Researchers and practitioners from The University of Notre Dame Australia have shared their expertise on the international stage at the third Global Researchers Advancing Catholic Education (G.R.A.C.E.) Colloquium, held at Boston College, United States from 28 to 30 June 2026.
The international gathering brought together almost 200 Catholic educators, school leaders, researchers and sector representatives from more than 20 countries to explore the theme Cultivating Hearts & Minds: Formative Education in Catholic Schools.
Academics from the Faculty of Education, Philosophy and Theology represented Notre Dame at the colloquium, highlighting the University's ongoing contribution to research, leadership and innovation in Catholic education.
The University has a longstanding connection with the G.R.A.C.E. network. Notre Dame's Fremantle Campus hosted the inaugural colloquium in 2023, helping establish what has become a growing international forum for Catholic educators, researchers and leaders worldwide.
The 2026 gathering reinforced the value of global collaboration in advancing research, sharing best practice and shaping the future of Catholic education.
Further strengthening Notre Dame's leadership within the international network, Global Centre for Catholic Leaders (GCCL) Director, Laura Avery, has joined the G.R.A.C.E. Steering Committee, helping guide future collaboration and research initiatives ahead of the next international gathering, expected to take place in 2028.
Senior Lecturer Sharon Law-Davis also played a key role in the success of the 2026 event through her involvement on the organising committee.
Ms Law-Davis said the event demonstrated the strength of the international Catholic education community.
"It was a wonderful conference with a great spirit of collegiality, a willingness to share research and practice, and encouragement for those working in the field," she said.
"It is a great forum for testing and expanding ideas while discussing the future of Catholic education and our shared mission in the life of the Church."
The colloquium provided an opportunity for participants from around the world to share research, exchange ideas and consider the future of Catholic education and its mission in an increasingly complex global environment.
Notre Dame research presentations can be found here.
