The International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration (IASIA) has officially opened the Call for Papers and Call for Panels for its 2026 Annual Conference, inviting scholars, practitioners, educators, and policy-makers worldwide to contribute to this year’s global dialogue on public governance.

Under the theme “Rethinking Governance for a Changing World,” the conference will take place from 12 to 16 October 2026 in Athens, bringing together the international public administration community to explore how governance systems can adapt to increasingly complex and dynamic environments.

Organized in close cooperation with the National Centre of Public Administration and Local Government, the conference will feature a rich programme including plenary sessions, working group discussions, thematic panels, and a dedicated PhD seminar.

A Moment for Reflection and Action

The 2026 theme emphasizes the need for both critical reflection and practical action. Governance systems must remain dynamic and responsive to ensure effectiveness, legitimacy, and public trust. Institutional reform, professional development, and educational innovation are presented as mutually reinforcing components of this transformation. Against the background of these thematic pillars, scholars, practitioners, educators, and policy-makers are invited to actively engage with the following recommended – though not limited to – areas of inquiry, including:

• Rethinking public administration education and curricula
• Capacity-building for complex and multilevel governance
• Professionalization of public service
• Digital transformation and governance learning
• Leadership, management, and ethics in changing contexts
• Comparative and international perspectives on governance

Working Groups and Scholarly Contributions

Submissions are welcomed across IASIA’s 11 Working Groups, covering the focus areas of the various permanent IASIA Working Groups. Additionally, a dedicated thematic track aligned with the conference theme is also available.

Abstracts of up to 500 words must be submitted in English by 11 June 2026 via the ConfTool platform. All submissions will undergo peer review, with notifications of acceptance to be communicated by 30 June 2026. Final papers (4,000–7,000 words) will be due by 31 August 2026.

Call for Panels

In parallel, IASIA invites the submission of panel proposals designed to foster interactive and discussion-oriented exchanges. Panels will serve as dynamic platforms for exploring emerging issues, innovative practices, and cross-cutting challenges in public administration.

Each panel session will run for 90 minutes and should include four to five panelists representing diverse perspectives. Proposals must be submitted by 11 June 2026 and will be evaluated based on quality, relevance, and originality.

Participation and Opportunities

All presentations will be delivered onsite in Athens, reinforcing the conference’s commitment to active engagement and networking. Participants whose contributions are accepted will be required to complete registration by 31 August 2026.

Selected “Best Papers” from the Working Groups may be considered for publication in the International Review of Administrative Sciences and nominated for the prestigious Pierre DeCelles Award.

Key Dates at a Glance

• Call for Papers & Panels Launch: 31 March 2026
• Abstract & Panel Proposal Submission Deadline: 11 June 2026
• Notification of Acceptance: 30 June 2026
• Registration Opens: 30 June 2026
• Full Paper Submission Deadline: 31 August 2026

Further details, including submission links and the full conference webpage, are available in the links below.