ECREA WEEKLY digest ARTICLES

June 23-27, 2025

Gränna Campus, Jönköping University

Deadline (extended): April 17, 2025

Annette Hill and Joke Hermes

https://ju.se/academicwritersretreat

Writing Retreat Theme: Research Spices

What kinds of savoury and sweet spices do you add to your research practice? This academic writers’ retreat takes the metaphor of spices to explore research craft. 

We consider the seeds, roots, bark and fruits in our writing and analysis. And we reflect on layering of empirical and conceptual thinking, from whole to ground spices, toasted and roasted spices, and subtle and strong fragrances.

The retreat starts with a choice of spices and then we try out, write and reflect on the flavours and fragrances we want to create in our research craft. Each day we spend time in workshops, private writing time, go on walks by the lake and mountainside, and we cook together.

To find out more about registration, fees and the programme go here: https://ju.se/academicwritersretreat

Karlstadt University

The advertised doctoral studentship (fully funded for 4 years) is tied to the research project Beyond Fact-Checking: Detecting Frames and Disinformation in News and Social Media Content with Computational Methods(PI: Dr. Peter Maurer). The project has an interdisciplinary specialisation and will apply advanced methods for digital (computational) text analysis to identify frames  and opinions in political texts. The project also includes a comparative perspective where texts in different languages (English, Swedish, German, etc.) are analysed.  Applicants with a background in Media and communication, journalism, political science as well as computer/data science (or a related discipline) are welcome to apply.

Apply here: https://kau.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:806004/ 

May 14-15, 2025

Babeș-Bolyai University Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Deadline: April 17, 2025

The Faculty of European Studies – Babeș-Bolyai University Cluj-Napoca, The Centre for African Studies – BBU, The uOttawa-IBM Cyber Range and The University of Johannesburg, have the pleasure of announcing the organization of the 5th edition of the international conference Crisis Communication and Conflict Resolution. Dealing with Uncertainties in the New Global Political Era, which will be held on May 14th-15th, 2025.

In crisis situations, effective communication and conflict resolution strategies are important aspects that cannot be disregarded. In order to address these challenges, this international conference aims to support academics, researchers, PhD and postgraduate students, by offering them an opportunity to present their latest research results in the fields of:

• Crisis and Risk Communication
  
• Conflict Transformation and Resolution
  
• The United Nations and Conflict Resolution
  
• The European Union and Conflict Resolution
  
• Dealing with Ethnic and Religious Conflicts
  
• Political Communication
  
• Institutional and Corporate Communication
  
• Environmental Communication
  
• Mass-media Communication
  
• Cybersecurity in Politics
  
• AI in Crisis Communication
  
• Discourse Analysis
  
• Education and Learning
  

The 2025 edition will be held in a hybrid format, both onsite and online. Accepted papers will be published in a post-conference volume (e-book with ISBN).

Supporting journals: Synergies Roumanie and Studia Europaea UBB

Conference languages: English and French

Venue: Faculty of European Studies (1 Em. de Martonne St., Cluj-Napoca, Romania)

Important deadlines:

• April 17th, 2025 – deadline for title and abstract submission
  
• April 19th, 2025 – notice of acceptance
  
• October 2025 – deadline for paper submission (optional)
  

All paper proposal forms should be submitted to both e-mail addresses below:

delia.flanja@ubbcluj.ro & laura.herta@ubbcluj.ro

Appel à communications – Communication de crise et résolution des conflits

Organizing committee:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Delia Pop-Flanja – BBU

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Laura-Maria Herța – BBU

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adrian-Gabriel Corpădean – BBU

Dr. Iosif-Viorel Onuț – uOttawa-IBM Cyber Range

Prof. Dr. Bhaso Ndzendze – UJ

Prof. Dr. Sergiu Mișcoiu – BBU

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Paula Mureșan – BBU

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elena Grad-Rusu – BBU

Lect. Dr. Roxana-Maria Nistor – BBU

Lect. Dr. Andreea-Bianca Urs – BBU

Lect. Dr. Gianina Joldescu-Stan – BBU

Assist. Dr. Ramona-Alexandra Neagoș – BBU

Platforms & Society (special issue)

Deadline: May 23, 2025

Editors: Rianne Riemens, Donya Alinejad, Judith Keilbach, Anne Helmond (Utrecht University)

