First Call for Papers

The phenomenon of multimodality – or how communication and interaction build on coordinated combinations of multiple forms of expression – is now actively researched within diverse fields of study. Given the multifaceted nature and complexity of the phenomenon, pursuing a constructive dialogue between different approaches to multimodality is essential for moving towards a shared understanding. This is the main theme of the 13^th International Conference on Multimodality (13ICOM), which celebrates the 25^th anniversary of organising the first conference in the series in Salzburg, Austria in 2002. 

For 13ICOM, we want to specifically emphasise the role of early-career researchers working on diverse aspects of multimodality by organising a doctoral consortium on June 1, 2027 ahead of the main conference on June 2–4, 2027. 

The doctoral consortium features 5-minute pitch talks from participants and master classes in theories and methods from experts, with plenty of opportunities for networking with fellow early-career researchers.

The main conference will feature four plenary sessions and multiple parallel sessions with 20-minute presentations.

The confirmed plenarists for 13ICOM include (in alphabetical order):

• Pentti Haddington (University of Oulu, Finland)
• Maria Grazia Sindoni (University of Messina, Italy)
• Beate Schirrmacher (Linnaeus University, Sweden)
• Amanda Wasielewski (Uppsala University, Sweden)

Submission formats 

We invite submissions for both doctoral consortium and the main conference using the same format. Submissions must be anonymous and are limited to a maximum length of 250 words excluding references. All accepted submissions must be presented in person. Submissions are limited to one per author, but a single author can contribute to several submissions. Doctoral candidates can submit to the main conference, but the doctoral consortium is only open to doctoral candidates.

All submissions will undergo a double-blind review process that evaluates their quality, novelty and relevance to the broad field of multimodality. 

The submission portal will open in early June 2026. 

Practical information 

We have applied for additional funding for the conference. At this moment, we are aiming at a regular registration fee of 175€ and a reduced fee of 60€ for pre-doctoral researchers. The conference dinner is not included in the registration fee. 

The conference is organised by the Multimodality Research Group and will be held in the Main Building of the University of Helsinki (Fabianinkatu 33). All premises at this location are highly accessible.

If you have any questions, please contact the organisers at .

Important dates