Conference Approach
Con-GRA is designed with feedback at its core. Each paper receives 45 minutes of focused engagement:
10 minutes for the author to present the argument and methodological approach
15 minutes of in-depth commentary from discussants
20 minutes of open discussion to explore ideas and push the work forward
To support meaningful dialogue, all papers are shared in advance, and authors are asked to submit feedback requests highlighting areas they would especially like addressed. Please see the conference calendar for deadlines.
Methodological Scope and Research Themes
Con-GRA welcomes methodological diversity within the social sciences, recognizing that different analytical approaches offer distinct perspectives for understanding complex phenomena in South Asia. Whether scholars employ quantitative analysis, ethnographic methods, field experiments, archival research, or survey techniques, the conference creates thematically coherent panels that facilitate dialogue across methodological boundaries while promoting innovation through cross-methodological engagement.
The conference encompasses contemporary social science research on South Asia, including political dynamics such as electoral systems and democratic governance, social structures including identity politics and stratification, institutional analysis covering state capacity and policy implementation, development studies examining economic inequality and welfare systems, and contemporary challenges like climate adaptation and digital transformation. These thematic areas reflect current scholarly debates in South Asian studies and the research interests of scholars in the field.