Since its foundation in 2006, UNeECC, the University Network of the European Capitals of Culture, has brought together established scholars, starting academics and PhD-students to participate in its  Annual Conference, where they can exchange research insights on ECoC and European Culture(s) ánd engage in dialogue with ECoC organizers such as local authorities and artists.

The conference  is traditionally located in the European Capital of Culture of the year and is organized by the local UNeECC university member.

The involvement of Vytautas Magnus University in the European Capital of Culture Kaunas 2022 has inspired them to host this year’s UNeECC Annual Conference. By this international academic outreach, the university adds an extra dimension to their ECoC and as such consolidates the “town and gown collaboration” which UNeECC highly esteems in its members. Hence we are grateful that the organizers from Vytautas Magnus University offer this platform to their colleagues from all over Europe to get together again and follow up on research into ECoC and culture in the life of individual European citizens and society.

Taking into consideration the university organizers’ expertise and academic interest,  the UNeECC board and Vytautas Magnus University jointly decided on the innovative and topical  theme  ‘Culture and Nature – Partners in Dialogue’.   The lifescape of a city as human habitat necessitates both a nature preserving and culturally pleasing environment for the well being of the citizens. Both parks and theaters, e.g., contribute to our enjoyment and allow for the individual to meet others, engage in dialogue and create a true community that cherishes its natural and cultural heritage.

To allow for academics and professionals from different disciplines to participate  in the conference, the following tracks were defined: Culture, Science and Social Well-Being; Consciousness in Cultural Consumption; Sustainability as a Key for Bioeconomy Challenges; Nature and a new Cultural Mindset.  This way colleagues from both alpha and beta sciences will find their place to partake in the cross-disciplinary discussions we hope to induce and promote in an international context.

We invite you to send in inspiring proposals on the suggested topics and look forward to meeting you in Kaunas.

Prof. dr. Flora Carrijn

President of UNeECC