Call for Applications:
Digital Democracy and Gender Equality: A Critical Look at the Future of Governance
Event Date: April 17, 2026
Location: Luiss University, Rome
Application Deadline: February 10, 2026 (for in‑person presentation applications); February 24, 2026, 23.59 CET for online and in-person audience attendance.
Format: Online and In‑person
Background
This ENGAGE.EU Research Label one-day roundtable, part of the funding granted to a proposal led by Dr. Flavia Lucenti (Luiss University), explores the impact of digital technologies on democratic practices in the EU, with a particular focus on gender equality (SDG 5). The initiative aligns with ENGAGE.EU’s Strategic Agenda on digital transformation and aims to uncover how gender biases can be embedded in data, algorithms, and governance systems.
Through a cross disciplinary approach, which merges IR feminist theory, international history and economics, participants will examine how digital technologies may reproduce existing power structures and amplify gendered undemocratic practices. The goal is to foster academic dialogue and produce innovative research outputs that contribute to more inclusive digital governance with a focus on gender equality.
Event
During this one-day event, participants will delve into the subject of Digital Democracy and Gender Equality by discussing their proposed research outputs.
The sessions will be organised into approximately four thematic panels, each lasting around an hour and a half. These panels will be held throughout the day—likely two in the morning and two in the afternoon—to ensure a balanced and engaging programme. The main topic of each panel will be decided coherently with the contribution of the project’s participants and the abstracts submitted from members of the ENGAGE.EU community.
There will be brief presentations, followed by an open discussion. This format aims to foster a dynamic exchange of ideas, constructive feedback, and meaningful dialogue around each panel’s theme. The event will be public and not subject to the Chatham House Rule
Online Participation
In addition to in-person attendance, online participation will be possible for audience members. Remote attendees will have the opportunity to follow the panels and actively take part in the Q&A sessions, contributing to the discussion and engaging with scholars who share similar research interests. This option is intended to promote inclusive dialogue and facilitate networking across the ENGAGE.EU community.
Organisers
Luiss University (Lead Institution)
- Flavia Lucenti – Postdoctoral Research Fellow
- Carolina Polito – Ph.D. Candidate
- Andrea Capati – Postdoctoral Research Fellow
- Pablo Fiorentini – Ph.D. Candidate
Ramon Llull University
- Martina Logi Cervera – Ph.D. Candidate
- Ignasi Meda – Professor Researcher
- Eoin Philips – Assistant Professor
- Maryam Vaziri – Assistant Professor
- Oliver Elliott – Associate Professor
University of National and World Economy (UNWE), Sofia
- Anna Maria Nikolaeva – Ph.D. Candidate
Who Can Apply
- PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers from ENGAGE.EU member universities
How to Apply
Applicants are invited to apply either for in‑person attendance as audience or for online participation.
Please note that applications for in‑person presentations (abstract + CV) have closed.
In‑person Presentation Applications — CLOSED
Applications requiring an abstract and CV for in‑person presentation participation are now closed.
Participants who have already applied and will be selected for an in‑person roundtable will be invited to submit a paper by 10 April 2026.
Submitting a paper is optional but strongly encouraged; draft papers are also welcome.
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance on a rolling basis and no later than Monday, February 16, 2026.
For further information or questions, please contact
Aurora Alegiani (aalegiani@luiss.it) or the ENGAGE.EU Office (engage.eu@luiss.it).
Audience Participation (In‑person or Online) — STILL OPEN
Applicants wishing to participate as audience, either in person or online, are not required to submit an abstract or a CV.
To join the event as audience, please complete the application form below and register for the event.
Selection Criteria
- Relevance to the theme: Digital Politics, Democracy and Gender Equality
- Academic background
- Balance considerations: university representation and gender diversity
Travel and Accommodation
- Lunch and coffee breaks will be provided throughout the day.
- Travel and accommodation should be arranged individually after selection.
- For potential funding opportunities, please reach out to your ENGAGE.EU local contact points (listed below).
Contact
For further information or questions, please contact:
- Aurora Alegiani – aalegiani@luiss.it
- ENGAGE.EU Office – engage.eu@luiss.it