AoIR colleagues, We are looking for a few additional people who might be interested in contributing to an AoIR panel exploring critical questions and issues surrounding algorithmic agency, power and publics. Researchers and media commentators alike are seemingly fascinated with the magic-like and opaque properties of algorithms. Algorithms are touted as responsible for, or implicated in, a range of diverse outcomes and opportunities – from the mundane to the transformative - for individuals, corporations and communities. Questions around how to critically frame and understand algorithmic agency in contemporary life and where and how to situate questions about power and accountability are raised. This panel is interested in addressing and reframing some of these issues, including the challenges in locating agency in the first place, the politics of making agential claims, and the possible social, political and ethical implications of algorithmic agency (however defined) within and towards publics. If you are interested in participating please send a 1200 word abstract following the AoIR template to Michele (m.willson@curtin.edu.au<mailto:m.willson@curtin.edu.au>) and Taina (wfg568@hum.ku.dk) by the 25th February outlining your specific contribution to a discussion of algorithmic agency, power and publics. Short queries about the suitability of topic can be sent to either one of us before that date. Those contributors whose topic fits the panel mix will be contacted by late 27th Feb. (given the impending deadlines, it is a tight turnaround). Depending on the range and mix of submissions, we may also explore a possible special issue publication. Please only submit should your attendance at the conference be a likely outcome. Apologies for this very short notice, we tried sending this message out a week ago but it somehow got stuck along the way. Thanks Michele & Taina --- Taina Bucher Associate Professor, PhD Dept. of Media, Cognition and Communication University of Copenhagen Karen Blixens Vej 4 2300 Copenhagen S Denmark