Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQs are constantly being updated.
Code of Conduct
Find the Code of Conduct and Care for the RC21 Conference here.
Final submissions
How can I access the final submissions?
You can access final submissions through the conference app and through Ex Ordo.
To access the programme and view final submissions in Ex Ordo, please use the account with the same email address as the one used to register for the conference. Only registered conference participants have access to the final submissions.
What are final submissions? What are they used for?
The final submissions workflow in Ex Ordo enables authors to edit existing content or upload new content such as a final paper.
Final submissions should preferably be written papers (6,000-10,000 words) that describe your research, theoretical background and/or methodology in more detail. They can be work-in-progress papers, extended abstracts (up to 3000 words), or presentations.
Final submissions aim to improve discussions within the session, help session chairs prepare their sessions, and enable authors to share their work.
Discussing paper drafts at the conference may also speed up the publication process for authors.
Are final submissions compulsory?
Final submissions are not compulsory, but highly recommended. The submission of papers, extended abstracts, or PowerPoint presentations will enhance the quality of discussions during sessions.
How can I see which session I am in?
The detailed conference programme is available on the conference website here.
There you can see which session you are in, as well as the day and timeslot.
I participate in a round table, pitch your work, poster, or author meets critics session. Do I have to make a final submission via Ex Ordo?
The final submission process only applies to authors who have submitted an abstract to present a paper.
Participants in round tables, pitch your work sessions, poster sessions or author meets critics sessions do not need to make a final paper submission.
How can I make a final submission?
Final submissions should be submitted via the conference tool Ex Ordo.
You can find a detailed description of the final submissions process on the Ex Ordo Knowledge Base.
Will final submissions be published? Who will see my final submission?
Final submissions will not be published in an official publication of conference proceedings.
Final submissions will be accessible only to registered participants through a mobile app and through the conference software Ex Ordo.
I have already completed my final submission, but I need to change something. Can I edit it again?
You can continue to edit your final submission before the final submission deadline (10 July).
Only conference administrators can modify submission content after the deadline passes. In that case, please reach out to the local organising committee directly at info@rc21-vienna2026.org.
Will there be a publication of conference proceedings?
No, there will not be a publication of conference proceedings from the RC21 Conference 2026 in Vienna.
However, we encourage chairs to consider potential outlets for the papers presented at their sessions. Many special issues and collective volumes have been published out of RC21 sessions.
Discussing paper drafts at the conference may also speed up the publication process for authors.
Programme
Is it still possible to register for the social dinner or the townhall reception?
No, unfortunately the social dinner and the townhall reception are already fully booked.
Is it possible to attend the conference remotely or online?
The RC21 Conference 2026 in Vienna is planned to be an in-person event only.
Therefore, it will unfortunately not be possible to participate remotely or online.
When is my presentation scheduled?
You can find a (preliminary) overview of the detailed schedule on the conference website here.
Where can I find a list of all accepted session?
You can find a list of all the sessions on the conference website here.
How can I register for the excursions?
You can find the details and registration for the excursions here.
How long should presentations be? Will there be time for Q&A?
Presentations of papers in regular panel sessions should be about 15-20 minutes long.
Each 90-minute timeslot allows for four paper presentations. Each two-hour slot allows for five presentations. Presentation times should be distributed equally.
Chairs will distribute the time within their sessions.
Conference Lunch
What will the lunch options be at the conference?
Monday, 20th July 2026
Mediterranean Bowl with Citrus-Oregano-Tahini Dressing
(vegan, gluten-free; allergens contained: SOYBEAN PRODUCTS, SESAME SEEDS)
quinoa, chickpeas (garbanzo beans), vegan feta cheese, grilled courgette (zucchini), cucumber, cherry tomatoes, grilled sweet red pepper, pickled onion, Kalamata olives, pumpkin seeds, fresh mint, citrus-oregano-tahini-dressing
Tuesday, 21st July 2026
Asian Tofu Bowl with Teriyaki Dressing
(vegan, gluten-free; allergens contained: SOYBEAN PRODUCTS, SESAME SEEDS)
brown rice, teriyaki tofu, edamame, steamed broccoli, carrots, red cabbage, sugar snap peas, pickled cucumber, spring onion (green onion), roasted sesame, teriyaki dressing
Wednesday, 22nd July 2026
Green Protein Bowl with Herb Dressing
(vegan, gluten-free; allergen contained: MUSTARD):
beluga (black) lentils, corn couscous, peas, common beans, spinach, cucumber, black radish, yellow bell pepper, roasted broccoli, pickled shallots, sunflower seeds, parsley, chives, olive oil herb dressing
All bowls will be served with bread. There will be gluten-free bread available.
