CALL FOR PAPERS
Academics, PhD students and practitioners are invited to submit papers and panel proposals related to the congress theme: The Art of Communication. Bridging the Future and Past of Strategic Communication in a New Technological Ecosystem.
TRACK ONE
Interdisciplinary perspectives in communication research
PARAGONE is a word of Italian origins that designates a comparison between different artistic media. The debate started in the Italian Renaissance in relation to Leonardo da Vinci’s Treatise on painting which argued for the supremacy of sight, and to a letter by Bendetto Varchi that invited the artists to debate the question of the superiority of different forms of art.
While AI, ChatGPT and other natural language processing tools are blurring the distinctions between human and nonhuman communication, while PR, branding, advertising, content strategy and strategic communication are interchanging their tools, there is probably time to reconsider the specificity and the limits of our fields of communication.
This track welcomes papers regarding use of different platforms/tools, online and offline interactions, providing an interdisciplinary and intercultural reflection able to connect and compare knowledge from different areas of communication research, to identify best practices, as well as the new correlations among disciplines and areas of study.
TRACK TWO
The future of strategic communication: ethical implications and impact of emergent PR tools
ICONOGRAPHY, literally “writing with images” in Greek, this notion refers to the study of the meaning of images, symbols, and motifs in art. Foreshadowed by Vasari, Cesare Ripa, and Bellori, the modern development of this field was connected to Aby Warburg and then to Saxl, Panovsky, and Schapiro.
Less researched, the iconography of contemporary communication ecosystem shapes our collective mentalities. Within transmedia storytelling, emerging within a fully
digitalized environment where influencers replace experts
and AI/chatbots substitute humans, the current public communication iconography is complex, volatile, and difficult to classify.
This track welcomes papers that explore the future of PR and Strategic Communication, investigating the impact of AI. What are the challenges and opportunities that we may face in the coming years? How are human and AI generated communication blended? What new theories are necessary to explore the emerging communication paradigms?
TRACK THREE
Learning from the past of strategic communication: old theories in a new ecosystem
PASSEPARTOUT, meaning “pass everywhere”, is a thin flat piece of paper placed between the canvas (image) and the frame that separates the piece of art from the glass; it also has a decorative function.
This track also aims to examine the challenges that arise when applying old communication theories to the new AI communication landscape. We welcome papers that discuss the limitations of existing theories and how they need to be adapted or expanded to accommodate AI-driven communication processes and outcomes.
Furthermore, we are interested in papers that explore how the new AI communication landscape can be used to test and refine existing communication theories.
We aim to stimulate a dialogue on how we can use the wisdom of the past to guide the development and application of AI in communication, while also exploring the unique opportunities and challenges that arise with this integration.
TRACK FOUR
Community, communication, and stakeholders' interactions in the new technological ecosystem
TROMPE L’OEIL,which means “tricking the eye”, refers to an array of painting techniques, that create optical illusions of reality, such as perspective.
The emergence of this new technological ecosystem has revolutionized the way individuals interact and communicate with each other, and the way businesses can connect with their audiences. The aim of this track is to explore the impact of AI on communities, communication, interactions, and to investigate how companies can harness their potential for social good.
We invite papers that evaluate the role of communication in shaping communities and engagement in a new technological ecosystem, including the ways AI can facilitate the formation of communities and strengthen existing ones. We also welcome research on the use of AI in communication, on the strategies to enhance communication processes and outcomes, and about the means businesses can leverage on these emergence new social processes.
Additionally, we are interested in papers that examine how AI can be used to improve interactions between individuals and organizations. Finally, we welcome papers that address the social and cultural implications of the new AI communication landscape. This includes research on how AI can affect social norms, values, and beliefs, and how we can ensure that AI is used in a way that promotes social inclusion and diversity.
OPEN TRACK
Current research in (strategic) communication and PR
PERSPECTIVE derived from the Latin perspectus to mean “clearly perceived”, refers to the technique of making the two- dimensional forms look three-dimensional. Linear perspective provides the illusion of distance by using parallel lines that meet in a vanishing point, while atmospheric perspective uses different color tones to create the same illusion.
