The Eleventh WINIR Conference will be held in Rome, the capital of Italy, which has a history spanning more than two and a half millennia. According to legend, the city was founded in 753 BCE by Romulus on the banks of the Tiber River. Archaeological evidence confirms the emergence of early settlements on the Palatine Hill around this time, marking the beginnings of what would become the Roman Kingdom.

In 509 BCE, Rome transitioned to a Republic, establishing political institutions that would profoundly shape Western concepts of law, citizenship, and governance. Through strategic alliances and military conquest, the Republic expanded across the Italian peninsula and beyond. Internal tensions between the patrician elite and the plebeians, as well as civil conflicts among leading generals, eventually undermined the republican system.

The rise of Augustus in 27 BCE inaugurated the Roman Empire, ushering in centuries of imperial rule and relative stability. Rome became the administrative and cultural heart of an empire stretching from Britain to the Near East. Monumental architecture such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Imperial Forums reflected both political power and artistic achievement.

After the unification of Italy in 1870, Rome became the capital of the modern Italian state, symbolising both continuity with the ancient world and the aspirations of a unified nation. Today, it is a global city where ancient ruins, Renaissance splendour, and contemporary vitality coexist.

We are pleased to hold this year’s conference at Sapienza University of Rome. Founded in 1303, Sapienza is the oldest university in Rome and the largest in Europe. Its mission is to contribute to the development of a knowledge society through research, excellence, quality education and international cooperation. The conference is hosted by the Department of Social and Economic Sciences (DiSSE) which shares with WINIR a commitment to interdisciplinary research. The university is easily accessible, located in the center of the city.

Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of central Rome and is Italy’s busiest airport, serving more than 40 million passengers each year. It offers nonstop connections to destinations worldwide on a wide range of international and domestic carriers. Convenient transport options link the airport to the city, including the Leonardo Express train, which runs directly to Termini station in around 30 minutes, as well as regional trains and multiple shuttle bus services. Official taxis offer a fixed fare into the city. Ride-hailing services such as Uber are also available.

Rome is well connected to Italy and Europe by an extensive rail network, with Roma Termini as the city’s main station and one of the busiest in Europe. High-speed trains link Rome to Italian major cities including Florence (1.5 hours), Milan (3 hours), and Naples (1 hour). Regional and intercity trains also provide access from smaller towns across Italy. Termini station is centrally located, with direct connections to the metro, buses, and taxis, making onward travel within the city straightforward.

Click here for How to Reach Sapienza & Hotel Recommendations

Click here for Sapienza University Campus Map and Directions to the venue, Facoltà Di Scienze Politiche, Sociologia, Comunicazione (CU002 Building).

Map to Sapienza University of Rome