FAQs

1. Who can submit an abstract?

Undergraduate students from universities across Pakistan are invited to submit abstracts related to the fields of history, political science, media and cultural studies, psychology, urban studies, literature, sociology, climate and sustainability, and related interdisciplinary subjects. More information about the theme of the conference can be found under the Home tab.

2. What should my abstract include?

Your abstract should be between 250 and 300 words, and should briefly outline your research question, themes explored, and methodology (whether the paper will use interviews/surveys, content analysis, etc).

3. How long should my full paper be?

Full papers should be between 2500 and 5000 words, with a margin allowing for over or under 500 words.

4. What is the submission deadline?

The submission deadline for abstracts is 1st April, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted. Other deadlines can be found under the Important Dates tab.

5. How will I know if my abstract has been accepted?

You will be notified through an email with further instructions by 5th April, 2025, if your abstract is accepted.

6. What kind of papers should I submit?

At least one of the disciplines covered needs to be within the purview of social sciences and liberal arts (SSLA), including history, political science, media and cultural studies, psychology, urban studies, literature, sociology, climate and sustainability, and related subjects. Interdisciplinary papers are welcome as long as they still carry a social sciences angle. We are looking to uplift your unique academic voice. The theme, Uplifting Emerging Perspectives: Metanarratives and Theoretical Innovation in Critical Times, is purposefully widely encompassing, so any papers involving critical engagement with dominant frameworks and an insightful perspective on their subjects will be welcome.

7. Can students from non-SSLA degrees apply?

Yes, as long as their abstracts include themes and topic areas related to the social sciences and liberal arts.

8. What will be expected from selected panelists on the day of the conference?

Selected students will be grouped together in a panel with other students who are working with similar themes, and a faculty discussant with expertise in the subject will be assigned. This will be a structured discussion, with each panelist having 15 minutes to present their paper. It is up to the panelist whether they wish to use slides. If they choose to opt for some other form of visual aids instead, they must inform the conference organizers beforehand, but regardless of format, everyone must adhere to the 15 minute limit.

9. What about selected panelists outside of Karachi?

If a paper from a student outside of Karachi is accepted and travel is not possible, the student can present online. The 15 minute limit still applies. The student will be contacted individually for specifics.

10. Are co-authored papers eligible for submission?

Yes, co-authored papers can be submitted. The abstract submission form includes a field for co-author details, please make sure to fill it accordingly. Co-authors may also present their work together. However, please ensure that your presentation adheres to the 15 minute time limit.

11. What should be the next step after my abstract has been accepted?

Once you are notified via email about the acceptance of your abstract, the next step is to submit your full paper by April 22, 2025, along with any slides or visual aids (if applicable) by May 1, 2025. These should be emailed to sslastudentconference@gmail.com before their respective deadlines.