Mycelium: Conference on Anarchist Studies
March 19 - 22, 2026
Leipzig, Germany
https://myzelium-tagung.de/
Announcement – Save the date!
From 19 – 22 March 2026 we are organizing a conference on anarchist studies in Leipzig*. It is a self-organized event supported by the anarchist university group. Our conference is not academic, but is oriented towards academic formats, findings and languages. We focus on the fields of political theory, history, ethnology and philosophy and want to establish points of intersection between these and other fields. We want to connect researchers and those interested in anarchist studies in German-speaking countries.
Those involved in academia, social movements or with an anarchist self-image can participate in the conference for a donation. As organizers, we invite some of the speakers. We look forward to receiving further contributions (for sessions of approx. 40 minutes) (Call for Paper). In addition, concepts for workshops can be submitted (CfP). An Open Space can be used for contributions from related disciplines (e.g. geography, psychology, cultural studies, etc.).
All participants will come together for a moderated talk, a fishbowl discussion and a final discussion. An evening program and a curious, appreciative atmosphere allow for a relaxed exchange.
Abstracts for presentations, workshops and open spaces can be submitted until 31.10.2025 via orga@myzelium-tagung.de.
(Acceptances or rejections will be made by 12.12.2025 at the latest – we will try to consult on content, structure and time)
* We can communicate the exact location of the conference as soon as the rooms have been officially approved.
Description
Context
In the anarchist scene, a specific approach to theories is cultivated: As reflections on social movements – and based on them – they are application-oriented and linked to certain organizational processes and ethical debates. They do not claim neutrality, but are positioned and refer to the anarchist tradition. Anarchist studies generate criticism, but also point to starting points for desirable relationships and institutions. They are formed collectively and are often composite and fluid, rather than dogmatic and self-contained.
The term “mycelium” refers to the complex network that fungi usually form underground. This has no center. Only sporadically and under the right conditions does a fruiting body grow from them, which becomes visible on the surface. The associated aspects of decentralization, permanent communication and interaction, processual development and (in)visibility are a good symbol for the form and function of anarchist theories.
Questions
At our conference, we will be asking, among other things:
Which key terms are used in anarchist thinking? How can we shape their meaning and apply them?
How do anarchist theories distinguish themselves from other related approaches (especially feminism, Marxism, critical theory, postcolonialism)? With which currents can fundamental distinctions be made, and with which are there clear points of intersection?
In which subject areas do anarchist studies exist or can they be established?
What is the current state of anarchist studies in German-speaking countries? How can we promote and further develop them?
What is the relationship between anarchist theory and emancipatory social movements – in terms of aspirations and in reality?
…
Purpose and focus
With this conference, we are making anarchist studies visible in the German-speaking world. Despite their marginality, we emphasize their independence. The associated perspectives offer valuable impetus for social change.
We bring together exciting speakers who work in this field with people who are interested in emancipatory thinking and/or see themselves as anarchists and are keen to provide input. All participants are invited to join in the discussion, get involved and get to know each other.
At the conference, we will deal intensively with the content. In contrast to academic events, we will position ourselves. We do not talk “about” objects in a distanced manner, but interact with them. In the best case scenario, the conference will create a new starting point for networking on anarchist studies in German-speaking countries*.
Format and interdisciplinarity
We invite selected thinkers with academic training to the conference. Nevertheless, we are not organizing a scientific conference, but are referring to scientific debates and findings.
The conference is organized according to the fields of philosophy and history, political theory and ethnology. Related fields are also welcome.
From Friday afternoon to Sunday lunchtime, we will have six slots in which two contributions from each of the four subject areas will run in parallel. In parallel, there will be a workshop room and open space. The conference will be framed by a moderated talk, a fish bowl discussion and a final discussion.
In addition to the official program, we will create a pleasant atmosphere in which encounters and relaxed exchange will be possible.
We will publish updates on the planning and program, as well as any further input, on myzelium-tagung.de
* Our focus on the German-speaking world means that we don’t want to always look for serious organizational approaches and inspiring debates in other places or times. Instead, we want to start where we are. Of course, we do not want to promote national limitations and welcome contributions from people who did not grow up in a German-speaking country or do not speak German, as long as they relate to the topic and format. We are currently aiming to realize whisper translation.
Presentations, workshops and open space
As organizers, we ask for specific speakers. In addition, we will invite approximately two further contributions in the fields of anthropology and political theory, history and philosophy. The presentation will probably take place in a session of approx. 40 minutes (presentation and discussion). (Depending on the number of submissions also with more time).
Please submit abstracts for presentations:
Abstract of max. 2 pages of text
a few lines about what you find interesting about the “Myzelium” conference
a few lines about what connection you have – or want to establish – to anarchism
→ Send us your proposal by 31.10.2025 as a pdf document to orga@myzelium-tagung.de
The organizers reserve the right to select the contributions. This is done according to a shared basic understanding of anarchism, the relation of the speakers to our approach and a balance of contributions in the overall program. We hope to have at least one-third FLINTA-individuals as contributors.*
As we do not receive funding from state institutions or foundations in order to remain independent, we will probably not be able to pay any fees. The speakers‘ travel costs will be covered by contributions from the participants. We will try to provide accommodation in private homes.
As far as submissions for workshops are concerned, these should also relate to the theme of the conference. They should run between 40 and 80 minutes (depending on the number of relevant submissions). We would be pleased to receive, for example
Theory of social movements beyond academia
What is academic freedom from an anarchist perspective?
What does public science look like? What is public science?
Liberation of knowledge – down with patents and copyright.
Intellectual reserve army: working conditions of academics
Teaching anarchist content and perspectives
You can present your own topics in Open Spaces. These can either come from another subject area (geography, education, psychology, sociology, cultural studies, etc.) and/or offer the opportunity to present your own work (qualified term papers, BA, MA theses, other theoretically based contributions). It is also possible to present posters. These contributions should also be a maximum of 40 minutes.
For proposals for workshops and the Open Space please send us
Abstract of approx. 1-2 pages
a few lines about what you find interesting about the “Myzelium” conference
a few lines about how you relate to anarchism – or would like to do so
→ by 31.10.2025 as a pdf document to orga@myzelium-tagung.de
If applicable, we will publish information on submissions at: myzelium-tagung.de
* Experience has shown that implementing diversity in gender representation is not easy in terms of our approach and the topic. It is even more difficult to attract people who are not white. At the same time, we have reasons to stick to the format and intention of the conference. Attempting to introduce a “light” quota for women* is an inadequate start to addressing these issues of representation and access. We will continue to consider further ideas during the ongoing organizational process and implement them where appropriate.
Program
There will be space for 12 to 24 papers, divided between the fields of political theory, ethnology, history and philosophy.
Contributions from related disciplines (e.g. cultural studies, psychology, geography) can be presented in 6 slots of the Open Space.
In addition, there will be 6 slots for workshops, which will tie in with the theme and character of the conference.
As a common point of reference, there will be a moderated talk, a fish bowl discussion and a final discussion.
We will try to organize an evening program.
The conference will be held in German language. We try to organize whisper translation and would be happy to welcome and integrate persons who use English.