Ageing in the Digital Era: Media Literacy, Participation and Critical Engagement

MELISE International Conference: New CfP Deadline and Full Programme Announced

The MELISE Project International Conference announces an extension of the call for papers deadline until 15 December 2025. Researchers, practitioners, organisations, doctoral students, undergraduates, and professionals working in media literacy and active ageing are encouraged to submit proposals and take part in this international meeting dedicated to digital inclusion for senior citizens.

The conference, Ageing in the Digital Era: Media Literacy, Participation and Critical Engagement,  will take place on 6 February 2026 at the CCCB.  It aims to become a key space for dialogue between academia, civil society, and public and private institutions. By sharing research, methodologies, and best practices, MELISE seeks to strengthen collaboration and enrich the field of media literacy for older adults across Europe.

Call for Papers

The conference welcomes contributions aligned with (but not limited to) the following thematic lines:

• Media literacy and senior citizens
• Digital inclusion and active ageing
• Critical consumption of media content
• Intergenerational approaches to media literacy
• Policy, education and community practices for digital inclusion

Submission guidelines

• Abstracts: 250–500 words.
• Submit one Word or PDF file including:
• Title of the proposal
• Name and surname(s) of the author(s)
• Institutional affiliation(s)
• Abstract (250–500 words)
• Submission window: December 15 2025.
• Send abstracts by email to: paulaestalayo@octaedro.com
  (Suggested subject line: “MELISE Conference – Abstract”)

Presentation format
Selected contributions will be presented in thematic panels (15–20 minutes per presentation).

Submit your abstract before 15 December 2025 and participate at the international conference! 

We invite the research and professional community to take part in this international event and contribute to advancing media literacy and digital participation among senior citizens.

Programme

09:30 – 10:00
Registration

10:00 – 10:30
Welcome and Presentation of the MELISE Project
(Paula Estalayo, (Octaedro, MELISE Coordinator)

10:30 – 11:00
Keynote Speaker: Ilaria Gaudiello (Coordinator, Biblioteche Senza Frontiere, Italy)
Chair: Matteo Scannavini (Dataninja)

11:00 – 11:30
Coffee break

11:30 – 12:30
Panel 1
Speakers: to be announced

Chairs: Isabel García, Cristina Valero (Cosicosa)

12:30 – 12:45
Coffee break

12:45 – 13:45
Panel 2
Speakers: to be announced
Chair: Elena Martínez Piedra (UNED)

13:45 – 15:30
Lunch break

15:30 – 16:45
Roundtable: Ageing in the Digital Era: Media Literacy, Participation and Critical Engagement
Chair: Apostolos Koutropoulos (AUTH)
Participants:
– Lorenzo Marini (Verificat)
– Cristina Fernández (UVic)
– Anna Blázquez Abella (Fundació Pere Tarrés)
– George Rambotas (AUTH)

16:45 – 17:15
Closing Remarks
Speaker: Isabel Nery (ALPMJ)

Attendance is free but registration is required for all participants. Register now: https://forms.gle/Bpd3vmoVSrhr2wHv8