The conference is organized to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the foundation of the Language Pedagogy and English Applied Linguistics PhD Programme at Eötvös Loránd University. The conference forms part of the programme series “Magyar Tudomány Ünnepe 2026” (Hungarian Science Festival 2026 – one of the most prestigious scientific dissemination events of Hungary) organized by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. It aims to bring together researchers from PhD programmes in Hungary and in the region.

The conference is intended to fulfil several functions: it will

• familiarize PhD students, colleagues, and fellow researchers with outstanding work conducted in PhD programmes in applied linguistics, intercultural linguistics, language pedagogy, multilingualism, and translation studies, or in a sub-field of these areas,
• demonstrate how students, their supervisors, or course tutors work together in research projects,
• highlight new trends of theories, interdisciplinary approaches and innovative methods within applied linguistics and language pedagogy,
• show how scholars’ research continues after obtaining their PhD degrees,
• create an opportunity for present and former PhD students to meet and share their ideas,
• provide an occasion for our alumni to meet with their former peers and our present PhD students,
• create a platform for PhD students to receive feedback on their dissertation research,
• open up opportunities for future collaborations and research groups in Hungary and in the region.

We are expecting the application of PhD students who have not yet defended their dissertation, PhD course tutors and supervisors, practitioners working in the topics covered by the conference, and anyone else interested.

The language of the conference will be English. Accepted contributions will be considered for inclusion in a post-conference peer-reviewed volume.

Keynote speakers

Alastair Henry (University West, Sweden)

Dorottya Holló (ELTE, Budapest, Hungary; founding Director of Studies of Programme)

Judit Kormos (Lancaster University, United Kingdom)

Péter Medgyes (ELTE, Budapest, Hungary; founding Head of Programme)

Simone E. Pfenninger (University of Zurich, Switzerland)

Roberto A. Valdeón (University of Oviedo, Spain)

Topics for paper, symposium and roundtable proposals

A special emphasis will be laid on the most prevailing theories and methods applied, and the ways in which these have evolved or changed over time in the fields of

Guidelines for paper, symposium and roundtable proposals

Paper proposals should be based on the applicant’s research and may relate to any field within applied linguistics and language pedagogy. They should include an abstract with topic, relevance, aim, method, and the main results of the research. The papers should

• be based on original empirical or theoretical (conceptual) research, or
• report on case studies with practical/pedagogical implications (good practices);
• be in English,
• report on the applicant’s own research,
• take 15 minutes (+5 minutes for questions/discussion),
• be summarized in a 300-word abstract.

Symposium proposals should present a session by three or more presenters, focusing on research conducted by a funded or unfunded research group or project. Symposia may also be based on research conducted jointly by supervisors and their supervisees on a given topic. Proposals should offer a succinct summary of the research reported on, including thematic focus and relevance, aims, methods and findings, as well as the symposium structure (e.g., name of chair, number and names of speakers, Q&A). The symposia should

• be based on original empirical or theoretical (conceptual) research, or
• report on case studies with practical/pedagogical implications (good practices);
• be in English,
• report on the participants’ own research,
• be maximum 1 hour (recommended structure: 45 minutes of presentation, 15 minutes for Q&A),
• be summarized in a 500-word abstract.

Roundtable proposals should focus on a small-group discussion of hot issues, problems, debates, or other matters at stake for doctoral education and should engage the audience, too. Roundtables are expected to contain a moderator and at least three other participants. Proposals should offer a succinct summary of the issue / problem / matter to be discussed, the aim of the discussion, the names, titles and affiliations of participants, as well as their bios. The roundtables should

• have a clear topic and an interactive purpose,
• contain at least four participants (including the moderator),
• be in English,
• engage the audience in the discussion,
• be maximum 1 hour (recommended structure: 40-45 minutes of presentation, 15-20 minutes for audience involvement), and
• be summarized in a 500-word abstract.

The deadline for paper, symposium, or roundtable proposals, including an abstract and five keywords is 30 April 2026. In writing up abstracts, please follow the guidelines provided. Submit proposals through the following platform: SUBMISSION FORM CREATE 30 CONFERENCE 2026 – Fill in form

Important dates

• Submission deadline for paper, symposium and roundtable proposals: 30 April 2026
• Notification of acceptance: 30 June 2026
• Registration is required (without fee) at REGISTRATION FORM CREATE 30 CONFERENCE 2026 – Fill in form by 1 October 2026
• Conference dates: 19-20 November 2026

On behalf of the organizing committee of the conference,

Krisztina Károly                                   Katalin Csizér                                      Anna Zólyomi

Head of Programme                           Director of Research                            Director of Studies