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• SEC Interim Conference

  • When
    21.10.2025
  • Location
    University of Bergen, Norway

  The Science and Environmental Communication Section (SEC) of the European Communication Research and Education Association (ECREA) is pleased to invite abstract submissions for its upcoming interim conference in Norway. The conference will be taking place October 21, 2025, and is hosted by Department of Information Science and Media Studies and the Centre for Climate and Energy Transformation (CET), University of Bergen.
  

  The conference will be held in connection with the biannual conference Beyond Oil (October 22-23, 2025) organised by the Centre for Climate and Energy Transformation at the University of Bergen. You are welcome to also submit a paper for this conference. (Deadline for abstracts for Beyond Oil is March 28, 2025. Check website for submission guidelines).

  This year the ECREA SEC interim conference has no thematic call. We invite papers that align with our host conference (Beyond oil) or relate to core topics of our thematic section. Examples of topic areas include, but are far from restricted to:

  • media representations of science and the environment
  • science and environment reporting, alternative and citizen’s media
  • political and commercial discourse on the environment
  • dialogic, participatory approaches to the communication of research-based knowledge
  • communication, democracy and research governance
  • public engagement with science and the environment
  • environmental and science activism
  • visualization and environment communication
  • the digital turn in science and environment communication
  • digital capitalism and the environment
  • sustainability and media
  • Southern/non-Western and Western approaches to science and environment communication
  • (de-)politicization of the environment
  • the environment and the political

  Abstract, including title, name, affiliation, and email of presenter(s), should be no longer than 400 words (excl. references) outlining research questions, methodology and the expected contributions of the presentation. 

  To submit a panel please provide a description of the panel (aim, scope, contribution) no longer than 400 words (excl. references) alongside a 150-word description of each paper (including title, name, affiliation, and email).

  Submission should be sent to the following emails (Eskjaer@ikp.aau.dk and miguel.vicente@uva.es) before May 1, 2025.

  Important dates:

  • Submission deadline: 01.05.2025
  • Notifications on abstracts: 01.06.2025
  • Registration for conference: 01.10.2025
  • ECREA SEC Interim conference: 21.10.2025
  • Beyond Oil conference: 22-23.10.2025

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• ChatGPT and Beyond: AI Literacy for Early-Career Scholars

  • When
    29.10.2025
  • Location
    Södertörn University (Stockholm, Sweden)

  As part of the upcoming ECREA ARS 2025 mid-term conference, the pre-conference workshop "ChatGPT and Beyond: AI Literacy for Early-Career Scholars" will take place at Södertörn University (Stockholm, Sweden) on the 29th October 2025 from 14:00-17.00 (CET).

  This in-person workshop is free and open to all interested participants. Designed for a small group of 15-20 PhD students and early-career scholars from diverse backgrounds, it will offer a space to explore and discuss ethical, professional, and societal dimensions of AI in academia, including concerns and opportunities arising from generative AI technologies.

  To register for the workshop follow this link: https://forms.gle/919RHmvypjX3wS1d6 

  For further information, contact Nivedita Chatterjee (n.chatterjee@surrey.ac.uk) Paulo Couraceiro (paulo.couraceiro@obercom.pt) or Jan Weis (jan.weis@sh.se) via email.

  This workshop is supported by the EDI Grant awarded to the ECREA ARS Section. Please note that participation in the workshop does not require registration for the main conference.

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• Navigating Algorithmic Society: Audiences’ tactics to understanding the world

  • Start
    30.10.2025
  • End
    31.10.2025
  • Location
    Stockholm, Sweden

  Deadline: May 1, 2025 

  The conference aims to foster engaged debates about, and a comprehensive understanding of, challenges related to the quickly transforming algorithmic society, for media users across Europe. We welcome a wide range of approaches and look forward to discussions that will contribute to scientific analysis of our contemporary media world. 

  Read more: https://www.sh.se/english/sodertorn-university/calendar/events/2025-10-30-ecrea-audience-and-reception-studies-2025 

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• Seeing Through Complexity: Entanglements in Visual Cultures

  • When
    06.11.2025
  • Location
    Online

  The ECREA Visual Cultures Section invites scholars to examine the entanglements of visual cultures with power, identity, technology, and truth-making. We seek contributions that analyse visual cultures through lenses attentive to epistemologies and ethics. In particular, we are interested in questions that reflect on research objects, methods and teaching practices in visual social research.

