Call for Papers IFZO Annual Conference
Approaches to Resilience in the Baltic Sea Region
Conference Date: 8-9 October 2025
Location: University of Greifswald
Organized by: Interdisciplinary Centre for Baltic Sea Region Research (IFZO)
Societies in the Baltic Sea region are facing a complex polycrisis. Against the backdrop of increasing environmental risks, geopolitical tensions, demographic shifts, and digital transformations, the question of resilience—understood as the capacity of societies to absorb shocks, adapt, and sustain core functions—has gained urgency. In addition, there is a need to pose related questions about future oriented transformations in the Baltic Sea Region.
This interdisciplinary conference invites contributions to explore “Approaches to Resilience in the Baltic Sea Region” from various perspectives. We seek presentations that examine how resilience is shaped, negotiated, and enacted across civil society, institutions, narratives, identities, and how more resilient regions and landscapes may be achieved.
We are particularly interested in critical, empirical, and theoretical engagements that address:
- Civil Defence
How are civil defence strategies being developed and communicated in the BSR? What roles do local communities, state actors, and transnational networks play in preparing for disruptions—be they environmental, political, or technological?
- Narratives of Resilience and Transformations
In what ways do shared narratives, artifacts, and cultural memories function as foundations for social cohesion and the construction of collective identity in times of crisis? How can narratives contribute to resilient mindsets and intergenerational knowledge transmission?
- Institutional Structures and Democracy
How do legal, educational, and political institutions in the region foster resilience? What democratic innovations or institutional reforms are emerging to enhance trust, participation, and social equity?
Resilient Regions and Landscapes
What practices and policies—urban, rural, economic, or ecological—are proving effective in enhancing regional resilience? How can circular economies, climate adaptation strategies, or community-based resource management contribute to futureoriented governance?
Interdisciplinary Focus
We explicitly encourage submissions from across the whole spectrum of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences, in particular from environmental studies, public administration, political science, cultural heritage studies, literary studies, and related disciplines. The conference aims to bridge academic research with policy-making and civic engagement.
We welcome:
- Academic papers (theoretical or empirical)
- Policy analyses and frameworks
- Student projects and early-stage research
- Practice-based contributions from civil society or government actors
Submission Guidelines:
- Abstracts (max. 300 words)
- Short bio (max. 150 words)
- Deadline for submission: 10 June 2025
- Notification of acceptance: 30 June 2025
- Submission email: ifzouni-greifswaldde
- Subject line: “Contribution Annual Conference”
Languages: English (primary); selected panels may be held in German where appropriate.
For any inquiries, please contact: ifzouni-greifswaldde
We look forward to fostering a space for vibrant dialogue and cross-sectoral exchange on how cultures of resilience are imagined, built, and sustained across the Baltic Sea Region.
The Annual Conference is supported by the Ministry of Science, Culture, Federal and European Affairs of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania