Call for proposals 2026
The Music Audio Radio and Sound (MAR) Working Group invites the submission of abstracts for its 2026 conference, to be held from 28 June to 2 July 2026 in Galway, Ireland, hosted by the University of Galway.
The deadline for submission is 3 February 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
Download this call for papers as a PDF file
Theme
IAMCR conferences cover a wide range of topics defined by our thematic Sections and Working Groups (S/WG). Each year, a central theme invites participants to engage in shared reflection across these diverse areas, fostering dialogue and collaboration.
The 2026 central theme, Peripheries and Connections: Media, Communication, and Transformation, addresses the complexities of contemporary media systems in a polarised and interconnected world. By interrogating the tensions between centrality and marginality—whether geographical, cultural, political, or conceptual—this theme aligns with IAMCR’s commitment to fostering critical and inclusive dialogues across diverse perspectives.
Consult a detailed description of the main theme
The MAR Working Group invites submissions relating to the main IAMCR 2026 theme, with focus on how audio expressions, technologies and cultures engage with the transformation of media and communication on the peripheries. Not all submissions will address the main theme, and the Working Group also welcomes individual submissions and panels addressing the following (but not limited to): audio-based production practices (professional and amateur), content, industries, technologies, platforms, distribution, audiences and reception practices.
These are some of the possible topics:
- Sustainability and environmental impact of audio industries
- Noise policies
- Peripheries: centrality vs. marginality and audio
- Inequalities in the sound industries and the audio creation
- Producing from the margins
- Sound narratives
- Sound activism
- Archaeology of sound media
- Datafication of sound industries
- Music and podcasting
- Podcast industries and communities
- Micro-radio and ultra-local podcast
- Sound and power: political economy of sound, radio, podcasting and audio industries
- Music and audio diversity
- Music industries: synergies, interactions, structures
- Audio and gender in a digital environment
- Audio-based Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Trust and authenticity in audio-based content
- Methodological and theoretical approaches for audio-based research
We invite all scholars to contribute their unique insights, ensuring that the voices of diverse communities are heard and valued in the ongoing conversation about our planet's future. Together, let’s elevate diverse voices and forge pathways toward an inclusive future.
Guidelines for abstracts
Abstracts for papers to be presented in person should be between 800 and 1000 words. They must be submitted exclusively through IAMCR’s submission system from 28 November 2025 through 3 February 2026 at 23:59 UTC. Abstracts submitted by email will not be considered.
MAR encourages presentations including audio, so please note any technical requirements in the submission.
It is expected that each person will submit only one abstract. However, no author’s name should appear on more than two abstracts, either individually or as part of any group of authors and authors should not submit more than one abstract to any single section or working group. The same abstract, or a version with minor variations in title or content, must not be submitted to more than one Section or Working Group. Such submissions will be deemed to be in breach of the conference guidelines and will be rejected. Authors submitting the same work to multiple Sections or Working Groups may be removed entirely from the conference programme.
Evaluation criteria
Submitted abstracts will generally be evaluated on the basis of:
- Technical merit
- Readability
- Originality and/or significance
- Use of or contribution to theory
- Depth of knowledge of the research, theory and/or literature related to the proposed topic as evidenced in the submission
- Relevance to the working group and current trends or controversies in its field
- Inclusion of audio
The final acceptance of proposals is also conditioned by programme diversity and balance criteria.
Languages
MAR accepts abstract submissions in English and Spanish. Presentations are also welcome in any of the two languages, but we recommend researchers to prepare their slides in English to facilitate comprehension and discussion.
Statement on use of AI tools
IAMCR does not encourage or condone the use of generative AI tools to prepare abstracts submitted for consideration for our conferences. IAMCR values originality, integrity, and transparency in academic work, and believes that human-authored contributions best support rigorous and innovative scholarship in media and communication research. Should an author choose to use a generative AI tool in the preparation of an abstract, we require that they include a clear statement within their submission disclosing the tool's use. This statement must specify: (1) the name of any AI tool used; (2) how the tool was used in preparing the abstract, and; (3) the reason for using the tool. Failure to disclose the use of generative AI in accordance with these guidelines may impact the evaluation and acceptance of the submission.
Intention to attend
Each abstract submitted to IAMCR represents a real cost to the Association and contributes to the workload of volunteer reviewers and organisers. As the number of submissions each year far exceeds the available presentation slots, we ask authors to submit only if they genuinely intend to attend and present their work at the conference if accepted.
Deadlines and key dates
The deadline to submit proposals is 3 February 2026, at 23:59 UTC. Other key dates. Dates are subject to change.
About the Music Audio Radio and Sound Working Group
Learn more about the work and scope of the Music Audio Radio and Sound Working Group
Contact tbe Working Group
Co-Chair: Ignacio Gallego (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid -UC3M-, School of Humanities, Communication and Library Science, Spain)
Co-Chair: Mia Lindgren (University of Tasmania, Australia)
Vice Chair: Gondi Surender Dhanunjay (Central University of Tamil Nadu, India)
