Conferences

To celebrate nearly 40 years of supporting independent scholars across the globe, we are holding a hybrid conference, with sessions scheduled to suit scholars in time zones across the world.

Independent researchers have always pushed the boundaries of knowledge—often outside institutions, across disciplines, and ahead of their time. 

iResearch: Past, Present, Future (15-17 April 2027) invites submissions from scholars, practitioners, creators, and thinkers working beyond traditional academic structures.

This conference celebrates the unique contributions of independent inquiry, explores the challenges and opportunities of non-institutional research today, and imagines the future of knowledge creation in a rapidly changing world. 

Conference Themes 

We welcome proposals that engage with any of the following themes—or that creatively expand them: 

Independent Research Histories — Case studies, forgotten innovators, grassroots knowledge movements, and the evolution of noninstitutional scholarship.

Historical and Current Research Topics, especially those with a lasting impact, or from which present and future generations can learn.

Methods Outside Academia — Alternative methodologies, community-based research, participatory research, action research, creative research methods, self-funded inquiry, and hybrid practices.

Tools for the Present — Using digital platforms, AI, open data, citizen science, and the infrastructures available to today’s independent researchers.

Risky Research – Conducting research involving an element of risk: the risks of generative AI for authors, editors and reviewers; conducting fieldwork in dangerous geographical or political environments.

Imagining the Future — New models of collaboration, decentralised knowledge networks, funding futures, and the role of independent researchers in shaping global understanding.

Interdisciplinary, Intercultural & Experimental Work — Research that crosses boundaries, invents new forms, or challenges conventional academic norms.

Reflections on Practice — Personal research journeys, lessons learned, and the lived experience of working outside institutions.

Submission Formats

We encourage creative research methods, and welcome a wide range of contributions, including:

Research Papers — Completed or in-progress work (<2,000 words).

Short Talks — 15-20-minute presentations

Workshops<//b> — Skill-sharing, methods, tools, or collaborative sessions.

Performances – music, drama, dance etc. 

Panels – Themed round-table discussions incorporating Q&A from online attendees.

Posters or Visual Projects — Diagrams, maps, visualisations, or creative research artifacts.

Demonstrations — Tools, prototypes, datasets, or experimental systems.

If your idea doesn’t fit a category, we still want to hear from you at Conference2027@ncis.org!

Important Dates

Submission Deadline: 31 October 2026

Notification of acceptance: 30 November 2026

Conference: 15-17 April 2027

Format: Hybrid (Online + Local) in-person sessions organized and run by NCIS partner groups to accommodate different time zones worldwide). 

Submission Guidelines

All submissions must include a title, abstract (200–300 words), and author bio.

Papers should follow a clear structure and cite sources appropriately.

Collaborative and cross-disciplinary submissions are encouraged.

Creative methods beyond traditional oral presentations are encouraged.

Proposers must be a member of NCIS or an affiliated Partner Group.

Submit your proposal by mailing your completed abstract submission form to Conference2027@ncis.org by 31 October.

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