Mc Gill University - Elbira Zipitira Chair 2024: Aitor Zuberogoitia

From October 7 to 21, 2024, Aitor Zuberogoitia will be in Montreal to participate in a series of talks and discussions on social transformation and transdisciplinarity in urban contexts, focusing on the use of minority languages and their relationship with social media. During his visit, Zuberogoitia will share his insights on the future of the Social Sciences and Humanities, and the challenges these fields face in an ever-changing world.

As a member of a cooperative university within the Mondragon cooperative movement, Zuberogoitia will also discuss the origins and objectives of this unique university model. He will specifically highlight how the university, originally based in a semi-rural setting, has adapted its activities to urban environments through the creation of a multidisciplinary campus that hosts the innovative Bachelor´s Degree in Global Digital Humanities. This program has developed the concept of "UniverCity," a vision that links the university with urban life. Zuberogoitia is particularly interested in examining how the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Montreal (CIRM) interacts with the city from a transdisciplinary perspective.

Additionally, Zuberogoitia will explore the concept of "ethical cities," emphasizing the importance of inclusion, sustainability, and open governance as pillars of fairer urban development. These ideas reflect his commitment to creating more equitable and resilient cities.

Finally, as a member of a minority culture and language (the Basque), Zuberogoitia will reflect on the role that minority languages and cultures play in our cities. He will also discuss potential pathways for their development and integration in urban environments, with special attention to how social media can help strengthen their presence and visibility in contemporary society.

Zuberogoitia´s time in Montreal promises to offer valuable insights for those seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities cities face from an interdisciplinary and socially inclusive perspective.

Aitor Zuberogoitia

Aitor Zuberogoitia, PhD in Journalism (EHU-UPV) is Associate Professor of the Faculty of Humanities and Education of Mondragon Unibertsitatea and Co-coordinator of the Global Digital Humanities degree. He also lectures on the Audiovisual Communication degree at Mondragon Unibertsitatea. His main research areas are Higher Education and innovation, communication ethics, communication and citizenship, youth and digital society, and minority language media.