On 14 and 15 November, the Public Spheres and Inequalities and Transcultural Communication Divisions at the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg hosted the DGPuK Annual Conference, themed “Overcoming the Divides? Towards Global Inclusivity in Communication Studies in Times of Uncertainty.”

The event brought together over 50 scholars and researchers from across the globe to discuss critical issues in global knowledge production, digital activism, and the media’s role in bridging divides.

Keynote speakers Bruce Mutsvairo (Utrecht University), Naila Hamdy (AUC Cairo), Zahera Harb (City, University of London), Anita Rötzer (Südwind Salzburg), and Kai Hafez (University of Erfurt) shared thought-provoking insights on shaping the future of communication studies.

The conference opened with an exclusive PhD workshop, co-sponsored by the DFG-Network Cosmopolitan Communication Studies (DFG_Netzwerk Kosmopolitische Kommunikationswissenschaft), providing a collaborative space for doctoral students to share their work-in-progress with leading mentors in international and intercultural communication

Panels at the conference covered a wide range of topics, including global knowledge production, inclusivity in journalism, digital activism, and the impact of media systems on political polarization. These discussions highlighted key challenges and opportunities for fostering inclusivity and ethical practices in communication studies.

We are excited to have contributed to advancing these vital conversations and are committed to pushing the dialogue forward to foster greater inclusivity and understanding in the field.