setup at the end of your session.
You’re also welcome to bring your own device. If you’re using a Mac, we recommend bringing an adaptor. As a backup, we suggest saving any slides or materials to a USB drive.
If you require additional equipment or specific room setup beyond the standard provision, please let the organising team know in advance through your proposal or by contacting watlf@curtin.edu.au.
Want to know how proposals are assessed? See our Submissions & Selection Guidelines page for transparency on eligibility and review process
WATLF is committed to inclusivity and accessibility. If you require assistance with the submission process or adjustments to support your participation, please contact us at watlf@curtin.edu.au
Mark your calendars! The online portal opens, Monday 1st September.