Over the past year, our networking activities have focused on strengthening contact among VETNET members, consolidating the engagement in its various conferences, and networking with other European bodies.
The ECER conference in Belgrade provided an excellent opportunity for scientific exchange. The VETNET programme opened with a keynote by Nataša Papić-Blagojević, Margarita Langthaler, and Andreas Saniter, who gave an overview of the VET system in Serbia, its past, present and future. During the conference, current VET research from Europe and overseas was presented and discussed. We were delighted to welcome early-career researchers, who presented their research for discussion and critical feedback. To support community building and stimulate fruitful exchange among VETNET researchers, we continued our discussion of the VET research framework. The general assembly acknowledged the valuable contribution of Harm Biemans, Wageningen University, who has stepped down from the VETNET board. It elected four new board members: Elena Quintana Murci, University of the Balearic Islands (designated to assume the role as link convenor in 2026), Franz Kaiser, University of Rostock, Susanne Peters, University of Bremen, and Junmin Li, Technical University of Dortmund. We are very grateful for their willingness to contribute their expertise and commitment to VETNET.
For the eighth year in a row, selected papers were published in an edited book series called “Trends in vocational education and training research. All chapters included in the publication underwent peer review, further enhancing the quality of the contributions. The papers are published with diamond open access through AOPublishing (https://www.oapublishing.ch/). They can be downloaded from https://www.vetnetconf.net/. The presentations and book contributions illustrate the diversity and richness of topics, theoretical foundations, and methodologies represented in VET research.
The lively discussions during the sessions show that VET research tackles pressing questions arising from educational policy and practice. The findings presented are highly relevant for teachers, trainers, and VET policymakers. The breadth reflected in the presentations and publications underscores the strength of the network, fostering an inclusive environment that enables researchers from various disciplines to engage in international dialogue and collaboration across multiple themes. At the same time, it exemplifies the network’s commitment to democratic culture, scientific integrity, transparency, and solidarity.
We are grateful that many colleagues support VETNET not only by presenting their work at the ECER but also by engaging in the review process of the ECER abstracts and book chapter proposals, programme planning, and supporting VETNET with critical feedback on VETNET’s activities. We are also happy to thank all those who are engaged at other conferences and events related to VETNET. See vetnetsite.org for more details.
Our highlights: Shared understanding of VET research Over recent years, we have developed a more common understanding of what VET research encompasses—its focus, scope, and relevance across countries and systems. A distinctive research profile VET research is increasingly shaping its own identity—not only through individual contributions, but also through ongoing discussions about its core objects, theoretical foundations, and methodological approaches. A growing and strengthening community The VET research community continues to expand, with stronger collaboration, exchange, and visibility at the international level. High policy relevance and practical impact The projects and presentations at this year’s conference demonstrate that VET research addresses politically and socially pressing questions, providing tangible ways to improve practice in schools, companies, and vocational and labour market policies.