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Registration is now open for the iStream Conference, which will take place on June 19, 2026, in Kraków. The international academic conference will focus on the future of journalism and the impact of new technologies in the media sector. The event will provide a valuable opportunity for researchers, professionals, and media experts to exchange ideas, discuss emerging trends, and build international networking connections within the journalism and communication fields. Submission of presentation proposals is open until June 5, 2026. Applications should be submitted through the official form:https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=akoPVi8YPkWiiyLhYKqrk1SQrdcSAiFPjrik79S3FANUQk1GT01OTUdSWVAwUUFIUEI3UUVQMUJMUi4u The detailed conference programme will be published on June 12, 2026, on the project website and will also be sent by email to participants who register through the submission form.

We are pleased to announce the publication of the iStream Syllabi, a key result of the iStream Erasmus+ project, designed to support the integration of immersive journalism into higher education programmes. The syllabi are now available in English and in the languages of the project partnership, ensuring accessibility and adaptability across different national and institutional contexts. A Core Result of the iStream Project The iStream Syllabi represent one of the main results of the project.They provide a comprehensive, structured, and ready-to-use educational framework for designing and delivering courses in immersive journalism. Developed through collaborative work among project partners, the syllabi translate research, pedagogical innovation, and industry needs into practical teaching tools. Who Are the iStream Syllabi For? The iStream Syllabi are designed for: They are flexible and scalable, allowing integration into Bachelor, Master, and specialised training programmes. Structure of the iStream Syllabi The iStream Syllabi are organised into a comprehensive programme structure that combines theory, practice, and applied research. Part 1 – Programme Overview This section introduces the Immersive Journalism Study Programme and its vision, covering key thematic areas such as immersive journalism foundations, media law, ethics, digital storytelling, immersive technologies, UX/UI, and research methods. Part 2 – Teaching and Learning Integration This section explains how the syllabi align with Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), and how they can be effectively implemented in teaching and learning contexts. Part 3 – Bachelor Syllabi This section includes a full set of modules designed for undergraduate programmes, such as: Part 4 – Master Syllabi This section presents advanced modules tailored for postgraduate education, building on the same structure with deeper technical, analytical, and research-oriented components. Why the iStream Syllabi Matter The iStream Syllabi respond to a growing need in higher education by bridging the gap between traditional journalism education and emerging immersive technologies. They enable institutions to: The iStream Syllabi are available in multiple languages to support accessibility and uptake across the partner countries. You can download the different versions below:

On June 19, 2026, an international scientific conference presenting the results of the iStream project will take place at the University of the National Education Commission in Kraków. The project is implemented under the Erasmus+ programme (Cooperation Partnerships in Higher Education, KA220-HED). The iStream project focuses on the use of immersive technologies—such as VR and AR—in the media, journalism, and communication sectors. Its main objective is to reduce the skills gap by developing modern educational programmes and adapting higher education to the rapidly evolving needs of the media market. During the conference, key project outcomes will be presented, including: The conference will provide a platform for exchanging experiences between academia and media professionals, as well as an opportunity to discuss the future of communication in the context of immersive technologies. The event is particularly addressed to: Participation in the conference offers an excellent opportunity to explore the latest trends in media education and to establish international cooperation in the field of immersive journalism. The detailed conference programme will be announced soon.

