call for sessions

Call for Sessions and Labs

There is no general conference theme; we welcome proposals on all research topics, especially those that encourage collaboration, innovative formats, underrepresented perspectives, and interdisciplinary dialogue.

Please submit proposals for sessions and/or labs by August, 4th 2026 to vanda.ksa@univie.ac.at 

You will be notified of the outcome by late August. A separate Call for Papers for accepted open sessions will follow.

Sessions

We welcome both open and closed session proposals. Session organizers are free to choose their session formats (e.g. classic presentations, panel discussion, round table, or self-defined). Each session needs to have at least two convenors, at least one of them with a PhD. 

Open Panels invite paper submissions during the subsequent Call for Papers.

Closed Panels are fully constituted at the time of submission and do not accept further contributions. 

Labs

Labs are participatory and experimental formats that create space for collective exploration, creativity, and critical engagement. They may involve workshops, collaborative making, artistic practices, mapping, walking, urban exploration, sensory methods, or other innovative approaches to research and exchange. 

Labs may take place both within and beyond the university and are encouraged to make use of Vienna as a site for learning, experimentation, and encounter.

Standard lab duration is 90 minutes, please indicate if your lab needs more time allocated. Proposals should address feasibility, safety, and accessibility.

Information required for submission

All proposals:

  • Session type (Panel, Roundtable, Other Session Format, or Lab)
  • Title
  • Short abstract (max. 300 characters)
  • Long abstract (max. 250 words)
  • Convenor information (name, affiliation, email)
  • Additional convenors (up to three)
  • Chair (optional)
  • Discussant (optional)
  • Accessibility considerations and inclusivity plans

For sessions, also include:

  • Open or closed session
  • For closed sessions: number of papers; names, affiliations, and emails of contributors; short and long abstracts for each contribution

For labs, also include:

  • Maximum number of participants
  • Preferred venue (indoor, outdoor, or either) and contingency plans for weather
  • Technical and material requirements (what you provide; what VANDA should provide)
  • Accessibility considerations and risk/ethics considerations
  • Logistical requirements
  • Estimated duration
  • Additional comments for organisers

 Participation and policies

  • Presenters must attend their session in person. There will be hybrid options for sessions.
  • All accepted presenters must register for the conference. Information on fees and registration will be published in na few weeks.
  • Support with Visa letters can be provided upon request: vanda.ksa@univie.ac.at
  • For accessibility requests, please contact us as well

For questions regarding submission and scientific programme, please contact:
Vienna Anthropology Days
vanda@univie.ac.at

For questions regarding registration, please contact:
Congress Service
Conference and Event Management University of Vienna
T: +43-1-4277-17677
congress@univie.ac.at








For questions concerning the organization or the program:

Vienna Anthropology Days
Dept. of Social & Cultural Anthropology
NIG, University of Vienna
vanda@univie.ac.at 




© Copyright 2025 Conference and Event Management of the University of Vienna