The University of Malta is organising an international colloquium entitled “Embodied Lives: Interdisciplinary Dialogues on the Body” which will take place at the University of Malta between Monday 14 and Wednesday 16 September 2026. . The event will focus on the work of David Le Breton and aims to promote an interdisciplinary dialogue on themes of the body, embodiment, and lived experience. Le Breton’s contributions to the anthropology and sociology of the body, particularly on topics such as pain, silence, identity, adolescence, risk, and communication, constitute an important theoretical basis for a broader discussion involving disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, philosophy, medicine, the humanities, bioethics, medical humanities, disability studies, the arts, etc. Proposals that critically address these themes are welcome, whether through a direct engagement with Le Breton’s work or through original theoretical or empirical contributions exploring embodied experience in its cultural, social, political, or ethical contexts.
Format of presentations
Each presentation will last 30 minutes.
Practical information
Unfortunately, the University of Malta is not able to offer financial support to cover travel and accommodation expenses. We therefore recommend booking tickets well in advance in order to reduce travel costs.
Information about Malta
Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta offers a landscape rich in history, culture, and natural beauty that represents an ideal context for reflection on the themes of the body and embodiment. The University of Malta offers a dynamic academic environment, a short distance from historic cities and coastal sites.The organising committee will plan excursions and guided visits to showcase Malta’s attractions.
Publication
Selected contributions will be published in a collective volume, subject to anonymous (double-blind) peer review. Further information will be provided after the conference.
Languages accepted
The main language of the conference will be English. Contributions in Italian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese are also accepted, provided that the text of the presentation is submitted to the organising committee at least two weeks in advance, to allow all participants to follow the English translation.
Submission of proposals
Please send abstracts and requests for information to: ray.zammit@um.edu.mt
Organising Committee
• Rev. Prof. Raymond Zammit, University of Malta
• Prof. Pietro Grassi, ISSR all’Appolinare, Pontifical University of the Holy Cross; IPU – Pontifical Salesian University, affiliated institute of Tuscia.It will be a pleasure for us to welcome you to Malta for an encounter rich in stimuli, reflections, and interdisciplinary exchanges on the themes of the body, its meanings, and its multiple manifestations.
Kind regards,
The Organising Committee