Introduction

Building on the success of its previous editions of the CrossMED conference, the 3rd International Conference “Landscapes Across the Mediterranean (CrossMED)” returns to a region deeply emblematic of these challenges and opportunities. Hosted by the esteemed Aristotle University of Athens in Greece, this edition will focus on Sustainable Landscape and Natural Resources Management and Economic development, with a particular focus on integrating Geo-science, Geospatial Technologies, and the invaluable dimension of Cultural Heritage for Green Infrastructure Development.

CrossMED 2026 aims to explore effective strategies and recent technologies that promote sustainability across the region's diverse landscapes and fragile ecosystems. This conference offers a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of actionable solutions that prioritize ecological integrity, social equity, economic viability, and the preservation of the Mediterranean's unique cultural tapestry.

Statement of Purpose

The primary goal of CrossMED 2026 is to unite diverse voices in the field of sustainable landscape and natural resource management to address urgent environmental and cultural challenges pertinent to the Mediterranean. By promoting interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, the conference aims to inspire innovative solutions that balance the needs of people and the planet, ensuring the enduring vitality of Mediterranean landscapes for generations to come.

Conference Scope:

CrossMED 2026 will cover essential topics, emphasizing their relevance to the Mediterranean context. It will explore sustainable landscape planning, advanced green infrastructure concepts, and the transformative application of Geo-science and Geospatial Technologies. The conference will also discuss the Mediterranean biodiversity conservation, enhancing ecosystem services, and implementing Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for climate resilience. Discussions will also address sustainable agriculture adapted to Mediterranean climates, integrated coastal and marine ecosystem management, effective policy frameworks for regional challenges, and critically, the preservation and adaptive reuse of the region's rich cultural landscapes and historical heritage. Furthermore, the conference will explore the burgeoning field of sustainable cultural tourism, the evolving landscape of trade, economy, and modern Silk Road development in the Mediterranean, and critical considerations for environmental and resource security in the region.

Call for Participation

IEREK, in collaboration with Aristotle University, invites authors and experts to participate in this pivotal conference. We encourage the submission of research papers and academic articles that explore innovative ideas and compelling case studies aligned with our themes, especially those demonstrating multidisciplinary approaches and practical applications within the Mediterranean. This gathering will unearth advanced ideas for the conservation of sustainable landscapes and discuss compelling case studies on how research contributes to natural resource management. Through valuable discussions and collaborative exchanges, the recommendations generated will surely promote continued progress toward a more sustainable and culturally rich future for the Mediterranean and beyond.

• 1. Sustainable Landscape Planning, Conservation & Management in the Mediterranean

  This topic examines holistic approaches to planning and managing Mediterranean landscapes. It emphasizes conservation, climate adaptation, and creating multifunctional landscapes that provide ecological, social, and economic benefits through strategic governance.

  1.1. Principles and Strategies for Mediterranean Landscape Planning

  1.2. Integrating Biodiversity Conservation into Mediterranean Urban and Rural Landscapes

  1.3. Sustainable Land Use and Spatial Planning Strategies for Coastal and Island Regions

  1.4. Ecosystem Services in Mediterranean Landscape Design and Management

  1.5. Nature-based Solutions for Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Mediterranean Climates

  1.6. Sustainable Watershed and Riparian Corridor Management in Water-stressed Regions

  1.7. Planning Multifunctional Landscapes for Ecological, Social, and Economic Benefits

  1.8. Policy Frameworks and Governance for Sustainable Mediterranean Landscape Planning

• 2. Green Infrastructure and Ecological Networks for Mediterranean Cities

  This topic explores green infrastructure as a vital tool for climate resilience in Mediterranean cities. It focuses on integrating nature-based solutions and ecological networks to manage water, mitigate heat islands, and enhance urban ecosystems for improved public health.

