From Static LMS to Autonomous Agents: Reimagining Moodle-Based Open and Distance e-Learning Delivery for the Agentic AI Era in Kenya

Frequently Asked Questions

01 /

General Information

What is SAMYRAD 2026?+

SAMYRAD 2026 is an international AI and education conference bringing together researchers, educators, industry leaders, and policymakers in Seville, Spain, on October 5–6. It bridges academia, industry, and policy to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of higher education, lifelong learning, and workforce development.

When and where is SAMYRAD 2026 taking place?+

SAMYRAD 2026 takes place on October 5–6, 2026, at Universidad CEU Fernando III, Seville, Spain, in partnership with IEEE and OpenAI.

Who should attend SAMYRAD 2026?+

SAMYRAD is designed for professors, doctoral students, and researchers working at the intersection of AI and education. Virtual attendance is also available for international participants who cannot travel to Seville.

What are the key dates for SAMYRAD 2026?+

Event	Date
Abstract submission deadline	June 3, 2026
Extended abstract submission deadline	June 17, 2026
Abstract acceptance notification	July 1, 2026
Early bird registration opens	July 1, 2026
Full paper submission deadline	August 8, 2026
Full paper acceptance notification	August 21, 2026
Registration opens to all	July 15, 2026
Final registration deadline	September 30, 2026
Conference attendance	October 5–6, 2026
Proceedings publication	October 10, 2026

What does the SAMYRAD 2026 conference program include?+

The two-day program features keynote talks, hands-on AI training workshops, parallel paper and poster presentations, networking sessions, and a Gala Dinner & Award Ceremony on October 6 at an iconic palace in Seville.

Is virtual participation available at SAMYRAD 2026?+

Yes! SAMYRAD 2026 offers virtual presentation and publication options at the same rates as in-person registration. Remote attendees can present their research and have their papers published without traveling to Seville.

What is the Special Training with OpenAI at SAMYRAD 2026?+

SAMYRAD 2026 features an exclusive hands-on AI workshop developed in collaboration with OpenAI. The session is led by Dr. Julius Nganji (University of Toronto) and Carlotta Reviglio (Strategic AI Success Engineer, OpenAI).

Who are the keynote speakers at SAMYRAD 2026?+

Keynote speakers include leading AI and education experts Rose Luckin CBE, Professor Emerita of Learner Centred Design at University College London; Ignacio Aguaded, Professor, Faculty of Education, Universidad de Huelva; Irena Palamani Xhurxhi, Director of People Science, Walmart, USA; Diba Kaya, Staff Insights Researcher, JSTOR; and Soribel Feliz, Senior AI Policy and Governance Specialist at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

How can I contact the SAMYRAD organizing team?+

For general inquiries about the SAMYRAD 2026 conference, privacy or data matters, email info@2026.samyrad.com. You can also follow SAMYRAD on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X (Twitter).

02 /

Call for Papers

What types of submissions does SAMYRAD 2026 accept?+

SAMYRAD 2026 accepts full papers (up to 8 pages), short papers (up to 5 pages), work-in-progress papers (up to 3 pages). All submission types undergo peer review and are eligible for publication in the conference proceedings after acceptance.

What research topics and tracks does SAMYRAD 2026 cover?+

SAMYRAD covers 10 thematic tracks spanning AI in education across all disciplines, including AI-enhanced learning, ethical AI, instructional design, EdTech policy, and a Special Track on AI for Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Submissions are welcome from any field that addresses AI's role in higher education, lifelong learning, or workplace development.

How do I submit my paper to SAMYRAD 2026?+

All submissions are made through the CONFTOOL online system at conftool.com/samyrad2026 First, submit a structured abstract, then upload the full manuscript upon acceptance by the August 22, 2026, deadline. Submissions must follow the official SAMYRAD abstract template and IEEE full paper template.

Are there submission templates I need to follow?+

Yes! Abstracts must use the official SAMYRAD Abstract Template, and full manuscripts must follow the IEEE Full Paper Template, both downloadable from the Call for Papers page. The camera-ready manuscript must also pass IEEE PDF eXpress compliance and include a completed eCopyright Form.

Is peer review required for accepted authors at SAMYRAD 2026?+

Yes! Authors with accepted abstracts who submit a full manuscript are invited to complete three peer reviews as part of the conference's double-blind review process. Reviewers receive an official certificate.

What is SAMYRAD's policy on AI-generated content in research submissions?+

AI tools may only be used for language editing or grammar correction. Generating text, arguments, analysis, or citations with AI is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate rejection. Any use of AI tools must be disclosed in the Acknowledgements section of the manuscript.

What is the Code of Conduct at SAMYRAD 2026?+

SAMYRAD is committed to a respectful, harassment-free environment for all participants regardless of gender, race, religion, or background. Violations are reported to the Conference Director and may result in expulsion without refund. All attendees are expected to uphold integrity, inclusivity, and professionalism throughout the event.

