New Generations Conference

The Center for Middle Eastern Studies and the Department of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Texas at Austin are delighted to announce the 15th Annual Graduate Student Conference, New Generations. We invite applicants from all disciplines researching various topics relating to the study of the Middle East, North Africa, and the Islamic world. Interdisciplinary approaches are very welcome. New Generations aims to provide an accessible forum for young scholars, spread across a variety of disciplines and fields to come together, share ideas and research, and give new, and experienced, graduate students an opportunity to present at a conference. Against the background of current events impacting the body, the use of power, and memory in the Middle East, this conference encourages researchers to rethink established assumptions and methods of analysis within our discipline.

Applicants are welcome to present papers on the topic of languages, histories, politics, religions, and literatures of the region, from any period. In addition to original research, we will also consider state-of-the-field papers that provide a focused overview of a specific subfield and propose new research prospects in the chosen area. Presenters are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly. Papers to be presented at other conferences are likewise accepted, as New Generations is an ideal venue for students to further develop and refine their research.

Current graduate students and recent graduates of master’s and doctoral programs may submit abstracts not exceeding 250 words to newgenscon@austin.utexas.edu no later than February 8, 2026. Abstracts should not include identifying information on the abstract itself (i.e. no first or last name in the header). You must, however, indicate the highest degree you have obtained and your current position (e.g. M.A., Graduate Student, etc.) in your email. Only submissions from current or recent graduate students will be considered.