Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about the 2027 BRISMES conference, we hope that you find the answer below. If not, please contact us at conference@brismes.org.
1. Submitting a Proposal
When do submissions open?
Submissions for the 2027 BRISMES Annual Conference are now open until 14 December 2026.
How can I submit a proposal?
We welcome proposals for panels, roundtables, individual/co-authored papers and creative interventions that engage with the conference theme. We also welcome submissions that fall outside the conference theme and are situated within the wider field of Middle East Studies.
You can find submission instructions here: 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.
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 and Chairing
When will the conference start and finish?
The conference will begin on the morning of Tuesday, 22 June 2027, and finish on the afternoon of Thursday, 24 June 2027.
When will the conference programme be published?
The BRISMES conference programme is usually published in April.
Will I be able to present my paper online?
The 2027 BRISMES conference is planned to be held fully in person at Newcastle University. We ask you to please register for the conference only if you plan to attend and present your paper in person.
How should I prepare for my presentation?
Each presenter should speak for no more than 20 minutes, to allow sufficient time for each presentation as well as for discussion and Q&A with the audience afterwards.
As a guideline, we suggest a word count of 2,000–2,200 words, although you may wish to adjust this depending on any visual aids or other elements you plan to include in your talk. Please note that presenters are not required to submit a written paper in advance of the conference.
You are welcome to use PowerPoint slides if you wish. We recommend bringing a USB stick containing a copy of your presentation. We will also share a link to a Google Drive folder where you can upload your presentation.
I have been assigned to chair a panel. How can I prepare?
Panel chairs are responsible for introducing the speakers and moderating the discussion and Q&A session following the presentations. Brief speaker biographies will be available in the electronic conference app before the conference, so you can use these to prepare your introductions in advance. We recommend keeping introductions brief to ensure sufficient time for the presentations and discussion.
3. Registering
When can I register for the 2027 conference as a speaker?
Registration for presenting delegates will open in February 2027. You can find the registration rates here: https://www.brismes.ac.uk/conf...
Are there any fee waivers available?
Some bursaries are available through the Solidarity Fund to subsidise 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.
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 2027.
If I cancel my participation, can I get a refund?
Yes, refunds are available up to two weeks before the conference. Please note that an administration fee of £35 applies to all delegates, except students, who are charged a reduced fee of £15.
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 certificate of participation?
Yes, we can produce this for you following the conclusion of the conference: please send us a request 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.