2026 new york conference oN asian studies (nycas)
Asia and Environment across Time and Space
October 23 (Fri) –24 (Sat), 2026
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY
Vassar College, in association with the New York Conference on Asian Studies (NYCAS), will host the 2026 NYCAS focusing on the theme Asia and Environment across Time and Space. Environment as physical surroundings reminds us of our primordial and corporeal embeddedness in nature. Environment as a metaphor allows us to pay keen attention to multi-dimensional contexts of our interactions and their consequences across time and space. Approaching the environment physically and symbolically, this conference invites exploration of a wide range of topics from natural surroundings to social, political, and cultural, as well as geographical, technological and temporal surroundings in Asia.
Proposal topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Technological Innovation and Climate Change/Crisis
- Sociopolitical Movements in Asia locally, nationally, & transnationally
- Geopolitics and Global Affairs related to Asia
- Cultural and Social Changes Throughout Asian Histories
- Economics and Politics in Asia locally, nationally, & transnationally
- Classroom Teaching about Asia and Educational Environments
- Migration and Diaspora from, to, and across Asia
We encourage proposals for conventional and experimental panels, individual papers, and roundtables. We also encourage participation of graduate students and faculty-undergraduate student collaboration.
Note: NYCAS is a regional conference situated in communities of scholars who value the benefits of personal interaction and exchange. As such, NYCAS will prioritize in-person conference participation. Exceptions will only be made in the case of organized panels where at least two participants are presenting in person. Panel chairs are responsible for organizing Zoom links for their panel.
Proposal Submission Deadline: 5/31
Please submit a presentation abstract of no more than 250 words.
Registration details will be announced at the end of June.
For more information about New York Conference on Asian Studies, please visit NYCAS Homepage.