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ICOM-CC is coming to Norway

14 – 18 September 2026

ICOM-CC is coming to Norway

14 – 18 September 2026

Call for Papers

The theme for the 2026 Triennial Conference is:

Cultural Connections in Conservation

Cultural connections are at the heart of why we conserve heritage. These connections—whether societal, professional, or temporal—are vital for understanding and preserving the cultural identities embodied in material culture. As global changes and societal shifts accelerate, the need to respect and advocate for diverse voices and communities, including Indigenous cultures, has become ever more critical.
In light of new challenges and opportunities, the 2026 ICOM-CC Triennial Conference will explore how conservation can embrace inclusive collaborations, adapt to changing contexts, and ensure that conservation knowledge is accessible and impactful. By integrating ethical approaches, interdisciplinary methods, and innovative technologies, conservation can play a pivotal role in bridging divides and fostering connections.

Meeting in Oslo in September 2026, we aim to answer questions such as:

  • How can conservation establish new and renew existing professional connections to address global challenges?
  • How can conservation navigate temporal connections between the past, present, and future understandings, and uses of material culture?
  • How can conservation help advocate for diversity and cross-cultural communication?
  • How can conservation help to bridge inter-generational cultural divides?

Abstract Submission Information

Preliminary abstracts for papers are now invited for the ICOM-CC 21st Triennial Conference in Oslo, Norway. All selected papers will be presented orally in parallel Working Group sessions and published as a full paper in our Triennial Preprints.

  • Abstract Template: Download the template here.
  • Submission Platform: Authors will need to create an account on the Preprints platform at http://preprints.icom-cc2026.org, available by 10 March 2025
  • Submission Deadline: Abstracts must be submitted by 4 April 2025.
  • Limitations: Authors may submit a maximum of two abstracts as main author, with only one abstract per Working Group.

Criteria for Selection of Papers

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following:

  • Originality and Innovation: Does the work advance the field, and has it been published before in substantially the same form?
  • Application to Practice: Is the work practical and widely applicable to the field of conservation?
  • Technical Merit: Does the paper reach valid and well-supported conclusions?
  • Relevance: How well does the work align with the conference theme and/or Working Group aims?
  • Clarity and Structure: Is the content logically organized and well-argued? (Note: This does not assess English language proficiency.)
  • Collaboration and Engagement: Does the work demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration or public engagement?

Any immediate questions on submission should be directed to the Working Group Coordinator which you feel best fits your contribution. The list of Working Groups and respective programmes can be found on the ICOM-CC website: https://www.icom-cc.org/en/working-groups/list.