  2.1. Green Infrastructure for Climate Adaptation in Mediterranean Urban Environments

  2.2. Urban Green Spaces: Parks, Gardens, and Recreational Areas in Mediterranean Cities

  2.3. Green Roofs and Vertical Gardens suited for Mediterranean Climates

  2.4. Blue-Green Infrastructure and Water-Sensitive Design in Water-Scarce Regions

  2.5. Ecological Corridors and Habitat Connectivity Across Fragmented Landscapes

  2.6. Urban Forestry and Tree Canopy Management for Heat Island Mitigation

  2.7. Enhancing Ecosystem Services through Integrated Green Infrastructure

  2.8. Policy and Financial Mechanisms for Green Infrastructure Investment in the Region

• 3. Implementing Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for Climate Resilience in Mediterranean Cities

  This topic addresses the practical application of Nature-Based Solutions for urban climate resilience. It investigates their use in mitigating urban heat, managing water, and protecting coastlines, considering co-benefits, financing models, and community participation.

  3.1. NBS for Urban Heat Island Mitigation

  3.2. NBS for Sustainable Water Management

  3.3. Assessing the co-benefits of NBS on air quality, noise reduction, and well-being.

  3.4. NBS for Coastal Resilience and Flood Risk Reduction

  3.5. Financing mechanisms and economic incentives for NBS projects

  3.6. Stakeholder engagement and community participation in NBS design and implementation

  3.7. Transferability of NBS models across different Mediterranean contexts.

• 4. Cultural Landscapes and Heritage Preservation in the Mediterranean

  This topic focuses on preserving the unique cultural landscapes of the Mediterranean. It explores conservation strategies for both tangible and intangible heritage, including adaptive reuse and community engagement, in the face of modern development and climate change pressures.

  4.1. Conservation and Management of Archaeological Landscapes and Historic Sites

  4.2. Intangible Cultural Heritage and Traditional Land Use Practices

  4.3. Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings and Sites for Sustainable Futures

  4.4. Impact of Climate Change and Development on Cultural Landscapes

  4.5. Community Engagement and Social Equity in Heritage Management

  4.6. Policy and Governance for Mediterranean Cultural Landscape Protection

• 5. Sustainable Cultural Tourism in the Mediterranean

  This topic explores how to develop responsible and low-impact cultural tourism in the Mediterranean. It addresses balancing economic benefits with the preservation of cultural heritage and community well-being, utilizing technology and policy to create authentic and sustainable experiences.

  5.1. Strategies for Responsible and Low-Impact Cultural Tourism

  5.2. Balancing Tourism Development with Heritage Preservation and Community Well-being

  5.3. Digital Technologies for Enhancing Cultural Tourism Experiences and Management

  5.4. Promoting Authentic Cultural Experiences and Local Economies through Tourism

  5.5. Ecotourism and Agro-tourism as Forms of Sustainable Cultural Engagement

  5.6. Policy and Regulatory Frameworks for Sustainable Cultural Tourism Development

• 6. Coastal and Marine Landscapes and Ecosystems in the Mediterranean

  This topic addresses the resilience of coastal and marine ecosystems across the Mediterranean. It explores strategies for restoration, sustainable fisheries, and integrated management, focusing on nature-based solutions and policy frameworks to adapt to climate change and support a sustainable blue economy.

  6.1. Coastal Ecosystem Resilience and Restoration Strategies

  6.2. Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Biodiversity Conservation

  6.3. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in the Mediterranean

  6.4. Nature-based Solutions for Coastal Protection and Erosion Control

  6.5. Marine Spatial Planning and the Sustainable Blue Economy in the Mediterranean Sea

  6.6. Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Landscapes and Sea Level Rise Adaptation

  6.7. Policy Frameworks for Mediterranean Marine Resource Management

• 7. Advances in Earth Geo-sciences and Geotechnical Engineering for Mediterranean Environments

  This topic covers innovative geo-sciences and geotechnical engineering for Mediterranean environments. It focuses on analyzing geological processes, assessing seismic and landslide risks, and developing sustainable geotechnical solutions for foundations and climate change adaptation.

  7.1. Geological Processes and Landscape Evolution in the Mediterranean Basin

  7.2. Soil Mechanics in Sustainable Geotechnical Engineering for Variable Soils

  7.3. Seismic Hazard Assessment and Earthquake Resilience in Active Regions

  7.4. Landslide Risk Analysis and Mitigation in Mountainous and Hilly Landscapes

  7.5. Geotechnical Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation (e.g., drought, heavy rainfall)

  7.6. Sustainable Foundation Engineering and Use of Local Materials

  7.7. Geoenvironmental Engineering for Land Management and Remediation

  7.8. Climate Change and Environmental Geosciences (e.g., geological records, carbon sequestration, geoindicators for hazard early warning)

• 8. Geospatial Technologies, GIS, Remote Sensing, and Spatial Data Analytics

  This topic explores the use of geospatial technologies for environmental and urban management. It covers the application of GIS, remote sensing, and spatial data analytics for planning, monitoring, and disaster risk reduction, leveraging AI and digital twins to inform sustainable development.

