Always a cultural crossroads, the Mediterranean Region is attracting increasing international attention for its rich history, unique biodiversity, and socio-economic complexity. These elements are fueling the debate on how to address current and future challenges in the Region and beyond.

The first edition of the International Conference "Landscapes Across the Mediterranean (CrossMED)" in 2024 aims to highlight sustainable development issues related to the cultural landscape in the Mediterranean Region.

The cultural landscape in the Mediterranean Region is the result of the historical combination of the work of man and nature, an essential part of the European heritage and an indispensable element for the quality of life of human communities.

In a global context that is increasingly aware of the need to address complex challenges, the conference aims to provide a multidisciplinary platform characterized by the breadth and depth of its interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach, attracting the interest and participation of scholars, experts, and academics from different fields of expertise to explore, share and develop innovative and sustainable ideas that will make a significant contribution to understanding this important issue.

This approach is based on the recognition that environmental, social, and economic challenges require an integrated and in-depth understanding, exploring the deep links between cultural history, the natural environment, and social dynamics, and outlining a comprehensive framework that can guide sustainable policies and innovative practices. Through the contribution of a variety of disciplines, the conference aims to lay the foundations for a comprehensive view of Mediterranean landscapes, considering them as interconnected systems that involve both humans and the environment.

The challenge of reconciling development and conservation requires a multi-focal and synergistic approach that involves knowledge sharing and in-depth study of issues related to social sciences, environmental sciences, architecture, economics, information technology, infrastructure, energy, environment, agro-forestry and many other related sectors, capable of offering different and complete perspectives on issues that require an integrated understanding of cultural, environmental and economic dynamics.

Through the presentation of innovative research, the exchange of practical experiences and active collaboration, the conference will seek to define strategies that can guide policies and practices to preserve the cultural and natural richness of Mediterranean landscapes, and to shape a future in which development and conservation coexist harmoniously, allowing Mediterranean landscapes to flourish for generations to come.

The topics of the conference cover issues of global relevance. Climate change, sustainable resource management, cultural heritage conservation and the promotion of equitable economic development are just some of the issues that will be addressed. The conference aims to contribute not only to the well-being of the Mediterranean region, but also to the global debate on how to preserve and responsibly manage Mediterranean landscapes in an increasingly interconnected world.

Aims

The first edition of the International Conference "Landscapes Across the Mediterranean (CrossMED)" aims to foster links between scholars, experts and academics by encouraging collaboration and the exchange of ideas, according to the following objectives:

- Multidisciplinary Innovation: To provide a platform for the presentation and discussion of innovative research and interdisciplinary projects that contribute to the understanding and resolution of contemporary challenges in Mediterranean landscapes.

- Scientific advancement: To promote scientific progress through the presentation of high-quality research results, stimulating critical reflection and collaboration between the various disciplines involved.

- Sustainable development: To explore sustainable solutions for the management and conservation of Mediterranean landscapes, taking into account social, economic and environmental aspects.

- Training and education: To provide training and educational opportunities through workshops, interactive sessions, and seminars by internationally renowned experts.

• 1. Part 1: Landscape Conservation, Enhancement and Management

  1. Sustainable landscape planning
  2. Ecosystem restoration and management
  3. Cultural heritage preservation in landscapes
  4. Climate change adaptation in Mediterranean landscapes
  5. Urban green spaces and parks
  6. Landscape and tourism development
  7. Monitoring and assessment of landscape changes
  8. Agricultural-scape and Sustainable Farming Practices
  9. Plant biodiversity for sustainable cropping system.

• 2. Part 2: Infrastructure and Landscape Integration

  1. Sustainable and landscape connectivity
  2. Sustainable Mobility and Intelligent Transport Systems
  3. Green infrastructure and urban design
  4. Landscape approaches to water management
  5. Coastal and marine infrastructure planning
  6. Integrating infrastructure with natural ecosystems
  7. Smart cities and advanced infrastructure design
  8. Landscape-based solutions for climate resilience

• 3. Part 3: Architecture and Built Environment

  1. Sustainable architecture in the Mediterranean
  2. Traditional and vernacular architecture
  3. Urban design and placemaking
  4. Low-impact and energy-efficient design
  5. Architecture and social equity
  6. Innovative materials and construction techniques
  7. Urban regeneration and revitalization
  8. Architectural responses to climate change

