MIC–VIS 2026 SUCCESSFULLY HELD ON THE ISLAND OF VIS!

The 6th International Multidisciplinary Scientific Conference Mediterranean Islands Conference MIC–Vis 2026, organized by the Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar and VERN’ University, was successfully held on the island of Vis from 16 to 19 September 2026.

The conference brought together over 250 researchers, experts and professionals from Croatia and abroad to exchange knowledge, present research findings and discuss the contemporary challenges and development opportunities facing Mediterranean islands and communities.

The scientific programme included plenary lectures, parallel thematic sessions, online presentations, project presentations and a poster session. Participants addressed a broad range of topics, including migration and demographic change, sustainable development, climate change, renewable energy, tourism, education, artificial intelligence, cultural heritage, local economies, media and communication, social participation, public services and the protection of marine and island environments.

 The plenary session featured three distinguished speakers: Professor Ana Filipa Vrdoljak from the University of Technology Sydney, Professor Martin Bak Jørgensen from Aalborg University and Professor Sanja Klempić Bogadi from the Institute for Migration Research. Their lectures explored migration, cultural heritage, place-making, population ageing and demographic change in the context of islands and contemporary societies.

In addition to its scientific programme, MIC–Vis 2026 offered participants a varied cultural and social programme. The international student photography exhibition The Soul of the Mediterranean presented 15 selected photographs exploring the colours, atmosphere and identity of the Mediterranean. The first prize was awarded to Vanja Mihajlov from the Arts Academy in Split for the photograph Pomalo.

The cultural programme also included a screening of the film Koke at the Vis Summer Cinema, while the social programme included a guided tour of the island, including a visit to the town of Komiža.

MIC–Vis 2026 once again demonstrated the value of interdisciplinary dialogue and international cooperation in developing a better understanding of Mediterranean islands and proposing sustainable, locally relevant responses to the challenges they face.

The organizers sincerely thank all keynote speakers, presenters, moderators, participants, partners, sponsors and everyone who contributed to the successful organization of the conference.

We look forward to welcoming you to the next edition of MIC–Vis!