Call for Panels/Papers

Society for Italian Studies Biennial Conference

Trinity College Dublin – University College Dublin

9-11 JULY 2026

On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of Italian and Modern Languages in Higher Education in Ireland, Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin are delighted to host the SIS Biennial Conference 2026 on 9-11 July 2026.

Confirmed keynote speakers:

  • Lina Bolzoni (Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa)
  • Stephen J. Campbell (Johns Hopkins University)
  • Serenella Iovino (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

We welcome proposals for panels/sessions and single papers (either in English or Italian) on any topic within the broad area of Italian Studies. Proposals are due by 15 December 2025.

Panel Submissions (panel abstract: 250 words)

The organising committee encourages panel submissions in diverse formats of 90 or 60 minutes, including but not limited to:

90-minute formats:

  • three papers, 20 minutes each, and a chair
  • four papers, 15 minutes each, and a chair
  • two papers plus a response (usually by an expert in the field), and a chair
  • a roundtable of up to six participants, and a chair

60-minute formats:

  • two papers, 20 minutes each, and a chair
  • dialogues (between two scholars) or interviews (with guest authors, etc.)
  • a roundtable of up to four participants, and a chair

The submission of panels and papers that foster interdisciplinary research, engagement with novel methodological approaches, and reflections on the intertwinement of language and literature is especially encouraged.

Preference will be given to panels that include participants at different career stages and reflect diversity (single-gender and all-white panels should be avoided, where possible). Please see the SIS Policy for Conferences and Event Conduct for further information.

Individuals may not organise more than one panel and may not present more than one paper during the conference, although they may also appear on the programme as panel chair(s).

Paper Submissions (paper abstract: 250 words)

Paper presenters who have not found an appropriate home panel may submit an individual paper proposal. The organisers will try to combine these into suitable panels. Panel proposals are likely to be given priority in the selection process.

The conference will take place in person at University College Dublin (Days 1 and 2) and Trinity College Dublin (Day 3).

In order to contain the number of cancellations and consequent changes to the programme, panel organisers are reminded that the submission of a proposal indicates a commitment in good faith to attend the conference.

All attendees of the conference must be current members of the Society for Italian Studies. To start or renew your membership, please follow this link: https://italianstudies.org.uk/the-society/membership/. If you have any issues, please contact Kate Mitchell at katharine.mitchell@strath.ac.uk.

Reduced Conference fees will be available to support attendance by PGRs / ECAs and unwaged academics.

Proposals must be submitted using the appropriate form (Panel submission OR Paper submission) and must be sent as a single attachment (PDF) to sisdublin2026@gmail.com, by 15 December 2025. Conference participation will be confirmed by April 2026.

For further information and queries, please contact: sisdublin2026@gmail.com.

We look forward to receiving your proposals and seeing many of you in Dublin!

Best wishes,

The Organising Committee:

Paolo Acquaviva (UCD)

Marco Bellardi (UCD)

Clodagh Brook (TCD)

Igor Candido (TCD)

Mara Josi (UCD)

Serena Laiena (UCD)

Serena Vandi (TCD)