Development Workshop – Call for Proposals

Organised by:
The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
&
The Journal of South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (JSAMES)
Hosted by Villanova University’s Center for Arab and Islamic Studies

In-person workshop: September 23-24, 2026.

The workshop is aimed at supporting scholars’ preparation of manuscripts for review in the JSAMES.

Call for proposals

The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and the Journal of South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (JSAMES) hosted by Villanova University’s Center for Arab and Islamic Studies, are pleased to invite proposals for papers to be published in JSAMES. The journal is seeking contributions from early- and mid-career scholars based in Pakistan as well as scholars from the region who are attending the 2026 Association for Asian Studies in Asia (AAS in Asia) Conference at LUMS.

Responding to the general theme “Political and Socio-Economic Transformations in South and Central Asia,” we welcome contributions that focus on political processes, political behavior, institutions, patterns of conflict and cooperation (both within and across countries and non-state actors), economic transformations, social and economic inequalities, the political economy of inequality, environmentalism, securitization, social attitudes and change in the region, as well as other related topics.

Topics can adopt any methodological, theoretical, or conceptual perspective. Interdisciplinary contributions are encouraged and especially welcome.

Submission form – Development Workshop Call for Proposals

Target audience

Applications are open to early- and mid-career scholars in Pakistan and elsewhere working on the region. Scholars attending the Association for Asian Studies in Asia conference are especially encouraged to apply. Publication in the JSAMES is contingent upon a successful peer review process. The JSAMES will cover hotel costs for all scholars accepted for the workshop and additionally cover travel costs for Pakistan-based scholars.

Timeline and how to submit

  • Submit extended abstracts of 500 to 1,000 words describing your paper’s research question, theoretical framework, main argument and methodology, in addition to your CV no later than April 9, 2026 by filling out the following: Google FORM
  • Once the abstracts are reviewed, authors of selected papers will be informed by April 27, 2026.
  • A virtual introductory meeting for selected authors with members of the editorial team will be organized shortly after, specific date TBD.
  • Authors are expected to have a first draft of their work (6,000-8,000 words) sent no later than August 7, 2026.
  • In-person workshop: September 23-24, 2026.
  • Peer review and submitted revisions Spring/Summer2027.

Worshop format

The workshop is aimed at supporting scholars’ preparation of manuscripts for review in the JSAMES. As such, the approach of the workshop is developmental and oriented towards providing feedback on content and paper structure. All participants will be given one hour to workshop their paper. They will spend 5-1 O minutes informally introducing the paper and identifying key areas for development followed by 50 minutes of collaborative discussion. All workshop participants will be expected to read and comment on each other’s papers, in addition to receiving the feedback of several editorial board members. The aim is to develop individual papers into review-ready manuscripts.

About JSAMES

The Journal of South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies is a quarterly, peer­ reviewed journal sponsored by Villanova University’s Center for Arab and Islamic Studies (CAIS) and published by the University of Pennsylvania Press. The JSAMES is interested in interdisciplinary scholarship that explores the unique political, social, and economic formations and their historical antecedents that contribute to region-making in our contemporary age. The JSAMES is edited by Samer Abboud (Villanova University). Further journal information, including a list of editorial board members, can be found here. https://www.villanova.edu/university/liberal-arts-sciences/scholarship/journals/jsames.html

Submission form – Development Workshop Call for Proposals

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