GRADE symposium KTH 2026
Eight Years of Research Schools on Digital Technologies in Education:
Key Insights and Future Directions
After three national Grade research schools focusing on digital technologies in education, teacher education, and beyond, bringing together more than 60 doctoral students and 70 supervisors over eight years, it is time to summarize, reflect, and look ahead. A fourth research school, focusing on AI in teacher education, will begin in 2026.
This symposium invites the participants of the doctoral schools, as well as policymakers and external researchers, to explore key insights from the research schools. We will highlight several exciting doctoral projects, both completed and ongoing, and discuss directions for future research. Finally, we will co-create a manifesto that captures our shared insights and recommendations for the schools of the future.
This event is co-sponsored by Digital Futures .
Location:
Clarion Hotel, Ringvägen 98, Stockholm
Registration:
Register to the symposium here
(deadline: Jan 30, 2026)
Schedule
Part 1 – Doctoral Students and Alumni Only
May 19, Tuesday
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 17:30–18:00 | Assembly at Resturant Syster och Bror, Drottning Kristinas väg 24, 114 28 Stockholm |
| 18:00–19:00 | Guided tour and dinner for doctoral students and alumni at the KTH campus . |
| 19:00–21:30isch | Dinner at Syster och Bror |
| 21:30– | Joint travel to Clarion Hotel, Ringvägen 98, Stockholm |
May 20, Wednesday
Theme: AI and Research: to be or not for me
During this morning session, we will explore the role of AI in research, doctoral studies, and the everyday work of researchers. The program includes a keynote presentation by Professor Peter Parnes from Luleå University of Technology, followed by a panel discussion featuring Peter Parnes, Arnold Pears, Teresa Cerratto-Pargman, and Stefan Stenbom. We will also engage in guided group discussions to reflect on our own perspectives, experiences, and attitudes regarding the use of AI in research.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:45–09:00 | Gathering and Opening |
| 09:00–09:30 |
Presentation by Prof. Peter Parnes, Luleå University of Technology AI in Research: From Practical Tool to Existential Question |
| 09:30–10:15 | Panel Discussion |
| 10:15–10:30 | Coffee Break |
| 10:30–11:30 | Group Discussions |
Part 2 - Open to all
May 20, Wednesday
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 11:30–13:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00–13:30 | Welcome and introduction to the research schools — Anders D. Olofsson, Johan Lundin and Jimmy Jaldemark |
| 13:30–14:20 | Presentations of completed doctoral theses — Moderator: Marcelo Milrad.
|
| 14:20–15:10 | Presentations of ongoing doctoral theses — Moderator: Sara Willermark.
|
| 15:10–15:40 | Coffee |
| 15:40–16:30 | Presentations of ongoing doctoral theses — Moderator: Davoud Masoumi.
|
| 16:30–16:45 | Short break |
| 16:45–17:30 | Panel discussion: Future research directions — Moderator: Pernilla Nilsson |
| 18:00 | Dinner |
Part 3 – Open to Doctoral Students, Alumni and Supervisors
May 21, Thursday
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00–12:00 |
Workshop: A Manifesto for Postdigital Schools — Moderator: Stefan Hrastinski In our time, digital technologies are so embedded in everyday life and education that drawing a clear line between digital and non-digital activities is no longer meaningful. Contemporary postdigital schools view these technologies as inseparable and ordinary elements of educational practice, shifting attention away from their novelty toward pedagogical, social, and ethical challenges and opportunities. During this workshop, we will develop a manifesto that articulates our visions for future schools. |
| 12:00–13:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00–17:00 | Possibility to stay for meetings (including 13:00–15:00 GRADE board meeting) |