Graduate students and emerging researchers from around the world are invited to submit abstracts for the 26th East-West Center International Graduate Student Conference (EWC-IGSC), scheduled to take place from 11–13 February 2027 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Hosted annually by the East-West Center, the conference provides an international platform for graduate and undergraduate students to present research, exchange ideas, and engage in interdisciplinary discussions focused on the Indo-Pacific region. Participants may attend either in person or virtually, making the conference accessible to scholars worldwide.
2027 Theme Focuses on Shared Indo-Pacific Prosperity
The 2027 conference will be held under the theme:
“Weaving Knowledge for Shared Indo-Pacific Prosperity.”
This year’s theme encourages participants to examine how knowledge systems, innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration can help address some of the Indo-Pacific’s most pressing economic, environmental, political, technological, and social challenges.
Organisers are calling for research that explores how interdisciplinary approaches can strengthen resilient communities, promote sustainable development, and encourage regional cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.
International Platform for Graduate Researchers
Established in 2002, the East-West Center International Graduate Student Conference has become one of the leading student-led academic conferences focused on the Indo-Pacific region.
The annual event creates opportunities for students to:
- Present original academic research
- Receive constructive feedback from peers and scholars
- Build international research networks
- Participate in interdisciplinary panel discussions
- Engage with researchers from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds
- Develop professional presentation and communication skills
The conference also promotes informal networking within the multicultural environment of the East-West Center in Honolulu.
Abstract Submissions Now Invited
Conference organisers are welcoming proposals from graduate students across a wide range of academic disciplines.
Submissions may include:
- Academic research papers
- Creative works
- Film presentations
- Performances
- Interdisciplinary projects
Undergraduate students whose work meaningfully aligns with the conference theme are also encouraged to submit proposals.
All presentations should clearly demonstrate their connection to the conference theme in both the submitted abstract and the final presentation.
Research Areas of Interest
The 2027 conference encourages submissions exploring topics such as:
- Economic security
- Climate resilience
- Environmental sustainability
- Governance and public policy
- Technology and innovation
- Cross-cultural collaboration
- Social development
- Community resilience
- Regional cooperation
- Sustainable economies
- Indigenous and local knowledge systems
- International relations within the Indo-Pacific
Interdisciplinary research that combines multiple fields of study is particularly encouraged.
Flexible Participation Options
Recognising the diverse needs of international researchers, the East-West Center will offer both in-person and virtual participation.
Participants may choose to:
- Present at the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawaii
- Deliver presentations through a live online platform
The hybrid format expands access for scholars who may face travel or financial constraints while maintaining opportunities for global academic collaboration.
Conference Venue and Accommodation
The conference will take place at the Hawaiʻi Imin International Conference Center, located adjacent to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa campus.
Registered participants will have access to a limited number of accommodation spaces at the East-West Center residence halls at special conference rates.
Accommodation options include:
- Standard Studio (single or double occupancy): US$113 per night
- Corner Studio (single or double occupancy): US$139 per night
- Kitchen Unit (single or double occupancy): US$161 per night
Participants are advised to wait until their abstracts have been accepted before making accommodation reservations.
International Participants and Visa Information
The East-West Center welcomes participants from around the world.
International attendees requiring a United States visitor visa (B-1) are encouraged to begin the visa application process as early as possible after receiving confirmation of abstract acceptance.
While the East-West Center does not provide visa sponsorship or assistance, the conference acceptance letter can be used as supporting documentation during the visa application process.
Applicants are encouraged to consult their local U.S. embassy for country-specific visa requirements and appointment availability.
Benefits of Participating
The International Graduate Student Conference provides valuable academic and professional development opportunities for emerging scholars.
Participants can benefit from:
- Presenting research before an international audience
- Receiving expert feedback to strengthen academic work
- Networking with graduate students and researchers from across the Indo-Pacific
- Building international academic collaborations
- Enhancing presentation and communication skills
- Exploring interdisciplinary approaches to regional challenges
- Gaining exposure within a globally recognised academic community
The conference also provides a platform for students interested in careers in research, public policy, international development, environmental studies, and regional cooperation.
How to Submit an Abstract
Researchers interested in participating should prepare an abstract that clearly demonstrates how their proposed presentation aligns with the 2027 conference theme.
Successful applicants will be invited to present either in person in Honolulu or virtually through the conference’s online platform.
For questions regarding submissions, participation, or conference logistics, applicants may contact the organising committee via [email protected].
Opportunity to Join a Global Community of Emerging Scholars
The 26th East-West Center International Graduate Student Conference offers graduate students and early-career researchers an exceptional opportunity to showcase their work while engaging with scholars from across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Through interdisciplinary dialogue, cross-cultural collaboration, and innovative research, participants will contribute to important conversations on building resilient communities and advancing shared prosperity across one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