  Authors may submit to one of three conference streams: the general conference stream, the methods, or teaching streams. Submission deadline: 15th August 2025.

  More information: https://visualculturesecrea.wordpress.com/2025/05/20/call-for-papers-online/

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• The Social Impact of Sports Communication: (Sports) Media, Engagement, and Activism in the Digital Sphere

  • Start
    13.11.2025
  • End
    15.11.2025
  • Location
    Cologne, Germany

  Deadline: June 23, 2025
  

  Conference of the ECREA Temporary Working Group Communication and Sport

  Sports media play a crucial role in shaping public discourse, influencing narratives, and determining the visibility of social issues within both the sports industry and wider society. From investigative sports journalism uncovering injustices to strategic communication efforts by athletes, teams, and brands, the role of media in shaping social impact requires critical exploration. Moreover, audiences actively engage with, interpret, and respond to these narratives, shaping the effectiveness and reach of various movements in sports media. Additionally, sports journalism can take on an interventionist role, with journalists advocating for social issues, giving voice to marginalized groups, and driving conversations on equity and justice. Activism within sports communication, whether led by athletes, media professionals, or fans, continues to be a significant factor in addressing societal challenges. Beyond journalism, various forms of engagement—including fan mobilization, community-driven initiatives, and participatory media practices—are shaping the broader landscape of social influence in sports communication.

  The Conference of the ECREA TWG “Communication and Sport”, hosted by the Institute of Communication and Media Research at the German Sport University in Cologne, on November 13-15, 2025 (Get Together, Nov 13; Academic Program Nov 14 and 15) invites scholars (not necessarily only from Europe) to submit abstracts that investigate the relationship between sports communication and its broader societal influence. It aims to foster interdisciplinary discussions that deepen our understanding of how journalism, digital platforms, strategic communication, audience reception, engagement, activism, and advocacy intersect with social impact in sports communication.

  The conference will feature one online panel that will allow participation of a select number of researchers who are unable to travel to Cologne.

  Submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

  • Sports Media:
    
  • • The role of sports journalism in shaping social change
    • The interventionist and activist role of sports journalists
    • Media framing of social issues and activism in sports
    • Intersectionality and diversity in media portrayals of athletes and social issues
    • Regulation and censorship in sports media
  • Sports Actors:
    
  • • The role of sociopolitical issues in athletes’ self-presentation
    • Strategic communication in socially responsible and activist sports initiatives
    • Corporate media and its stance to social activism in sports
    • Athletes’ employment of different media channels for activist purposes
    • Sports actors’ responses to online hate
    • Social media’s influence on activism and public engagement in sports
  • Sports Audiences:
    
  • • Fan engagement, mobilization, and advocacy through media platforms
    • Audience expectations and perceptions of activism in sports communication
    • Community engagement and grassroots movements in sports media
    • Case studies of sports media’s impact on social discourse and activism 

  This list is not exclusive, and we call for papers which in a broad sense deal with different forms of engagement, including both theoretical and empirical perspectives on the potential social impact of sports communication

  We invite abstracts between 300-500 words (excluding references) submitted in English language by June 23, 2025 via email to ecrea_sports_2025@dshs-koeln.de or directly to the main organiser JProf. Dr. Daniel Nölleke (d.noelleke@dshs-koeln.de). The submission should be anonymized.

  The abstracts can be both for individual papers and panel proposals. Each panel proposal must include an abstract of the cover topic and the titles of 4-5 involved papers with the names of the authors. Each paper in the panel needs to be presented by people from different universities. Please indicate clearly whether the abstract is for an individual paper or a panel proposal. 

  The TWG (in collaboration with its YECREA representative) particularly invites early career researchers to submit abstracts for the conference. Please indicate on your submission if it is authored exclusively by (bachelor, master or Ph.D.) students. 

  To support the integration of as many scholars as possible, we will hold approx. 5 onsite panels and 1 online panel for the colleagues who have difficulties travelling to Cologne on the dates of the conference. Please indicate clearly whether the abstract is for onsite or online presentation. Authors will be notified about acceptance by July 25, 2025.

  To cover the expenses for room rental and on-site catering (coffee, cold drinks, finger food), a fee of max. 70 Euro (max. 40 Euro for Early Career Scholars) will be charged for on-site participation. Detailed information on fees, accommodation options and the social program will be sent with the acceptance notification in July.