Call: https://journals.sagepub.com/page/pns/callforpaper 

Rationale:

Digital technologies, including cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI), are often framed as indispensable allies in the fight against climate change. At the same time, these technologies have an enormous negative environmental impact through their high demands for energy, water, and their reliance on critical raw materials. In recent years, tech companies have increasingly positioned themselves as environmentally responsible actors, working towards decarbonizing their businesses. However, these same companies have reported rising emissions linked to their AI products, still depend on fossil fuels, and continuously expand their infrastructures. Meanwhile, as knowledge brokers, they fail to address climate disinformation circulating on their platforms. Nevertheless, sustainability scholarship has a demonstrated tendency to celebrate platforms as drivers of sustainable societal change (Kuntsman and Rattle 2019; Mouthaan et al., 2022).

We invite contributions that critically engage with the complex and often contradictory relationship between platform companies, the climate crisis, and the pursuit of just, sustainable futures. We seek papers that explore the role of platform companies in the challenge of greening the digital society.

This special issue asks: How does the role of platform companies—ranging from Big Tech firms to AI startups, chip manufacturers, and cloud infrastructure providers—in the climate crisis call for new perspectives on platform power and its environmental impact? How can we analyze the infrastructural, political, and cultural power of the “new conglomerates” (Srnicek, 2024), particularly in their roles as knowledge brokers or energy intermediaries? Can we speak of a “platformization” of the climate crisis (Helmond, 2015), and if so, what does that entail? And how do these changes occur in different geographical contexts or parts of the supply chain?

We invite contributions from a diverse group of authors using a range of methods, working in different regional and institutional contexts, and focusing on a variety of case studies. Possible topics include:

  *   Methods and approaches for studying the environmental impact of digital platforms;

  *   Sustainability and waste across data infrastructures and the stack;

  *   Tech companies and CEOs as environmental actors;

  *   Theorizations of green platform capitalism and “green extractivism”;

  *   Digital platforms and the production, dissemination, and control of climate knowledge;

  *   The political economy of Big Tech and energy provision/distribution (wind, solar, geothermal, nuclear, fossil fuels) across different scales;

  *   Sustainability as a “hype” and platforms’ corporate greenwashing;

  *   Corporate environmentalism of Big Tech versus state politics (e.g. national public–private partnerships, friction in local contexts, lobby practices);

  *   Big Tech and climate justice movements (including local and Global South resistance);

  *   Visions and imaginaries of a green platform society.

Deadlines: Interested authors are invited to submit abstracts (400-500 words excl. references) to r.riemens@uu.nl<mailto:r.riemens@uu.nl> until May 23rd. After acceptance, authors will be asked to discuss first full drafts of papers during a hybrid workshop in January 2026, with official submissions due in March 2026. We aim to publish the special issue in Platforms & Society in winter 2026/2027.

You can find more information here:https://journals.sagepub.com/page/pns/callforpaper 

We look forward to receiving your abstracts.

University of Amsterdam

We are hiring: For the project "Ideology, Emotion Detection AI, & the Propagation of Social Inequality" we are looking for a post-doc (application deadline April 15th). The project examines how AI emotion detection models may perpetuate political ideology by reinforcing gender and ethnic stereotypes. A key concern is that these models are trained on datasets labeled by human annotators, whose political ideology may shape how they categorize emotional expressions—often in ways that align with stereotypes. When AI systems learn from these biased labels, their outputs can further influence human decision-making, unintentionally reinforcing existing inequalities. To investigate these dynamics, the project will hire a post-doc for 12 months, starting this spring.

See the vacancy: https://werkenbij.uva.nl/en/vacancies/postdoc-investigating-human-sources-of-bias-in-ai-face-classification-models-netherlands-13907

Deadline (EXTENDED): May 6, 2025

Editors: Dr. Emma Heywood, Dr. Richard Berry, Prof. Tanja Bosch and Prof. Kim Fox

Publisher: Peter Lang

Overview

This edited volume seeks to explore the evolving landscape of global audio production and use, with a particular focus on moving beyond Western-centric narratives. The book will bring together contributions from academics, practitioners, and organizations to highlight diverse perspectives on the theory and practice of radio, podcasting, and other audio media. It aims to foster a dialogue between practice and theory, engaging voices from the Global North and South and showcasing underrepresented practices, technologies, and cultures.

