Himalayan Policy Research Conference (HPRC 2026)

Nepal Study Center, University of New Mexico

DATE: December 1st, 2025                       VIRTUAL VENUE: Hybrid (Virtual + In-Person)

The Nepal Study Center at University of New Mexico (NSC-UNM) http://nepalstudycenter.unm.edu/index.htm is excited to announce the 20th Annual Himalayan Policy Research Conference (HPRC) to be held in 2026 with a hybrid format! To celebrate the 20th year anniversary of HPRC, the conference will take place on Monday May 18 & Tuesday May 19, 2026, with both in-person and online presentations. The in-person portion will be held at the University of New Mexico, U.S.A.

TOPICS:

We invite you to submit an abstract of your recently completed or ongoing research, in the fields of health, development, democracy, governance, or the environment. These fields are broadly defined to include: socio-economic growth (macro or sectoral), violent conflict and political processes, institutional development, governance and administrative reform, poverty and income distribution, education and health, regional development, gender and ethnicity, trade and remittances, aid and foreign direct investment, resource and environmental management, climate change, biodiversity, sustainable community development, public-private partnership in technology and investment, child labor, and related issues.

SPECIAL PANELS

We also invite proposals from scholars and practitioners to organize special panels across any areas in social sciences. Topics are open. Please reach out directly to Dr. Mandy Liu (mengqi.liu@gordon.edu) with your proposed panel theme and anticipated panelists. (See submission guidelines below)

IMPORTANT DATES:

●      Abstract Submission Deadline: February 15, 2026

●      Abstract Acceptance Notice: March 7, 2026

●      RSVP Deadline: March 18, 2026

●      Final Paper Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026

●      Conference: May 18-19, 2026

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES (click here to submit):

●      Title of Paper

●      Authors’ Names (including co-authors) and Affiliations

●      Email of Corresponding Author

●      Maximum 350 Words Abstract* Addressing:

o   Problem Statement/Research Question

o   Data & Analysis Methods (Qualitative or Quantitative)

o   Preliminary Results

o   Policy Implications

* Abstracts exceeding the word limit will not be considered.

PANEL PROPOSAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

●      Session title and abstract (250-word limit),

●      Name, affiliation, and contact information of session organizers,

●      Titles and abstracts of proposed papers (250 word limit each).

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION: Conference registration (no charge) will be required for attendance. The Zoom link will be shared upon registration.

CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS: All HRPC submission abstracts will be published in the conference proceedings unless a request is made otherwise. Past papers and proceedings are available through the Nepal Study Center’s Himalayan Research Paper Archive.

CONTACT ADDRESS:

Nepal Study Center Secretariat:

Sujaan Aryal

nsc@unm.edu; hprconference@gmail.com

1915 Roma Ave. NE, MSC 05 3060

1 University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131

Phone: +1 (505) -277-5304