The 2026 IAEA Congress invites researchers, scholars, and artists from different domains and countries to present and share empirical research on aesthetics, creativity, and the psychology and neurobiology of the arts and aesthetics.
We particularly appreciate submissions fitting our conference theme:
Future follows Past –
Creating a Gesamtkunstwerk together for Arts and Aesthetics Research
Submissions are now open.
Gesamtkunstwerk is a German concept that translates to ‘total work of art’. It refers to the idea of integrating multiple artforms (visual arts, architecture, design, music, performance, etc) into a single unified artistic expression. By adopting this as a theme, we aim to create not just a conference but a collaborative aesthetic experience- where researchers, artists and designers come together to explore and co-create across disciplinary boundaries. We invite you to be a part of this Gesamtkunstwerk at IAEA 2026 in the spirit of Bauhaus innovation.
Submission Guidelines
Symposia
Deadline: 28th November 2025 extended to 5th December 2025
Proposals must include:
- Symposium Title
- Abstract describing the symposium topic and its importance (max. 300 words)
- Moderator information (name, affiliation, email, short bio)
- Abstracts for individual talks (max. 300 words each)
- Speaker information for each individual talk (name, affiliation, email)
- Accepted symposia will be allotted 90 minute sessions in the final program. Please plan the length and format of your submission accordingly.
- Proposals should revolve around a specific, comprehensive topic or large-scale project and preferably include speakers from at least two universities/instutitions.
- We recommend including 3-4 talks from separate speakers and designating some time for discussion among speakers and questions.
- If you have an idea for an alternate symposium structure or format within a similar time allotment (i.e., 90 minutes), please reach out via email at mail@iaea-jena2026.org!
If not selected, all abstracts of a symposium proposal will automatically be considered for talk or poster presentations.
Make your submission here: https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=iaea26
Talks & Posters
Deadline: 19th December 2025
Proposals must include:
- Preferred presentation type (talk or poster)
- Title
- Speaker information (name, affiliation, email)
- Abstract (max. 300 words)
- Co-author information (name, affiliation, email)
If not selected for the preferred presentation type, talk proposals will automatically be considered for a poster presentation.
Make your submission here: https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=iaea26
What type of proposals do you accept?
We accept proposals for symposia, individual talks, and posters. We welcome proposals from a wide range of research methodologies and traditions, including but not limited to quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, theoretical work, and arts-based research.
What stage does my research have to be in to be considered for a talk\poster?
Completed data collection and results are not required at the time of abstract submissions. However, results should be available in time for presentation at the congress (with the exception of poster presentations, for which in-progress works might be best suited).
When are submissions due?
We will accept Symposia proposals until 28th November 2025. The Symposium deadline has been extended to 5th December 2025. Talks and Poster submissions need to be submitted by 19th December 2025.
How will decisions about submitted abstracts be made?
Decisions will be made by the Scientific Committee based on the number of submissions, availability of venue slots, and the quality and appropriateness of abstracts. We will try to honour, where possible, the preferred format of presentation.
When will notifications of acceptance be sent out?
Acceptances will be sent out in early February 2026.
How can I submit my abstract?
Submissions are handled through EasyChair: https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=iaea26
for any remaining question about submissions please contact us at mail@iaea-jena2026.org