Description
The Prototypes for Humanity Short Papers Platform is a forum for academics to present research and engage in interdisciplinary exchange, with a focus on work that demonstrates clear real-world relevance and impact.

The call for abstracts for the 2026 Short Papers Platform is now open, welcoming academics from all disciplines to submit their work. Up to 60 authors will be selected to present their research, with fully funded travel and accommodation provided. Selected papers will be published in the conference proceedings following the event.

The 2026 Short Papers Platform is held in strategic partnership with the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), reinforcing the programme’s commitment to collaboration between academia and industry, focusing on themes that reflect international research priorities and that are relevant to the city and to the fund.

Themes
Submissions are invited across the following thematic areas:
• Wellbeing and Human Performance
• Infrastructures and Cities
• Autonomous Systems and Advanced Manufacturing
• Environment, Sustainability and Energy
• Mobility and Logistics
• Socio-Economic Empowerment, Digital Economies and Future Markets
• Open and Speculative

Awards
ICD will award a USD 50,000 prize to one project selected from the papers presented at the conference. The award recognises academic work with strong potential for practical application, identified through engagement with ICD industry experts, and will support the winning project’s next stage of development towards implementation.

Submission
Authors are invited to submit abstracts for review. Those selected will be invited to develop short papers for presentation in Dubai.

Full details can be found at: https://www.prototypesforhumanity.com/press-releases/stories/Call_For_Abstracts_2026

Apply here: https://form.jotform.com/260705028532451

Key Dates
22 May 2026: Abstract submission deadline
8 July 2026: Invitations to develop short papers
1 September 2026: Short paper submission deadline
15–19 November 2026: Conference and presentations, Dubai

Contact
professors@prototypesforhumanity.com