This track welcomes theoretical, empirical, or applied contributions bringing forth novel insights on trends, challenges and innovations in PR, branding, corporate and strategic communication.
The University of Bucharest will be pleased to welcome you in the country of George Enescu and Constantin Brâncuși, to find out if the “art” of communication is still able to offer meaning in this new technological ecosystem, in a quest for trust, signification, and intimacy.
EDUCATION TRACK
Public relations and strategic communication education research
SGRAFFITO comes from the Italian for “scratched” and refers to a technique used in painting that involves scratching through a layer of paint to expose what remains underneath. By covering a preliminary surface with another layer, artists can effectively scratch off the superficial layer in a way that will expose unique patterns or shapes.
The Education track welcomes papers focused on the challenges PR and strategic communication educators face in the current online and offline landscape. As some of the realities of the pandemic remain behind us, returning to class brings new transformations to the forefront, whether technological or human, imposed or desired, organisational or individual, systemic or in search of a (desirable?) pattern.
The Education track is closely related to the activities of the EUPRERA Education Network and to the Education Café, which proposed pedagogy-focused discussion topics that can represent a starting point for the submissions to this track, developed from a research-focused perspective: the transformation of experiences in the classroom, education and sustainability, curriculum development and course progression, wellbeing and social skills, education and genZ, inclusive assessment, diversity and equality in the professional and academic environment, teaching ethics, the integration of technology into PR education.
Submission requirements
For the EUPRERA Annual Congress both conceptual, theoretical, and empirical works and different methodological approaches advancing public relations/ strategic communication discipline and profession are accepted.
THREE TYPES OF SUBMISSIONS ARE POSSIBLE:
- Short-length paper (double-blind review)
- Full-length research paper (double-blind review)
- Panel proposal
Short-length papers and full-length research papers are competitive and will be selected based on a double-blind review process. Please note, for the review process, cover page must be omitted (please check specific information below).
Submitters of both short-length and full-length research papers are eligible for the Paper Development Workshop (PDW), if they opt for it. Full-length research papers are however given higher consideration as the PDW is meant to support the publication of completed works.
Panel proposals are not blind reviewed; the review process will be carried out by a separate committee who will evaluate thse proposals based on a) the topic fit with the conference theme, b) contribution to debate on public relations/strategic communication issues, c) coherence and clarity of structure and thought of the panel as a whole, d) originality and innovativeness of ideas, and e) institutional and/or national diversity of the panel composition. All submissions must be prepared in MS Word or PDF file format, 12-point font size, double spacing with a 1-inch (25mm) margin on A4 page size.
Please carefully read the following instructions: failing to follow them may result in an automatic disqualification.
All submissions must be prepared in MS Word or PDF file format, 12-point font size, double spacing with a 1-inch (25mm) margin on A4 page size.
1. Short-length papers
Short-length papers are intended for work in progress, offering the opportunity to present on-going research that has not yet reached completion at the time of the submission deadline. Short-length papers must allow reviewers to understand what the scientific contribution is and must comply with the submission criteria defined in the call for papers. This means, they should clearly present the purpose of the research, main theoretical framework/ assumptions and if applicable research methods and preliminary and/or expected results. A clear statement of the contribution of the study for public relations/strategic communication theory and practice should be included too. Short-length papers have a scope of 2,500–3,000 words in length, inclusive of everything (abstract, keywords, references, tables, figure, legends etc.), and are stripped of all authors’ identifiers. Short-length papers submitted with author(s)’ name(s) and/or other identifiers will not be reviewed.
A SHORT-LENGTH PAPER SHOULD CONTAIN:
- A concise title
- Structured abstract (max. 250 words)
- Up to 6 key words
- Introduction
- Central elements of the literature review/theoretical approach (the study’s major theoretical assumptions, concepts and questions must be clearly stated)
- Central elements of design/methodology/approach (it must be clear how the study is planned to be carried on, what sample/view, how data is collected and analyzed)
- Preliminary and/or expected findings/results (if data collection is not yet completed, please provide some overview of how far in the process you are and the next steps),
- Preliminary reflections/considerations on the main results and expected contribution
- List of cited references
2. Full-length papers
Full-length research papers are considered finished research work, ready for publication.
