The performative power of images means that they are often understood not simply as representations of something else, but as documents embodying the very subjects they depict. This holds particular significance in the fields of education and pedagogy. The iconic nature of images cannot rely on a universal grammar; rather, each image must be interpreted anew, taking into account the prevailing conventions of representation and the specific contexts in which it was created. This becomes increasingly clear when large data corpora are analyzed using AI tools, which often produce biased or prejudiced findings. When images are employed in academic research—as sources, illustrations, presentations, or tools for knowledge generation in educational settings, for example through data visualizations—such biases must be carefully considered.

Within the framework of the series Pedagogical Knowledge in Images, this conference centers on the issue of visual bias within educational science and the history of education, as well as within the broader context of Digital Humanities.

Call for Papers - Deadline: February 22, 2026 

Safe the Date: May 20-22, 2026 in Berlin

The conference will take place on May 21 and 22, 2026, at the BBF premises (Warschauer Str. 34–35, 10243 Berlin). A panel discussion on May 20 will open the topic on the eve of the event and invite participants to an initial scholarly exchange.

Submissions for individual presentations (20 minutes talk + 10 minutes discussion) of at least 2,500 and a maximum of 3,000 characters (including spaces) are requested by January 11, 2026, to be sent to: c.heinicke@dipf.de.

Contributions may be submitted in German or English.
The decision on acceptance will be made by early February.
Registration for the conference will be possible starting March 2026.

We look forward to your submissions! With kind regards,

The Organizers

Linda Freyberg * Sieglinde Jornitz * Stefanie Kollmann * Katharina Vogel