Important Dates

Stay tuned for important updates regarding IMCL2026! Key dates, including submission deadlines, registration periods, and program announcements, are shown in the table. Nevertheless, it’s essential to keep an eye on our communications to ensure you don’t miss any critical information about the conference.

Date Activity
05 Jun 2026Submission of Special Session proposals
07 Jun 2026Notification of acceptance and announcement of Special Sessions
17 Jun 2026Submission of structured abstracts for Full Papers and Short Papers only.
All other contribution types
(Special Session Papers, Work-in-Progress Papers, Posters, Doctoral Consortium Papers, Round Tables, Workshops and Tutorials) follow a one-step submission process.
21 Jun 2026Notification of acceptance for abstracts for the main conference
13 Jul 2026Submission of:
(i) complete papers for Full Papers and Short Papers
(ii) Special Session Papers, Work-in-Progress Papers, Posters, and Doctoral Consortium Papers
(iii) proposals for Round Tables, Workshops, Tutorials
27 Jul 2026Notification of acceptance
21 Sep 2026Camera-ready due/Final upload
21 Sep 2026Author registration
12 Nov 2026Conference Opening

IMCL Main Conference

Call for Papers

Download Detailed Call as PDF

Overview

The 17th International Conference on Intelligent Multimodal Communication and Learning Technologies (IMCL2026) focuses on “Artificial Intelligence in Education, Learning and Research”, highlighting the transformative role of AI and multimodal technologies in creating adaptive, interactive, and inclusive learning environments, while advancing human-computer interaction, accessibility, and data-driven education. It brings together researchers, educators, developers, and policy makers to foster innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of cutting-edge AI-driven solutions for teaching, learning, and research.

Conference Proceedings

All paper and short paper submissions are subject to a double blind reviewing process. Only accepted and presented papers will appear in the proceedings if they have been uploaded before the deadlines.

The conference proceedings will be published as IMCL2026 Proceedings in the Springer series "Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems". The books of this series are indexed by SCOPUS, INSPEC, WTI Frankfurt eG, zbMATH, SCImago and are submitted for consideration to Web of Science. Selected award papers will be recommended for publication in the International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM), the International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET) and the International Journal for Online Engineering (iJOE).

Topics of Interest

Multimodal and AI-Driven Learning Technologies
  • Multimodal Inputs and Outputs
  • Conversational AI and Intelligent Agents
  • Context-Aware and Adaptive Interfaces
  • Gesture-Based and Multimodal Interaction
  • Multilingual and Cross-cultural Learning Systems
  • Augmented, Virtual, Mixed and Extended Reality (XR)
  • AI and Machine Learning for Adaptive Learning
  • Multimodal Content Creation and Delivery
Intelligent Learning Systems and Infrastructures
  • Artificial Intelligence in Education
  • Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs)
  • Learning Analytics and Educational Data Mining
  • Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Smart Interfaces
  • Wearables and Internet of Things (IoT) in Learning
  • Interoperability and Data Standards in Education
  • Micro-credentials and Digital Credentials
Applications and Practices in AI-Enhanced Learning
  • Personalized and Adaptive Learning
  • AI-driven Assessment and Feedback
  • Human-AI Collaboration in Learning and Research
  • Corporate Training and Professional Development
  • Assistive and Inclusive Learning Technologies
  • Smart Classrooms and Virtual Learning Environments
  • Gamification and Serious Games
  • Online Learning and Digital Education Platforms
Challenges, Ethics and Future Directions
  • Data Privacy, Security and Trust
  • Ethical and Responsible AI in Education
  • Bias and Fairness in AI Systems
  • AI Governance and Policy in Education
  • 5G, Edge Computing and Scalable Learning Systems
  • AI-driven Emotional Intelligence and Affective Computing
  • Immersive and Metaverse Learning Spaces

ICL Special Sessions

Calls for Papers

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Higher Education Ecosystems (AI4HE)

This Special Session explores the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in shaping the future of higher education ecosystems, with particular emphasis on European university alliances as emerging transnational education actors, with interoperable digital infrastructures, flexible learning pathways, and cross-institutional collaboration.

As higher education institutions increasingly integrate AI-driven services, learning analytics, intelligent tutoring systems, digital credentials, and data-driven governance models, universities are evolving towards interconnected and intelligent educational ecosystems. In this context, Artificial Intelligence is not only influencing teaching and learning processes, but also redefining institutional cooperation, mobility, learner support, curriculum design, quality assurance, and lifelong learning cross-institutional services.

The session aims to bring together researchers, educators, policy makers, alliance coordinators, and educational technology experts to discuss how AI technologies can support innovation, interoperability, inclusion, sustainability, and strategic transformation in higher education.

Particular attention will be given to the role of AI in university alliances, virtual campuses, learner mobility, micro-credentials, intelligent student services, multilingual educational environments, trusted digital infrastructures, and AI governance frameworks.