  8.1. GIS-based Spatial Planning for Sustainable Development in Mediterranean Regions

  8.2. Remote Sensing for Environmental Monitoring (e.g., drought, land degradation, forest fires)

  8.3. Geospatial Technologies for Disaster Risk Reduction and Early Warning Systems

  8.4. Land Use and Land Cover Change Detection and Modeling

  8.5. AI and Machine Learning in Geospatial Analysis for Environmental Management

  8.6. Satellite Imagery for Urban Monitoring and Planning in Mediterranean Cities

  8.7. Digital Twin and BIM in Landscape Architecture and Infrastructure

  8.8. Policy Implications of Geospatial Data and Ethical Considerations

• 9. Sustainable Agriculture Landscape and Innovative Food Systems in the Mediterranean

  This topic focuses on developing sustainable agricultural landscapes and food systems for the Mediterranean region. It explores practices like agroecology and regenerative farming, alongside smart technologies and circular economy principles, to ensure resilience and food security in a water-scarce climate.

  9.1. Sustainable Agricultural Practices and Land Management in Water-scarce Regions

  9.2. Agroecology and Regenerative Farming Adapted to Mediterranean Climates

  9.3. Organic Farming and Soil Health Management for Unique Soil Types

  9.4. Agroforestry and Integrated Landscape Approaches for Resilience

  9.5. Precision Agriculture and Smart Farming Technologies for Resource Optimization

  9.6. Climate-Smart Agriculture and Adaptation Strategies for the Mediterranean

  9.7. Sustainable Soil and Deep-Water Management (e.g., salinity, wastewater reuse, wetland conservation)

  9.8. Circular Economy and Sustainable Agricultural Practices (e.g., waste-to-resource, sustainable supply chains)

• 10. Trade, Economy, and Silk Road Development in the Mediterranean

  This topic examines economic and trade dynamics in the Mediterranean, including the impacts of the modern Silk Road. It addresses strategies for sustainable development, cross-border cooperation, and the blue economy, exploring green investments and the economic valuation of ecosystem services.

  10.1. Economic Models for Sustainable Development in the Mediterranean Basin

  10.2. Modern Silk Road and its Environmental & Socio-economic Impacts in the Mediterranean

  10.3. Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chains Across the Mediterranean

  10.4. Blue Economy and its Contribution to Regional Development

  10.5. Investment Strategies for Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Projects

  10.6. Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Cultural Heritage

  10.7. Cross-border Cooperation and Regional Economic Integration

  10.8. The Role of Ports and Maritime Routes in Regional Development

• 11. Security in the Mediterranean: Environmental, Resource, and Geopolitical Dimensions

  This topic analyzes the complex security challenges facing the Mediterranean region. It explores how environmental factors like climate change, water scarcity, and resource degradation drive instability and conflict, and discusses policy and cooperative frameworks for building resilience and ensuring security.

  11.1. Water Scarcity and Food Security as Drivers of Instability

  11.2. Climate Change as a Security Threat in the Mediterranean (e.g., migration, resource conflicts)

  11.3. Energy Security and Renewable Energy Transition in the Region

  11.4. Impact of Environmental Degradation on Human Security and Livelihoods

  11.5. Transboundary Environmental Issues and Cooperative Security Frameworks

  11.6. Maritime Security and Protection of Marine Resources

  11.7. Resilience Building against Natural Disasters and Extreme Events

  11.8. Policy and Governance for Environmental Security in the Mediterranean

• 12. Sustainable Infrastructure Development and Geotechnical Innovations

  This topic addresses sustainable infrastructure development and geotechnical innovations. It covers resilient solutions for smart cities and transportation networks, incorporating nature-based solutions and recycled materials, with a specific focus on coastal and energy geotechnics for Mediterranean contexts.

