Date of Conference: 23-25 April, 2026

Deadline for Abstract Submission: 24 March 2026

Online, international, interdisciplinary conference titled:

(In-)Visible Wounds: Interdisciplinary Perspectiveson Discrimination and Violence

Discrimination and violence constitute two deeply intertwined phenomena that shape individual lives and societal structures. From systemic racism and gender-based violence to xenophobia, ableism, and other forms of social exclusion, these issues -whether spoken or unspoken, seen or unseen- demand an interdisciplinary approach to understand their roots, manifestations, and impacts. Our aim is to examine these complex dynamics through diverse lenses across different spheres of human activity, fostering innovative insights and collaborative solutions.

Hence, we invite researchers, scholars, artists, practitioners, graduate and doctoral students to take part in this conference; the proposals may stem from various academic disciplines and creative fields, including but not limited to: criminology, forensic sciences, medical sciences, sociology, anthropology, psychology, philosophy, law, literary studies, history, visual arts, film and media studies, cultural studies, and others. We also welcome interdisciplinary approaches as well as encourage different forms of presentations, such as case studies, theoretical analyses, posters, comparative studies, and practice-based research.

Additionally, we encourage participation from individuals, who are interested in attending only as listeners.

The conference will be held virtually via Zoom.

Organizing Committee:

- Konstantina Kliagkona (Independent Researcher, EFL, Criminology Teacher, & Offender Profiler)

- Chrysoula Skandali (Dept. of Balkan, Slavic and Oriental Studies, University of Macedonia, Greece)

- Hercules Leontaridis (Economic Analyst, Pixel Art Illustrator)

- Suggested Topics Include (but are not limited to):

     I.          Categories of Discrimination

 - Age Discrimination

- Disability Discrimination

- Discrimination Based on Religion and Belief

- Economic Discrimination

- Employment Discrimination

- Ethnic Discrimination

- Gender-Based Discrimination

- Genetic Discrimination

- Mental Health, Addiction and Substance Abuse Discrimination

- Pregnancy Discrimination

- Racism

- Sexual Orientation Discrimination

- Speciesism

   II.          Criminology & Forensic Studies

- Types, etiology and social dynamics of discriminatory violence

- Hate crimes and forensic investigation practices

- Victimology and trauma related to discrimination-based violence

- Justice, accountability and restorative practices in discriminatory contexts

- Violence in conflict zones, refugee setting and marginalized communities

 III.          Medical Perspectives

- Discrimination as a public health issue

- Medical responses and trauma care for victims of discriminatory violence

- Identifying, reporting and addressing heath disparities related to discrimination

- Psychological impact of discriminatory violence on individuals

- Community health strategies for prevention and intervention

 IV.          Literature, Arts & Media

- Artistic responses to trauma and victimization

- Resistance movements and activism

- Representation of discriminatory violence in different media

- Visual culture as a tool for awareness and change

    V.          Sociology & Cultural Studies

- Societal structures and cultural narratives sustaining discrimination

- Intersectionality and layered experiences of violence

- Systemic oppression, state violence, and social inequality

- The role of identity, power, and resistance in perpetuating or challenging discrimination

 VI.          Policy, Law & Human Rights

- Legal frameworks addressing discrimination and hate crimes

- Policy gaps and challenges

- Human rights advocacy

- Transnational perspectives on discrimination and violence

VII.          Interdisciplinary & Theoretical Approaches

- Discourse analysis and semiotics of hate speech and propaganda

- Psychological theories of prejudice and aggression

- Ethical considerations in studying discriminatory violence

- Temporality of discriminatory violence, memory, and history

Submission Details:

Please submit abstracts (up to 350 words) of your proposed 20-minute presentation along with a brief biographical note by 24 March 2026 to both kliagkona@hotmail.com and skandali.chrysoula@gmail.com

Acceptance notifications will be sent by 31 March 2026.

Conference Languages: English & Greek.

NOTE: The organizers will take into account the different time zones to help accommodate all speakers, since the conference will be international.

Registration Details:

To take part in the conference -as a presenter or as an audience member- you need to pay a REGISTRATION FEE either via PayPal (please ask for a link) or via bank transfer:

• PRESENTERS: EUR 20 or USD 25 or GBP 20 - by 19 April 2026
• A special discount is provided to students who wish to present at the conference at EUR 15 or USD 20 or GBP 15.

• AUDIENCE MEMBERS: EUR 10 or USD 15 or GBP 10 - by 19 April 2026

The registration grants:

• LIVE access to all conference sessions via individual link sent prior to the conference date (without the need to install any additional applications)
• Compatibility with any device (e.g. computer, tablet and phone) with the flexibility to join or leave the sessions at any time
• The conference programme in a PDF format
• A receipt and a certificate of attendance for all conference participants (both Presenters and Audience Members) sent by email
• Networking opportunities

Banking Details (2 options are available):

• 1st Option:

Beneficiary name: KLIAGKONA KONSTANTINA DIMITRIOS

Beneficiary Bank name: EUROBANK ERGASIAS

SWIFT/BIC: ERBKGRAA

Beneficiary Bank account number (IBAN): GR40 0260 1250 0008 4020 1361 923

• 2nd Option:

Beneficiary name: KLIAGKONA KONSTANTINA DIMITRIOS

Beneficiary Bank name: PIRAEUS

SWIFT/BIC: PIRBGRAA

Beneficiary Bank account number (IBAN): GR29 0172 2640 0052 6411 0155 048

Please quote your first and last name, state if you are a presenter or an audience member as well as a note "conference on violence" in the description field.

All banking charges are to be covered by the Sender. 

We are looking forward to your participation!

Business Details:

• COMPANY NAME: Kliagkona Konstantina Dimitrios (Independent Researcher, Freelancer EFL, Criminology Teacher, & Offender Profiler)
• BA English Language and Literature, MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology, Diploma in Forensic Psychology and Criminology
• ORCID: 0009-0004-6529-4983
• SERVICES: Foreign Language Education via Computer and Vocational Training (Business Activity Code Numbers: 85591101 and 85591300)
• HEADQUARTERS: Municipality of Pavlos Melas, Thessaloniki, Greece
• ZIPCODE: 56431
• VAT No.: 157782911
• TAX: Ampelokipoi
• Company Website: Under construction