We invite researchers, practitioners, policymakers and community representatives to submit original contributions that explore, interrogate and advance the ongoing debate around the protection, management and valorisation of World Heritage. At a time when heritage sites face mounting pressures — from climate change and over-tourism to geopolitical instability, inequitable governance and rapid urban transformation — this conference offers a timely forum for critical, cross-disciplinary reflection.
Papers may take the form of empirical research, case studies, theoretical frameworks or policy analyses. We particularly encourage contributions that bridge disciplinary boundaries — bringing together perspectives from architecture, urban planning, law, anthropology, history, ecology, and the social sciences — and that engage critically with the conventions, instruments and institutions that shape World Heritage governance.
PANELS
1. Architectural monuments
2. Heritage cities
3. Cultural landscapes
4. Archaeological sites
CALL FOR PAPERS
Proposals for communications (in English) should contain the following information:
.: Name of the Author(s)
.: Affiliation
.: Link to ORCID or an online international CV platform
.: Thematic line addressed by the proposal [preferably one; maximum two]
.: Title [maximum 160 characters]
.: Abstract [250 words maximum]
.: 5 keywords
.: Short biography of each author [maximum 150 words]
The language of the conference is English, to encourage both constructive communication between participants and international dissemination.
Each presentation will have 15 minutes, followed by 5 minutes for debate.
PUBLICATION
Authors of selected papers will be offered the opportunity to submit their
work for publication in ARTis ON, a peer-reviewed indexed journal, subject to
the journal's editorial guidelines and review process. Submissions for publication must comply with the journal's author instructions, available
at artis-on.letras.ulisboa.pt
Please note that all essays must be written in English and must be submitted only online, via the ARTis ON journal platform.
During the submission process, the title of your essay must include "WH" at the beginning, alluding to the international conference; in other words, something like "WH - Title of the essay".
Final manuscripts should be submitted no later than December 31, 2027.
IMPORTANT DATES
Deadline for submission to the conference: December 31, 2026
Notification of acceptance and next steps: January 31, 2027
Registration (early bird): February 01, 2027
Registration (regular): May 01, 2027
Deadline for submission of essays: December 31, 2027
Proposals must be submitted to the following email address: congress.artis@letras.ulisboa.pt
In the subject line, please write: World Heritage Conference.
Proposals will be selected by the Scientific Committee, based on their merit according to the following criteria: relevance, innovation, scientific quality,
and pertinence of the theme.
All authors whose communications are accepted must be present
at the Conference.
Attendance is in person only; no virtual participation will be offered.
If you have any queries about the Conference, please feel free to contact us: congress.artis@letras.ulisboa.pt