11 June 2026
Degree projects offered new perspectives on special education
Future special educational needs coordinators and specialists presented new knowledge on challenges facing schools at the special education degree conference 2026, held at Luleå University of Technology. The students’ degree projects provided fresh perspectives on current issues related to learning, inclusion and pupil support.
The conference took place at Vetenskapens Hus on 2 June and brought together just over 100 participants. The programme featured presentations from 35 students covering topics such as inclusion, literacy difficulties, language-development approaches, neurodevelopmental conditions, pupil support, and special education practices in preschool and school settings.
Special education issues in focus
"This year's degree projects cover a broad range of methods and topics, from early childhood education to upper secondary school, exploring areas such as language development, participation and mathematics. The diversity of the projects reflects the students' ability to undertake in-depth studies and underlines the important role they will play in shaping the future of education," says Viktor Gardelli, associate professor of education at Luleå University of Technology.
The conference is held annually to showcase students’ degree projects and create opportunities for exchange between research, education and professional practice within the field of special education.
"The degree conference gives students the opportunity to present their work in an accessible way and highlight their most important findings. It helps disseminate new knowledge to professionals working in schools while also allowing students to develop their ability to communicate knowledge, which is an important part of their future professional practice," says Viktor Gardelli.
Guest lecture on multilingualism
One of the highlights of the day was a guest lecture by Christa Roux Sparreskog, Senior Lecturer at Mälardalen University, who spoke about multilingual pupils in need of additional support.
Christa Roux Sparreskog, Senior Lecturer at Mälardalen University.
"Christa Roux Sparreskog is herself a special educator and recently completed her doctorate, which enables her to relate both to the students’ degree projects and to their future professional roles. Her lecture also provided valuable perspectives on multilingualism that can inspire professionals working in schools," says Kattis Edström, lecturer in education at Luleå University of Technology.
Through this year’s degree projects, the students contributed new perspectives on some of the most pressing issues facing schools today while also demonstrating the breadth that characterises the field of special education.
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