About

The International SIPeS Conference 2026 will bring together scholars, educators, policy makers and practitioners who are committed to building inclusive education systems in diverse contexts. Hosted by the University of Malta, in collaboration with the University of Salerno and the Italian Society of Special Pedagogy (SIPeS), the conference will explore how education can support all learners to flourish in rapidly changing societies.

Among the keynote speakers, we are honoured to host Ms Roselyn Cason Marcus, Global Director, Senior Talent Attraction and Affinity, McKinsey and Company, and Mr Uzair Qadeer, Chief People Officer at the BBC.

Key messages

• Education for all in a world marked by mobility, inequality and rapid change
• Evidence-informed practice that respects and values diversity
• Future-oriented approaches that emphasise human rights, participation and wellbeing

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Present empirical and theoretical research on inclusion and special pedagogy
• Share innovative practices that respond to complex learning and participation needs
• Engage in dialogue about leadership, policy and teacher education for inclusion
• Network with colleagues from Italy, Malta and other countries

Thematic focus

• Diversity, equity and inclusion in early childhood, school and higher education
• Rights-focused and person-centred approaches to disability and neurodiversity
• Supporting key transitions, including movement between educational stages and pathways from school to further study, training and work
• Teacher education, professional learning and collaborative practice for inclusive futures
• Leadership, policy and system transformation for diverse and inclusive learning communities
• Family, community and interagency partnerships that sustain participation across the life course
• Pedagogies that nurture belonging, voice and meaningful outcomes in education and work

SIPeS is the Italian Society of Special Pedagogy. It brings together scholars and practitioners who are committed to advancing research and practice in special and inclusive education across the life course. SIPeS promotes dialogue between universities, schools, services and policy makers, and supports national and international collaboration in the field of inclusion. 

The University of Malta is the national university of Malta and one of the oldest higher education institutions in the Mediterranean region. The University hosts a wide range of international conferences and collaborative programmes, and is strongly engaged in research and practice in inclusive education through its Faculty of Education and related departments.

The University of Salerno is one of the leading public universities in southern Italy, with a long-standing tradition in the humanities, philosophy, and education. Its Department of Humanities, Philosophy and Education works closely with SIPeS and with international partners to promote research, innovation, and best practices in inclusive and special pedagogy.

Location

The conference will take place at the University of Malta Valletta Campus, Malta, a Mediterranean island state with a rich cultural and historical heritage. The University hosts international conferences across its campuses and offers modern facilities in a historic setting.

Accessibility

The organisers are committed to ensuring that the conference is accessible and inclusive. The conference will aim to provide accessible venues, clear signage and support where needed. Participants who require specific accommodations or support are invited to indicate their needs during registration or to contact the organisers in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be discussed.

For further information kindly contact the organisers on: sipes2026@um.edu.mt

Scientific Advisory Board
Prof. Colin Calleja, Prof. Catia Giaconi, Prof. Paola Aiello, Prof. Maurizio Sibilio, Prof. Nicole Bianquin, Prof. Fabio Bocci, Prof. Noemi Del Bianco, Prof. Donatella Fantozzi, Prof. Daniele Fedeli, Prof. Andrea Fiorucci, Prof. Tamara Zappaterra, Prof. Antioco Luigi Zurru, Prof. Erika Marie Pace, Dr. Jonathan Borg, Dr. Louis Camilleri, Dr. Lorena Montesano

Organising Committee and Secretariat
Prof. Colin Calleja, Prof. Erika Marie Pace, Dr. Jonathan Borg, Dr. Louis Camilleri, Gregory Michael Ellul, Prof. Antioco Luigi Zurru, Prof. Şehnaz Nigar Çelik, Dr. Lorena Montesano, Dr. Flavia Capodanno, Rossella D’Agostino, Karen Buttigieg.