  12.1. Geotechnical Solutions for Resilient Infrastructure in Mediterranean Contexts

  12.2. Smart Cities and Geospatial Planning for Sustainable Urban Development

  12.3. Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure and Connectivity

  12.4. Coastal Infrastructure Resilience and Nature-based Solutions

  12.5. Energy Geotechnics and Geothermal Applications

  12.6. Use of Recycled Materials and Local Resources in Construction

General Instructions

1. Expenses:

   The registration fee does not cover accommodation or travel expenses. A list of accommodation options can be suggested by our team if available. Please contact [email protected] for inquiries.

2. Benefits:

   We recommend that all authors take advantage of the benefits that IEREK offers, including various attendance types, publishing opportunities, and opportunities for discounts and waivers.

3. Membership:

   We are pleased to inform all applicants that they can use their previous publications to register for an IEREK membership, which offers a special discount.

4. Collaborative Discounts:

   IEREK offers a special discount to applicants from collaborative universities that have signed an MoU with IEREK to host or co-host one of its conferences.

5. Income-Based Discounts:

   IEREK also provides special discounts to authors from low and medium-income countries.

6. Publication Accessibility:

   The disclosed fees are for the conference participation (Publication is free of charge, but only the conference participants can be considered for publishing in the conference proceedings).

7. Book Series/ Journal(s) Discounts:

   Some of the disclosed conference fees may vary depending on the book series and/or journal(s) presented as a publication outlet, as we encourage submission to newly founded book series and/or journal(s) by presenting a discounted rate for conferences’ fees

Publication Opportunities

IEREK offers many alternative venues for publication. All accepted submissions to the conference, after a rigorous double-blinded peer-review process by the respective and highly-distinguished Editorial Board, will be published through one of the following venues:

1. Scopus/Web of Science:

   Selected papers (according to the preference of the author) will be published in one of the Scopus-indexed or Web of Science-indexed book series or through related journal special issues. See the publishing opportunities section.

2. Springer Series/IEREK Journals:

   Accepted papers (according to the preference of the author) will be published through the Springer book series or through a special issue in one of the IEREK press open-access Journals.

Types of Applications, Attendance, and Registration

IEREK offers many types of registrations that are diverse in registration fees; applicants can choose the type they are familiar with as follows:

1. Academic:

   Participants who are PhD holders, post-doctoral researchers, and universities’ affiliated professors and experts in the field.

2. Students:

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

3. Professionals:

   Participants who are not affiliated with universities such as practitioners, policymakers, entrepreneurs, etc.

4. Companions/Co-authors:

   Have access to the event to enjoy the discussions, coffee breaks, and lunch as a co-author or audience.

5. Presentation Only:

   An author may need to attend the conference for presentation only to present a research idea without publication or full paper submission; the fee in this case will be decreased.

A. Physical Attendance

B. Online Attendance

IEREK offers virtual attendance, providing authors with a unique link to join the conference sessions and present their papers as per the announced program.

IEREK is dedicated to optimizing the benefits for each delegate so, similar to physical attendance, when it comes to virtual attendance IEREK also provides two venues for publication, which are:

Type 3:

• (Online attendance+ Publication through Scopus and (SCImago), EI Compendex, zbMATH indexation)

  Online attendance + Publication through Scopus and Web of Science indexation Through IEREK – Springer Nature Interdisciplinary book series “Advances in Science, Technology, and Innovation” ASTI, see previous publications here! here.

  Online attendance + Publication through Scopus, Web of Science (SCImago), EI Compendex, zbMATH indexation Through Springer Nature Interdisciplinary book series, “Sustainable Civil Infrastructure” see previous publication here! here.

• Online attendance + Publication through Open-access IEREK press Journals (to be indexed soon in Web of Science and afterward in Scopus)

Type 4:

• (Online attendance+ Springer new book series/ IEREK press Open-Access Journals)

  Online attendance + Publication through Springer Nature's new book series (to be indexed in Scopus soon). Through IEREK – Springer Nature Interdisciplinary book series” Sustainable Landscape Planning, and Natural Resources Management” SLNR.

  Online attendance + Publication through Open-access IEREK press Journals, (to be indexed soon in Web of Science and afterward in Scopus).