Where will my SAMYRAD 2026 paper be published?+

Accepted abstracts are published in the SAMYRAD Abstract Book of Proceedings (ISSN + ISBN + DOIs), peer-reviewed full papers in the Full Papers Book of Proceedings (submitted for Scopus indexing), and the top 30% of full papers will be published by IEEE Xplore, subject to IEEE's final approval and quality control processes.

Which partner journals are available for extended publications after SAMYRAD 2026?+

Outstanding papers may be invited to submit extended versions to Intelligent Nudge in Education or Escuela Abierta, subject to each journal's independent peer-review process and invitation.

03 /

Registration & Fees

When does SAMYRAD 2026 registration open?+

Early bird registration opens on July 1, 2026, for authors with accepted abstracts, with a final deadline of September 30, 2026.

What are the SAMYRAD 2026 registration fees?+

Professionals

Category	Rate
Presentation and Publication (on-site)	USD 500
Presentation Only (on-site)	USD 400
Virtual Presentation and Publication	USD 400
Virtual Presentation Only	USD 300
Listener	USD 250
Listener (on-site)	USD 300

Students & IEEE Members

Category	Rate
Presentation and Publication (on-site)	USD 400
Presentation Only (on-site)	USD 300
Virtual Presentation and Publication	USD 300
Virtual Presentation Only	USD 200
Listener	USD 200
Listener (on-site)	USD 250

Additional Charges

Item	Rate
Additional papers	USD 300
Extra pages (beyond 6)	USD 30/page
Gala Dinner ticket	USD 250

What do the different SAMYRAD registration categories mean?+

Author registration (Presentation + Publication) is for participants submitting a full paper for publication and presentation; Presenter registration (Presentation Only) is for those presenting an abstract without a full paper; and Listener registration is for attendees who will not present or publish.

How do I pay my SAMYRAD 2026 registration fee?+

Payments are processed securely via credit card (Visa and/or Mastercard) through official Stripe payment links on the Registration page; for PayPal or alternative arrangements, contact info@2026.samyrad.com. Never share card details outside official conference channels. The organizing committee will never request payment information for accommodations or travel.

Is there a student discount for SAMYRAD 2026?+

Yes! Students and IEEE members receive a 20% discounted registration rate when they provide a valid student or IEEE ID at registration.

Can I transfer my SAMYRAD 2026 registration to someone else?+

Yes! Registration transfers to a co-author or colleague from the same institution are allowed with prior written approval from the organizing committee at info@2026.samyrad.com.

What is the SAMYRAD 2026 refund policy?+

SAMYRAD 2026 does not offer refunds under any circumstances, including visa denial, illness, or travel disruptions.

Are there page limits and extra-page fees for SAMYRAD 2026 manuscripts?+

Manuscripts must be between 4 and 8 pages; papers exceeding 8 pages incur an extra-page fee of USD 30 per additional page, applicable to all content, including figures, tables, and references.

04 /

Venue

Where is SAMYRAD 2026 held?+

SAMYRAD 2026 takes place at Universidad CEU Fernando III, CEU Andalucía University Campus in Bormujos, Seville, Spain.

Is there a recommended hotel for SAMYRAD 2026 attendees?+

Yes! SAMYRAD 2026 has partnered with NH Hotel Plaza de Armas in Seville for exclusive preferential rates, bookable via the SAMYRAD-specific link on the Venue page; the conference shuttle to the university campus departs directly from the hotel.

What is the SAMYRAD 2026 Gala Dinner and where does it take place?+

The Gala Dinner & Award Ceremony takes place on October 6 at the iconic 5-star Hotel Alfonso XIII in Seville's historic Santa Cruz quarter, featuring networking, local entertainment, and the Best Paper, Poster, and Presentation Awards. Tickets are USD 250 and must be registered in advance.

Will the organizing committee help with travel or hotel bookings?+

The organizing committee does not arrange individual travel or accommodations. Please use the official NH Hotel booking link on the Venue page, and note that the committee will never request credit card information for travel or lodging.

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Partnerships & Sponsorships

What sponsorship opportunities are available at SAMYRAD 2026?+

SAMYRAD 2026 offers three sponsorship tiers. Industry Partners (companies, startups, and AI/EdTech organizations), Academic Institutions (universities and research networks), and Academic Advocates (individual researchers and thought leaders), each with tailored visibility, networking, and participation benefits.

How do I become a SAMYRAD 2026 sponsor or partner?+

Fill out the sponsorship interest form on partnerships and sponsorships page and the SAMYRAD team will reach out with a tailored proposal.

Who are the current SAMYRAD 2026 conference partners?+

SAMYRAD 2026 partners include IEEE, OpenAI, IEEE Education Society, Universidad CEU Fernando III, Instituto for the Future of Education, Oxford Brookes University, WISE (Qatar Foundation), Universidad de los Andes, University of Calcutta, Centrum PUCP, and more.