Conference Theme: “Institutional and Action Research for the SDGs: Innovating Institutions, Transforming Communities, and Sustaining Futures”

By combining the inward-looking analysis of institutional research with the outward-facing, participatory nature of action research, institutional and action research have emerged as indispensable tools for operationalizing the most ambitious blueprint for human and planetary well-being ever conceived: the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) embody a global vision for eradicating poverty, protecting the environment, and ensuring inclusive prosperity by 2030. Institutions serve as the backbone of governance and knowledge production, while action research empowers communities to co-create solutions. Institutions provide the infrastructure, funding, and analytical rigor, while action research ensures that these resources are deployed effectively at the grassroots level. Serving as the bridge that addresses the chasm between aspiration and reality of the Sustainable Development Goals, the synergy of institutional and action research is critical for addressing complex, interconnected crises like climate change, poverty, and systemic inequality. In weaving together the macro-level analysis of institutions with the micro-level wisdom of communities, we transform the SDGs from a daunting checklist into a living, breathing process of collective creation; yielding a comprehensive strategy for long-term sustainability for individuals, organizations, institutions, and communities.

The Asian Society of Teachers for Research, Inc. invites students, educators, administrators, scholars, and researchers to the 8th Asian Virtual Conference on Institutional and Action Research 2026 on November 26-28, 2026, via ZOOM Teleconferencing!

Themed, “Institutional and Action Research for the SDGs: Innovating Institutions, Transforming Communities, and Sustaining Futures,” the AVCIAR 2026 aims to: (1) share best practices through institutional and action research that exemplifies adaptability and sustainability of individuals, institutions, and organizations that contribute to the SDGs; (2) disseminate results of thesis/dissertation in basic, tertiary and graduate education levels; and (3) draw new perspectives in solving educational and organizational problems and sustainability challenges in a highly digital educational landscape.

CONFERENCE STRANDS

The conference welcomes original research papers and review papers that address one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on the following areas:

1. Higher Education
   Institutional and action research on instruction and learning innovation, research and knowledge production, community extension and engagement, institutional productivity, outcomes-based education (OBE), quality assurance, internationalization, digital transformation, graduate employability, equity and inclusion, and sustainable campus practices, particularly in advancing SDGs 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, and 17.
2. Basic Education
   Research across pre-elementary, elementary, junior high school, and senior high school addressing quality and inclusive education, literacy and numeracy, curriculum innovation, teacher development, learner well-being, educational technology, climate and environmental education, gender equality, peace education, inclusion, and education for sustainable development, supporting SDGs 3, 4, 5, 10, 13, and 16.
3. Technical and Vocational Education
   Research on technical and vocational education and training (TVET), skills development, program effectiveness, industry responsiveness, employability, entrepreneurship, productivity, green skills, emerging technologies, workforce development, lifelong learning, and school-industry partnerships, contributing particularly to SDGs 4, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 17.
4. Public and Private Organizations
   Institutional and action research focusing on management systems, organizational development, leadership and governance, quality assurance, human resource development, customer and stakeholder relations, corporate social responsibility, innovation, digital transformation, environmental sustainability, diversity and inclusion, institutional resilience, and ethical governance, aligned especially with SDGs 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, and 17.
5. Communities, and Sustainable Development
   Research addressing community development, poverty reduction, food security, public health and well-being, gender and social inclusion, environmental protection, disaster risk reduction and resilience, sustainable cities and communities, participatory governance, peace and justice, and evidence-based public policy, encompassing SDGs 1–3, 5, 6, 10, 11, 13–16.
6. Digitalization, Innovation, and Technology
   Research examining artificial intelligence, digital transformation, emerging technologies, responsible innovation, data-driven decision-making, research commercialization, social innovation, institutional collaboration, international partnerships, and multi-sectoral approaches toward accelerating achievement of the SDGs, particularly SDGs 4, 8, 9, 12, 16, and 17.

VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION TO THE CONFERENCE

For Virtual Paper Presenters

Presentation Consideration

Submit a 250-word abstract with five parts: (1) introduction of the topic; (2) objectives; (3) methods; (4) results; (5) conclusions (6) SDG Alignment (Explicit statement which SDGs the study directly addresses and supports) and having four parts: (1) discipline of the study; (2) concepts investigated; (3) methods and process, (4) geography (country/continent). It must be accompanied by formal 2x2 photo, ORCID ID, name of institution, and institution logo. Send the abstract through the AVCIAR 2026 Submission Portal for Presenters through:

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION PORTAL through GOOGLE FORM:

https://forms.gle/JkyB3yAw7mrvbXzD8
EMAIL:
[email protected]; [email protected].
Note: All abstract submissions must be in Microsoft Word.

