New Submission deadline: April 10th!
We have been asked to extend the submission deadline and we want to give everyone a chance to submit.
Abstract submission is now open!
The International Young Carers Conference (IYCC) 2026 invites researchers, practitioners, policy makers, service providers, and young carers themselves to submit abstracts for presentation at the conference, taking place on 21–22 October 2026 in Berlin, Germany.
The IYCC is the leading international forum dedicated to improving the recognition, understanding, and support of young carers worldwide. Building on previous conferences, the 2026 edition will place a strong emphasis on translating knowledge into action and exploring how support systems for young carers must adapt to societal, political, and economic change.
The 4 sub themes: Recognition, Action, Young Carer in a changing world & cross cutting themes structure the conference program. You can download more information about the themes here.
Who should submit?
We welcome contributions from:
- Young carers and peer-led initiatives
- Researchers and academics
- Practitioners and service providers
- Policy makers and public authorities
- NGOs and advocacy organizations
Submissions from interdisciplinary and international perspectives are particularly encouraged.
What to submit?
We welcome abstracts that address the conference theme From Recognition to Action: Supporting Young Carers in a Changing World. Young Carers of all ages – early childhood to young adulthood – should always be a focus point of each contribution. Submissions can include, but are not limited to, the following:
Research-based contributions
- Empirical studies (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods)
- Prevalence studies and needs assessments
- Evaluation of interventions, programmes, or policies
Practice-based contributions
- Support programs and service models for young carers
- Examples of good or promising practice
- Co-production and participatory approaches in practice
Policy and system-level contributions
- Policy development, strategies, and frameworks
- Advocacy and awareness-raising initiatives
- Cross-sector and interprofessional collaboration
Experience-based and participatory contributions
- Insights from families and practitioners working closely with young carers
- Perspectives and lived experiences of young carers
- Creative, narrative, or reflective formats
How to submit
You may use our online form to submit your abstract. Should you have any difficulties or if you don’t want to use the form you can send us your abstract via Email. Young (adult) carers can also send us a video instead of a written abstract.
Submission timeline
- Call for abstracts opens: February 2nd 2026
- New submission deadline: April 10th 2026
- Notification of acceptance: mid April 2026
All abstracts will be reviewed by the Program Committee of the conference.
step two:
create your abstract
Write your abstract or film your video submission according to the bullet points in our guidelines.
step three:
submit your abstract
submit your abstract via our online google form before the submission deadline on April 10th 2026.
You are a young carer?
You want to share your story?
The IYCC 2026 welcomes presentations by (former) young carers and young adult carers. Hearing your story, your experiences and advice is an important part of the conference.
We will support you in submitting an abstract – you may even send in a video – and we will make sure you are well supported during the conference in Berlin.