The session also welcomes contributions presenting practical implementations, institutional strategies, policy perspectives, pilot initiatives, and research studies related to AI-supported educational ecosystems and the future evolution of higher education.

The Special Session aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue between technological, pedagogical, organizational, and policy perspectives, while highlighting the opportunities and challenges emerging from the integration of AI within higher education ecosystems.

Download Detailed Call as PDF

Digital Technology in Health and Sports (DiTHeS)

Sports, physical activity, and health play a vital role in contemporary society, while digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence are increasingly transforming the ways physical activity is practiced, monitored, taught, supported, and experienced. Mobile technologies, wearable devices, AI-driven analytics, intelligent coaching systems, digital health applications, and technology-enhanced learning environments create new opportunities for promoting health, well-being, inclusion, performance, prevention, rehabilitation, and lifelong engagement in active lifestyles.

The Special Session aims to provide a forum for researchers, educators, practitioners, policy makers, healthcare professionals, and sport organizations to present and discuss recent developments related to the design, development, implementation, and deployment of digital technologies in health, sports, physical activity, and well-being.

Download Detailed Call as PDF

Games in Engineering Education (GinEE)

Today, electronic games are more than just entertainment platforms – they are platforms through which we experience virtual situations, try out strategies, and develop respectively simulate new ideas. In addition, Game-Based Learning applying AI is set to grow rapidly. On the one hand, AI supports game design and implementation. On the other hand, AI enables self-regulated personalized learning.

Applications of Game-Based Learning include automotive, aerospace and systems engineering, medicine, banking, and management. In this context, games are successful educational approaches, mainly when they are built on one of today's well-established didactic frameworks aiming at strengthening self-regulated personalized learning.

This Special Session, Games in Engineering Education (GinEE), held as part of the IMCL 2026 Conference in Athens, Greece, in November 2026, aims to explore all aspects of developing, adapting, and applying digital game-based and game-like approaches in engineering education. The session will provide a platform for presenting the latest developments in the field of games in engineering education, exchanging innovative ideas, discussing open research questions, and identifying future directions. Original contributions presenting novel applications, usability studies, empirical findings, practical experiences, and conceptual approaches related to this topic are welcome. This special session brings together researchers, educators, developers, and industry stakeholders to share ideas and experiences, foster collaboration, and strengthen networking between academia and industry.

Download Detailed Call as PDF

Interoperability in Education: Standards, AI and Connected Learning Ecosystems (InterEdu)

This Special Session explores the role of interoperability in shaping the future of digital education, intelligent learning environments, and connected learning ecosystems. As educational institutions increasingly adopt AI-driven services, digital credentials, learning analytics, virtual mobility solutions, and cross-institutional learning infrastructures, interoperability becomes a critical enabler for scalable, trusted, and learner-centered educational ecosystems.

The session aims to bring together researchers, practitioners, policy makers, standards organizations, and educational technology stakeholders to discuss emerging frameworks, architectures, standards, and implementation practices supporting interoperable and sustainable digital learning environments.

Particular emphasis will be given to educational interoperability standards, AI-enabled educational ecosystems, micro-credentials and digital credentials, trusted infrastructures for learner mobility and virtual exchange, semantic interoperability, learning data portability, and institutional interoperability practices in higher education and lifelong learning.

The session also welcomes contributions presenting real-world interoperability implementations, cross-institutional platforms, European Universities Alliances initiatives, interoperability governance models, and AI-supported connected learning services.

The Special Session aims to foster dialogue between technical, organizational, semantic, and policy perspectives of interoperability, while highlighting how interoperable ecosystems can support flexibility, inclusion, lifelong learning, and trusted digital transformation in education.

Download Detailed Call as PDF

Meaning – Learning – Rehabilitation with Music Support (MLRMS)

As Cognitive AI becomes involved with increased sensorineural synaesthesia, the “macroscopic behaviour” in Learning Environments and Rehabilitation Units is instinctively repleted with Affective Modeling apps, heavily relying on the emotional abetment of its users.

Aiding, stimulating or encouraging learners through Animated Agents, Intelligent Musical - Educational Applications for Collective Constructions, usually via Mobile, Portable, Wearable or Implanted devices increases Pedagogical Negotiation and Solidarity. The latter is very crucial for Special Education Environments.

The AI breakthrough of the last couple of years has a profound impact for Academia: The Epistemological, Methodological and Psychological Foundations of such Agent-based Tutoring Systems are sought to be introduced with a rational, well-informed and technologically sound forecasting for the combined efforts of Artists, Scientists, Physicians and Technology Experts.

Mobile Computing is accredited for the massive bulk of multimedia music content distributed frantically worldwide. Mobile devices are not simply handy for recording thousand of live performances daily, but, also, for ubiquitously providing music videos to a thirsty world audience. Furthermore, equipped with AI agents, they provide a framework for reconstructing musical environments coming from the past.

Furthermore, for the rich historical cultural past of the Balkans, AI apps may accelerate the buildup of specialized – yet diverse in orientation – formative learning units.

