ISET 2027

ISET 2027: Advancing Open Scholarship in Brno, Czech Republic

Mark your calendars for ISET 2027, the premier International Symposium on Electronic Theses and Dissertations, scheduled for May 26-29, 2027, in Brno, Czech Republic. This prestigious biennial conference brings together the global community of librarians, repository managers, university administrators, researchers, technologists, and policy makers dedicated to transforming the landscape of academic dissemination and preservation through digital theses and dissertations (ETDs).

Core Focus & Themes:
ISET 2027 will center on the critical role ETDs play in fostering open access, ensuring long-term preservation, enhancing research visibility, and streamlining the academic lifecycle. The symposium will delve into key themes shaping the future of scholarly communication:

1. Open Access & Impact: Strategies for maximizing the reach and impact of ETDs through open licensing, discoverability, and integration into broader open science initiatives. Discussions will address overcoming barriers and measuring real-world influence.
2. Repository Technologies & Infrastructure: Exploring cutting-edge platforms, interoperability standards (like OAI-PMH), metadata schemas (MODS, Dublin Core), and robust digital preservation frameworks (e.g., PREMIS, LOCKSS, CLOCKSS) to ensure the integrity and longevity of ETD collections.
3. Metadata & Discovery: Innovations in metadata creation, management, and enrichment to enhance the discoverability and reusability of ETDs. Topics include linked data, AI-assisted metadata generation, and improving search functionality across institutional repositories.
4. Digital Preservation Strategies: Best practices and emerging technologies for the long-term, authentic preservation of complex ETDs, including multimedia components, software, and large datasets. Addressing format obsolescence and ensuring future accessibility.
5. Emerging Technologies & Workflows: The integration of AI and machine learning in automating aspects of the ETD lifecycle – from plagiarism checking and accessibility validation to automated metadata extraction and recommendation systems. Evolving workflows for thesis submission, review, and publication.
6. Policy, Advocacy & Sustainability: Developing effective institutional and national policies supporting ETD programs, advocating for their value within the academy, and ensuring the financial and operational sustainability of repository services.

Why Brno?
Brno, the vibrant second-largest city of the Czech Republic and a major academic hub, provides an ideal setting. Home to renowned institutions like Masaryk University (a key player in open access initiatives) and Brno University of Technology, the city offers a rich intellectual environment. The Czech Republic has a strong tradition in supporting open access and digital preservation, making it a fitting location for this global symposium. Attendees will experience a dynamic city renowned for its culture, history, and innovation.

Expected Outcomes & Audience:
ISET 2027 aims to foster collaboration, share innovative solutions, and set the agenda for the future of ETDs. The program will feature keynote addresses, peer-reviewed paper presentations, interactive workshops, poster sessions, and ample networking opportunities. It attracts a diverse international audience passionate about leveraging digital scholarship to make research more accessible, reusable, and impactful.

Join us in Brno in May 2027 to contribute to and learn from the vital discussions shaping the future of electronic theses and dissertations, driving the global open scholarship movement forward.