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• AI, Children and Youth: Transforming Media, Play, and Social Interaction

  • Start
    19.11.2025
  • End
    21.11.2025
  • Location
    Seville, Spain

  Early bird submission deadline: September 10 (inclusive)
  

  Late submission deadline: October 15 (inclusive)

  https://eventos.us.es/138341/detail/ai-children-and-youth-transforming-media-play-and-social-interaction.html

  Artificial intelligence (AI) is (re)defining the way children and teenagers relate to media, play, as well as their social interactions. Through chatbots and voice assistants, applications (storytelling, language learning, emotional recognition, etc.), and virtual/interactive educational games, AI-driven tools are becoming essential companions in their digital experiences. This conference aims to explore the cultural and social impacts of these changes, focusing on AI’s influence on digital self-expression, play-related experiences, intergenerational relationships, and audio-visual production. Rather than perceiving AI merely as a neutral instrument, our goal is to explore its role as a cultural force that guides the ways in which young individuals relate to media and the world surrounding them.

  From this standpoint, we seek submissions that examine the role of play (both physical and digital) within artificial intelligence: as a medium for literacy development; to personalize the learning experience by adapting activities based on a child’s responses; to simulate and create virtual realities where children can establish forms of communication with one another (e.g., Animal Crossing); for narrative construction and image generation; to explore their environment through a dual modality of discovery (e.g., Pokemon Go); and in instances where the user is required to engage physically, among other aspects. How do these factors shape the way youngsters learn, play and interact with each other? 

  In this sense, AI driven tools present new creative opportunities for young people, yet they may also limit these opportunities due to algorithmic biases and the lack of autonomy in children’s decision-making. AI tools for content creation, such as story generation or character illustration may be configured to reinforce biases related to race or gender (e.g., “create a character” and the image generated is a white male). Simultaneously, algorithmic personalization, which depends on user data (e.g., likes, previous choices, etc.), has an impact on the construction of media referents and the identities of young individuals. As AI customizes content according to “preferences” and responses, children and adolescents are presented with specific representations that either reinforce stereotypes or, conversely, exclude them from certain categories. Such exposure can significantly influence the identity that youth develop.

  Furthermore, contributions exploring the influence of AI on intergenerational relationships are also encouraged. Children’s exposure and  engagement with AI-based content can sometimes exceed the understanding of parents and caregivers. However, AI also presents opportunities for fostering intergenerational connections. For instance, AI-driven educational games may create a collaborative environment where both children and adults can jointly explore the ethical, creative, and social ramifications of emerging technologies.

  Ultimately, as audiovisual media remains central to Communication Studies, AI is also transforming the practices of content creators who produce for young audiences. The increasing use of generative AI in the creative industries has raised concern among screenwriters and animators, triggering debates around authorship, ethics, and creative ownership, as evidenced by recent writers’ strikes and the controversy surrounding AI- generated images that imitate established artistic styles. Simultaneously, children’s media also incorporates these issues into its narratives, often oscillating between utopian promise and dystopian threat, as seen in films like The Mitchells vs. The Machines (Mike Rianda, 2021) or The Wild Robot (Chris Sanders, 2024). These representations are key in shaping how youth think about and relate to technology, trust, and agency, highlighting the need to analyze both the production and depiction of AI in contemporary storytelling and animation.

  Key topics (included but not limited to):

  • Definitions and fundamentals of AI related to childhood context.
    
  • Regulations and norms on AI in media for children and teenagers.
    
  • Ethical and social concerns regarding AI in youth media.
    
  • AI-driven play based on child responses.
    
  • AI games that promote movement and interaction with the environment.
    
  • Interactive AI games for narrative building and image generation.
    
  • Digital literacy in children through AI-based play and ethical considerations.
    
  • Content mediation and parenting in the age of AI.
    
  • Transformations in children’s communicative practices in AI.
    
  • Role of algorithmic recommendation in the shaping of children’s media identities.
    
  • AI and the reinforcement of cultural stereotypes in visual and narrative constructs.
    
  • Ideological discourses present in AI-driven media narratives for children and youth.
    
  • Role of AI in creating shared learning experiences across generations.
    
  • Representations of AI in film and television for children and youth.
    
  • Authorship, consent, and the aesthetics of appropriation in AI-generated art.
    
  • Intersection of AI and artistic labor exploring the challenges faced by animators and writers.
    

  Format and participation 

  This CYM Mid-Term Conference 2025 will be held over three days, divided into different thematic blocks.

