The 2012 gathering will be an energetic event, providing the stage for presenters to reflect on their research and practice, as well as on their struggles.

Participation is open to universities, colleges, institutions, professional education, vocational education, and primary and secondary education, as well as to public and private organisations, networks, and multipliers. ESSIE members receive a reduction in their registration fee.

The Conference includes the following topics, and a full list is posted online.

• innovation ecologies and learning ecosystems
• alternative and diversified learning spaces
• open access, resources, and standards
• breakthroughs in learning and neurosciences
• socio-collaborative and cooperative learning
• digital whiteboards and classroom devices
• community and parental engagement
• cross-curricular and transversal approaches
• lifelong learning and societal entrepreneurship
• academic freedom, autonomy, and accountability

ESSIE was founded in 2010 and represents a vibrant community of people, organisations, and networks that share a mutual interest in innovation. The Society develops an inclusive European membership network to promote systemic and sustainable innovation of education: a platform for knowledge exchange and development of collaborative action with the intent to promote and enrich the activities of each partner and improve the innovation capacity.

The 2012 annual convention is being held at the Leuven Institute for Ireland in Europe, located in the historic Irish College, which was established in Leuven in 1607.