• Online attendance + Publication through Open-access IEREK press Journals (to be indexed soon in Web of Science and afterward in Scopus)

The online fee covers:

• IEREK Participation/Contribution soft copy Certificate
• Preliminary Acceptance Letter
• Consideration for publication in the IEREK-Springer interdisciplinary series (ASTI series, SUCI series, SLNR, and other related series by Springer) or IEREK Press, or any available special issues according to the type of registration in the table above.
• Access to conference recordings

* Each research paper should have one main author who should pay the full fee (Author fees) regardless of attendance.

* Co-authors, each, have their fees to pay to attend the event. This applies to online attendance as well as physical attendance.

Discounts and Waiving Opportunities

1. 15%: Participants who come from co-partner universities who have already signed an MOU with IEREK can receive a 20% discount. The authors should mention the key person who signed the agreement with IEREK. You are welcome to inquire if your university has an agreement with IEREK or not yet.
2. 20%: Waiving with 20% from the announced fees for low-income countries according to the World Bank classification mentioned below. (applicable to the regular payment stage ONLY).
3. 25%: If multiple abstracts are submitted by the same first author to the conference, a 25% discount is applied to each additional submission according to the deadline of payments.

* Participants can use only one type of discount opportunity, which meets their preferences.

* Authors should contact the conference manager through this email [email protected] to consider the discount and waiving for all the above cases so that the conference manager can provide an exclusive invoice for each case.

Proof of capability to get the discount:

• A copy of a student enrollment card for 2024 is essential.
• Proof of affiliation to the partnering university is to be provided.
• Proof of previous publication through IEREK conferences. 
• A copy of passport for authors from low-income countries. Added below is the list of low and middle-income countries according to the World Bank classification.

Countries List

Publish through iDirect

iDirect is a new and efficient platform that allows direct submissions of research papers across various fields of science. iDirect accepts and covers all fields of science, not only those related to a particular conference. Individual authors are encouraged to submit their research discussing new ideas and presenting solutions to everyday problems that fall under numerous scientific themes. The iDirect platform is integrated into the peer review system for online conferences. You can publish your work through iDirect without the need to attend the conference or adhere to any submission deadlines. iDirect accepts a wide range of disciplines, eliminating the need to align with the conference's specific theme or scope. Based on the scope of your research, we will identify the most relevant proceedings for publication. The editor will schedule a discussion with you to review your presentation before proceeding to the peer-review process. Learn more here!

Publication Period

IEREK puts a lot of effort into expediting the peer review process to publish articles as quickly as possible. This requires prompt responses from all authors to the editors' comments, if any. Your swift response is highly appreciated to advance the production process and get your articles online. We prioritize the first author to respond as per our formula. The conference proceedings will be divided into multiple books, with the first one scheduled for publication within 6 months after the conference date. We encourage all authors to aim for publication in the first release.

Possibilities for Extra Fees

1. Authors may request that their kits be delivered, for an additional fee decided by the courier, and upon request. Alternatively, authors located in Egypt can pick them up from IEREK headquarters in Alexandria.
2. Additional Conference Kit (Excluding Delivery). *Contact us for a quotation on shipping fees.
3. Gala Dinner, social programs, and other activities.

Visa Application

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 attempt to assist you in obtaining a visa but the responsibility is yours and the decision rests solely with the appropriate Embassy. For the requirements of issuing a visa letter please read more here!

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.

• 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)

• Short papers should be a minimum of 6 pages and contain 4,000 words, excluding references 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 Conclusions/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/ or submitting their contributions:

NOTE: If you are contributing as an Author of a submitted abstract (for publishing consideration and/or presentation), and regardless of attendance, the fee for the registration is the same. See and Conference Fees for more information.

Types of Participation

1. Attend/ Present in-person or Online and Publish in indexed Conference proceedings

The conference offers 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.

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

If your full 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. See Author Instructions and Publishing Opportunities for more information.

3. 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. See Conference Fees for more information.

Notes to consider:
* Attendance online and in-person are possible upon confirmation with the conference secretariat/ coordinator at [email protected] and following Conference Fees covered.

* The participation fee is uninform for all options presented above.

* For participants wishing to attend in-person, a visa invitation letter will be provided upon request, for which case a copy of your passport will be required. The invitation letter can only be provided after acceptance and full payment.

* Before planning your trip, be sure to check travel restrictions to the conference’s hosting country. Visit travel information and restrictions, and send in your questions if you have any to the conference coordinator at the email [email protected]

 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 a digital format.