From 23 to 27 March 2026, partners of the iStream project gathered in Krakow, Poland, for an intensive training programme hosted by the University of the National Education Commission (UKEN). The mobility combined theoretical insights, hands-on experimentation, and collaborative reflection, focusing on the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence, immersive technologies, and media innovation. A Deep Dive into AI and Synthetic Media The training opened with a thought-provoking lecture on the “synthetic world,” exploring how deepfakes, chatbots, and generative AI are reshaping human interaction and media ecosystems. This session set the conceptual foundation for the week, encouraging participants to critically reflect on the ethical, social, and professional implications of AI-driven environments. Participants then engaged in practical sessions such as “The Persona Machine”, which introduced methods for designing and governing virtual media identities, and “Synthetic/Captured”, focusing on hybrid workflows for immersive environments. These sessions highlighted how AI and spatial computing are transforming storytelling and content creation. Hands-On Learning in Innovative Spaces A key strength of the training was its experiential dimension. Activities held at FabLab Małopolska enabled participants to explore digital fabrication and creative prototyping, bridging the gap between theory and application. The visit to the Wesoła Immersive – New Media Art Center further enriched the experience, offering insights into how immersive technologies are used in artistic and cultural contexts. This exposure demonstrated the potential of XR environments not only in education but also in creative industries and public engagement. Designing Immersive Learning Environments Another central focus of the programme was the design and implementation of immersive labs. Sessions explored what an effective immersive learning space should look like, combining technological infrastructure with pedagogical strategies. Participants also examined the integration of voice assistants in virtual reality and discussed how interactive systems can enhance engagement and user experience in immersive environments. Empathy, Engagement, and Future Skills One of the most impactful sessions addressed “immersive empathy at scale,” presenting research on how audiences perceive and emotionally engage with immersive content. This highlighted the importance of human-centred design in digital innovation. Throughout the week, collaborative project meetings complemented the training sessions, ensuring alignment among partners and supporting the co-development of future project outputs. Overall, the training represented a valuable opportunity to strengthen competencies in AI and immersive technologies, foster international collaboration, and explore innovative approaches to education and media. It demonstrated how interdisciplinary learning environments can support the development of future-ready skills in an increasingly digital and immersive world.

We are proud to present The Immersive Journalism Study Programme, a comprehensive one-year study track curriculum worth 60 ECTS credits, designed to prepare the next generation of media professionals for the immersive age of journalism. The programme can be implemented as a specialisation year for BA students, as a one-year MA programme, or as a postgraduate pathway. It consists of 15 courses, structured into a coherent and modular curriculum, and formalised in a document available in English and all partners’ languages, ensuring wide accessibility and transferability across Europe. The Immersive Journalism Study Programme introduces an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to media education, combining journalistic integrity with the creative and technological power of immersive storytelling. As journalism evolves towards interactive and experiential formats driven by virtual, augmented, and mixed reality, the curriculum equips students with the theoretical foundations, ethical awareness, and technical skills needed to shape the future of news and narrative communication. Blending academic research, hands-on training, and creative experimentation, the programme prepares graduates to produce compelling, socially responsible immersive stories that inform, engage, and inspire audiences. Students explore the intersections between journalism, technology, psychology, design, and ethics through a carefully structured learning path. The curriculum is organised into 15 modules: The Immersive Journalism Study Programme aims to educate innovative, critical, and ethically grounded media professionals capable of redefining journalism beyond screens and engaging audiences through immersive experiences. The full Immersive Journalism Study Programme Curriculum is available for download in English and in the languages of all project partners, supporting adoption by higher education institutions across Europe. 🇬🇧 English – Download🇮🇹 Italiano – Download🇵🇱 Polski – Download🇫🇷 Français – Download🇬🇷 Ελληνικά – Download For further updates, tools, and upcoming publications, please follow us on our Facebook Page and LinkedIn Page.

We are pleased to announce that the English version of the iStream Competence Framework is now officially available on the project website. This publication represents an important milestone in the development of a professional profile for the immersive journalist. The framework outlines the key competences needed to operate in this emerging field, combining technical, creative, ethical, and social dimensions. It is structured to support both individual learning and institutional training design. Developed in line with recognised European standards, the framework is intended for: The English version aims to make the content accessible to a broad international audience. Translations in all partner languages will follow shortly, allowing local adaptation and broader dissemination. The framework can be accessed and downloaded directly from the project website (here). For further updates, tools, and upcoming publications, please follow us on our Facebook Page and LinkedIn Page.

The second transnational project meeting of iStream took place on June 16 and 17, 2025, at the Golden Bay Beach Hotel in Larnaca, Cyprus. The iStream project aims to bridge the gap of competences in the use of immersive technologies within the media, journalism, and communication sectors. The meeting was hosted by the University of Nicosia (UNIC) and gathered all partner institutions: During the meeting, the partners reviewed the progress made so far and aligned on the next phases of the project. The main topics discussed included: Key points of the meeting: The meeting also included planning moments for the next key project events: To stay updated on project developments, you can visit the Facebook Page and LinkedIn page.

In today’s fast-changing media landscape, immersive journalism is redefining how stories are told and experienced. Combining cutting-edge technologies like virtual, augmented, and mixed reality with ethical storytelling and social engagement, immersive journalism offers audiences new ways to connect with news and narratives. The iStream project is at the forefront of this transformation, working to define and shape the professional profile of the immersive journalist. This role requires a broad set of competences that span multimedia production, immersive storytelling, psychological understanding, ethical and legal considerations, and social awareness. Our team has developed a comprehensive Competence Framework that outlines the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for immersive journalism professionals. This framework is structured around core competence areas such as: Based on recognized European standards like DigComp 2.2 and aligned with EQF proficiency levels 6 and 7, the framework provides clear guidance for professional development, education, and training. We are excited to announce that the iStream Competence Framework will soon be published in English as well as in all partner languages. This will make it accessible to a wider audience, supporting educators, trainers, and media professionals across Europe and beyond. Stay tuned for its release and follow us also on the project social media pages (Facebook Page and Linkedin Page).

The iStream kick-off meeting took place in Ancona, Italy, on January 27-28, 2025. The main goal of the project is to bridge the gap of competences in the use of immersive technologies in the media, journalism and communication sectors. It aims at improving the effectiveness of Higher education curricula thus reducing digital skills mismatch in the European media and communication sector. The project wants to achieve the following specific objectives: The project is coordinated by UNIWERSYTET KOMISJI EDUKACJI NARODOWEJ W KRAKOWIE (UKEN) from Poland. Four other organizations are also involved: Learnable and Università Politecnica delle Marche from Italy, University of Nicosia from Cyprus, and Infinitivity Design Labs from France. During the meeting, the partners had the opportunity to present their organisations and define the work plan for the coming months. The topics discussed were as follows: The partnership will now be involved in validating the structure of the Trainer Platform, to start content production and layout work to have a draft version of the output ready by April 2025 To stay updated on project developments, you can visit the Facebook Page and LinkedIn page.

The iStream Project, launched in October, aims to address the digital skills gap in the journalism, media, and communication sectors by integrating immersive technologies into higher education curricula. By fostering innovation and reducing the mismatch of digital skills in European media and communication, the project seeks to prepare a new generation of professionals ready to meet the challenges of an evolving industry. Project Partners The project brings together a diverse range of expertise and resources across Europe. The applicant organisation is the UNIWERSYTET KOMISJI EDUKACJI NARODOWEJ W KRAKOWIE, based in Kraków, Poland, within the Małopolskie region. LEARNABLE SOCIETA’ COOPERATIVA A R.L, located in Fano, in the Marche region of Italy, contributes its expertise in education. Another Italian partner, UNIVERSITA’ POLITECNICA DELLE MARCHE, situated in Ancona, adds significant academic and technological capacity to the project. The University of Nicosia, located in the city of Nicosia, Cyprus (Κύπρος/Kýpros), enriches the collaboration with its international perspective and innovative approaches. Additionally, Infinitivity Design Labs, based in Laussonne, in the Auvergne region of France, contributes its advanced design and technological capabilities. Expected Outcomes The project will deliver several concrete results: The project will hold its first kick-off meeting on 28 January at the Università Politecnica delle Marche in Ancona, Italy. This meeting will bring together key partners to define strategies, align goals, and set the stage for the project’s success. Stay tuned for more updates!! Abilita JavaScript nel browser per completare questo modulo.Abilita JavaScript nel browser per completare questo modulo. How useful was this post? Useful Not useful Send