Call for Papers for the International Symposium “Participation in Crisis?” 2 – 3 July 2026
The ISA Research Committee 10 (RC10), the Hans Böckler Foundation, and DITES Research Centre at Link Campus University warmly invite scholars, researchers, and practitioners to submit abstracts for the international symposium, “Participation in Crisis? Appraising Acute Challenges and Exploring Prospects for Revitalising Inclusive Democratic Voice”. The symposium will take place in a hybrid format (in Rome, Italy, held by the Link Campus University, and online) on 2–3 July 2026. This symposium seeks to critically examine the dual nature of participation in the contemporary world: as a practice increasingly under siege by technological and political forces, and as an essential mechanism for navigating the “new normal” of permanent crisis.
Abstract Submission, Information, and Important Dates
- Submission Type: 500-word abstracts
- Deadline for Abstracts: 10 June 2026
- Notice of Acceptance: 12 June 2026
- Symposium Dates: 2–3 July 2026
- Format: Hybrid (Link Campus University, Via del Casale di San Pio V 44, Rome (Italy) / Online)
- Publication Opportunity: Selected papers will be considered for a proposed book project
- Submission Details: Submissions should be directed to the Scientific Committee via the RC10 Secretary, Sheetal Bhoola (sheetalbhoola@gmail.com)
- No Conference Fee.
To align with the symposium’s overarching theme of navigating crises in democratic participation, we propose key research topics that focus on the intersection of labour, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence. The symposium also welcomes research addressing citizen participation in decisions affecting public institutions and civic life.
- Algorithmic Management and Worker Autonomy
- Trade Union Adaptation
- Digital Authoritarianism in the Workplace
- Revitalising Collective Bargaining
- Data Rights as Democratic Rights
- AI as a Participatory Tool
- Citizen public participation
- Education for participation and Democracy