  PhD Workshop - Wednesday, November 19

  This workshop is aimed at PhD students, and its main objective is to promote networking among participants before the start of the congress. It will be a meeting place to share lines of research, explore possible forms of collaboration, and encourage the creation of academic networks.

  In addition to the open discussion and the opportunity to ask questions in an informal setting, the meeting will include a couple of talks focused on the use of artificial intelligence in relation to some of the key topics of the congress, which will be detailed in the program soon.

  Conference - Thursday, November 20 and Friday, November 21

  During these two days the congress will be held in its usual format, with parallel round tables dedicated to different thematic lines. We will have the participation of keynote speakers specialized in children's content and/or artificial intelligence. Also, there will be video essay projection sessions in the Home Cinema room, in order to give visibility to this format as a legitimate form of research and creation in academia.

  The conference prioritizes face-to-face participation. The hybrid modality will only be considered in exceptional cases that justify it. In the case of video-essays, the physical presence of the author will not be mandatory, although it is recommended in case the audience wishes to ask questions after the screening.

  Submission Guidelines

  Submissions may consist of either individual presentations or panel proposals comprising no more than five contributors or co-authors. Proposals that are inter or multidisciplinary in nature are encouraged, and submissions from early-stage researchers are welcomed. We also consider the possibility of including video essays  as a format of participation. A video essay is a short audiovisual piece that develops an argument, theory or critical analysis using the expressive tools of audiovisual language (editing, voice-over, music, or the use of images, including clips from films, series, animations, etc.). Video essays should be between 4 and 10 minutes long and must include English subtitles if the audio is in Spanish.

  The individual proposal should include the following information:

  ● Title of the proposal

  ● Abstract (max. 300 words)

  ● Author name(s), institutional affiliation(s) and short bio (max. 100 words)

  The panel proposal should include the following information:

  ● Panel abstract (max. 300 words)

  ● A maximum of 4–5 papers, each with:

        1. Paper title

        2. Abstract (max. 150 words)

        3. Author’s name and affiliation

        4. Short bio (max. 100 words)

  Note: All participants must register individually once the panel is accepted.

  The abstract should clearly state the topic of the research, the main arguments or research questions, its relevance to the conference theme, the theoretical framework and/or methodology used, as well as the expected findings or contributions.

  Abstracts must be submitted in English. However, the registration form includes an option to indicate a preference for presenting in Spanish. Should a significant number of proposals be submitted in Spanish, a dedicated session in Spanish will be organized within the conference program.

  The organizing committee is currently in contact with academic journals and publishing houses to explore potential publications arising from the conference. Additional details will be provided communicated in due course.

  Here on the website, you’ll find a language selection tab at the top right corner. In the “Proposal Submission” section, you can fill out the form and submit your abstract. To do so, you will need to log in through your university or create an account as an external user — only then will the submission form become available.

  For any questions, please contact us through the “Contact” section or by email at ecrea.cym.2025.sevilla@us.es.

  Submission and Registration Deadlines

  Early bird submission deadline: September 10 (inclusive)

                ● Notification of acceptance: by September 25

  Late submission deadline: October 15 (inclusive)

                ● Notification of acceptance: by November 1

  Please note: Abstracts will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis as they are received, aiming for the shortest possible turnaround time. If you submit an abstract after the early bird notification deadline (September 25), we may still be able to provide an acceptance decision by October 5 to allow registration at the early bird rate. However, this cannot be guaranteed, and the time available to complete payment will be shorter. Same applies for the late registration dates.

  *To view the fees and deadlines for early and late registration, please visit the "Registration" section.

  Organizers

  This conference is a Mid-Term Conference of the Children, Youth and Media (CYM) Section of ECREA, supported by Universidad de Sevilla (Spain).

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• ECREA Journalism Studies PhD colloquium

  • When
    08.04.2026
  • Location
    University of Groningen, Netherlands

  Are you a PhD candidate working in the field of Journalism Studies? Would you like to connect with other up-and-coming journalism researchers based in Europe, and receive in-depth feedback on your work from experienced scholars in the field? The ECREA Journalism Studies Section and the Young Scholars Network (YECREA) invite applications for the 6th Journalism Studies PhD Colloquium, which is organised by the Centre for Media and Journalism Studies and will take place on 08 April 2026 at the University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
  

  Deadline for abstract submissions: 22 August 2025

  Deadline for full papers: 9 March 2026

  Full CfP and to apply: https://edu.nl/nfd7h

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