We are delighted to confirm the following keynote speakers for the 9th International Self-Determination Theory Conference 2026.
Professor Richard Koestner
University of Montreal, Canada
Title: Understanding Autonomy: Lessons Learned Along the Way.
Professor Marylène Gagné
Future of Work Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
Title: Effects of real compensation systems on work motivation and work outcomes.
Professor Woogul Lee
Department of Education at Korea National University of Education, South Korea
Title: How neuropsychology explains human self-determination.
Professor Lisa Legault
Clarkson University, United States
Title: Autonomy as Social Justice: The Intrinsic Link Between Self-Determination Theory and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Doctor Adam Neufeld
Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
Title: Learning, Healing, and Human Needs: Re-imagining Medicine through Self-Determination Theory.
Professor Geneviève Mageau
University of Montreal, Canada
Title: Toward a more detailed investigation of the occurrences and impact of need-supportive behaviors.
Professor Johnmarshall Reeve
Institute for Positive Psychology and Education at the Australian Catholic University, Australia
Title: Yin and Yang of Autonomy Psychological Need Satisfaction: Autonomy Support and Agentic Engagement.
Professor Lennia Matos
Department of Psychology at the Pontifical Catholic University, Peru
Title: Exploring Motivation and Well-being in Peru: An SDT Perspective.
Professor Bart Soenens
Ghent University, Belgium
Title: Understanding the pains and pleasures of parenthood through the lens of SDT.
Professor Erika Patall
Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California, United States
Title: Supporting Students’ Outcomes by Leveraging Autonomy and Agency with Cultural Relevance.
Professor Robert Vallerand
Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada
Title: How the Hierarchical Model of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation Complements Self-determination Theory.
Professor Catherine Ratelle
University Laval, Canada
Title: Parental Motivation in the Context of Their School Involvement.
Professor John Wang
Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Title: From Evidence to Impact: Self-Determination Theory in Education Policy and Practice – Singapore Playbook for the World.
Professor Anja Van den Broeck
Faculty of Economics and Business at KU Leuven, Belgium
Title: To be announced
Doctor James Donald
University of Sydney Business School, Australia
Title: Mindfulness within SDT: Theory, evidence, and future research directions.
Professor Netta Weinstein
School of Psychology at the University of Reading and Research Associate at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom
Title: To be announced