Mediterranean islands invoke contradictory impressions. They have been seen as uninhabited as well as overpopulated, or as archaic provinces as well as centers of innovation, as closed and introverted lands as well as open and highly integrated places. In fact, they have been all of these at one time or another, depending on the period, the context, the perspectives. In any case, it is increasingly clear that the islands have always been incorporated into the communication networks that have woven the history of the Mediterranean. The islands are realities both fragile and persistent, and provide an essential key to understanding the Mediterranean world.

It is my pleasure to invite you to participate on MIC – Vis, 2016 and to contribute to defining and responding to the challenges that Mediterranean islands are facing with your papers and scientific research.