Call for Abstracts
conference
conference 2026
Call for abstracts is closed
Bridging the Gap: Evaluation to Action
The submission deadline has now passed, and all abstracts are currently in the anonymous review process, assessed by an independent panel of specialist experts.
If you have a question about abstracts, please contact us at hello@evaluation.org.uk.
The 2026 conference will bring together lively discussions, innovative ideas, cutting-edge research, and insights on the latest trends. Taking place as a hybrid event, it opens with online sessions on 18 May, followed by in-person sessions at Sheffield City Hall from the afternoon of 19 May until end of the day on 21 May.
Conference themes
The title of the 2026 conference is Bridging the Gap: evaluation to action. The three core themes of the conference set out the focus areas for discussion—ranging from influencing policy and building evaluation cultures to communicating findings in ways that turn evidence into action.
We welcome abstracts which relate to the main themes of the conference, in the following areas:
Influencing policy and programme change through evaluation
This theme explores how evaluation has shaped decisions, influenced stakeholders, and contributed to better outcomes, as well as giving space to learn lessons from what has not worked, the barriers to translating evaluation findings into decision making and the role context has in the magnitude of challenges or success. As well as highlighting strategies and case studies, the theme will look at how ‘adaptive’ approaches can help shape policy in areas that are more dynamic or uncertain.
Building evaluation cultures
This theme looks at how evaluation can be embedded into everyday decision-making, learning, and delivery. It includes building capability within policymaking, co-producing evidence with communities and service users, and using participatory and user-centred methods that support reflection and learning. Sessions will explore what helps create environments where evidence is valued and used, how technology and AI are changing the role of evaluators, and how ethical considerations and power dynamics shape whose voices are heard.
Communicating evaluation for action
This theme focuses on how to share evaluation findings in ways that support understanding, influence, and practical use. It draws on utilisation-focused evaluation—making findings genuinely actionable— while also exploring how evaluators can share timely insights through iterative designs and analysis, so decisions can be informed long before the final report is complete. Approaches include reaching diverse audiences through clear reporting, visual storytelling, behavioural insights, and strategic framing. Sessions may also focus on co-creation and sensemaking to reflect the collaborative approach needed in complex systems, with the overall aim of moving from technical findings to shared understanding that turns evidence into action.
Evaluation into action
This theme is for abstracts where the three sub-themes are not suited but the abstract still fits within the overall conference theme.
Call for Abstracts is now closed
Who should submit an abstract? We are open to contributions from a wide range of fields and sectors, from civil society, central and local government, public sector, private sector, academia and students, from the UK or internationally.
What is the criteria for submission?
All proposals must be proposed via the online registration portal. Once you’ve registered, you can log in anytime to save your progress and make updates before sending in your final submission. We receive many strong submissions each year, and those most likely to be successful clearly demonstrate how they connect to the conference theme, including sharing a new perspective, challenging established ways of thinking, or exploring fast-emerging areas such as AI and new ways of working.
What is the deadline for submitting an abstract? The call for abstracts deadline has been extended until the Monday 17 November 2025, at 11:59pm.
An introduction to submitting an abstract
UK Evaluation Society trustees, Fiona Larner and Jessica Ozan, share their thoughts on preparing an abstract for the 2026 conference. From presentation type, to writing style, panel diversity, and audience engagement, hear their top tips for writing an abstract.
Important dates >>
Event | Date/deadline |
|---|---|
Abstract submission opens | 4 September 2025 |
Super Early bird registration opens | 5 September 2025 |
Abstract submission now closed | 17 November 2025 11:59 pm |
Super Early bird registration closes | 31st December 2025 |
Early bird registration opens | 1st January 2026 |
Notification of abstract acceptance | January 2026 |
Getting started – abstract registration portal
Our abstract registration portal is hosted by NomadIT.
- Before you submit an abstract, you will need to register to set up an account with NomadIT.
- When you click the ‘register and submit an abstract‘ button at the bottom of this page, you will be taken to the NomadIT abstract portal where you can check if you already have an account or set up an account if you don’t have one.
1.Your first step will be to select your preferred presentation format.
Your preferred presentation format will be taken into account, with final decisions made by the conference committee and chair.
- Single slot (20 min) presentation – Up to 20 minutes presenting with at least 5 minutes for questions. Room Hosts will ensure the 5 minutes for questions are protected to ensure the opportunity for delegate-speaker interaction.
- Double slot (20+20 min) panel presentation – Up to 40 minutes with at least 15 minutes for questions. Room Hosts will ensure question time is protected.
- Poster – A landscape or portrait one-sided document, A1 or A0 in size. Posters have no set format, and are at the authors’ discretion, however templates will be made available in January 2026 for those who would like to use them.
- World-Café/workshop – A double slot interactive workshop. This format allows for small discussion groups, either online (break-out rooms) or in person.
- Round table discussion – an organized conversation with one moderator, several chosen speakers that bring a variety of perspectives to a subject.
- Meet the Author – presentation and questions on a published article/book
2. As the second step you would need to fill in:
- panel title
- names and email addresses of the panel convenors
- short abstract of <300 characters
- long abstract/description of <500 words
- or a description <500 words (in case of poster, World-Café/workshop, Roundtable discussion, Meet the Author formats)
- indicate your preferred mode of participation
- indicate the sector you work in
- select a sub-theme that seems most pertinent to your abstract
- fill in the questions on how many years you have worked on the sector and describe in few words how your proposal contributes to the evaluation field.
Please ensure your abstract:
- Demonstrates relevance to the conference theme, and a sub-theme
- Furthers evaluative practice and makes a contribution to the field
- Provides original and innovative content
Abstract review and selection
To ensure fairness and quality, all abstracts will be assessed through an anonymous review process by an independent panel of specialist experts.
Speaker tickets
Speakers benefit from a 15% saving on the standard member or non-member ticket rate.
If you have questions about submitting an abstract for the 2025 conference, please contact the conference team at hello@evaluation.org.uk using the subject line: Call for abstract enquiry
conference 2026
Conference Sponsorship 2026
Showcase your organisation at the UK’s leading cross-sector evaluation conference.
We understand that every organisation has different priorities when it comes to sponsorship. That’s why our opportunities are designed to be flexible and impactful—whether your aim is to achieve high-profile visibility, build relationships, or demonstrate thought leadership.