• 4. Part 4: Natural Resources Management

  1. Water resource management in the Mediterranean
  2. Sustainable agriculture and land use
  3. Forest management and conservation
  4. Marine and coastal resource management
  5. Integrated watershed management
  6. Soil conservation and erosion control
  7. Sustainable mining and extractive industries
  8. Maritime-scape and Sustainable Coastal Management

• 5. Part 5: Climate Change and Resilient Landscapes

  1. Climate change impact on Mediterranean landscapes
  2. Adaptation strategies for changing climates
  3. Resilient design and planning for landscapes
  4. Coastal and marine resilience measures
  5. Urban heat island mitigation and green infrastructure
  6. Water management in the face of climate change
  7. Ecosystem-based approaches to climate resilience
  8. Climate-scape and the Mediterranean's Response to Climate Change
  9. Energy Transition strategies for climate change adapting settlements

• 6. Part 6: Cultural Landscapes and Heritage Preservation

  1. Conservation and management of archaeological sites
  2. Intangible cultural heritage in landscapes
  3. Traditional land use practices and landscape preservation
  4. Cultural tourism and sustainable development
  5. Cultural landscape interpretation and storytelling
  6. Conflict resolution in managing cultural landscapes
  7. Preservation of vernacular architecture and settlements
  8. Adaptive reuse and heritage buildings

• 7. Part 7: Sustainable Tourism and Recreation in Landscapes

  1. Ecotourism and nature-based tourism
  2. Sustainable tourism planning and management
  3. Cultural and heritage tourism in landscapes
  4. Sustainable practices in adventure tourism
  5. Sustainable transportation in tourism
  6. Tourism impacts on fragile ecosystems and biodiversity
  7. Sustainable practices in coastal and marine tourism

• 8. Part 8: Social Equity and Community Engagement in Landscape Planning

  1. Inclusive landscape planning and design
  2. Participatory approaches in landscape decision-making
  3. Socioeconomic disparities and landscape interventions
  4. Community-based natural resource management
  5. Environmental justice and landscapes
  6. Social impact assessment in landscape planning
  7. Access to green spaces and equitable distribution of landscape benefits

• 9. Part 9: Innovative Technologies for Landscape Design and Management

  1. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in landscape analysis
  2. Remote sensing and satellite imagery in landscape monitoring
  3. Digital tools for landscape visualization and simulation
  4. Digital twin approach in landscape management
  5. Building Information Modeling/Management (BIM) in landscape architecture
  6. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in landscape design
  7. Drones and aerial surveys for landscape assessment
  8. Internet of Things (IoT) applications in smart landscapes
  9. Artificial Intelligence for Landscape Management
  10. Risks and opportunities of advanced technologies

• 10. Part 10: Mediterranean value-scapes. Exploring the Contents and Forms of Axiological Reform

  1. Natural-scape and the space-time consumption
  2. Urban-scape and suburbanization.
  3. Real Estate-scape and Addressing Housing Deprivation
  4. Tourism-scape and its Socio-Environmental Impacts
  5. Cultural-scape and the local identities dissolution
  6. Coastal-scape and public functions deprivation
  7. Energy-scape and land entropy

A. Physical Attendance

• If multiple abstracts are submitted by the same first author submitted to the conference, a 25% discount is applied to each additional submission.

• Each research paper should have one main author who should pay the full fee (Author fees) regardless of attendance. Co-authors, each, have their own fees to pay to attend the event. This applies to online attendance as well as physical attendance.

• A research paper fee allows only one author, whether main or co-author, to attend the conference and receive only one copy of the conference Abstract book in both hard and soft copies. Extras can be requested for an additional fee.

• Professionals are categorized as participants who are not affiliated with universities such as practitioners, policymakers, entrepreneurs, etc.

• Students must provide proof of enrollment in a university by providing an enrollment certificate or a valid university ID (with issue/ expiry date) etc.

• Additionally, you have the option to present your submitted abstract as a presentation without the intention of publishing your work, for information about the fees and additional details, please feel free to get in touch with us at: [email protected].

