Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at SEFI 2026
At SEFI, we believe that diversity across all dimensions is essential to enriching engineering education and professional experiences. Diversity fosters innovative and creative solutions to the complex challenges facing our world and helps ensure that engineered solutions meet the needs of all people. We embrace a broad understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we are committed to better representing all SEFI members and the wider engineering education community.
For the SEFI 2026 Conference in Prague, we are proud to offer a range of inclusivity initiatives designed to welcome and support participation from across the engineering education community. Our aim is to make SEFI 2026 accessible, enjoyable, and enriching for everyone, regardless of background, personal circumstances, or career stage.
Free Childcare Support at SEFI 2026
We recognize that attending a conference while managing caring responsibilities can be challenging for many participants, particularly parents and guardians of young children. These responsibilities may create barriers to participation and can limit opportunities for full engagement in academic exchange and professional networking.
To help address this, we are pleased to offer a limited number of sponsored childcare places during the SEFI 2026 conference. The childcare service will be delivered by qualified caregivers in a safe and welcoming environment, with English-speaking staff available to support international families.
Conference participants who wish to make use of this service are invited to express their interest by completing the online form:
Express your interest in childcare here.
Childcare will be available on the following days:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: 8:30–17:30
- Thursday: 8:30–14:30
A maximum of 10 childcare places will be allocated starting 30 May 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents or guardians who are offered a childcare place must confirm their acceptance within two weeks of receiving the offer.
Scholarships for Students and Early Career Researchers
Financial constraints should never be a barrier to accessing new knowledge, sharing research, and building professional networks. Students and early career researchers from low-income and underrepresented countries often face significant obstacles in attending international conferences.
To foster diversity and inclusion, SEFI 2026 is offering scholarships of up to EUR 500 to reduce registration fees for students and early career researchers. These scholarships are designed to empower emerging researchers, enabling them to present their work, learn from peers, and build essential connections in the engineering education community.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a student or early career researcher (up to 7 years of research activity post-PhD).
- Be affiliated with an institution located in a EU widening country or a low/lower-middle-income country.
- Have submitted a contribution to SEFI 2026 (research paper, practice paper, or workshop). Note: submissions do not need to have been accepted to qualify.
To express your interest, please complete the online form till 30 May 2026:
Scholarship Application Form
Scholarships will be awarded based on (i) the order of applications received and (ii) geographical diversity. Acceptance must be confirmed within two weeks after receiving of the offer. Scholarships not confirmed within this timeframe will be offered to the next eligible applicant.
DEI Initiatives
The SEFI 2026 conference will continue in the initiatives from earlier SEFI conferences.
Quiet Workspace
We recognise that conferences can be socially demanding and, at times, overwhelming. To support your well-being, a quiet workspace is available on the ground floor. This space is intended for taking breaks, recharging, answering emails, or focusing and working in a calm environment.
Keynote Livestreams
We are pleased to offer livestreaming of the keynote speeches, allowing participants who are unable to attend in person to follow key parts of the conference online. Each keynote will include a live chat, enabling remote participants to ask questions and engage directly with the speaker.
Fragrance-Free Policy
To help ensure a healthy and inclusive environment, we kindly ask participants to avoid wearing strong perfumes or fragrances during SEFI. Some fragrances can trigger sensitivities or respiratory symptoms in others. Members of the SEFI community are encouraged to minimize their use of fragrances throughout the conference.
Conference Accessibility
We are committed to making the SEFI 2026 conference as accessible and welcoming as possible for all participants. The conference building is equipped with ramps and elevators, providing step-free access to entrances, session rooms, and common areas.
Please note that some rooms may not be fully accessible. If this affects your participation, the organizing team will make every effort to arrange alternative solutions or adjust room assignments where possible. Conference staff and volunteers will also be available on site to offer assistance and support as needed.
If you have specific accessibility requirements or would like to discuss arrangements in advance, we encourage you to contact the organizing committee so we can best support your participation.
Accessible Toilets
Gender-neutral toilets, as well as toilets accessible for people with reduced mobility, are available on campus. They are located on the ground floor of the conference building, directly along the main corridor.
Dietary Restrictions
If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, please do not hesitate to ask the catering staff for information about allergens or to help identify meal options that suit your dietary needs. Our catering team will be happy to assist you.
SEFI Ally Training with Breakfast
Inclusivity is more than a policy—it is an ongoing practice. Creating a welcoming environment for all participants requires learning, awareness, and active engagement.
Begin SEFI 2026 in Prague by joining our SEFI Ally Training, accompanied by a complimentary breakfast, on Monday before the first conference session. This session will provide participants with practical tools and strategies to become effective allies, helping to foster a culture of respect, understanding, and support throughout the conference.
Interested participants are invited to express their interest on the registration form. We will follow up with details about the exact time and location.
Policies and Code of Conduct
It is essential that we all contribute to an open and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and respected for who they are. In addition to the SEFI Code of Conduct, CTU's Equal Opportunities Plan helps foster a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment in which all students, staff, and researchers can thrive.