Allergenes are indicated in brackets.
Are the lunches included in the registration fee or do they need to be paid for separately?
The lunches are included in the registration fee.
Travel and Stay
How can I request a visa letter?
First, you must register by paying the registration fee before we can send you a visa letter.
Please register here.
Once you have successfully registered please send an email to visa@rc21-vienna2026.org, providing the following information:
- your full name
- passport number
- name and address of your institution
- nationality
Is there any travel support available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer any financial assistance for your travel or accommodation expenses.
You can find a list of recommended hotels close to the conference venue here.
Where does the RC21 Conference take place?
The conference will take place in the main building of the University of Vienna (Universitätsring 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria).
Registration
I would like to cancel my attendance to the conference. What do I have to do?
If you have registered for the conference and cannot attend please write an email to the Event Management Team of the University of Vienna (congress@univie.ac.at) to process your cancellation and partial refund (see the cancellation policy here).
Please CC the Local Organising Committee (info@rc21-vienna2026.org) in your email, so that we can adapt the conference programme accordingly.
Is there any financial support available to attend the conference?
Unfortunately, we cannot offer any financial support for your travel or accomodation costs.
Considering the incredible number of requests for financial support we received, we decided to re-purpose parts of the budget envisioned for conference giveaways to support PhD students from B-C country categories (see ISA website).
Applicants for this financial support must:
- Be enrolled as a PhD candidate at the time of the conference.
- Be a presenting author of an accepted paper.
- Be affiliated with an institution located in a B or C economic category country.
- Have paid the conference early bird registration fee (proof of payment required).
- Provide a letter from the supervisor attesting that they do not receive institutional or project-based funding to cover conference participation.
To apply, send the requested documents to info@rc21-vienna2026.org by July 30th, 2026.
If the number of applications exceeds available reimbursements, the allocation will be made through a random lottery among eligible applicants.
Selected applicants will be reimbursed after the conference upon confirmation of attendance and presentation.
Failure to attend or present will result in non-reimbursement.
When does the registration period end?
The late bird registration will be open until 17 July, 2026.
You can see further details on the conference timeline here
What do the different fees for members and non-members mean?
Members of RC21, the Research Committee 21 on Urban and Regional Development of the International Sociological Association (ISA), enjoy significantly reduced conference fees.
If you register for the Conference as an RC21 member, but you are not, your registration is not valid.
Can I still attend the conference if my abstract has not been accepted?
Yes, we appreciate your interest in the RC21 Conference, and we encourage you to attend.
Do session chairs need to register and pay the participation fees?
Yes, all participants to the conference, in whatever capacity, need to register and pay the corresponding fee.
I need an invitation letter for my visa application. How can I obtain one?
First, you must register by paying the registration fee before we can send you a visa letter.
Please register here.
Once you have successfully registered please send an email to visa@rc21-vienna2026.org, providing the following information:
- your full name
- passport number
- name and address of your institution
- nationality
What payment methods are offered in the registration process?
You can pay by credit card (Amex, Mastercard, VISA) or via bank transfer.
How can I receive a certificate of participation?
If you need a certificate of participation, please select the respective dropdown in the registration form.
Then, you will receive your certificate of participation after the conference upon confirmation of attendance.
Further questions? Find out who to contact!
Please contact the Event Management of the University of Vienna (congress@univie.ac.at) if you…
- …would like to make a change to your billing address on the conference registration invoice.
- …would like to cancel your registration.
- …would like the registration confirmation to be resent.
If you have questions about…
- your RC21 Membership status,
- the payment of the RC21 Member fee,
- or any other questions about the RC21 membership,
please contact the RC21 Secretary (secretary@rc21.org).
If you require a visa letter or invitation letter please contact visa@rc21-vienna2026.org.
If you have any other questions about…
- the general organisation of the RC21 Conference in Vienna,
- the conference programme,
- or your abstract/session/round table/pitch your work submission,
please contact the local organising committee (info@rc21-vienna2026.org).





