Call for Session Proposals: Permanent European Conference for the Study of the Rural Landscape

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the 30th session of the Permanent European Conference for the Study of the Rural Landscape, to be held on 9–15 September 2024 in Lublin and Zamość, Poland.

Updated information is available on https://www.umcs.pl/en/news,25627,welcome,131134.chtm

The conference organizers now welcome proposals for sessions.            

CONFERENCE THEMES

With growing trends of globalization and related challenges and opportunities facing border regions, the concept of borderscapes is becoming increasingly important in scientific research.

‚Borderscape‘ is a term that refers to the complex and dynamic social, cultural, political, and economic processes that occur in and around border regions. It encompasses a wide range of phenomena that arise from the presence, perception and significance of borders (e.g. migration, trade, tourism, cooperation, security, conflict). It can also be used metaphorically, such as in reference to imaginary, iconic, or symbolic, etc. landscapes of borders.

PECSRL2024 aims to promote and contribute to discussion and research regarding the relationship between landscapes and borders. Contributions from all fields of Landscape Research with a geographical/spatial, ecological, social, economic, historical etc. point of view are welcome to the Conference. PECSRL 2024 will especially focus on the following issues:

• Politics/ideology in border landscapes
• The workings of the economy in border landscapes
• Society, culture and identity in border landscapes
• Ownership and other legal issues in border landscapes
• Ecological issues and processes in border landscapes
• Natural and cultural heritage in border landscapes
• Methodological approaches to border landscapes studies.

GUIDELINES FOR SESSION PROPOSALS

We now invite submission of proposals to organize special conference sessions. As the session organizer, you define the session(s)’ topic related to one or more of the conference themes. You also define the format of your proposed special session(s) and organize its/their smooth running.

We invite proposals for Open or Closed Sessions.

OPEN SESSIONS

In an Open Session, the session organizers define the topic and format of the session, invite one or more speakers to anchor the session, but advertise for and accept contributions from the wider scientific community through their own networks and the conference website. All contributions for an open special session will need to be submitted via the conference abstract submission process. The conference Scientific Committee may also suggest additional contributors to the session.

CLOSED SESSIONS

In a Closed Session, the session organizers define the topic and format of the session, as well as invite all speakers/contributors in the session. Therefore the session proposal needs to include details of all the speakers/contributors.

SELECTION PROCESS & CRITERIA

The Scientific Committee will review the session proposals and the Organizing Committee will make the final decision. Our main criteria for selection will be quality, relevance, diversity and inclusivity. We particularly welcome sessions that:

• Stimulate and enhance scientific discourse and empirical knowledge on border landscapes
• Contribute to a conference program with a wide range of topics, involved parties, scales and regions.
• Use stimulating formats (round table, panel debate, classic session, world café, role games, etc.) with plenty of opportunity for audience interaction.
• Showcase examples (case studies, best practices, tools, etc.) or research that are internationally applicable.
• Lead to a scientific or empirical/applied value.

COMPLETING THE SUBMISSION FORM: YOU WILL NEED TO

• Specify the session organizer(s), chair(s) and rapporteur(s) and any other key team members.
• Select a session theme, title, and format.
• Report the expected duration of the session.
• Provide a summary description of the proposed session (max 500 words), including how it will be organized and moderated. If it is a Closed Session, please, indicate who will be the contributors.
• State the expected outcomes of the session (max 50 words).

Session proposals are to be submitted online by 11:59 pm Central Standard Time, on Friday, December 1, 2023 to one of emails listed on the conference website  https://www.umcs.pl/en/contact,25624.htm

CONDITIONS OF ACCEPTANCE

The Organizing Committee will decide on the date and time schedule of the selected sessions. (Preferences for dates may be given but are not guaranteed).

The Organizing Committee may ask session organizers to merge their proposed session with another session, or to include additional contributors or change the session format.