B. Online Attendance

• A softcopy of the abstracts book and/ or hard copy (excluding shipping)

• IEREK Participation/ Contribution Certificate in softcopy

• Acceptance Letters in softcopy

• Consideration for publishing in the IEREK ASTI series by Springer or IEREK Press

• Access to conference recordings

C. Extra Fees

Payment Methods

 Payment of the registration fee can be made via the following methods (only after online registration):

1. Bank transfer 

Kindly send a request to the conference coordinator/ email and CC [email protected] to receive bank details to complete the payment.

2. Online payment gateway (PayPal)

Participants who would like to complete their payments online must send a request to the conference coordinator/ email and CC [email protected] to receive a customized link to complete their payments.

3. Cash in IEREK branches

Payment in person can be arranged. Please contact the conference coordinator/ Email to receive further information.

Payment Terms and Guidelines:

• Read more on Important Dates. For information on payment dates, kindly send a request to the conference coordinator/email and CC [email protected] to receive payment details to complete the payment.

• Authors who have registered and completed payment for virtual attendance CAN request a change to physical attendance. However, a change from physical to virtual is NOT possible.

• After online registration and payment, the registration fee cannot be reimbursed.

• Final Acceptance/ rejection of your full/ extended paper (if submitted) can only be given after the peer review process.

• Inclusion in the conference program, acceptance letters issuance and consideration for publication must be preceded by registration and payment completion.

• Online Payment (only) should only be completed once a proforma invoice is issued with respective instructions for successful payment.

• Contact our Financial Department for inquiries/ requests.

Why Italy is the ideal choice for hosting the Landscapes Across the Mediterranean (CrossMED) Conference:

Italy is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse academic and professional landscape.

With its esteemed status as a global leader in responsible architecture and Landscape, Reggio Calabria has become renowned for its substantial contributions to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations. It is undeniably the ideal choice for a host city.

The Landscapes Across the Mediterranean (CrossMED) conference is an excellent opportunity to enhance your resume and maintain a strong academic profile. It provides a valuable platform for scholars and students to connect with industry professionals and like-minded peers who share a passion for the subject. Additionally, it offers a golden chance for learners to stay updated with the latest developments in their field of interest.

Although students from various countries have the opportunity to attend the conference, the one held in Italy provides distinct advantages. The CrossMed conference is known for its exceptional speakers and participants, as well as its ability to showcase newly discovered areas within the field. Therefore, it is highly recommended to attend this conference as it offers valuable insights that should not be missed.

Attending the conference allows you to explore Reggio Calabria, the city where the conference is taking place, and immerse yourself in its rich culture and meet its welcoming people. As part of our support, IEREK provides a curated list of amazing places you can visit in Reggio Calabria. Discover these great recommendations here.

Benefits of attending

 IEREK Conference will help you:

1. Open Discussions: We bring together leading academic scientists, from different universities and countries, to exchange and share their experiences and research results.

2. Internationally Accredited Certificate: The participants are granted internationally recognized certificates acknowledged by IEREK, the University, and Partnering Organizations.

3. Publication: Selected high-quality manuscripts will be published, after peer review, in the Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation (ASTI) book series by Springer or by IEREK Press Journals, both of which are indexed in world-renowned databases.

4. Research Technologies: Conferences can expand your resources by providing a great opportunity to promote gathered information on new technologies related to your research.

5. Networking: You can engage with industry experts to discuss with them the very latest research projects they could be working on and increase your chances of collaboration in future projects.

6. Academic Reputation: Attending many conferences will make you a known figure in academic circles and an active member of the academic community.

7. Conference Abstracts Material: Delegates will receive the conference Abstracts book in both hardcover and digital format on a CD. Shipping fees may apply.

All accepted submissions to the conference, after a rigorous double-blinded peer-review process by the respective and a highly-extinguished Editorial Board, will be published in one of the following:

• Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation (ASTI), an IEREK Interdisciplinary book series published by Springer Nature. (Scopus indexed)  

About ASTI

Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation (ASTI) is a series of peer-reviewed books based on important emerging research that redefines the current disciplinary boundaries in science, technology and innovation (STI) in order to develop integrated concepts for sustainable development. It not only discusses the progress made towards securing more resources, allocating smarter solutions, and rebalancing the relationship between nature and people, but also provides in-depth insights from comprehensive research that addresses the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) as set out by the UN for 2030.

