The global creative sector is navigating a critical transition, moving beyond traditional production models toward a paradigm that prioritizes environmental regeneration, circularity, and the profound wisdom inherent in nature. As artistic and design landscapes evolve in an increasingly digitalized world, the industry faces the challenge of harmonizing technological advancement with the preservation of cultural memory and ecological integrity.

The current era of creative practice is defined by a shift toward "nature-inspired" intelligence, where the objective is to leverage biomimetic strategies, digital archives, and sustainable material science to address socio-environmental crises. This movement requires a sophisticated integration of heritage preservation, cutting-edge digital curation, and circular design to foster a resilient global creative market.

In response to these systemic shifts, the 3rd edition of the Sustainable Creative Art: Inspiration from Nature (SCIN) conference, held in collaboration with Istituto Marangoni Milano serves as a global forum for redefining the future of creative industries. By integrating artistic innovation with regenerative and nature-centric strategies, SCIN provides a platform where academic research, artistic practice, and industry leadership converge. This edition emphasizes actionable, future-proof solutions, including interdisciplinary roundtables and specialized publication opportunities, to build a sustainable, inclusive, and nature-inspired global creative ecosystem.

Conference Scope

SCIN functions as a premier international hub for the convergence of diverse academic, artistic, and entrepreneurial expertise. It brings together designers, artists, architects, heritage conservationists, and technology specialists to foster multidisciplinary research that addresses the urgent need to redesign creative frameworks in a rapidly evolving global context. 

Statement of Purpose

This conference aims to provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary forum that bridges the gap between heritage and modern creative evolution. Our mission is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, methodologies, and best practices among scholars and creative practitioners. By examining the synergy between digital storytelling and regenerative art, we aim to offer actionable insights that empower artists, strategists, and designers to lead the transition toward a prosperous, equitable, and environmentally resilient creative market.

• 1. Memory: Cultural Memory and Heritage Dynamics

  1.1. Heritage as a Cultural Memory and Driver of Transformation.
  1.2. Decolonizing and Diversifying Creative Histories.
  1.3. Archives as Narrative Systems: Storytelling and Identity.
  1.4. Tangible and Intangible Fashion and Design Heritage.
  1.5. Archival Practices as Creative Laboratories.

• 2. Memory: Intelligent Archives and Digital Transformation

  2.1. Digitization, Metadata, and AI-Driven Archival Processes.
  2.2. Blockchain for Authentication and Digital Provenance.
  2.3. Virtual and Augmented Reality in Archival Experiences.
  2.4. 3D Scanning and Digital Twins as Strategies of Preservation.
  2.5. Intelligent Archives as Strategic Tools for Innovation.

• 3. Memory: Future-Forward Archival Frameworks

  3.1. Design in the Age of Permanent Transition.
  3.2. Past Forward: Archive Practice as Design Infrastructure.
  3.3. Unlocking Intelligences: Human, Artificial, and Material.
  3.4. Rapid Genotyping as Epistemic Practice.
  3.5. The Ecology of Friction in Design. 

• 4. Making: Circular Fashion and Archival Intelligence

  4.1. Circular Economy Models in Fashion Systems.
  4.2. Zero-Waste and Regenerative Design Methodologies.
  4.3. Upcycling, Re-edition, and Archival Reinterpretation.
  4.4. Slow Fashion as an Archival Practice.
  4.5. Historical Practices for Sustainable Futures. 

• 5. Making: Material Futures and Textile Innovation

  5.1. Bio-Based and Regenerative Textiles.
  5.2. Smart Fabrics and Wearable Technology.
  5.3. Biomimicry and Nature-Inspired Design Systems.
  5.4. Longevity, Repairability, and Timeless Design Practices.
  5.5. Material Experimentation and Design Practices. 

• 6. Making: Curation, Spatiality, and Exhibition Design

  6.1. Innovative Exhibition Design for Archives.
  6.2. Digital Curation and Online Collection Strategies.
  6.3. Interactive Installations and Mixed Media.
  6.4. Public Engagement and Participatory Archival Models.
  6.5. Archiving Fashion Performances and Immersive Shows. 

• 7. Media: New Narratives and Media Communication

  7.1. Archival Practices in Fashion and Design Branding.
  7.2. Fashion Film and Cinematic Memory.
  7.3. Sustainable Image Production and Photography.
  7.4. Social Media as a Living Archive.
  7.5. Hybrid Runways and Immersive Fashion Shows. 

• 8. Media: Ethics, Authorship, and Responsible Innovation

  8.1. Intellectual Property and Ethics in AI-Generated Content.
  8.2. Ethical Fashion Systems and Transparent Supply Chains.
  8.3. Sustainability Reporting and Digital Traceability.
  8.4. Cultural Appropriation versus Cultural Preservation.
  8.5. Responsible Innovation in Fashion Technologies. 

• 9. Media: Education and Future Research Systems

  9.1. Archive-Based Design Education.
  9.2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Fashion, Technology, and Humanities.
  9.3. Data-Driven Creativity and Research Methodologies.
  9.4. New Business Models for Sustainable Fashion.
  9.5. Advancing Creativity in the Workplace. 

