The 4th International Conference on Affective Education (ICAE4) is officially open for submissions under the theme "Play in Natural, Virtual, and Social Environments." The conference aims to connect young and senior scholars through a collective mentoring model while encouraging research on the role of play and game design in well-being, public benefit, and education. The submission deadline is October 10, 2026. ICAE4 will take place on December 12, 2026, at National Chengchi University (NCCU) in Taipei, with online participation options available.



Theme of ICAE4 2026

Play in Natural, Virtual, and Social Environments: The 4th International Conference on Affective Education — Connecting Young and Senior Scholars by Collective Mentoring for Project-Based Learning.

The conference focuses on how play, gaming activities, and game design can contribute to public benefit and human well-being in natural, virtual, and social environments.

The Organizing Committee is particularly interested in research related to:

  • Mental health;
  • Empathy;
  • Bullying reduction;
  • Applications in learning and education;
  • The impact of artificial intelligence and generative AI (GenAI);
  • Game design and interactive forms directed toward social benefit;
  • Project-based learning models and collective mentoring.



Target Participants

ICAE4 aims to create a space for exchange between junior and senior scholars while encouraging collaboration between faculty and students. Instructors can collaborate with their students to form teams and submit proposals as a symposium. This creates opportunities for research groups at various experience levels to develop ideas together, share methodologies, and discuss results in an international academic environment.



Presentation Formats

Participants can choose from three formats:

In-person oral presentation at the conference National Chengchi University, Taipei.

In-person poster: Research presented in poster format at the conference venue.

Virtual presentation using pre-recorded video: Participants unable to attend in person can choose a virtual presentation format via a pre-recorded video.



Two Submission Formats

1. Individual Submissions

Authors may submit a single research paper to register for an oral or poster presentation. In this format, the Organizing Committee may group approximately 3–4 presenters with related topics into the same session.

2. Symposium

Groups can register as a symposium consisting of:

  • 3–4 presenters;
  • 1 chair to coordinate the session.

The Organizing Committee also encourages instructors to collaborate with students to build a symposium around a shared theme.



Abstract Requirements

Abstracts must be a maximum of 250 words. The content must include the main sections: Introduction; Method; Results; Discussion. Submitters must clearly state the research question or problem, the methodology used, the main results, and the significance of the research.



Key Milestones

Submission Deadline: October 10, 2026

Conference Date: December 12, 2026

Location: National Chengchi University, Taipei

Format: In-person combined with online



Free Attendance and Presentation

ICAE4 charges no fees for presenters and attendees. This helps broaden access for students, young scholars, and research groups with limited resources who wish to participate in international academic exchanges.



ISBN Proceedings Publication Opportunity

Following the conference, authors may choose to submit an expanded version of their research paper for publication in the proceedings.

Requirements for expanded papers:

  • Length of 4–8 pages;y
  • Official publication in the proceedings;
  • Includes an ISBN.

Submitting a paper to the proceedings is optional and entirely up to the author's discretion.



ICAE4 Aims to Connect Research, Education, and Experiential Design

A notable aspect of ICAE4 lies in its interdisciplinary approach. Rather than limiting itself to traditional affective education, the conference expands into topics concerning games, virtual environments, social interaction, and generative AI. In a context where technology increasingly influences how humans learn, communicate, and entertain themselves, research on game design, mental health, empathy, and the impact of AI is becoming ever more significant to education and society. ICAE4 therefore provides a space for researchers, educators, and students to discuss how to design learning and interactive experiences capable of creating a positive impact on individuals and communities.



Registration Information

Conference Name: The 4th International Conference on Affective Education – ICAE4

Theme: Play in Natural, Virtual, and Social Environments

Submission Deadline: October 10, 2026

Conference Date: December 12, 2026

Location: National Chengchi University, Taipei & Online

Registration Fee: Free

Presentation Format: In-person, In-person Poster, or Virtual Pre-recorded

Official Website and Submissions:
Visit the ICAE4 2026 website

Contact Email: icae20221213@gmail.com