Early Career Seminar: International Exchange About Digital Reading at RUB

On Monday, 11 May 2026, the Digital Reading Seminar – Vol. 2 took place at Ruhr University Bochum as a one-day hybrid event dedicated to advancing research and scholarly exchange in the field of digital reading. The seminar was organized by Philipp Marten, Riikka Anttonen, and Silvia Della Rocca, and brought together doctoral and postdoctoral researchers from across Europe to present current research, engage in critical discussion, and strengthen international academic networks.

The program featured three thematic sessions, each consisting of presentations by three early-career researchers and a dedicated postdoctoral discussant. This format created a dynamic environment for scholarly dialogue, enabling doctoral researchers to refine their presentation skills while offering postdoctoral scholars the opportunity to further develop their expertise in academic moderation and critical engagement. In doing so, the seminar fostered professional development across multiple stages of the academic career trajectory.

Overall, approximately 40 participants from eight countries attended the seminar, with eight participants joining in person on the Bochum campus and the remaining attendees participating virtually. The hybrid format facilitated international exchange and encouraged lively discussions on emerging perspectives and methodologies in digital reading research.

The organizers aim to establish the Digital Reading Seminar as a sustainable and recurring platform for early-career scholars working in this rapidly developing field. The inaugural seminar was held in 2025 at Tampere University, and a third edition is planned for 2027 at University of Florence.