Call for Panels


The Indigenous Studies Discussion Group Research Network (ISDG) at the University of Cambridge is excited to announce a two day hybrid conference which aims to further interdisciplinary discussions under the broadly conceived heading ‘Indigenous Studies in the United Kingdom & Europe: Pasts, Presents and Futures’. The conference will take place over 22-23 September 2022.


In seeking to broaden debate and de-centralise knowledge sharing as much as possible, we are opening calls for conference panels from individuals and groups. Panels will comprise three papers followed by an invited speaker who may either tie the papers together or offer comment on them under a central theme.


The 2022 Conference


This conference builds on the work of the ISDG over the past three years and promises to be an opportunity for interaction between people with diverse engagements with Indigenous studies. While we invite any papers that are from associated fields, we ask authors to focus on the Indigenous Studies aspect of their research, interrogating their methodological and theoretical underpinnings, and asking critical questions such as ‘What is currently over/under-researched in Indigenous Studies today?’, ‘What is the purpose of Indigenous Studies?’, ‘What are best practices when conducting Indigenous Studies research?’, ‘How do we approach Indigenous Studies from a United Kingdom and European standpoint?’


Themes and Format


We would like to invite panel proposals related to Indigenous Studies which deepen understanding of this area of study, engage critically with it, and draw interdisciplinary linkages or use innovative approaches. Themes include, but are not limited to approaches grounded in the fields of: anthropology, theology, heritage studies and archaeology, law, literature, sociology and history. Broadly, any research engaging with Indigeneity and Indigenous Peoples, knowledge, history, culture, etc. is welcome. However, we expect submissions to engage with the field itself more widely and focus on interrogating Indigenous Studies as a field, particularly in the UK and Europe.


We welcome submissions from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous academics, graduate students, practitioners, community members and activists. Submissions can pertain to any time-period or geographies related to the conference theme. There is no expectation for written papers to be submitted, and we encourage prospective speakers to speak about a work-in-progress.


Please submit an abstract of 250 words for your panel proposals with a theme identified and explanation as to its significance within the field. Selected convenors will be invited to assemble a panel of three 15-20 minute oral presentations followed by questions from the audience.


We would request you to write to us by 11:59 pm on 27th June at ISDG@CRASSH.cam.ac.uk



The ISDG is currently in the process of securing additional funding and may be able to offer limited support to some participants. Kindly let us know with your abstract if you would like to be considered for this. Decisions on selection of presenters are independent of requests for bursaries.


If you would like any further information about the conference, please contact us on the same email.


About the ISDG


The ISDG is a multi-disciplinary award-winning Cambridge-based graduate student-led research network that has been operating in this field since 2019. It aims to break disciplinary silos, discuss emerging issues in Indigenous Studies and create a platform to make these a part of the everyday intellectual life of academic institutions. The previous events of the ISDG can be found on our social media handles listed below.