[Commlist] CFA Workshop: Public Opinion and Democratic Civic Engagement: Expanding Reflection in Public Agendas

      Public Opinion and Democratic Civic Engagement: Expanding
      Reflection in Public Agendas


      A tribute to Maxwell McCombs and Esteban López-Escobar


      Workshop June 18-19, 2026


The Public Communication Department and the Institute for Culture and 
Society of the *Universidad de Navarra 
<https://en.unav.edu/about-the-university/our-campus/pamplona>* *invite 
abstracts for an interdisciplinary workshop* on *public opinion and 
democracy to be held on June 18-19, 2026, in Pamplona, Spain 
<https://www.unav.edu/web/public-opinion-and-democratic-civic-engagement>*.

This workshop honors the work of *Maxwell McCombs and Esteban 
López-Escobar,* whose lifelong commitment to the study of agenda-setting 
and media effects has left an enduring legacy in the field of 
communication research and its links to democracy.

Following their meaningful influence, this workshop aims to foster a 
collective discussion about the evolution of public opinion studies in 
an era shaped by social media, emotional engagement, and polarization. 
In addition to reflecting on the extent to which media and new 
communication platforms contribute to the creation—and perpetuation—of a 
polarized society, *we would like to promote dialogue on how we, as 
scholars, can redefine the role of communication in this context*. Our 
goal is to explore together *how we could rebuild this fragmented 
landscape, addressing issues in public opinion research and exploring 
new ways of enhancing civic engagement*. This reflection seems timely in 
the current context of international conflicts and crises that threaten 
democracy and often appear to undermine rational dialogue.

For this purpose, it is essential to challenge some of the entrenched 
clichés that too often underlie general explanations of current 
phenomena. Are we, as researchers, engaging with social issues in a 
sufficiently critical and nuanced manner? Can we expand the scope of our 
enquiry and seek the causes of this lack of engagement? How can we 
regenerate the public sphere so that meaningful dialogue is possible? In 
sum, in a context where freedom of expression is often curtailed, and 
public participation is facing growing disruptions, this workshop seeks 
to discuss the conditions for a rational and open public sphere.

*Possibletopicsforproposalsinclude,butarenot limited,to:*
*
*
• Media, old and new, effects on public opinion.
• Public attitudes. Role of Emotions in Public Opinion.
• Polarization, extremism, and information disorders.
• Public perceptions. Controversial issues and social perceptions.
• New media effects. Developments of Agenda-setting in the new media 
context. Developments of Framing studies.
• New Directions in Electoral Campaigns.
• Effects of polls in democracies.
• AI effects on public opinion.
• Challenges to freedom of expression.
• Civic engagement.

One aim of the workshop is to identify and bring together scholars in 
communication, sociology, and politics concerned about communication 
research and public opinion studies.

*Abstracts of 200-350 words should clearly and concisely summarize a 
theoretical argument related to public opinion and democracy. **You can 
send your submissions through this online form 
<https://forms.gle/n165GJvteAkwqdeK6>.*

*Submissions deadline*: *February 23, 2026 *
*Applicants will be notified by March 27, 2026 *
*Registration fee: *70 euros

*Formoreinformation:*
*Public Opinion and Democratic Civic Engagement Workshop Web 
<https://www.unav.edu/web/public-opinion-and-democratic-civic-engagement>*

*MónicaCodina*,directoroftheDepartmentofPublicCommunication,UniversidaddeNavarra. 
(mcodina /at/ unav.es) <mailto:(mcodina /at/ unav.es)>
*Ruth Breeze*, Scientific co-director of the Institute for Culture and 
Society. (rbreeze /at/ unav.es) <mailto:(rbreeze /at/ unav.es)>

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