Full Paper Submission

To be considered for the Best Paper Award, each part of the manuscript must contain appropriate and sufficient substance. The paper must demonstrate the following parts: (1) Heading having five parts: Title, name of the author/s, ORCID No. (visit www.orcid.org to register), email address, affiliation and address; (2) Abstract; (3) Keywords; (4) Introduction; (5) Framework Of The Study; (6) Objectives Of The Study; (7) Materials And Methods (for experimental researches); (8) Methodology (for nonexperimental researches); (9) Results And Discussion; (10) Conclusions; (11) Acknowledgments; and (12) Literature Cited.

Peer Review of Abstract and Results of Review

Once abstract submission is received, the abstract will undergo the peer review process which usually takes five to seven days unless expedited. The guidelines for Abstract and Abstract Sample Format will be made available.

The results will then be communicated through email. If abstract is accepted for presentation, the Abstract Evaluation, Reviewed Abstract, Acceptance Letter, Charge Invoice, and Conference Guidelines for Virtual Conference will be sent to the presenter.

Conference advisories will also be sent to the participants from time to time to guide them in the preparations prior to the virtual conference.

For Virtual Conference Observers

Registration

Registration for the Virtual Conference Observers is done by filling-out the AVCIAR 2026 Registration Portal for Observers through this link: https://forms.gle/R3mwAZAXLjkxzaj46 . Once received, an acknowledgment will be sent through email as well as the Charge Invoice.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

Abstract Submission for presentation consideration: November 14, 2026
Final Payment Deadline: November 16, 2026

VIRTUAL CONFERENCE FEES

Each presenter is allowed to present up to a maximum of two papers.

A. Presentation Rate
Senior High School: 1500 PhP (35 USD)
College Students: 2500 PhP (45 USD)
Graduate Students: 3500 PhP (65 USD)
Professional Researchers: 4500 PhP (80 USD)
B. Extra Paper Presentation: 1500 PhP (35 USD)
C. Observer Rate: 1500 PhP (35 USD)
D. Book of Abstracts (BoA) Physical Copy (inclusive of courier fee in the Philippines): 2000 PhP/copy

The virtual conference registration fee is inclusive of digital certificates: Certificate of Oral Presentation (for Paper Presenters), Certificate of Participation (for Paper Presenters and Observers), and Certificate of Attendance (for Paper Presenters and Observers) as well as the digital copy of the Conference Book of Abstracts (BoA) to be sent through email. The BoA will also be published digitally through https://issuu.com/.

ASTR, Inc. will issue the scanned official receipt once payment has been verified through bank/money transfer channels and will be sent via email. Should the participants request for the physical copy of the official receipt, a minimal courier fee will be collected.

JOURNAL PUBLICATION

Papers which are accepted for publication will undergo the journal publication process prior to the print and online publication in THE ASTR RESEARCH JOURNAL with Print ISSN 2619-8428 and Online ISSN 2619-8436. The ASTR Research Journal is an annual journal published by the Asian Society of Teachers for Research, Inc. It is aggregated by the Philippine eJournals (https://ejournals.ph/) and accessible online through https://aseanresearch.org/astr/publication.

VIRTUAL CONFERENCE REQUIREMENTS

Participants should have a mobile phone/laptop, stable internet connectivity and ZOOM account to participate in this Virtual Conference. The Conference will be live through ZOOM Teleconferencing from 9:00 am-5:00 pm Philippine Standard Time (November 26, 2026); 9:00-5:00 pm (November 27, 2026); and 9:00-5:00 pm (November 28, 2026) with timed breaks. Confirmed paper presenters and conference observers will receive the ZOOM Meeting ID and Password prior to the Conference Proper.

PAYMENT DETAILS

Bank Payment (Philippine Peso)
Name of Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands
Address: Georgetown Cybermall, RN Pelaez Blvd. Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City 9000
Account Name: ASIAN SOCIETY OF TEACHERS FOR RESEARCH, INC.
Account Number: 8991-0004-62

Bank Payment (US Dollars)
Name of Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands
Address: Georgetown Cybermall, RN Pelaez Blvd. Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City 9000
Account Name: ASIAN SOCIETY OF TEACHERS FOR RESEARCH, INC.
Account Number: 8994-0032-92
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

Western Union or MLhuillier
Name of Recipient: Russel B. Obsioma
Address: Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines
Contact Number: +63917 721 7448 (mobile) / +63 (088) 323 4283 (landline)

The Organizer

The Asian Society of Teachers for Research Inc. is an organization devoted to the advancement of pedagogy/andragogy in the teaching of research in all academic levels. Established in 2015, it has over 5000 members from the Philippines and all over Asia.