Instructions for Submission
Submissions for #BRISMES2027 are open!
We look forward to hosting excellent papers and panels from scholars across the social sciences and humanities. In addition to the conference’s main theme, we warmly invite complete panels, paper proposals and creative interventions on any topic related to the Middle East and North Africa.
Please note:
- We only allow two submissions per person: one submission should be sent either as an individual/co-authored presenter or as a panel participant. In addition, you may participate in a roundtable discussion.
- You may also participate as a chair (without presenting) in no more than two sessions (panels or roundtables).
- Before filling in your submission form, please read the following BRISMES policies:
- Policy on Land or Territorial Acknowledgment (This policy is entirely voluntary and has no bearing on eligibility or participation in the conference)
- Mandatory Policy on Ethical Publishing and Participation Standards
- Code of Conduct
Please submit your proposal by 11.59 PM (UK time) on 14 December 2026.
For any questions, please write to conference@brismes.org
1. INDIVIDUAL PAPERS
Individual papers accepted by the conference organisers will be grouped into panels and assigned a chair. The abstract should not exceed 250 words and should be scholarly, with a strong, focused statement of thesis or significance, clear goals and methodology.
How to submit
Click on the link below, register an account with Oxford Abstracts and fill in the submission form.
For support in filling out the form, refer to this help page.
2. CO-AUTHORED PAPERS
Co-authored papers accepted by the conference organisers will be grouped into panels and assigned a chair. The abstract should not exceed 250 words and should be scholarly, with a strong, focused statement of thesis or significance, clear goals and methodology.
How to submit
Click on the link below, register an account with Oxford Abstracts and fill in the submission form. Ensure that you select the 'presenting' box for all individuals that intend to present. You are only required to submit one form per co-authored paper.
For support in filling out the form, refer to this help page.
3. PANELS
Panels focusing on a common theme or problem are strongly encouraged. Pre-organised panels must include a minimum of four and a maximum of five papers.
Please appoint a chair for your panel. Preferably, the chair should not be presenting a paper.
The panel summary (250 words maximum) should present a clear scholarly focus and explain the overall purpose of the panel. Each paper abstract must be no more than 250 words, relate to the panel theme, and demonstrate scholarly rigour. It should clearly state the paper’s thesis or significance, aims, and methodology. Co-authored papers are welcome.
How to submit
Panel organisers should click on the link below and register with Oxford Abstracts. They should then follow these steps:
- Enter the details of the panel and its participants, and indicate whether you would like the panel to be considered for a non-English-language slot.
- Submit the panel.
- Select “Invite Users to Attach Submissions” and enter their email addresses. Each panellist will automatically receive a link to submit their abstract and attach it to the panel.
Alternatively, panel organisers can submit abstracts on behalf of their panellists by selecting “Submit an Invidual/Co-authored Abstract”. A separate submission form must be completed for each abstract. After submitting the abstracts, panel organisers can attach them to their panel.
For help completing the form, please refer to the Oxford Abstracts help page.
4. ROUNDTABLES
Roundtables are designed to encourage informed discussion and debate on the wider contexts shaping scholarship, as well as emerging scholarly trends and paradigms. The format encourages open discussion, with participants sharing their perspectives and actively engaging the audience. Unlike traditional panels, roundtables do not involve prepared papers or formal presentations.
A roundtable must have a minimum of four and a maximum of five participants. You must also appoint a chair to facilitate the discussion.
Please provide a 250-word abstract outlining the rationale and focus of the roundtable.
How to submit
Roundtable organisers should click on the link below and register with Oxford Abstracts. They should then enter the details of the roundtable and its participants, and indicate whether they would like the roundtable to be considered for a non-English-language slot.
In the final box, please provide one sentence from each participant outlining their proposed contribution to the discussion.
After clicking Submit, click Continue on the following page. You do not need to attach any submissions or invite participants to upload submissions, as this step applies to panel organisers only.
5. CREATIVE INTERVENTIONS
Applicants are welcome to propose any form of creative intervention related to the Middle East and North Africa, whether engaging with the conference theme or extending beyond it. Proposals might include, for example, a poetry reading inspired by research, a lecture-performance, a film screening, or a creative workshop.
How to submit
Please submit your proposal through Oxford Abstracts under Individual or Co-Authored Submissions. Your submission should include:
- Author name(s).
- A short blurb (250-words) describing your proposed contribution, together with links to relevant materials or examples, if applicable.
Please indicate if you would like your creative intervention to be considered for a non-English-language slot.
Format and duration
Creative interventions may be considered in one of two formats:
- As part of a conference panel: Interventions may be included alongside other presentations and should not exceed 20 minutes.
- As a stand-alone session: Proposals may be considered for a dedicated two-hour session, allowing more time for extended creative work, audience engagement, and discussion.
We also welcome film screenings of up to 90 minutes, with time allocated for a discussion of up to 30 minutes within a two-hour session.
Technical requirements
Please note that tailored technical assistance for creative interventions may not always be possible. If your proposed intervention requires specific technical equipment or support, we encourage you to contact conference@brismes.org in advance to discuss what may be feasible.
Database of Expertise
The Database of Expertise in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies provides a publicly available list of MENA experts with their research and areas of expertise.
Search Now