Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about the 2026 BRISMES conference, we hope that you find the answer below. If not, please contact the conference coordinator at conference@brismes.org.
1. Submissions
When do submissions open?
Submissions for the 2026 BRISMES Annual Conference are now open.
You can find the call for papers here: https://www.brismes.ac.uk/conf...
For instructions on how to submit please visit the following page: https://www.brismes.ac.uk/conf...
How many people should be in a panel?
Pre-organised panels should include a minimum of four papers and a maximum of five. It is preferable that the chair is not a paper presenter.
How many participants should be in a roundtable?
Roundtables should include a minimum of four participants and a maximum of five.
When will I know if my submission has been accepted/rejected?
We will be in touch after the review process has ended, in late January or early February.
Are there any fee waivers available?
Some bursaries are available through the Solidarity Fund to subsidize conference costs for presenting delegates that are: 1) early career scholars; 2) scholars in precarious employment; or 3) members based in the Middle East and North Africa without institutional funding. If your paper is accepted for inclusion in the programme, you will receive an email notification with the link to the Solidarity Fund application form.
What is the BRISMES Policy on Land or Territorial Acknowledgement?
This policy sets out the guidance for land and territorial acknowledgement for individuals participating in the annual BRISMES conference.
Read the policy here.
What is the BRISMES Mandatory Policy on Ethical Publishing and Participation Standards
In line with BRISMES’s commitment to human rights, anti-racism, and decolonial scholarship, submissions and participation in BRISMES activities are subject to the ethical standards outlined in this policy.
Read the policy here.
2. Presenting
When will the conference start and finish?
The conference will begin on Tuesday, 23 June and finish on Thursday, 25 June 2026.
When will the conference programme be published?
The provisional 2026 BRISMES conference schedule will be published in April.
Will I be able to present my paper online?
The 2026 BRISMES conference is planned to be held fully in person at SOAS University of London. We ask you to please register for the conference only if you plan to attend and present your paper in person.
How long should my paper presentation be?
Each presenter should speak for no more than 20 minutes, in order to allow plenty of time for each presentation and for a discussion/Q&A with the audience afterwards. Our suggested word count guideline for this is 2000-2200, but you may wish to tailor this to any visual aids or other elements to cover during your talk. You are welcome to use PowerPoint slides if you wish to. We recommend that you send us a copy of your presentation so we can provide a back-up and have it loaded up in advance for you on the day. If you wish to avail of this, please send your presentation to conference@brismes.org.
3. Registering
When can I register for the 2026 conference?
Registration for presenting delegates will open in April 2026.
Can I attend the conference if I am not presenting a paper?
Yes, people not presenting can definitely attend. Registration for non-speaking delegates will open in May 2026.
If I cancel my participation, can I get a refund?
Yes, you can get a refund. Please note that a £35 admin fee applies to all delegates, except students, who are charged a £10 admin fee.
I am not a BRISMES member. Can I become a member to avail of the reduced conference registration rates?
Yes! BRISMES members are eligible for discounted registration rates for the annual conference as well as a number of other benefits. Please see here for further information about BRISMES membership.
4. Post-Conference
Will I be able to obtain a document confirming my participation in the conference?
Yes, we can produce this for you following the conclusion of the conference: please send us a request for this to conference@brismes.org.
Is there a possibility of publishing my paper?
Although the BRISMES Conference itself does not involve a direct route to publication, please note that BRISMES produces The British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies. Five issues of this journal are published each year, and BRISMES members receive a copy of these as part of their membership. Please see here for more information about the journal.