The University of the Aegean, in collaboration with Paris 8 University and the Polish Cultural Studies Association (Kraków branch), will host the 5th ERUA Science Café “Concepts of political and social inclusion in comics: the politics of Difference, Environment, Sustainability”, on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, at 10:30-11:30 CEST.
The 5th ERUA Science Café is part of the “Comics as a Tool for Democracy and Social Inclusion” full day hybrid event (ERUA WP5 Social Engagement Event), hosted by the Department of Cultural Technology and Communication of the University of the Aegean. More roundtable discussions and interactive sessions on comics in popular culture, political art, and educational practice will be available to online participants until 15:00 CEST. Upon registration, the same Zoom link can be used for all sessions.
This ERUA Science Café will offer a constructive and interdisciplinary space to discuss how comics and graphic narratives can contribute to democracy, political participation, social inclusion, and environmental awareness. Contributing to the objectives of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), the discussion will explore themes such as the politics of difference, migration, freedom of expression, LGBTQ+ representation, environmental sustainability, trauma and healing, education, and civic engagement through visual storytelling. By highlighting the growing role of comics and new media arts in contemporary culture and public communication, the open dialogue will focus on creative practices and collaborative approaches that promote inclusion, equal opportunity, social justice, and democratic participation across communities.
Speakers – Panelists:
- Anne Chassagnol, TransCrit Research Unit, Department of English Studies, Paris 8 University
- Laura Odasso, Faculty of Education, Department of Educational Sciences, Paris 8 University
- Szymon Makuch, AGH University of Krakow; Vice-President, Association of Pop Culture Researchers and Pop Culture Education “Trickster”
- Myrto Tselenti, Project Manager, Greek Film Centre – Hellenic Film Commission
- Antonis Nikolopoulos, Comics and Graphic Novels Creator
- Yiannis Koukoulas, Assistant Professor, University of the Aegean
- Marianna Misiou, Assistant Professor, University of the Aegean
- Lida Tsene, Founder, Athens Comics Library
- Ilias Katirtzigianoglou, Comicdom Co-organizer, Comics Author and Publisher
Moderators:
- Prof. Evi Sampanikou, Professor, Department of Cultural Technology and Communication, University of the Aegean
- Nikoletta Gourgouli, PhD Student, Department of Cultural Technology and Communication, University of the Aegean
Who Can Attend?
We welcome participants from across all ERUA regions to take part in the discussion:
- Researchers and students interested in cultural studies, media or political science
- Comics creators, curators, festival organisers
- NGOs and civil society organisations working on inclusion, democracy and sustainability
- Citizens interested in visual culture, social justice and the environment
Registrations: Please register in advance to receive the Zoom link, by filling in the online form here.
You can access all the hybrid sessions of the programme, using the same Zoom link you will receive upon registration.
What are the ERUA Science Cafés?
The Science Cafés are a springboard for meaningful discussions with a focus on sustainable campuses and resilient societies, exploring potential solutions for a more sustainable, inclusive, and promising future across five key areas; Migration, Exile and Refugees, Environmental Transition, Democracy & Human Rights, Inclusion & Gender Equality, Interculturality, Multilingualism & Arts and Edges.
The events are organised within the framework of WP5: “Achieving Social Change in ERUA’s Local Communities and Regions – Interactive Engagement Events with Knowledge Communities”. By encouraging critical thinking and fostering intercultural dialogue, these online and hybrid events aim to raise awareness and promote collaborative efforts towards a sustainable future. They also strive to bring about social change within campuses, neighbourhoods, communities, societies, and regions.
For more info and frequent updates, please visit the website: https://ecos.erua-eui.eu/info/sciencecafe/