The series draws on the best research papers from various IEREK and other international conferences to promote the creation and development of viable solutions for a sustainable future and a positive societal transformation with the help of integrated and innovative science-based approaches. Including interdisciplinary contributions, it presents innovative approaches and highlights how they can best support both economic and sustainable development, through better use of data, more effective institutions, and global, local and individual action, for the welfare of all societies. The series particularly features conceptual and empirical contributions from various interrelated fields of science, technology and innovation, with an emphasis on digital transformation, that focus on providing practical solutions to ensure food, water and energy security to achieve the SDGs. It also presents new case studies offering concrete examples of how to resolve sustainable urbanization and environmental issues in different regions of the world. Read More.

The ASTI series is fully indexed in Scopus and any chapter/ paper published as part of this series will be seen on the Scopus database. Some titles have been successfully indexed or submitted for indexation in Web of Science (ISI).

• Sustainable Landscape Planning and Natural Resources Management (SLNR), an IEREK Interdisciplinary book series published by Springer Nature.

About SLNR

Sustainable Landscape Planning and Natural Resources Management (SLNR) is a peer-reviewed book series that presents groundbreaking research through the intersection of two main areas that of which are ‘Sustainable Landscape Planning’ and ‘Natural Resources Management’. The series initially covers a wide range of academic disciplines in sustainability, including landscape ecology, green urbanism, urban regeneration, land restoration and renaturation, energy management, and nature conservation. Moreover, it also incorporates the latest developments and research in engineering topics that contribute to more sustainable cities, such as Geosciences, infrastructure, civil engineering, geology, mining, water, and natural resources conservation and management.

By showcasing methods for discovering, managing, and employing natural resources, the series aims to provide approaches that enable the responsible use of these resources. Ultimately, the SLNR series is committed to advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. Read More.

• IEREK Press Journals, a multidisciplinary publisher that aims to cultivate and disseminate research.

Environmental Science & Sustainable Development (ESSD)

ESSD is a peer-reviewed, scholarly journal that aims to systematically develop the research-driven curiosity and evidence-based discourse of aspiring scholars that seek to contribute to the academic community. As the world is currently living in an age of information where sources are widely available on the Internet, we at ESSD seek to efficiently utilize the available information to help create robust and evidence-based knowledge. In the process, we offer researchers, in general, and young and aspiring ones in particular a quicker way to get their work published and gain exposure through online open access. We pride ourselves on getting submitted work to be published quickly, through the use of our worldwide pool of subject specialist peer reviewers. Find out more about ESSD International Journal here.

The Academic Research Community Publication (ARChive)

ARChive is an open-access journal that publishes conference proceedings on a wide range of topics relating to social sciences. Consequently, it accepts original research papers on a wide spectrum of subjects. ARChive is a journal published on behalf of researchers that perpetually make an effort to contribute to their fields and provide them with high visibility of research submitted. The series publishes, both, theoretical and experimental high-quality papers of current and perpetual interest. It serves to cultivate, propagate, and essentially archive academic research that has been authored and submitted for academic conferences.

Find out more about ARChive International Journal here.

Proceedings of Science and Technology (Resourceedings)

Resourceedings is an open access journal that publishes conference proceedings. Conference proceedings compromise of different disciplines, ranging from Engineering including built environments, architecture, and sustainability. Disciplines also include Technology and Energy. Resourceedings is a journal that publishes research articles that shed light on different crucial issues in order to provide them with solutions and suggestions. The journal publishes articles submitted by researchers of interest in different fields.

Find out more about Resourceedings International Journal here.

BAHETH International Journal - Arabian Researchers Database (Arabic Papers only)

“BAHETH” in Architecture, Engineering, and Technology, is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes original academic research in the fields of Architecture, Engineering, and Technology. The journal welcomes research in the Arabic Language with an English Abstract. Papers submitted to this journal in Arabic must be presented in the English Language in the conference.

Find out more about BAHETH International Journal here.

