At the Roots of Economic Ethics is a two-day international academic conference on the ethical, spiritual, ecological, and social dimensions of economic thought, inspired by Franciscan traditions.
To mark the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s death, The Economy of Francesco Foundation is hosting a two-day academic conference at the Serafico Institute in Assisi. This venue reflects the Franciscan ideals of care, inclusion, and love for the creation. The conference aims to bring together scholars, researchers, and practitioners from economics and related fields, with a special emphasis on approaches inspired by the life, teachings, and charism of St. Francis. He was a man who saw every creature, human and non-human, as a brother or sister sharing the same gift of life.
The conference aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue on the ethical, spiritual, ecological, and social aspects of economic thought. It examines how Franciscan principles can impact contemporary research and practice across various fields, including economics, social sciences, theology, and others. In the spirit of The Economy of Francesco, the discussion will reflect on an economy of relationships where the poor and the vulnerable, along with the Earth and all living beings, which are often marginalized in mainstream economic theory and practice, share in the same call to dignity and flourishing.
Key Dates
The following key dates apply to submissions and participation in both the pre-conference workshop and the main conference.
- Abstract submission deadline: January 28
- Notification of acceptance: February 16
- Registration Opens: coming soon – stay tuned
- Registration deadline (for presenters and attendees): March 30
- Conference: 7-9 May
Authors will be notified of the outcome of the review process by February 16.
Upon acceptance, at least one author of each accepted paper must register for the conference as a presenter by March 30. Papers whose authors have not completed registration by this date will not be included in the final program.
Participation without Paper
The conference welcomes attendees who are not presenting papers. Researchers, students, and professionals with an interest in the conference themes are encouraged to join.
Participation includes:
- access to all conference sessions
- participation in discussions and Q&A sessions
- certificate of participation
REGISTRATION
Fees
Details regarding fees, registration, and payment methods will soon be available on this page — stay tuned!
SCHOLARSHIPS
A limited number of full or partial scholarships (fee waivers) are available. Priority will be given to authors whose papers are accepted through the Call for Papers, particularly:
- PhD students and early-career researchers
- Participants from low and middle-income countries
Scholarships will be awarded based on a combination of:
- scholarly relevance (for accepted papers),
- relevance to the conference themes,
- demonstrated financial need.
Further information will be communicated with the notification of acceptance.
CONFERENCE
Preliminary Program (coming soon)
Details about sessions, panels, and breaks will be published as they become available.
Pre-Conference Workshop
On May 7, a dedicated pre-conference workshop will be organized for researchers affiliated with the Economy of Francesco Academy. Academy members will present their ongoing research projects, fostering an environment of scholarly exchange and mentorship. While this session is primarily intended for Academy researchers and supervisors, it will be open to interested participants who wish to attend as observers.
Participation in the pre-conference workshop is subject to the same registration procedures, fees, and eligibility criteria outlined above.
Keynote Speakers
Helen Alford, Giacomo Todeschini, Luigino Bruni, and others to be confirmed
Scientific Committee
Leonardo Becchetti (Tor Vergata University – Rome); Luigino Bruni (LUMSA); Valentina Erasmo (University of Turin); Maria Jordet (University of Inland Norway); Jennifer Nedelsky (University of Toronto); Matteo Rizzolli (LUMSA); Caren Rodrigues (St. Joseph’s Institute of Management); Valentina Rotondi (SUPSI); Paolo Santori (Tilburg University); Marcello Signorelli (University of Perugia).
Organizing Institutions
EoF Foundation – The Economy of Francesco Foundation
HEIRS – Happiness Economics and Interpersonal Relations
Venue
Istituto Serafico Per Sordomuti e Per Ciechi
Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 6, 06081
Assisi PG (Italy)
Information and Contact
For further information regarding submissions, participation, or registration, please contact:
[email protected]
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The Call for Papers is now closed. We received a high number of submissions and thank all authors for their interest.
CALL FOR PAPERS (Closed)
We invite submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:
- Franciscan perspectives on economic theory, policy, and practice
- Ethical, spiritual, ecological, and moral dimensions of economic life
- Historical and contemporary interpretations of Franciscan-inspired economics
- Interdisciplinary approaches linking Franciscan thought with philosophy, theology, and the social and natural sciences
- Inclusion, disability, and the economy of care: new paradigms of human and social flourishing
- Innovative research on the implementation of Franciscan principles in modern economic systems, communities, and institutions
- The relational economy: fraternity with the poor, with the Earth, and with all creatures
- Franciscan influences within Catholic Social Teaching and global movements for justice and peace
- Global and regional economic dynamics and geopolitical instabilities: old and new challenges and perspectives
- Cultural and contextual reinterpretations of Franciscan-inspired economics in regions with limited Franciscan presence
This conference represents a unique opportunity to engage with a growing community of scholars exploring the intersection of economics, creation, and Franciscan thought, reflecting on the enduring relevance of St. Francis’ vision — a vision of peace, poverty, and fraternity that invites everyone to build an economy where no one is excluded, and all of creation can flourish.
Submission Guidelines
Scholars interested in participating are invited to submit a curriculum and an abstract of no more than 200 words to [email protected] by January 28. Abstracts should clearly outline the research question, methodology, and relevance to the conference themes.
All submissions will be reviewed by the Scientific Committee. Selected contributions will be considered for presentation during the conference sessions, which will take place on-site.
If you wish to participate in the pre-conference workshop, please specify this in your submission email.
The submission guidelines, review process, registration requirements, and participation fees apply to both the pre-conference workshop and the main conference, unless otherwise specified.
