Call for sessions

The conference theme “Dance of Academia and Industry” explores the dynamic interplay between scholarly research and practical application in industrial management and engineering. It emphasizes collaboration, knowledge exchange, and co-creation of solutions that bridge theoretical frameworks with real-world challenges. By bringing together academics and industry leaders, the event fosters dialogue on innovation, sustainability, and strategic transformation in project-based environments.

We invite everybody to submit ideas for sessions to the conference revolving around IEM-research, IEM-education, or hot topics of significance for young scholars of the IEM-field. A session could be of any of the following formats: presentations, panel discussions, workshops, debates, and round table seminars.

Please submit your session proposals to: scaiem2026@tuni.fi as soon as possible (DL is June 15, 2026).

Include the following information:

  • Name, affiliation, and email of lead proponent
  • Names, affiliations, and emails of other proponents
  • Title of session
  • Intended track (research, education, post-graduate education)
  • Type of session (roundtable, panel, presentations, workshop or debates
  • Short description. (max 100 words)

The conference sessions are designed to stimulate active participation among the attendees.

Session formats:

Panel Discussion Session
A panel discussion is a discussion before an audience, about a specific topic. The topic is discussed jointly by a number of panelists who contribute with different perspectives on the subject. A panel is led by a moderator and there should be room for the audience to ask questions to the panel participants and contribute more perspectives on the subject.

Debate Session
A debate is like a panel discussion, but between two contradition positions. Thus, there is a stronger emphasis on the differences between opinions, perspectives, standpoints, and arguments. The panel is led by a moderator/referee and there should be possibilities for the audience to ask questions to the debaters.

Workshop Session
In a workshop, the focus is on participant activity. A workshop begins with a presentation of a specific topic that is made by the workshop leaders. Then follow practical exercises involving all participants.

Round Table Discussions Session
A round table discussion is initiated by a shorter presentation of the session managers of a specific topic. Subsequently, discussions in smaller groups – one at each table – follow a number of different issues related to the subject. At each table there is a discussion manager who can, if necessary, stimulate the discussion on a specific issue. After a specified time, the participants change table / question. The topic and the questions are summarized at the end of the session in a dialogue between the discussion managers and the participants.

Your Own Session Format
Do you have an idea about a new innovative session format you want to experiment with? Please do not hesistate to be in touch, we are always looking for new ideas!