• 10. Creativity: Sustainable Art and Creative Technology

  10.1. Creative Media as a Catalyst for Socio-Environmental Discourse.
  10.2. Art Therapy, Eco-Wellness, and the Healing Power of Nature.
  10.3. Intersection of Digital Innovation and Creative Expression.
  10.4. Environmental Art and Increasing Ecological Awareness.
  10.5. Art and Identity: Folklore and Cinematic Memory. 

• 11. Creativity: Architecture, Interior Design, and Living Environments

  11.1. Biophilic Design: Connectivity with Nature.
  11.2. Adaptive Environments and Interactive Spatial Configurations.
  11.3. Identity of Place: Narrative Architecture and Cultural Context.
  11.4. Circularity in Interior Design: Efficiency and Adaptive Reuse.
  11.5. Sustainable Product Ecosystems for Daily Essentials. 

• 12. Creativity: Urban Creative Cultures and Artistic Interventions

  12.1. Street Art Activism: Art for Environmental Advocacy.
  12.2. Nature-Inspired Street Art and Biodiversity.
  12.3. Creative Reuse in Street Art and Urban Environments.
  12.4. Integrating Environmental Heritage into Urban Narratives.
  12.5. Art and Urban Feature Scenarios: Sculpture and Signage.

General Instructions

1. Payment Note: 
   

   Payments through the website are currently unavailable due to ongoing website enhancements. IEREK offers alternative payment methods, including bank transfer and secure third-party online payment links.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Income-Based Discounts

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

7. 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).

8. 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 the conference's fees.

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.

Physical Attendance

IEREK offers various types of participation. Applicants can apply for in-person attendance to benefit fully from conference discussions and knowledge exchange.

IEREK also offers virtual attendance for authors to present their research papers online; however, we strongly encourage all applicants to attend the conference in person.

The physical fee covers:

• The Conference Kit, which includes a softcopy of the abstract book, Conference notebook, IEREK pen, and Conference Flyers/Printouts.
• IEREK Participation/Contribution Certificate
• Consideration for publication in the IEREK-Springer interdisciplinary series (ASTI series by Springer) or IEREK Press, or any special issues available according to the type of registration in the table above.
• A Preliminary Acceptance Letter
• Lunches and Coffee Breaks

* 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.

* A research paper fee allows only one author, whether main or co-author, to attend the conference and receive only one conference kit. Extras can be requested for an additional fee.

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.

The online fee covers:

• IEREK Participation/Contribution soft copy Certificate.
• Preliminary Acceptance Letter.
• Consideration for publication in the IEREK-Springer interdisciplinary series (ASTI series by Springer) or IEREK Press, or any special issues available 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 15% discount. 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. 15%: Participants affiliated with universities in the hosting country on the regular registration fee.
3. 20%: Waiving with 20% from the announced fees for low-income countries according to the World Bank classification mentioned in the document below. (applicable to the regular payment stage)
4. 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 for payments.

* If an author is eligible for more than one discount, IEREK will apply only the highest discount. Discounts cannot be combined.

* 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 2026 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.

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.

💳 Payment & Administration

Registration and financial transactions for this conference are managed through our strategic partners, working in close academic partnership with IEREK to ensure seamless delivery of conference services and publication standards.

iDirect

Publishing Direct Conferences CO. LLC

COEUS

Strategic Financial Partner

Both entities work in close academic partnership with IEREK to ensure the highest standards of financial transparency, conference administration, and publication quality.

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 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: Full Paper Submission

• Your submitted paper should be 6+ pages long and submitted before the paper submission deadline, in English, and fit within one of the conference topics.
• Papers should be a minimum of 6 pages and contain 4,000 words, excluding references.
  Authors should support their research and clarify their ideas using various explanatory methods, such as figures, equations, and diagrams.
• The 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 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 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 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  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] 

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 Registrattion & 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 Registration & 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 Registration & 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 Registration & 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]

A.Physical Attendance

Attending a conference dramatically enhances both your professional and personal development. They help you sharpen the saw, meet and converse with industry experts, expand your resources and grow your professional network. 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 Partner Organizations.
   
   
3. Publication: Selected high-quality manuscripts will be published, after peer review, in index journals/ book series. See Publishing Opportunities for more information.
   
   
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.

IEREK Community is a reflection of our appreciation for the scholars, institutions, and research groups who continuously contribute to the growth and excellence of IEREK’s academic network. Through exclusive rates and added privileges, we aim to make participation more accessible while strengthening long-term collaboration, research continuity, and institutional partnerships within our global community.

Eligible members of the IEREK Community receive a 25% discount during the Regular payment stage and may benefit from special discounts on other IEREK conferences.

The IEREK Community includes:

• Previous attendees of IEREK conferences

• Loyal authors who consistently participate in multiple editions of the same conference

• Authors who have published in IEREK conference proceedings or journals

• Researchers registering as a group submission

• Faculty members and researchers from universities with current or past partnership agreements with IEREK

• Universities and academic institutions located in the hosting country of the conference

• Active authors who continuously support and engage with IEREK’s activities on social media (sharing, promoting, and contributing to community visibility)

• Academics who support IEREK as moderators, keynote or guest speakers, reviewers, or editors

Authors should contact the conference manager at [email protected]  to request consideration for discounts in any of the above cases.