Venue: The University of Iceland, Reykjavík
26th - 27th January 2025
The University of Iceland’s Middle Eastern Studies program, The Palestine Project at the University of Iceland, Bournemouth University, and the BU Research Network for MENA Studies wish to invite scholars and activists to present their work in the form of a paper (or an alternative contribution) at our conference on the Future of the MENA region.
Please submit your abstracts, ideas and contributions regarding the future of MENA – in any context. Our keynote speakers will focus on current events that are still unfolding in Gaza, Lebanon, and neighbouring countries.
During the conference, we will cooperate, exchange ideas, and conduct give-and-take sessions among researchers and practitioners on a wide range of themes, ranging from Asylum, Education, Health, Labour, Economy, Human Rights, and Climate Change.
The conference takes place on the 26th and 27th of January 2025. Panels and papers take place on the 27th while on Sunday the 26th there will be an excursion to places of cultural and natural/geological interest.
Keynote speakers
We are honoured to be hosting:
Professor Ilan Pappé
Ilan Pappé is a professor of history at the College of Social Sciences and International Studies at the University of Exeter, director of the university's European Centre for Palestine Studies, and co-director of the Exeter Centre for Ethno-Political Studies. His latest book, ‘Lobbying for Zionism on Both Sides of the Atlantic’ (2024) unveils how over a century of aggressive lobbying changed the map of the Middle East.
Professor Mads Gilbert
Professor Gilbert is an emergency physician and senior consultant at the Clinic of Emergency Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway. He is a humanitarian, activist, and a politician. His books, ‘Eyes on Gaza’ (2009) and 'Night in Gaza' (2014), have been translated into several languages. He has extensive clinical experience from Gaza and publishes regularly research on medical and political issues regarding the occupation of Palestine.
Submission
Due to the urgency of the conference, we require up to 250-word abstract submissions by Tuesday 12th November 2024 to be considered. We will notify you of the result of the process up to one week after this deadline.
Please submit your abstract alongside your resume/CV to [email protected]. Please also mention in your email the theme/s you wish to apply for and if you wish to apply for concession or waivers for conference fees (see more details below).
Conference proceedings
After the conference, selected participants will be invited to write short papers ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 words. The paper will be published in a proceeding by the BU Research Network for MENA Studies, promoting your contributions, and featuring your short bio and affiliation alongside your published work.
Participation, Waivers and Concessions
The full conference (26-27 January 2025) includes an excursion to places of cultural and natural/geological interest on Sunday the 26th and a wide range of panels and paper presentations on Monday the 27th. A registration fee of €185 will be collected from all participants, including speakers for full participation in all conference activities. A reduced registration fee of €50 will be collected from participants who wish to join on Monday the 27th only.
We offer concessions & waivers for jobseekers, students, early career researchers and low-income individuals. Researchers who are employed full-time in higher education are advised to apply for funding from their home institution. If you wish to take part in this conference without presenting a paper or a contribution, please do not hesitate to contact us. We strive to create an accessible event for interested and invested attendees.
Travel and accommodation
Conference presentations will be held at The University of Iceland, and we will advise you on budget-friendly accommodation options for the conference. While we are unable to fund accommodation or travel expenses, we will recommend low-cost accommodation options. More details will be provided individually after the list of participants has been finalised.
Contact
For further inquiries, please contact us at [email protected] at Bournemouth University, the BU Research Network for MENA Studies, or [email protected] at the Middle Eastern Studies program/Palestine Project at the University of Iceland.