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AI and Primary Education (K-6): Practices, Perceptions, Policies, Burdens and Drawbacks. A Holistic Approach (Prim-AI)

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into educational ecosystems is fundamentally reshaping teaching and learning. While much academic discourse focuses on higher or secondary education, the primary education sector (K-6) presents unique pedagogical, developmental, and ethical challenges. Young learners interact with technology differently, requiring tailored approaches that balance innovation with child safety and cognitive well-being.

This special session aims to provide a holistic forum for researchers, educators, and policymakers to critically examine the multifaceted impact of AI on primary education. Moving beyond techno-optimism, the session invites contributions that explore not only innovative practices but also the systemic burdens, ethical dilemmas, and practical drawbacks of this digital transition.

We welcome empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and case studies addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

  • Practices & Methodologies: Innovative AI utilization, child-centric interface design, gamification, and digital storytelling in K-6.
  • Perceptions & Literacy: Views of students, teachers, and parents; fostering AI literacy and prompt engineering readiness for young learners.
  • Policies & Ethics: Educational frameworks, data privacy, academic integrity, and moral issues regarding AI deployment.
  • Burdens & Drawbacks: Cognitive and psychological impacts on early development, the "black box" problem, equity issues, and teacher technological burnout.

By critically addressing both the promises and the pitfalls, this session seeks to outline sustainable pathways for a human-in-the-loop, inclusive, and ethically grounded AI transformation in primary classrooms.

Download Detailed Call as PDF

Situational Awareness and Generative AI for Teaching, Learning and Human Adaptation (SENSE-AI)

The rapid emergence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) is transforming educational ecosystems at an unprecedented pace. From lesson planning and assessment automation to adaptive tutoring, immersive learning environments, and AI-supported research practices, educators and learners are increasingly navigating a new landscape of human-AI collaboration. This transformation raises an important question: Is GenAI fundamentally changing the way teachers teach, and students learn?

The Special Session SENSE-AI explores the evolving role of situational awareness in AI-enhanced education. Situational awareness refers to the ability of educators and learners to perceive, interpret, critically evaluate, and respond to dynamic educational contexts shaped by AI systems, intelligent interfaces, data-driven feedback, and automated content generation. The session aims to examine how GenAI is reshaping pedagogical decision-making, learner agency, classroom interaction, creativity, assessment and feedback, and digital ethics across formal, informal, and professional learning environments.

The session argues that effective AI interventions in education must be sensitive to the situations in which they are introduced. For example, an AI feedback tool may support formative learning in one context but weaken learner agency in another; an adaptive tutor may personalise instruction for some students while reinforcing narrow learning pathways for others; a GenAI lesson-planning assistant may reduce teacher workload but also reshape professional judgement, creativity and curriculum design. SENSE-AI therefore invites contributions that investigate how educators and learners develop awareness of these contextual conditions and how such awareness can guide more meaningful, responsible and pedagogically aligned uses of AI.

The session welcomes interdisciplinary perspectives that critically and creatively investigate the opportunities, tensions, and implications of AI-enhanced learning. Contributions may include empirical studies, conceptual frameworks, technological innovations, case studies, design-based research, demonstrations, and practical applications related to AI-supported education and training.

SENSE-AI also aims to foster dialogue around the future relationship between humans and intelligent systems in education, emphasising responsible, inclusive, and pedagogically meaningful uses of AI. Particular attention will be given to how educators can maintain agency, critical reflection, and creativity while working alongside increasingly capable AI systems.

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Trustworthy and Responsible AI for Inclusive, Sustainable Multimodal Learning Systems (TRAILS)

Generative AI, large language models, intelligent agents, learning analytics, and multimodal interfaces are reshaping education, training, and research. These technologies create new opportunities for personalized feedback, conversational tutoring, adaptive learning, multimodal content creation, AI-assisted assessment, multilingual support, and human-AI collaboration. At the same time, they raise concerns related to trust, fairness, privacy, academic integrity, learner agency, educator roles, institutional governance, and the sustainability of digital learning infrastructures.

This Special Session focuses on the responsible design, implementation, evaluation, and governance of AI-enhanced and multimodal learning systems. It invites research on how Generative AI and related technologies can support meaningful, inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable learning while preserving transparency, accessibility, human judgment, and long-term educational value.

The session directly supports the IMCL2026 theme, “Artificial Intelligence in Education, Learning and Research,” by connecting technical innovation with educational practice, human-centered design, responsible data use, inclusion, and institutional policy.

Download Detailed Call as PDF

Copyright: IMCL, Hosting: International Association of Online Engineering (IAOE), Website: Sebastian Schreiter

Photo credits: Acropolis by night: Giles Laurent published under CC-BY-SA 4.0 – Busts along the Stoa of Attalos: Julian Lupyan published under CC-0 – Lycabettus hill from Acropolis: Jebulon published under CC-0