Call for Papers

By bringing together scholars in the many fields of knowledge in which Eco worked, the conference aims to bring out Eco's legacy of thought; the aspects that emerge following the progress and distance brought about by ten years; the elements of thought that are still worthy of attention; and the directions in which these elements can be developed and relaunched today. This conference, therefore, has no set themes or sub-themes for reflection; instead, it makes room for the most important themes to emerge from the papers, debate and work of the scholars summoned to Bologna.

In short, the Centro internazionale di Studi umanistici “Umberto Eco” is organising an open work-conference enabling the emergence of new paths of reflection by re-examining and re-filtering Umberto Eco's immense body of works.

The proposals should be structured around six main areas:

1. Narrative
2. Interpreting and Translation
3. Semiotics
4. Philosophy and History of ideas
5. Middle Ages
6. Media

With these areas in mind, those who identify with one or more of Eco's ideas will be able to interact and reflect dialogically with the conference’s community of scholars.

In doing so, not only will the conference redesign a legacy destined to become ever richer and more open; it will also make it possible to commemorate Eco's vast intellectual legacy of thought in a non-ceremonial manner, revealing its strength, renewing its interpretation, and creating an occasion that is not merely commemorative or retrospective, but rich in thought, innovation and future.

Organisational instructions

We invite researchers wishing to participate in the conference to submit their proposal by January 31, 2026.

Jointly signed or coordinated proposals for papers may be submitted by max 3 speakers. If the joint proposal is accepted by the Scientific Committee, each speaker must register and pay the registration fee if attending the Conference. At least one of the speaker is required to attend if the proposal is accepted.

The proposal should include:

• Name and surname
• Affiliation
• Qualification
• Reference area (among the 6 specified above)
• Abstract (between 2.000 and 4.000 characters with spaces)
• 5 keywords
• Short biographical note (approx. 1.000 characters with spaces)

The Scientific Committee of the Conference will notify acceptance of the proposal by February 28, 2026.

The conference languages are Italian and English. Consequently, the proposal should also be drafted in one of these two languages.

The maximum duration of each speech is 20 minutes.

Registration as speakers (with communication)

After the Scientific Committee has approved a communication proposal, you will need to register and pay the registration fee in advance to present it.

Registrations will be opened on December 1, 2025. 

Registration fees 

• Early rate (from December 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026): EUR 180.00 
• Standard rate (from April 1, 2026 to April 21, 2026): EUR 300.00 
• PhD students, non-tenured PhDs, scholarship holders including research fellows (from December 1, 2025 to April 21, 2026): EUR 90.00 

Registration includes access to all keynote lectures and all convention and social events organised as part of the conference.

Registration as attendees

Registrations as attendees will be opened from March 1, 2026 to the end of the conference subject to acceptance based on availability.

• Students (including PhD students), may attend all sessions of the conference free of charge
• For others attendees registration fee is EUR 15.00 for a single day or EUR 30.00 for the three days of the conference.

Registration will be confirmed before the conference, subject to availability.

Cancellation/Refund Policy