The EARLI Special Interest Group Writing (https://www.earli.org/sig/sig-12-writing) and the ZHAW School of Applied Linguistics (https://www.zhaw.ch/en/linguistics), invite proposals to the 21st biennial SIG Writing conference (https://www.earli.org/events/sig-writing-conference-2026 ) to be held at ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland, from *June 2nd to 4, 2026*. Prior to the conference, from May 29 to June 1st, 2026, the Research School will be held.
This year’s SIG Writing conference invites scholars to explore the dynamic relationship between research and practice in writing. Under the theme *Writing Research for Writing Practice*, we aim to highlight how empirical findings, theoretical advances, and methodological innovations can inform and transform writing instruction, assessment, and professional development. We welcome contributions that bridge the gap between research and real-world writing contexts—whether in schools, universities, or workplaces. While the conference traditionally hosts a diversity of topics and approaches, proposals within the theme *Writing Research for Writing Practice* are particularly welcome.
We will make this SIG Writing Conference a Swiss experience by involving Swiss SIG Writing members from the University of Basel, the PH Zurich, the PH Luzern, and the FHNW in the organization and orientation of the conference and research school.
## Submission Guidelines for the Conference
Presentation formats are Paper, Symposium, Poster, Roundtable, and Demonstration.
*Paper* The abstract of 250-350 words (including any references) should include: - Research topic / aim - Theoretical framework / area of investigation - Methodological design - (Expected) conclusions / findings - Relevance to domain of writing and other forms of text production No extended summary is needed. Paper presentations will be scheduled in 90-minute sessions of three papers.
*Symposium* Symposia consist of one 90-minute session organized by the submitters. Symposia include 3 papers, a named chair and a named discussant, who will offer a critique of the symposium and its papers. At least 3 countries need to be represented in a symposium in the roles of presenter, chair, and discussant. A symposium is submitted as a single submission that includes a description of the symposium (250-350 words) and the abstracts for all the papers to be presented as part of the symposium (250-350-word abstract per paper). No extended summary is needed. Two weeks prior to the conference, the organizer needs to provide the discussant with the presentations included in the symposium. It is possible to link two or more symposia together. Indicate in the title of each of the linked symposia the order in which they should be presented. When possible, the parts will be allocated in non-parallel time slots in the order suggested by the proposers.
*Roundtable* Roundtables are organized for researchers who wish to focus on a specific topic, theoretical or methodological issue, and discuss and debate the topic for 90 minutes. The organizer of a roundtable submits a proposal with a plan for the roundtable that includes the title for the roundtable and an abstract of 250-350 words (including any references), in which the topic and objective of the roundtable is stated.
*Poster* The research poster is a popular method of presenting research findings succinctly through a combination of text and graphics. All poster authors will present in a poster session where they should be prepared to explain and answer questions about their research to those attending the Poster Exhibition. The abstract should be 250-350 words (including any references). No extended summary is needed.
*Demonstration* Authors will present a live demonstration using their own laptop and other necessary equipment and/or devices. Software simulations or videos can also be used during the demonstration session. The proposal consists of an abstract of 250-350 words (including references) presenting a tool or method, its novelty and applicability.
## Submission System
All proposals must be written in English and submitted using the online submission system: https://www.earli-eapril.org. The system is open until December 17, 2026, 24:00 AOE (anywhere on earth). Note that this is a firm deadline!
## Contact
For any questions, please contact us at sigwriting26@zhaw.ch. More detailed information can be found on the conference website: https://www.earli.org/events/sig-writing-conference-2026
Best regards, The SIG Writing 2026 organizing team Conference Chairs: Cerstin Mahlow, Liana Konstantinidou, Daniel Perrin (all ZHAW) Organizing Support: Sibylle Lichtsteiner Hurschler (PH Luzern), Stefan Daniel Keller (PH Zurich), Afra Sturm (FHNW), Mirjam Weder (University of Basel),