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CLEAR's 9th International Congress
& 2027 Regulatory Research Day

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

CLEAR is pleased to announce a Call for Proposals for the both the 2027 Regulatory Research Day and the 9th International Congress on Professional and Occupational Regulation to be held in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The program for the 2027 Regulatory Research Day will take place on Wednesday, June 7 and the International Congress program will be Thursday, June 8 and Friday, June 9.

Proposals must be submitted using the proposal portals linked below. Continue reading for more information about the Regulatory Research Day, International Congress, and the 2027 proposal guidelines for both programs.

Research Day Proposal Portal

International Congress Proposal Portal

Please contact Virginia Smith with any questions about the proposal process.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMS

REGULATORY RESEARCH DAY

The 2027 Regulatory Research Day serves as a dynamic platform for international researchers, regulators, accreditation authorities, and practitioners to exchange knowledge and strengthen professional networks. This event is dedicated to showcasing new and innovative research in the regulatory field—whether conducted by regulators, focused on regulation as a discipline, or undertaken by academics engaged in regulatory studies.

Through diverse session formats, attendees will explore how research informs regulatory policy-making, examine international research collaborations, and discuss emerging trends and best practices in regulatory frameworks. The program will feature presentations on local and international research, interactive discussions, and opportunities to explore innovations in regulatory arrangements.

INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL REGULATION

For regulatory leaders looking for the chance to examine how global trends in professional and occupational regulation impact their own organizations, CLEAR’s International Congress on Professional and Occupational Regulation offers an interactive and dynamic forum to explore the most salient issues for the international regulatory community. Unlike traditional conferences, CLEAR’s International Congress employs a format of interactive education sessions and round table discussion groups to engage regulatory leaders in dialogue and active problem-solving for regulatory authorities both locally and around the world.

2027 CALL FOR PROPOSALS

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED

We invite submissions for presentations, panel discussions, and other interactive session formats. All proposals must be submitted via the online submission portal (Pheedloop). 

Review the Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the proposal process. Please contact Virginia Smith with any additional questions.

SUGGESTED TOPICS

CLEAR seeks a wide variety of topics from and applicable to diverse jurisdictions and occupations for both the Regulatory Research Day and International Congress programs:

REGULATORY RESEARCH DAY
Submissions should present original research that speaks to new findings, case studies, methodologies, or critical analyses relevant to the regulatory sector. Proposals may focus on any topic relevant to professional and occupational licensure and regulation, including:

    • Regulatory Effectiveness & Innovation – Measuring regulatory impact, assessing regulatory burden, and innovative approaches to regulatory oversight.
    • Data-Driven Regulation – The role of AI, machine learning, and big data in shaping regulatory decision-making.
    • International Regulatory Comparisons – Cross-jurisdictional research on accreditation, licensure, and professional mobility.
    • Public Trust & Regulatory Legitimacy – Research on the role of transparency, accountability, and engagement in regulatory trust-building.
    • Regulation in a Changing World – The effects of global events, economic shifts, and social changes on regulatory frameworks.
    • Equity & Inclusion in Regulation – Research addressing bias, accessibility, and diversity in regulatory policies and enforcement.
    • The Future of Professional Regulation – Trends and predictions on the evolution of professional and occupational regulation.

INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS
The program for the International Congress on Professional and Occupational Regulation is organized along three themes related to the global pursuit for regulatory excellence. CLEAR welcomes session proposals that align with one of the 2027 congress themes:

Regulation Redefined: Purpose, Policy, and Public Protection
This theme explores the evolving role and purpose of regulation in a rapidly changing global environment. Proposals may examine governance, accountability, and regulatory culture, including how regulators articulate and defend their public protection mandate amid increasing pressure to reduce barriers. Submissions may also address the adaptation of regulatory frameworks, the influence of workforce shortages and policy priorities, and how jurisdictions are balancing risk, innovation, and oversight.

Advancing Regulatory Strategy: Data, Technology, and New Approaches
This theme focuses on the tools and strategies shaping modern regulatory practice. We welcome proposals that explore the use of data, emerging technologies, and innovative approaches to oversight, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, fraud detection, and related ethical considerations. Submissions may highlight leading practices and practical applications that enhance regulatory effectiveness and efficiency.

Implementing Regulation: From Policy to Practice
This theme examines how regulatory intent is translated into practice, with particular attention to communication, clarity, and consistency. Proposals may address challenges in conveying requirements to licensees and the public, reducing misinterpretation, and ensuring alignment between policy and implementation. Submissions exploring cross-jurisdictional communication, mobility, and practical strategies to improve outcomes are especially encouraged.

WHO SHOULD SUBMIT?

This international event welcomes proposals from the broader regulatory community, including:

    • Regulators and regulatory agencies 
    • Academic researchers exploring regulatory topics
    • Policy analysts and consultants working in regulatory environments
    • Accreditation authorities engaged in regulatory decision-making
    • Interdisciplinary teams involved in research and other collaborative efforts
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Please be sure to have the following information ready to submit:

    • Session Title (clear and concise)
    • Abstract (max 300 words) including the following components:
      • outlining the research, its objectives, key findings, and relevance to regulatory practice
      • Outline of the major themes of the research including objectives, key findings, challenges and lessons learned, and applicability for regulatory bodies.
      • Evidence-Based (relevant research and data that demonstrates the quality of the content), and
      • Practicality (explain practices or resources that attendees will be able to take home and use – such as handouts, website links for further information, or specific actionable strategies). 
      • Successful proposals will be based in original work with international elements applicable to diverse occupations and needs. We recommend reviewing the FAQs provided above for additional information about developing a successful proposal.
    • Session Format (e.g., presentation, panel, workshop, etc.)
    • Presenter Information (name, affiliation, contact details)
    • Learning Objectives (3 key takeaways for attendees, each objective should be measurable)

NOTE: The proposal portal allows you to save progress and edit your proposal up to the submission deadline.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE AND REVIEW PROCESS
    • Deadline for submissions: June 19, 2026 (11:59pm GMT)
    • Notifications of Acceptance: August 3, 2026

Proposals will be reviewed by CLEAR’s International Congress Working Group, which will ensure a balanced program featuring a diversity of perspectives, methodologies, and regulatory contexts.

JOIN US IN ADVANCING REGULATORY EXCELLENCE!

The 2027 Regulatory Research Day and 9th International Congress present an unparalleled opportunity to share insights, engage with global regulatory experts, and contribute to the future of regulation. We look forward to your submissions!

updated 05-06-2026