IEREK has an unyielding policy regarding plagiarism. We believe that copying/taking the ideas and work of other Authors without permission and credit is fraudulent. The Reviewing committee and IEREK employees have the authority to reject a paper during its reviewing process, based on the paper being subjected to either minor or major plagiarism.

Authors must refer to, and abide by, the following instructions in submitting their abstracts/ papers:

Step 1: Abstract Submission Process

• The author should prepare and submit an Abstract of at least 150 – 300 words through the website.
• The abstract should be concise and clearly state the proposed research study's purpose, results, and conclusions.
• The author should select the most relevant topic for the paper from the corresponding conference topics.
• The author can use/download an Abstract Writing Template prior to submission
• To submit your abstract, you first need to (1) click on the “Register” button on the conference page, (2) click on “Submit Now” and:
  • Select the Topic in which you are making the submission
  • Insert the title of your study in the "Paper Title" section
  • Insert the full abstract in the "Abstract" section/upload a file in the .pdf, .doc, .docm, or .docx format
  • Add in writing 3 – 5 keywords that define the field, subfield, topic, and research area covered by the article to help other researchers understand and find your work.
  • Provide the names, affiliations, and E-mails of all authors/ co-authors involved
  • Confirm your submission by ticking having read the instructions and “submit Abstract”

Step 2.1: Abstract Acceptance

• After acceptance of your abstract of at least (150 – 300 words), you will receive a proforma invoice and specific instructions to complete the payment online or by bank transfer (See Conference Fees) to confirm your participation,
• Once your abstract has been accepted, please refer to the important dates tab and carefully review the announced dates to avoid late payment, as late payment comes at an extra charge (early bird/regular/late).
• After successfully completing payment, you will be issued upon request with the following:
  • A signed/ stamped abstract acceptance letter
  • Please note that acceptance of participation, abstract submission, and extended abstract/short paper submissions all have different deadlines. To stay up to date and avoid paying extra fees, or delaying your paper, please carefully review the important dates tab.
  • Receipt of Payment/ Payment Invoice
  • Visa Invitation Letter, if needed
• After abstract acceptance, you may be given the option to extend the abstract to publish your work in the conference proceedings in ASTI published by Springer Nature (indexed in Scopus/SCImago) (optional not obligatory).

  This is not a prerequisite for presenting your work at the conference. Meaning, you can present your submitted abstract without intending to publish your work.

Step 2.2: Abstract Extension / Short Paper (Optional)

• Your short paper / extended abstract should be 4 – 6 pages long and submitted before the paper submission deadline, in English, and fit within one of the conference topics.
• The Extended abstract i.e., the short paper should follow the research paper structure as follows: Abstract (+keywords), Introduction, problem statement, and study aim, Review of the Literature, Methodology, results and conclusion/ discussion, References list using the Paper Writing Template.
• The submission (short paper i.e. extended abstract) should be made following the same procedure followed for the abstract or sent to the conference email.
• Here: Authors may need more pages than the allotted maximum of 6 to insert figures, tables, appendixes, etc. In this case, they can submit regular papers (max. 12 pages) with the same fixed fee. For a detailed outline of the fees, please refer to the payment table in the conference fees tab.
• The conference does welcome Arabic submissions (with abstracts written in the english language), which will only be considered for publication in BAHETH by IEREK Press.

Step 3: Rigorous Peer Review Process (double-blind)

This process can only be initiated after payment completion and confirmation:

• If submitted, the extension (short paper) will be preliminarily checked (iThenticate plagiarism/ similarity screening Software, readability, and scope) and it will be peer-reviewed. If similarity issues are detected, the following will apply:
  • % from all sources: 10-15%
  • % from one source: 3-5%
  • Higher than 30% (all sources): Reject completely
  • Lower than 30% (all sources): Ask for revision to decrease the similarities
• IEREK has an unyielding policy regarding plagiarism. We believe that copying/ taking the ideas and work of other Authors without permission and credit is fraudulent. The Reviewing committee and IEREK employees have the authority to reject a paper during its reviewing process, on the basis of the paper being subjected to either minor or major plagiarism.
• Each paper/ chapter is evaluated by a minimum of two reviewers, after which a final decision by the responsible Editor is made. There is no maximum to the number of times a paper can be reviewed, depending on the quality of the submission.
• If your short paper is accepted by the Editors for publishing with comments/ requested modifications, our Editors (publishing department) will contact you once a decision is made and you will be asked to revise and correct it. After resubmission, it will be re-checked. Note: There may be more than one round of peer review and the decision rests with the editors of the title. Missed deadlines may result in complete exclusion/ rejection from the final publication.
• If your short paper is accepted for publishing without edits/ comments, the corresponding author will be contacted to provide the final version of their chapters/ papers following Springer Guidelines and sign the Springer consent-to-publish (CTP) form to authorize publication in the conference proceedings.
• A back-and-forth process: modifications will be sent back to the responsible Editor/ Series Editor and another round of evaluation conducted where needed. Participants/ Authors should regularly check their emails (Junk/ Spam folders).
• If you are not interested in publishing an extended abstract in the proceedings in ASTI by Springer Nature, please inform the conference support ([email protected]).

Step 4: Extended paper 

• After the conference, the authors of the best papers will be invited to submit an extended version of their research, 8 – 12+ pages in length, (optional) of their short papers for publishing in an edited volume to be published by Springer Nature.
• Publishing your short paper (i.e., extended abstract) in the conference proceedings does not prevent the submission of the full version for publishing consideration after the conference if the similarity percentages (SR%) in Step 3 are taken into account.

Registration

To help the organizers plan for inter-disciplinary dialogue, participants are requested to choose from the conference themes/ Topics upon registration.

They must also refer to, and abide by, the following instructions in registering and submitting their abstracts/ papers:

Types of Participation

1. Attend/ Present Virtually and Publish in Conference proceedings

Organized from the comfort of your own home, the conference offers a virtual attendance option for your convenience. That said, participants will have a chance to present their abstract/research, online, and have their work considered for publication in the proceedings.

Virtual presenters are required to submit an abstract and extend this abstract following the “author instructions” below and before the deadline (see Important Dates). At least one author must pay the registration fee (see Conference Fees).

For any reason, authors may wish to submit pre-recorded video presentations no later than 15 days prior to the conference. Alternatively, they may wish to record a voice-over PowerPoint presentation for submission to the conference organizers.

2. Attend/ Present in-person and Publish in indexed Conference proceedings 

Organized at the University of Portsmouth, UK, offering a Physical attendance option for your convenience. That said, participants will have a chance to present their abstract/research, on campus, and have their work considered for publication in the ASTI Series by Springer as part of the conference proceedings.

See Author Instructions and Conference Fees for more information.

3. Registration to publish in the proceedings without presenting/ attending

If your extended abstract (short paper) is accepted, it may be published in the conference proceedings book in the Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation Book Series by Springer (indexed in Scopus) even if you are not attending the conference. In this case, the accepted work will not be included in the final conference program and the fee will cover the cost of editorial handling and peer-review evaluation of your paper (See Author Instructions and Publishing Opportunities)

4. Non-presenting participant

Non-presenting participants may also wish to attend the conference as Audience Members or Co-authors contributing to an already submitted abstract/ paper.

Discover Reggio Calabria: The Perfect Host for the Landscapes Across the Mediterranean Conference. Have you ever dreamt of attending a conference amidst breathtaking landscapes, enjoying the charm of a Mediterranean city, and experiencing the warmth of Italian hospitality? Well, look no further! we'll explore why Reggio Calabria, the enchanting city in southern Italy, is the ideal choice for hosting the prestigious Landscapes Across the Mediterranean (CrossMED) Conference.

Reggio Calabria, boasting a population of around 180,000 residents, takes the crown as the largest city in Calabria. It is located in the southernmost part of the region, specifically on the eastern side of the Strait of Messina.

Reggio is an ancient settlement that still bears visible signs of its Greek and Roman past. It had a long period as a Byzantine city and was later dominated by the Arabs before becoming Norman in the 11th century. The Abbey of S. Maria di Terreti belongs to this period and was unfortunately damaged during the 1908 earthquake. However, some remnants can still be seen in the present-day Church of the Ottimati and the National Museum of Magna Graecia.

