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UK Evaluation Society conference 2027

Call for abstracts

Evaluation Frontiers and Futures

18-20 May 2027, London

Call for abstracts

Different perspectives.

New possibilities for evaluation.

Bring your thinking to the conversation.

Learn about submitting an abstract for our 2027 conference, Evaluation Frontiers and Futures and be part of the conversations exploring where evaluation is heading next.

Conference themes

Our four conference themes offer different ways into the question at the heart of Evaluation Frontiers and Futures, helping you find where your idea could contribute to the conversation.


Innovating

practice

New methodologies,

AI and emerging technologies, relational and participatory approaches.

Everybody in the place

New approaches to joined-up evaluation under devolved government, driving local change.

Evolving

profession

Supporting skills, capabilities and pathways for the people who commission, deliver and use evaluation.

Open

frontier

Speculative, cross-cutting and boundary-pushing contributions that advance evaluation.

Submitting an abstract

What you need to know

Thinking about submitting an abstract? Here is what you need to know before you get started.

The online submissions portal will open soon.

In the meantime, we wanted to give you an early look at the conference themes and what we will be looking for, so you have time to start developing your idea. Check back here or keep an eye on our LinkedIn page for the latest updates.

Submission deadline: 31 October 2026 at 11.59pm GMT

We will keep this section updated as plans develop. The information below is correct at the time of publication, but some conference details may change. Please check back for the latest information.

Who can submit an abstract?

We welcome contributions from across civil society, central and local government, the wider public sector, private sector, and academia, including students, from the UK and internationally.

What are we looking for?

We receive many strong submissions each year, and those most likely to be successful make a clear connection to conference themes and bring something distinctive. We are looking for original contributions that connect to Evaluation Frontiers and Futures and help explore where evaluation is heading next.

Your abstract should relate to at least one of our four themes:

  • Innovating Practice

New methodologies, AI and emerging technologies, and relational or participatory approaches that could change how evaluation is carried out.

  • Everyone in the Place

New approaches to joined-up evaluation under devolved government, and the role evaluation can play in driving local change.

  • Evolving Profession

How we support the skills, capabilities and career pathways needed for people who commission, deliver and use evaluation.

  • Open Frontier

Speculative, cross-cutting or boundary-pushing contributions that challenge established thinking and advance evaluation in new directions.

We welcome submissions that bring a new perspective, test an emerging idea, challenge current practice or share an experience others could learn from.

What are the presentation formats in 2027?
  • Pecha Kucha: 20 slides, 20 seconds per slide. Slides should primarily contain images, graphics, or diagrams with minimal text. Up to three related presentation will be grouped together and followed by a panel Q&A.
  • Poster: A1, one-sided poster in portrait or landscape format. Optional templates will be available.
  • World Café: a moderated discussion bringing together different perspectives.
  • Workshop: an interactive session involving participation and small-group discussions.
  • Meet the Author: a presentation and discussion based on a published article or book.
Why is the main presentation format changing in 2027?

Feedback from speakers and delegates at our 2026 conference was overwhelmingly clear: with so much evaluation expertise and experience gathered in one place, people wanted more time to discuss, question and debate what they were hearing.


So that is what we are building into the 2027 programme.

Following a positive response to Pecha Kucha sessions, presentations at Evaluation Frontiers and Futures will use this shorter format. Up to three related presentations will be grouped together and followed by a 30-minute panel style Q&A with the presenters, creating more time to explore the ideas and different perspectives in the room.

What do I need to submit?

The online portal will ask for:

  • abstract title
  • names and email addresses of any co-speakers
  • a short abstract of fewer than 300 characters
  • a longer abstract or session description of up to 500 words
  • the conference theme most relevant to your proposal
  • your preferred presentation format
  • the objectives of your session
  • your proposal's contribution to evaluation and/or innovative evaluation content
  • describe any ethical angles and/or relevance to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
How do I submit?

Submit your proposal through the online portal. You can save your progress, return to your submission and make changes before submitting.

When will the submissions portal open?

The online submissions portal will open shortly. In the meantime, we wanted to give you an early look at the conference themes and what we will be looking for, so you have time to start developing your idea.

Check back here or keep an eye on our LinkedIn page for the latest updates.

What is the selection criteria and review process for abstracts?

Your abstract should:

  • connect to the main conference theme and at least one of the four themes
  • further evaluative practice and contribute to the field
  • offer original or innovative content, perspectives or approaches
  • explain what conference participants will hear, explore or take away.

All abstracts will be reviewed anonymously by an independent panel of specialists.

You can select your preferred format when submitting and we will do our best to accommodate your choice. Final decisions will be made by the conference committee and session chairs so that related ideas can be brought together and each contribution works well within the wider programme.

What is the submission deadline?

Submit your abstract by 31 October 2026 at 11.59pm GMT.

When will I find out if my abstract has been selected?

We will contact you during January 2027 to let you know the outcome. If your abstract is selected, we will also confirm its place in the programme, the presentation format and what happens next.

Do speakers receive a reduced ticket price?

Speakers have two opportunities to save on their conference ticket. If you already know you would like to join us in London, Super Early Bird tickets offer the best available value, with a 20% saving on the standard ticket price. Super Early Bird tickets are available until 23 December 2026 and numbers are limited, so we recommend booking early to secure this price.

If you would prefer to wait until you know whether your abstract has been accepted, Early Bird tickets will be available from 4 January until 31 March 2027 and offer a 10% saving. If your abstract is selected, you will need to book your conference ticket by 1 February 2027 to confirm your place in the programme.

If you have questions about submitting an abstract for the conference, please contact our team at conference@evaluation.org.uk using the subject line: Call for abstract enquiry

Past conferences