Evaluation Across Boundaries encourages evaluation to go beyond traditional limits—national borders, generations, disciplines, and methodological divides. This theme encourages openness to new ideas, welcoming diverse perspectives and collaboration across fields, sectors, and geographies.
It supports blending of evaluation models and techniques—qualitative and quantitative, academic and applied, traditional and emerging—to respond more effectively to today's world. This theme also values contributions of experiences and early-career evaluators alike, promoting a culture of mutual learning and innovation.
By crossing boundaries, evaluators can work together to address global challenges, adapt to changing contexts, and expand the reach and relevance of evaluation.
Evaluation Across Boundaries affirms our collective potential to advance the field and make a meaningful impact—wherever it's needed.
We want to hear from you! Keep these questions in mind when you submit a proposal for Evaluation 2026.
- How can evaluators collaborate across geographic, cultural, and disciplinary boundaries to address shared global challenges?
- In what ways can evaluation bridge divides between sectors—such as public, private, and non-profit—to create more holistic, systems-level impact?
- How can we blend diverse methodologies and approaches to strengthen evidence and inclusivity in evaluation practice?
- What can we learn from combining traditional and emerging evaluation models to meet the needs of evolving communities?
- How can evaluation promote mutual learning between experienced and early-career practitioners?
- How might evaluators expand the accessibility and reach of evaluation findings across languages, regions, and cultural contexts?
- What ethical considerations arise when evaluation crosses political, institutional, or cultural boundaries?
- How can we leverage technology and innovation to connect evaluators and stakeholders across distances?
- How do we ensure evaluation remains relevant, adaptable, and responsive in a world defined by rapid change and interconnection?