WORKSHOP AIMS

The purpose of this workshop is to bring together graduate and early career researchers to share their knowledge and expertise on the (Greater) Central Asia region, which includes the Former-Soviet Central Asian nations and Chinese Central Asia (known variously as the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, East Turkestan, or the Uyghur Region). The workshop will provide an opportunity to present new research findings, stimulate discussion, and debate current hot topics across Central Asian geographical, social and cultural space irrespective of contemporary political boundaries.

Participants will have the chance to present their ongoing research projects and receive feedback from peers and more experienced researchers in the field. At the end of day one, there will be an optional conference dinner. The workshop offers a great opportunity to meet other scholars working on and in (Greater) Central Asia.

ELIGIBILITY

We equally welcome the participation of:

• current postgraduate students at any stage of their studies
• post-doctoral research fellows
• early-career researchers who have completed PhDs in recent years
• established scholars in the field (as attendees, rather than presenters)

SCOPE

We invite submissions on any aspect of research in (Greater) Central Asia.

Our keynote speaker will be Dr Gül Berna Özcan, Reader in International Business and Entrepreneurship, Royal Holloway University London, who speak on ‘Authoritarian capitalism and neo-colonial governance: Business and politics in Central Asia.’ While the regional geographical scope focuses on Xinjiang/East Turkestan/the Uyghur Region and the five countries of Former-Soviet Central Asia, we also invite papers on neighbouring territories with cultural and historical affinities such as the Caucasus and Mongolia.

We will be joined by Dr Dilnoza Duturaeva, Lecturer in Medieval History at York University, and co-convenor of the Steppe Sisters mentorship scheme, who will run a plenary workshop and Q&A session on ‘Becoming an academic in the modern university – scholarship, wellbeing, community, and collaboration.’

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

We invite researchers to submit individual paper and panel proposals on any topic germane to the study of (Greater) Central Asia. Abstracts should not exceed 250 words, and submissions should include keywords and full contact details of the applicant.  Please submit your proposals and any other enquiries to our Workshop Administrator, Tom Lian-Hoare: T.A.Lian-Hoare2@newcastle.ac.uk   

The deadline for receipt of proposals is Friday 15^th November 2024.