Research Engagement
Montessori Europe Congress 2027
Advancing Montessori Through Research
Research is essential to the continued growth and development of Montessori education.
It deepens our understanding of children’s development, strengthens the connection between evidence and practice, challenges our assumptions, and encourages us to continue asking important questions about education in a changing world.
The Montessori Europe Congress provides a welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment where researchers and practitioners come together to share ideas, exchange perspectives and learn from one another. We believe that research is most valuable when it informs practice, and that practice is strengthened when it is supported by thoughtful inquiry and evidence.
Through the Research Engagement pathway, we invite researchers from around the world to contribute to the ongoing conversation surrounding Montessori education and other child-centred pedagogies.
We warmly encourage submissions from established academics, emerging researchers, doctoral students and practitioners engaged in research.
The Research Forum
The Research Forum is a peer-reviewed academic strand running throughout the Congress. It brings together researchers from across Europe and beyond to present current work, engage in critical dialogue, and explore implications for practice, policy and future research.
Research sessions are woven into the wider Congress programme alongside Professional Engagement, creating opportunities for dialogue between researchers and practitioners. Morning keynotes and cross-cutting conversations frame shared questions, while dedicated research sessions allow for depth, critique and methodological reflection.
All research contributions are subject to double-blind peer review and are selected for their rigour, relevance and potential to advance Montessori education.
Congress Theme 2027
The Courage to Continue: Following the Child, Reimagining the Future
We particularly welcome research that engages with this theme — examining how Montessori research honours the child’s agency while reimagining education for a changing world.
Submission Formats
We offer two submission formats to accommodate diverse research projects and collaborative inquiries.
Choose the format that best fits your work, methodology and stage of research.
Individual Research Paper
Present original empirical research, theoretical analysis, systematic literature review or methodological innovation. This format is suited to completed studies or advanced work-in-progress with clear findings and implications.
Papers are grouped into thematic sessions of three, chaired by a member of the Scientific Committee. Each presentation is followed by focused discussion with peers.
Research Symposium
Convene a symposium around a coherent theme, research programme or collaborative inquiry. Symposia bring together multiple perspectives, methodologies or contexts to deepen understanding of a shared question.
Proposals should include an overview statement (300 words) plus 3-4 individual paper abstracts (400 words each) and a nominated discussant who will synthesise contributions and facilitate dialogue.
Research Themes
Submissions are invited across the breadth of Montessori research.
Please situate your contribution within one primary theme that most closely reflects your inquiry.
The Prepared Environment: design, materials and affordances
Observation and Assessment: documenting development and learning
Development from Birth to Adolescence: longitudinal and cross-sectional insights
Inclusive Education and Equity: access, belonging and social justice
Language and Literacy: multilingualism, reading and communication
Mathematics and Scientific Thinking: reasoning, problem-solving and inquiry
Social-Emotional Development: concentration, self-regulation and community
Teacher Education and Professional Learning: formation, mentoring and growth
Leadership and Organisational Change: culture, sustainability and quality
Montessori in Diverse Cultural Contexts: adaptation, fidelity and innovation
Sustainability and Ecological Consciousness: the child and the living world
Creativity, Arts and Expression: music, movement, art and storytelling
Neuroscience and Developmental Science: evidence for Montessori practice
Innovation and Technology: digital tools, research methods and future directions
Academic Review
To ensure quality and rigour, all submissions undergo a double-blind peer review process. Reviewers are selected for their expertise in Montessori education, relevant methodologies and thematic focus, providing constructive feedback that strengthens both individual contributions and the collective knowledge base.
Review Criteria
Originality and contribution to Montessori knowledge
Methodological rigour and coherence
Relevance to Montessori theory, practice and contemporary context
Clarity, structure and quality of argumentation
Ethical considerations and transparency
Why Present at the Research Forum?
Contribute to Evidence
Strengthen the research base for Montessori education and help bridge research and practice across Europe.
Cross-Disciplinary Dialogue
Engage with researchers, practitioners and leaders from diverse disciplines, languages and cultural contexts.
Bridge to Practice
Translate findings into meaningful implications for classrooms, schools and teacher education.
Develop Profile
Share work in a supportive, peer-reviewed setting with mentoring for emerging researchers.
Shape Future Directions
Inform future research agendas and collaborative initiatives for Montessori in Europe and beyond.
The Research Forum honours research as a form of continuing Montessori practice — systematic, reflective and rooted in respect for the child. Whether you are sharing first findings or a sustained programme of inquiry, your work contributes to a collective effort to understand and strengthen Montessori education for today and tomorrow.
Key Dates
Please note the timeline for submissions, review and preparation for the Research Forum.
4 September 2026
Call for Research Engagement Opens
30 September 2026
Submission Deadline
26 October 2026
Notification of Outcome
2 November 2026
Presenter Confirmation Deadline
By 15 November 2026
Congress Programme Published
Ready to Share Your Research?
We invite you to contribute to the Montessori Europe Research Forum and become part of an international community committed to advancing Montessori education through thoughtful inquiry, collaboration and dialogue.