From the 12th century onwards, Reggio passed through different periods of dominion, including the Swabians, Angevins, and Aragonese. In 1500, the city came under Spanish rule, which lasted until the War of Spanish Succession. This war marked the end of the viceroyalty and the beginning of the Bourbon period. There were some interruptions during this time, such as Napoleon's brief domination. The Bourbon period it was continued until 1861 when the peninsula was united under the Kingdom of Italy.

Reggio Calabria has undergone several reconstructions due to the frequent earthquakes that have damaged the city, with the most devastating one occurring in 1908. Today, the city showcases a modern urban layout, thanks to the complete redesign of its city center as part of the post-earthquake reconstruction plan. The new layout of the city center follows a checkerboard pattern, with orthogonal axes that extend from the coastline towards the inland areas.

The city center is therefore mainly characterized by the architecture of the first decades of the 20th century and presents interesting examples of Art Nouveau, neo-Gothic ( Palazzo Zerbi), neoclassical (the Teatro Comunale Francesco Cilea), eclectic (Palazzo Mazzitelli) and of the so-called "fascist" one ( the Railway Station, the National Museum of Magna Graecia, designed by Piacentini, the former barracks of the Young Fascists). Furthermore, in the urban context, some important factories emerged such as the Aragonese Castle (16th century), in the upper part of the city, the nearby Duomo, completely rebuilt after the destruction of the previous building which occurred in the 1908 earthquake, the aforementioned Church degli Ottimati, the Church of S. Maria della Cattolica, the Church of Graziella (17th century), which at least partially survived the earthquake of 1908. The city is also home to a National Museum which, after that of Berlin, is the largest and an important museum that preserves the artifacts of Magna Graecia and which includes, among other valuable artifacts, the famous "Riace Bronzes" and the "Head of the Philosopher".

As mentioned before, Reggio Calabria has a beautiful seafront that overlooks Sicily. One of the highlights of the seafront is the botanical gardens, which are home to various species of tropical plants and stunning centenary ficus trees. Behind the city, you'll find the impressive Aspromonte massif, reaching a height of 1,800 meters. It is also home to the Gambarie ski resort, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts.

To the north, along the coast, lies Scilla, a charming fishing town steeped in Homeric history. One of its most iconic areas is Chianalea, which is situated on a rocky outcrop that emerges from the sea. Chianalea is the oldest and most well-preserved part of Scilla, exuding a unique charm. In the upper part of the town, you will find the Ruffo Castle of Calabria, a majestic fortress that overlooks the Strait.

The city has a Mediterranean climate with varying microclimates due to its unique geographical position where different meteorological areas intersect, including the Ionian, Tyrrhenian, and Sicilian channels. Reggio Calabria is well-connected to the rest of the world through various transportation systems. It serves as the terminus for one of Italy's main railway lines, the Rome-Reggio Calabria axis, and is easily accessible by the A3 Salerno-Reggio Calabria motorway. The city also has the Strait National Airport, located just a few kilometers away from the city center, as well as ferry and hydrofoil systems that provide convenient transportation to Sicily.

 How to move around in Reggio Calabria:

You have several options for getting around Reggio Calabria. The city has a public transportation system called ATAM, which manages transportation in the city and surrounding areas. They also offer special services for tourists. Additionally, ATAM provides a car-sharing service throughout the area, which is a convenient way to explore. If you prefer biking, there are new bike-sharing services available in Reggio Calabria, offering a unique and enjoyable way to see the city. Another alternative to consider is the ChiamaBus service, which allows you to book and arrange transportation in advance.

ORCID, which stands for Open Researcher and Contributor ID, is a global, not-for-profit organization that aims to provide unique identifiers for authors, researchers, and scholars. ORCiD effectively eliminates duplication and errors regarding author names, affiliations, previous works, and all related academic data.

IEREK is a proud member of ORCiD, and we contribute directly to their initiative of clear and identifiable markers for researchers and scholars. As the first Egyptian partner to ORCiD in the organization’s history, we strongly believe that by utilizing ORCiD’s database and verification services, we become one step closer to achieving an accurate, and identifiable academic landscape.

We encourage our authors to input their ORCiD ID when registering for one of our conferences, submitting an abstract, or a full paper. By doing so, you directly link your research to your identity and affiliation and can showcase your various academic efforts all in one place. By Registering your ORCiD ID, you also increase your works’ visibility and provide easy access to your entire library of research and academic activity.

