In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, greening of the economy, demographic change and evolving labour markets, adult education has become a cornerstone of sustainable economic and social development. As automation, artificial intelligence, and digitalisation continuously reshape the nature of work, adults increasingly need to update, expand, and rethink their skills across the lifespan. Adult learning supports not only employability and career mobility, but also resilience, adaptability, and social inclusion. It enables individuals to navigate transitions, respond to uncertainty, and actively participate in knowledge-based economies.
Robust statistical methods and rigorous analytical approaches are essential for understanding the dynamics of adult learning in relation to changing labour markets and policy interventions. Quantitative analysis enables researchers to identify and measure participation levels and patterns, types, drivers, reasons, barriers, supports, and outcomes. It also helps assess the effectiveness of adult education policies in promoting employability, productivity, and social inclusion. Comparative and ideally longitudinal evidence is valuable for examining how different policy designs, financing mechanisms, and governance structures shape access to, and quality of, adult learning opportunities. Such evidence-based analysis is indispensable for informing policy development, guiding resource allocation, and strengthening the responsiveness of adult education systems to evolving workforce needs.
Cedefop, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, acts as a bridge between data producers, users and policymakers to strengthen the discussion on adult learning. It contributes to this work by:
- using existing data provided by the wider international statistical infrastructure to monitor and report on key indicators on VET and policy developments, and conducting the Centre’s own analysis and research to support policies related to adult education;
- developing and organising surveys to answer questions that existing data do not sufficiently cover, in order to respond to policy needs or the Centre’s research questions;
- contributing to improving the data already collected by Eurostat and the OECD.
The seminar intends to constitute an avenue for presentations and discussions of work, ideas, needs and developments, as well as for exchanges, mutual learning and networking opportunities.
Abstract submission topics
- Theoretical considerations on measurements of adult learning
- Examples of data use for policy advice
- Organising surveys on related topics
Abstract submission guidelines
Researchers are invited to submit an abstract (maximum 500 words) via the abstract submission link. Submitted abstracts should provide a clear description of the topic of the work, outlining the objectives, methodology, data sources, key findings (if available), and relevance to the conference themes. Cedefop will review all submissions and select those to be presented at the conference.
Practicalities
Participation in the research conference is free of charge, subject to registration. As places are limited, participation will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. Travel and accommodation expenses must be covered by the participants or by the institution or body they represent.
Important dates
- Conference dates: 12–13 October 2026
- Abstract submission deadline: 15 May 2026 (abstract submission link)
- Notification of acceptance: 15 June 2026
- Registration for presenters of accepted abstracts opens: 15 June 2026
Registration for broader audience opens: 1 July 2026
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