Call for Contributions

We invite submissions from scholars, practitioners, and organizations to contribute original chapters that reflect on the production, use, and impact of audio media globally. Contributions may explore the intersections of practice and theory, offer case studies, or provide evidence-based insights into audio production in diverse contexts.

Chapters may be theoretical (5,000–6,000 words) or shorter reflections by practitioners or organizations (1,000–3,000 words). Submissions from underrepresented regions, particularly the majority world, are highly encouraged.

Themes and Topics

We welcome proposals on (but not limited to) the following themes:

1. The Universality of Listening:

2. Global Perspectives on Production and Technology:

3. The Producer:

4. The Place:

5. The User:

6. The Purpose:

7. Audio and Podcasts in Global Markets:

Submission Process

Please submit an abstract of 300–500 words along with a brief bio (150 words) detailing your background and expertise. Abstracts should clearly state the chapter’s objectives, methodology, and contribution to the field.

Deadlines

● Abstract Submission Deadline:  Tuesday 6th May 2025 

● Notification of Acceptance:  Friday 23rd May 2025

● Deadline for submission of first draft:  Monday 6th October 2025

● Full Chapter Submission Deadline:  Monday 8th January 2026

Contact Information

Please send your submissions and any inquiries to theglobalaudiobook@gmail.com.

About the Editors

The book is edited by Dr. Emma Heywood, a senior lecturer and researcher at the University of Sheffield with expertise in radio journalism in conflict and humanitarian settings; Dr. Richard Berry, a scholar specialising in radio and podcasting as audio media; Prof Tanja Bosch, National Research Foundation Chair in the Digital Humanities at the University of Cape Town; and Prof Kim Fox who is an award-winning professor of practice in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication in the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at The American University in Cairo. 

We look forward to your contributions to this exciting exploration of global audio practices!

International Journal of Games and Social Impact 

Deadline: June 15, 2025

Guest Editors:  Hugo Barata (Lusófona University, CICANT) & Rui Antunes (Lusófona University, CICANT) 

This special issue of The International Journal of Games and Social Impact invites contributions that delve into the role of artistic practices in shaping game experiences and social narratives. In the same way, it aims to contribute to a multidisciplinary dialogue that examines the convergence of art in game design through its theoretical, practical, and methodological dimensions.

Submissions may address (but are not limited to) the following questions:

• In what ways can games be considered a legitimate form of artistic expression?
  
• How can interdisciplinary approaches enhance our understanding of the relationship between Games and Art?
  
• What potential exists for collaboration between artists and game designers to create innovative and socially impactful experiences?
  
• What role do emerging technologies, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, play in shaping the future of games as an art form?
  
• How have advancements in technology transformed the horizon of game design and artistic expression?
  
• In what ways can games challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity?
  
• How do the mechanics of games contribute to their potential as a medium for cultural critique?
  
• How have historical games been influenced by artistic practices?
  

Publication Timeline

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere. Dates are indicative.

Full Paper Submission Deadline: 15-06-2025

Notification of Acceptance for Full Paper Submissions: 16-10-2025

Publication Date: First semester of 2026

For more information: https://revistas.ulusofona.pt/index.php/ijgsi/announcement/view/231.

November 13-15, 2025

Institute of Communication and Media Research, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany (conference will be held onsite with inclusion of 1 online panel)

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 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.

The Children, Youth & Media Section of ECREA invites proposals from its members to organize and host the 2025 Mid-Term Conference. We welcome institutions or research groups within the section to submit proposals to host this event. 

Interested members should submit their proposals by May 2nd.

Read more: https://cymecrea.wordpress.com/2025/03/17/call-for-organizers-host-the-mid-term-conference-for-ecreas-children-youth-media-section/

April 15, 2025

Online

The Audience and Reception Studies (ARS) section of the ECREA [European Association of Comunication and Education Research ] and YECREA [ Young Scholars Network of ECREA]; invites everyone to an insightful online discussion about the diverse experience of doing audience and reception studies in diverse contexts.

Reserve a spot in this event for free to receive the link to access the event. You can also get in touch with the organisers mentioned below for more information :

Nivedita Chatterjee (n.chatterjee@surrey.ac.uk )

Paulo Cauraceiro (Paulo.couraceiro@obercom.pt)

Register HERE.