Click here to learn more about ORCiD, and here to register your ORCiD ID for free.  

Conference Sessions: Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, Italy (Università degli Studi Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria), also referred to as Mediterranea University or University of Reggio Calabria, or simply UNIRC

Location: Via dell'Università, 25, 89124 Reggio Calabria RC, Italy (view on Google maps).

Travel to Reggio Calabria

It's simple to get to Reggio Calabria. There are multiple ways to reach the area, whether you choose to drive, take a ship, fly, or hop on a train. The most important thing is that you arrive and make the most of all the amazing things this land has to offer. Have a fantastic Conference and trip!

By plane

The Tito Minniti Strait airport is located about 8 kilometers from the town of Reggio, near the Ravagnese district. It is served by airlines such as Alitalia, Blue Panorama, and Blue Air. To reach the city from the airport, you can use the ATAM line services or take a train from the Reggio Calabria Airport Railway Station. Another option is to fly into Lamezia Terma airport, which is 130 km away from Reggio Calabria. You can reach this airport by using the Starbus shuttles. 

By train

You can easily reach Reggio Calabria by train through the Piazza Garibaldi train station, which is well-served by national trains. From here, you can also take regional trains to reach popular tourist destinations. The train station is conveniently connected to the rest of the city through the efficient ATAM public transport system.

By ship

Reggio Calabria boasts a port that offers excellent facilities for leisure boats. This bustling harbor serves as a departure point for ships and ferries heading to the mesmerizing Aeolian Islands and charming Messina. Additionally, both the Reggio Calabria and Villa San Giovanni ports provide convenient access to the Aeolian Islands, Messina, and even Malta, making it a convenient hub for exploring these stunning destinations.

By car

If you are traveling from the north, you can easily reach Reggio Calabria and the surrounding area by car using the A2 motorway (Autostrada del Mediterraneo). On the other hand, if you are arriving from the south, you can take the SS106 Jonica State Road (Reggio Calabria-Taranto). This state road spans 481 kilometers, passing through Puglia, Basilicata, and Calabria. It provides convenient access to various tourist destinations, allowing you to avoid crowded and busy streets.

Hotels

Bed and Breakfast Controtempo

750 meters from Università degli Studi Mediterranea / 3 minutes by car

Address: Via Niccolò Tommaseo, 10, 89124 Reggio di Calabria RC, Italy

Phone: +39 366 289 8773             

Location on map

Monelia hotel

1.1Km from Università degli Studi Mediterranea/ 6 minutes by Car

Address: Via Archimede, 29, 89124 Reggio di Calabria RC, Italy

Phone: +39 328 776 1965

Location on map

Bed and Breakfast Al Portanova

1.2 Km from Università degli Studi Mediterranea / 4 minutes by Car

Address: Via Cardinale Gennaro Portanova, 17, 89124 Reggio Calabria RC, Italy

Phone: +39 345 244 3197

Location on map

La Casa di Luce

1.1 Km from Università degli Studi Mediterranea / 5 minutes by Car

Address: Via Guido Miggiano, 24, 89123 Reggio Calabria RC, Italy

Phone: +39 377 997 1892

Location on map

- For participants who need Entry Visas to the country where the conference will be held, IEREK will issue the corresponding invitation letter for accepted applicants to facilitate visa issuance.

- Please notice that we will endeavor to assist you in obtaining a visa but the responsibility is yours and the decision rests solely with the appropriate Embassy.

Invitation Letter Issuance Process

1- In case the participant is an author who has submitted a research paper to the conference, it must get accepted by the Scientific Committee

2- Required participation fees must be paid

3- The participant should send the following information to the conference's official email:

* A clear copy of the passport

* Passport number

* Full name as written in your passport.

* Date of Issuing and Expiration

* Date of Birth

* Email address of the nearest Embassy/Consulate to you

* Mobile Number including country code

4- The conference coordinator will issue the needful invitation letter and send a copy to the participant's email, in addition to another one to the corresponding email address of the embassy/consulate

5- The participant should print out the invitation letter along with all other required documents by the embassy/consulate and apply for VISA

 A.Physical Attendance