Call for Papers 2026

 *Call for papers - 2026*

Please complete this form if you wish to submit a paper, poster or other display to present at the fourth and final 'Race' and Socially Engaged Research: Open and Inclusive Conference for PGRs and ECRs at the University of York, Friday 3rd July 2026. We are accepting submissions until 6th April (17:00 GMT).

This is a PGR-led interdisciplinary conference for researchers in the early career stages who conduct critical research pertaining to 'race', racialisation and racism, in a socially engaged, liberatory and/or transformative manner. This event is an opportunity to share research and scholar-activism in an accessible, open and critical space that centres community, joy and resistance. 

The 2026 Conference will run over 1 day and include: 

• Paper presentations. 

• A poster and art exhibition, where delegates' research will be presented on A1 posters in the conference space. 

• 1 Roundtable with 4 guest speakers from a range of disciplinary and professional backgrounds.

• 3 workshops facilitated by local and national individuals and collectives (registration is on a first come first served basis as spaces are limited). 

• Evening reception with 2 esteemed keynote speakers. 

• Breakfast, lunch and refreshments for all delegates. Curated 'Breakout Spaces' for joy, decompression and rest. 

• A branded Conference tote bag and 'pack' including map, programme, notepad, pen, name-badge and other items.

We are currently in the process of putting together our exciting programme, you can keep up to date on guest speaker and workshop announcements on our Website or our Twitter Account: @ARWG_York. 

Fee: £30 per person. **There are a number of fee waivers available for those who are unable to draw upon institutional funding/support to pay for their fee. Please note that these spaces are limited and allocated on a first come first served basis. If you would like to request a fee waiver, please email us on antiracismworkinggroup@gmail.com ASAP. 

The theme for this year’s conference is Resistance, Global Solidarities and Imagining Otherwise and we particularly welcome submissions on the following topics: 

• The importance of solidarity in addressing interconnected struggles.

• Building and searching for solidarity. 

• Scholar-activism - (how) can we use research for social justice?

• Lived experiences in decolonisation work.

• Community and spiritual sources of strength. 

• Research relating to 'struggle'.

• Resisting the dominance of Western, Eurocentric epistemologies.

• Forming communities of dissent inside and outside of institutions.

• Diverse knowledges in decolonial research and ‘Knowledge-Making’.

• Relationality and connectivity in opposition to neoliberal individualism.

• Disruptive and transformative research approaches including, Decolonial / Postcolonial / Anti-colonial; Queer; Intersectional; Black Feminist; Scholar-activism.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY:

Applicants who would like to submit an abstract to present a paper, please see section A of the form. Applicants who would like to submit an abstract to present a poster or other form of visual display, please see section B of the form. If you would like to submit an abstract for BOTH forms of presentation, please ensure that you fill out both sections A and B of the form. Delegates who wish to attend but not present, please see section C. 

Paper Presenters - Section A Form

If you are interested in presenting a paper at this year's Conference, please submit a max. 250-word abstract using this form. Successful paper presenters will be allocated a slot on a thematic panel on one of the two days and given a 15-minute slot to present their work, followed by a Q&A segment.

We very much welcome 'paper' presentations in a variety of formats including an academic paper or essay; poem or collection of poetry; creative writing piece; and/or a short film with some oral commentary. 

Poster Presenters - Section B Form

If you are interested in presenting in a visual format at this year's conference, please submit a max. 250-word abstract using this form. Successful poster/display presenters will be given the opportunity to present their work in our Conference exhibition, which will be accessible to all conference delegates to browse throughout the two days. There will also be an allocated time-slot in the Conference programme for presenters to discuss their posters/displays with delegates at the conference (if wanted). 

We very much welcome submissions in a variety of formats including an academic poster (A1), physical art pieces, constructions, textiles. 

Non-Presenting Delegates (in-person)- Section C Form

If you are interested in attending the 2026 Conference, but do not wish to present, please complete section C of the form. This is to ensure that we have your contact details to share our registration page once this has opened. 

In order to promote inclusivity and accessibility, there are a limited number of online spaces available for conference delegates. If you would like to attend the conference online, because you would otherwise be unable to attend in person, please email us ASAP on antiracismworkinggroup@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE 2026 CONFERENCE PROGRAMME AND SCHEDULE TO FOLLOW SOON!