Please note that for in-program and awards considerations, submitted full-length research papers must NOT have been previously presented, scheduled for presentation, published, accepted for publication, and if under review, must NOT appear in print before the conference.
Full-length papers have a scope of 6,000–8,000 words in length, inclusive of everything (abstract, keywords, references, tables, figure legends etc.) and are stripped of all authors’ identifiers. Papers with author(s)’ name(s) and/or other identifiers will not be reviewed.
A FULL-LENGTH RESEARCH PAPER SHOULD CONTAIN:
• A concise title
• Structured abstract (max. 250 words)
• Up to 6 key words
• Introduction
• Literature review/theoretical approach
• Design/methodology/approach Findings/results
• Discussion and conclusions
• Complete reference list
For specific formatting, please follow the author guidelines of the Journal of Communication Management (emeraldgrouppublishing.com/journal/jcom).
3. Panel proposals
Panel proposals should focus on current issues and debates in the public relations/strategic communication field. Proposals with clear discussion statements that contribute to advance our understanding of important professional and disciplinary questions and issues are preferred.
A panel should consist of 1 chairperson, 4-5 presentations (maximum), and (mandatory) 1 respondent. Nobody should take two roles. Authors of presentations ideally represent various organizations and countries/cultures.
A PANEL PROPOSAL SHOULD CONTAIN:
• A concise title
• Up to 6 keywords
• 800-word rationale including a clear statement of the relevance to public relations/strategic communication discipline/profession
• Clear presentation of the panel key questions/issues, and how each presentation contributes to address the panel key questions.
• Method of delivery, e.g., the modality of panel discussion and eventual audience interaction
• List of panelists with names, affiliations, and bios Panelists’ presentation titles and max. 200 word-abstracts
• Overall statement of participation from the organizer declaring: “I have received signed statements from all intended participants agreeing to register for EUPRERA Annual Congress and participate in the panel.”
Failing to follow the panel proposal guidelines and formatting instructions requirements will automatically disqualify the proposal.
Accepted short and full-length papers
For the EUPRERA Annual Congress both conceptual, theoretical, and empirical works and different methodological approaches advancing public relations/ strategic communication discipline and profession are accepted.
THREE TYPES OF SUBMISSIONS ARE POSSIBLE:
- Short-length paper (double-blind review)
- Full-length research paper (double-blind review)
- Panel proposal
Short-length papers and full-length research papers are competitive and will be selected based on a double-blind review process. Please note, for the review process, cover page must be omitted (please check specific information below).
Submitters of both short-length and full-length research papers are eligible for the Paper Development Workshop (PDW), if they opt for it. Full-length research papers are however given higher consideration as the PDW is meant to support the publication of completed works.
Panel proposals are not blind reviewed; the review process will be carried out by a separate committee who will evaluate thse proposals based on a) the topic fit with the conference theme, b) contribution to debate on public relations/strategic communication issues, c) coherence and clarity of structure and thought of the panel as a whole, d) originality and innovativeness of ideas, and e) institutional and/or national diversity of the panel composition. All submissions must be prepared in MS Word or PDF file format, 12-point font size, double spacing with a 1-inch (25mm) margin on A4 page size.
Please carefully read the following instructions: failing to follow them may result in an automatic disqualification.
All submissions must be prepared in MS Word or PDF file format, 12-point font size, double spacing with a 1-inch (25mm) margin on A4 page size.
Best paper awards and publications
Original, not yet published full-length research papers are eligible to compete to one of EUPRERA Annual Best Paper Awards. However, the Scientific Committee will retain the right to consider the most innovative and solidly conceptualized structured short-length paper that show strong research potential and clear indications to be completed by the time of the conference for the Best Paper Awards.
Authors of selected contributions will be invited to submit their work to:
- a special issue of the Journal of Communication Management (publication conditional upon the double-blind peer review process of the journal)
- a book (edited collection), part of the Advances in Public Relations and Communication Management series, published by Emerald (publication conditional upon a peer-review process by the editors)
Important dates
March 15
submission deadline
May 31
feedback to authors
July 1
full programme release
August 25
submission of final full paper
Registration
August 7
end of early-bird registration period
August 31
end of registration period