Nicosia
July 2025
Organizational Symbolism
From July 6 to 9, 2025, the city of Nicosia, Cyprus, played host to the annual Standing Conference on Organizational Symbolism (SCOS), bringing together over 90 academics, researchers, students, and practitioners from 20 countries. The conference, held at the University of Cyprus, unfolded under the thought-provoking theme “Crossings.”
Hosted by the University of Cyprus, the conference provided a rich platform for interdisciplinary conversations exploring how we cross, reach across, and engage with boundaries—both visible and invisible, solid and fluid. The theme invited participants to reflect on the symbolic and practical meanings of boundaries in a world increasingly marked by polarization. Discussions focused on how these crossings manifest physically, emotionally, culturally, and organizationally, drawing on diverse perspectives and academic traditions.
The academic program featured three interactive workshops that invited participants to experience crossings firsthand. Lynne Baxter and Carolyn Hunter led “Experiencing Crossing through Craft”, Anne-marie Greene explored myth and foresight in “Unheeded Warnings, Uncrossed Boundaries: Cassandra’s Prophecies”, while Theresa Parker’s workshop was titled “I’ll Show You Mine if You Show Me Yours! Materialising Menopause”. Last but not least, Rosa Stourac McCreery led a workshop on Theatre of the Oppressed.
The keynote program featured four powerful voices. Internationally acclaimed poet and scholar Lisa Suhair Majaj delivered a deeply resonant talk titled “Writing into the Maelstrom”. Theatre director and classics scholar Magdalena Zira spoke on “Nicosia as a Stage: Crossing Boundaries Around Us and Within Us, Through Theatre,” using the city itself as a metaphor and medium. Professor Stephen Linstead and Associate Professor Garance Maréchal offered a powerful keynote titled “Border Crossings: Art in Pursuit of Peace (Belfast 1969-2025)”.
Beyond the academic sessions, participants enjoyed a program of inspiring social events that reflected the spirit of SCOS. A poetic garden reception featured music, wine, and performances by Monika Kostera and Tommy Jensen, blending the arts with scholarly connection. On Tuesday morning, participants took part in a “Nicosia Crossing” guided by the Association for Historical Dialogue and Research, walking through the historic and politically divided city. They were welcomed at the Home for Cooperation, where they shared refreshments and reflections on a unique urban and symbolic experience.
The social program continued with a special film screening, offering moments of community. The conference dinner provided a festive end to the gathering, as attendees enjoyed traditional Cypriot cuisine, drinks, and music, and even joined in dancing together.
Dr. Alexia Panayiotou, Conference Chair, ensured the smooth and thoughtful execution of the event. Reflecting on the week, she stated: “This conference reminded us of the power of scholarly gatherings to spark dialogue, foster creativity, and make space for crossing the boundaries that so often divide us.”
EasyConferences provided vital support for SCOS 2025 through their Online Registration System, Abstract Submission Platform, and Conference Coordination Services.
The next SCOS conference will take place in Salvador, Brazil, continuing the tradition of intellectual adventure, community, and curiosity across borders.
About the University of Cyprus
The University of Cyprus is the country’s leading academic institution, committed to excellence in education, research, and international collaboration. Its state-of-the-art New Campus in Nicosia serves as a hub for innovation and dialogue in the Eastern Mediterranean.
About SCOS
The Standing Conference on Organizational Symbolism (SCOS) is a global academic network with roots in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary traditions. Founded in 1981, SCOS has organized more than 40 conferences exploring symbolism, culture, and change in organizations. Drawing from fields including organization studies, anthropology, philosophy, media studies, and more, SCOS remains a unique space for experimental, critical, and creative inquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
To request an invoice, please contact us through email. Our team will be happy to assist you. Please include the billing address which you require on the invoice or any other special inquiries, within the email.
If your photos have not been published, please send us a photo of yourself, and we will share any photos we have of you.
Email addresses of the scientific committee members can be found on the conference website. There is a link right above this section.
You may contact us to let us know what you have lost along with possible locations. We would be happy to assist and contact staff of the possible places. Alternatively, you may contact the hotel/ restaurant etc. directly and inquire about lost items.