Call for Roundtables Proposals
The World Anthropological Union (WAU) 2025 Congress invites scholars, practitioners, and activists from around the world to submit roundtable proposals for this landmark event, which will take place in Antigua, Guatemala, from November 3–8, 2025. This congress seeks to provide an inclusive and dynamic platform for exploring critical global challenges and redefining our collective understandings of humanity.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
In keeping with the Congress’s commitment to fostering diversity and equity, we encourage roundtable proposals that bring together organizers and participants from diverse nationalities, institutions, and perspectives. Proposals featuring interdisciplinary approaches, early-career and senior scholars, and representation from traditionally underrepresented regions and groups are particularly welcome.
Diversity is not just a guideline—it is a strength. Roundtables reflecting a broad range of voices are better equipped to tackle complex, global issues with creativity and depth.
Submission Guidelines
Roundtable Structure:
– Two moderators from different institutions and countries are required.
– At least one moderator must hold a PhD at the time of the proposal and have demonstrable knowledge of the chosen topic.
– Roundtables may include up to six discussants. These individuals will not present formal papers but will engage in dynamic dialogue on the topic.
– We can accommodate roundtables with up to 18 participants by dividing them into consecutively numbered sessions. Roundtable organizers who wish to propose such sessions must contact the Organizing Committee in advance to discuss the structure and ensure proper scheduling.
Format:
All roundtables will be conducted in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and online participation. This approach ensures accessibility for participants from across the globe, fostering an inclusive and dynamic discussion environment.
Proposals must include the following:
– Title: A clear and engaging title for the roundtable.
– Short Abstract: A concise overview of the roundtable’s focus and objectives (maximum 75 words).
– Keywords: Three to five keywords summarizing the roundtable’s main themes.
– Moderators’ Details: Names, institutional affiliations, email addresses, and brief bios of the two moderators.
– Discussants’ Details: Names, institutional affiliations, and email addresses of at least three confirmed discussants (no more than six). Indicate clearly that these discussants are ‘confirmed.’
– Other Discussants: Include the names or profiles of any additional discussants you plan to approach.
– Acknowledgment: Proposals must state that the roundtable is a closed panel and that discussants will not present papers.
– Affiliation (if applicable): Include the name of any associated WAU commission, WCAA Task Force, or other WAU/WAU affiliations relevant to the proposal.
Congress Tracks
Roundtables should align with one of the Congress’s thematic tracks. These are:
- Epistemic Justice: Inclusivity and Representation in Anthropological Research
- Interdisciplinary Approaches: Bridging Anthropology with Other Sciences
- Global Challenges and Local Realities: Anthropological Responses to
- Technology and Society: The Anthropological Implications of Digital Transformation
- Future Directions in Anthropological Theory and Practice
- Heritage and Memory: Preserving Tangible and Intangible Culture
- Urban Spaces and Cultural Dynamics: How Urban Spaces Shape and Are Shaped
- Migration, Diasporas, and Mobilities: Contemporary Dynamics of Displacement and Belonging
- Histories of Anthropology: Local to Global Perspectives on Knowledge and Practice
- Anthropology of Climate and Environment: Understanding Human Adaptation and Advocacy in the Age of Crisis
- Ethics in Anthropological Practice: Navigating Power, Identity, and Responsibility
- Decolonizing Methodologies: Redefining Research Paradigms in a Multipolar World
- Anthropology of Health: Cultures of Medicine, Wellbeing, and Care
- Language, Communication, and Power: Anthropological Perspectives
- Performing and Visual Arts in Anthropology: Expressive Cultures and Identity
Outcomes and Impact
Roundtable organizers will have the opportunity to submit a summary or report of their discussion to be included in the WAU 2025 Congress repository, which will serve as the official congress proceedings. These submissions will be assigned permanent identifiers and metadata, ensuring long-term accessibility and scholarly recognition. Detailed guidelines for submitting the final versions of reports will be provided closer to the Congress date. This allows organizers to contribute to the lasting academic impact of the congress and ensures their work is accessible to the broader academic community.
We look forward to receiving your proposals and fostering engaging, impactful discussions that advance the field of anthropology and beyond.