Application Information (Deadline to submit: July 30, 2025)

The Saxena Center for Contemporary South Asia invites graduate students in the social sciences to submit applications for our inaugural conference examining contemporary South Asia research, scheduled for November 12-14, 2025, at Brown University. 

Submission and Selection 

We welcome submissions across diverse themes including political representation, governance, gender, identity politics, social movements, development, climate change, urban studies, technology, bureaucracy, and welfare systems.

Please note that submissions at various stages of development are welcome, from completed research papers to works-in-progress (including completed research designs, projects with preliminary findings) as well as conceptual papers outlining a clear theoretical framework. 

Application requirements include a 400-word research abstract and formal commitment to submit complete papers one month prior to the conference and engage with all assigned panel manuscripts. Applications must be submitted by July 30, 2025 (6 PM EST). Successful candidates will receive notification by August 8, 2025, with final paper submissions due October 12, 2025.

The selection process prioritizes methodological rigor, theoretical innovation, originality, and potential for generating productive academic discourse. Whether presenting empirical findings, developing theoretical frameworks, or exploring methodological innovations, Con-GRA offers an opportunity to receive feedback from fellow scholars and established discussants while contributing to the advancement of social science knowledge about South Asia.

Fellowship Support 

All selected participants are eligible to receive comprehensive fellowship support ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent scholarly participation. The zone-based fellowship system provides travel fellowships ranging from $100 to $400 based on geographic distance from Providence, with lodging fellowships of $200 for participants requiring overnight accommodation. Meals, including light breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and coffee breaks are covered directly by the conference. Please note that the maximum total fellowship support a participant is eligible to receive is $600.

More information about fellowship support can be found on the Travel and Expenses Fellowship page.