Call for paper!

The Academy for Educational Development and Innovation (AEDI) at the Education University of Hong Kong is organizing the Professional and Vocational Education (PVE) Conference in 2025, with the aim to lead the charge to modernize the governance of PVE. We are delighted to announce the call for papers for this upcoming conference.

Professional and Vocational Education (PVE), described as combining academic with vocational training, has been advocated over the past few years (Hippach-Schneider et al., 2017). Prior studies found that the practical skills learned in vocational education training are complementary to basic logical skills learned in university education, in terms of employability (Farran & Nunez, 2024; Graf, 2015).

The PVE Conference 2025 is designed to foster international exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue, aiming to generate and share new knowledge across various sectors of PVE. This year’s themes focus on Lifelong Learning, Talent Development, Social Mobility, Micro-Credentials, and Industry-University-Research Cooperation,” captures the essence of our goal: to forge stronger connections between academic insights and practical applications in vocational education (Joyce & Cartwright, 2020). These themes explore the role of PVE in addressing global challenges, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring individuals are equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world. With a vision to bridge the gap between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, the conference will serve as a platform to discuss and disseminate innovative practices and educational methodologies.

This conference is an invaluable opportunity for PVE educators, policymakers, scholars, researchers, industry professionals, and students across the globe. It offers a unique platform to gain expert insights, stay updated with the latest trends, and engage in networking that could lead to impactful collaborations and partnerships. By participating, you can influence educational practices and engage in interdisciplinary exchanges that enhance educational outcomes. We invite you to share your work, gain feedback, and contribute to shaping a more innovative and equitable educational landscape. Join us in making a difference in the area of PVE.

· Call for Abstracts Opens:

6 June 2025

· Registration Open:

22 September 2025

Key Dates

· Call for Abstracts Closes:

29 August 2025

· Registration Deadline for Presenters:

31 October 2025

· Notification of Results:

19 September 2025

· Registration Deadline for Participants:

14 November 2025

Submission Guidelines

Please submit your abstracts for one of the following strands:

1. Lifelong Learning:

Lifelong learning and vocational education are interconnected as both emphasize continuous skill development and adaptability. Vocational education provides structured experiences to prepare individuals for employment, while lifelong learning encompasses all forms of learning throughout life. Together, they ensure individuals remain competent and responsive to evolving industry demands, benefiting both personal growth and community needs.

2. Talent Development:

Talent development and vocational education both focus on nurturing specialized skills and individual potential through personalized instruction, practical application, and long-term growth. They emphasize hands-on learning, tailored guidance, and real-world experiences to align education with professional goals.

3. Social Mobility:

Social mobility and vocational education are closely linked, as vocational education equips individuals with skills and knowledge for socially valuable employment, enabling upward mobility. By providing organized and inclusive learning experiences, vocational education helps bridge gaps in access to opportunities, fostering economic advancement and reducing social inequalities.

4. Micro-Credentials:

Micro-credentials, which are short, focused, and often online courses culminating in digital badges, complement vocational education’s hands-on training by providing flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities. Together, they modernize vocational education, enhancing employability and aligning with industry needs.

5. Industry-University-Research Cooperation:

Industry-University-Research cooperation significantly enhances vocational education by aligning curricula with cutting-edge research and industry needs. By bridging theory with practical applications and fostering continuous professional growth, these partnerships create a dynamic and responsive educational environment that prepares a skilled, adaptable workforce ready to meet both current and future industry demands.

*The deadline for abstract submissions is 29th August 2025 23:59 (Hong Kong Time, GMT+8).

Submission Guidelines

Educators, policymakers, scholars, researchers, industry professionals, and students are warmly invited to contribute to the PVE Conference 2025 by submitting abstracts. 2.
Abstracts should be 200-250 words in length and must clearly articulate the research or project’s purpose, methodology, results, and implications.
Submissions should be in the area of PVE and align with the conference’s key themes: Lifelong Learning, Talent Development, Social Mobility, Micro-Credentials, and Industry-University-Research Cooperation.
The abstract can be written in English or Chinese.
Participants must submit abstracts via the designated online portal, which is accessible through the below link. Submissions via alternative channels will not be considered.

Click here for Abstract Submission.

Paper Selection and Presentation Details

All abstracts will be reviewed anonymously by a panel of experts, and the results will be announced via email on or before 19 September 2025.
Selected papers should be presented in person by the author(s) during the conference at The Education University of Hong Kong.
The duration for each paper presentation is 15 minutes followed by 5 minutes for discussion along with Q & A.
The conference organiser reserves the right to make the final decision regarding the acceptance of abstracts.

Registration Fee:

All participants must settle the registration fee by the stipulated deadline to confirm their attendance.

*(The registration fee for presenters: including lunch for two days and the Gala Dinner on 5 Dec 2025)

Category of Participants I Conference Registration Fee (HKD)

EdUHK Students and Staff

Non-EdUHK Student and Staff Participant
(Only attending 2-day conference)

Non- EdUHK Student Presenter

General Presenter

Free

HKD$800

HKD$1500

Notes on Payment:

No refunds will be served for this conference. Refund requests will not be accepted.
This conference will adopt online payment method. Payment methods are restricted to credit cards (Visa/MasterCard/Union Pay), WeChat Pay, and Alipay (AlipayHK/Alipay).
The payment will be charged in HK Dollars (HKD). If your card is not billed in HK Dollars (HKD), please inquire about any additional fees and exchange rate with your card issuer.
Participation is not guaranteed until full payment of the registration fee is received.

References

1. Farran, I., & Nunez, I. (2024). Converging pathways: New approaches to integrate vocational education training and higher education. Journal of Vocational Education & Training, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/13636820.2024.2428769

2. Graf, L. (2015). The rise of work-based academic education in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Journal of Vocational Education & Training, 68(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/13636820.2015.1107749

3. Hippach-Schneider, U., Schneider, V., Ménard, B., & Tritscher-Archan, S. (2017). The underestimated relevance and value of vocational education in tertiary education – making the invisible visible. Journal of Vocational Education & Training, 69(1), 28-46. https://doi.org/10.1080/13636820.2017.1281342

4. Joyce, K. E., & Cartwright, N. (2020). Bridging the gap between research and practice: Predicting what will work locally. American Educational Research Journal, 57(3), 1045-1082. https://doi.org/10.3102/0002831219866687

Contact

Email: pveconference@eduhk.hk

Phone: +852 2948 8118