Synopsis

Across industries, communities and institutions, digital disruption is transforming how people work, learn, communicate and participate in society. These shifts open up new possibilities for innovation and inclusion, yet they also expose profound vulnerabilities-ranging from eroding public trust and escalating cyber threats to fragmented information ecosystems and widening inequalities in digital participation. DIGEST 2026 provides a timely forum for researchers and practitioners to share insight and shape a forward-looking agenda for digital governance, resilience and inclusion.

At the heart of the conference is a central question: how can societies reclaim trust in an age where digital systems mediate everyday life, economic opportunity and civic engagement? While digital technologies enhance connectivity and expand access to services, they also accelerate polarisation, enable new forms of manipulation and heighten the risks faced by individuals, organisations and institutions. Cybercrime, identity theft, disinformation and the weaponisation of online narratives increasingly threaten both digital and physical safety. At the same time, algorithmic bias, unequal connectivity and limited digital literacy determine who benefits from technological progress and who is further marginalised.

Reclaiming trust requires integrated solutions that address technical, social, ethical and political dimensions. DIGEST 2026 invites contributions that illuminate pathways toward safer, more inclusive and more resilient digital futures.

Submission Guidelines

All papers must be original and not simultaneously submitted to another journal or conference.

Abstract submission deadline: 15th February 2026. All prospective participants are invited to submit extended abstracts (500 to 1,000 words) that clearly summarise the research question, methodology and contribution to the conference theme. Abstracts will be reviewed by the conference committee based on originality, relevance and clarity.

Notification of acceptance:  29th February 2026. Authors of accepted abstracts will receive formal confirmation and guidance for preparing extended papers, presentations or other submission formats.

Full paper submission (optional): 15th April, 2026. Full papers are encouraged from authors wishing to be considered for publication opportunities associated with the conference or for inclusion in special issues, edited volumes or policy-oriented outputs.

List of Conference Tracks

Track 1: Trust, Governance and Digital Public Institutions. This track explores how societies can rebuild trust in public institutions and governance structures in the face of digital fragmentation. It includes discussions on digital rights, data accountability, platform regulation, public-interest technology and the evolving relationship between citizens and the state. Contributors are encouraged to examine how institutional trust can be strengthened through transparency, participatory design, responsible data stewardship and inclusive governance models.

Track 2: Safety, Security and Cyber-Resilience. As cyber threats grow in frequency and sophistication, this track examines how individuals, organisations and societies can strengthen digital safety and protect critical infrastructures. Topics include cybersecurity frameworks, online harm and harassment, algorithmic manipulation, crisis response mechanisms and emerging models of cyber-resilience. The track also welcomes case studies and practical tools aimed at enhancing digital protection for vulnerable communities.

Track 3: Inclusion, Equity and Digital Justice. This track focuses on addressing the structural inequalities that shape digital participation and access. Papers may examine digital divides, biases embedded in data and algorithms, accessibility and assistive technologies, and decolonial perspectives on digital innovation. The track seeks to highlight pathways for advancing inclusive digital transformation that ensures equitable opportunities and outcomes for all demographic groups.

Track 4: Human Experience, Wellbeing and Everyday Digital Life. This track explores the lived realities of digital transformation, including the psychological, social and cultural dimensions of everyday digital engagement. Topics include digital wellbeing, identity formation, community dynamics in digital spaces, human–technology interaction, and the impact of AI-mediated environments on mental health and agency. This track supports interdisciplinary work bridging social science, behavioural studies and human-centred computing.

Track 5: Organisations, Work and the Future of Economic Resilience. This track addresses how digital disruption is reshaping labour markets, organisational dynamics and economic systems. Contributors may focus on responsible innovation, algorithmic management, workforce skills development, digital entrepreneurship, and the resilience of SMEs and larger enterprises in increasingly platform-driven economies. Particular attention is given to strategies for building adaptive, ethically grounded and inclusive economic systems in the digital era.

Contact

All questions about submissions should be emailed to:digestconference@shu.ac.uk 

Conference Chair: Professor Seun Kolade

Conference Organising Committee: Dr Jims Marchang; Dr Drew Woodhouse; Dr Adil El Fakir; Dr Toyin Aderiye; Dr Dewan Mukit; Dr Junghun Yoo; Dr Abiodun Egbetokun; Dr Adebowale Owoseni.