2026 HLSS 4th Transformative Futures Conference: Call for Papers
Practising Transformation: Applying Humanities and Social Sciences to Contemporary Challenges
School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science, Griffith University
12 November 2026
Graduate Centre S07, South Bank, Griffith University
Since the Conference’s inception in 2023, its aim is to highlight the innovative, inventive and diverse research undertaken in the School, and celebrate the University’s core principles of excellence, ethics, and engagement. The conference is intended to be a platform for academic staff and research students to come together and share their research projects and have conversations about the value of research within the University.
“Transformation is not a spectator sport” (Kalisch 2019). It demands stepping out of the grandstands of critique and into the arena of practice. However, research on the implementation of transformation has received proportionately less attention than that identifying matters of concern (Tebboth et al., 2025; Bentz et al., 2022). Tebboth et al. (2025) and Bentz et al. (2022) argue that more attention is needed on how solutions are developed and implemented, particularly through processes of co-creation, interpretation, and learning. We invite presentations that speak to the “means and manners” (Bentz et al., 2022) of doing change in the age of rapid technological advancement, complex social change, displacement, profound local grass-roots movements, and unprecedented global connectivity.
- Julia Bentz, Karen O’Brien and Morgan Scoville-Simonds, ‘Beyond “blah blah blah”: exploring the “how” of transformation’ (2022) 17 Sustainability Science 497 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11625-022-01123-0
- Mark GL Tebboth, Rachel Carmenta, Angela Minas, et al, ‘The ‘How’ of Transformation: Principles for a Justice-Centered Response to the Climate and Biodiversity Crises’ (2025) 67 Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development 7 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00139157.2025.2470584
- David W Kalisch, ‘Learnings from the 2016 Census, 2017 Marriage Law Survey, and Beyond’ (IPAA NSW State Conference, 21 May 2019) https://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/D3310114.nsf/home/Australian+Statististian+-+Speeches+-+Learnings+from+the+2016+Census+2017+Marriage+Law+Survey
Call for papers – Key 2026 dates
Abstract submissions open: Sunday, 9 August 2026
Abstract submissions close: Monday, 5 October 2026
Notification of Acceptances: Sunday, 18 October 2026
Conference registration closes: Thursday, 29 October 2026
Conference date: Thursday 12 November 2026
Location: Graduate Centre S07, Rooms S07_2.10, 2.16, 2.17, 2.18, 2.19. South Bank, Griffith University.
Online option: TBA
We invite presenters addressing, but not limited to, the following subjects/themes:
- The subjective dimensions of change
Exploring the role of human interiority, emotions, ethics, identity, psychological, and linguistic shifts in driving or resisting structural, cultural, social, policy, political or sociological transformation.
- Disruptive humanities-based interventions
The power of narrative, discourse analysis, historical perspective, philosophy, social justice, language, communications, and the creative arts to disrupt current stale discourses or practices, and imagine or adapt to radically alternative futures.
- Overcoming societal and institutional “system logics”
Critiques and case studies on bureaucratic, political, policy or academic metrics or practices that stall transformative action, and the subversive strategies used to adapt them to future-focused needs.
- Pedagogies of the “How”
How do we teach transformation or change? Radical approaches to higher education, AI competency, education in the age of AI, and technology-based learning equip the next generation of change-agents for action-oriented careers.
Note: the above are just suggestions for accepted themes, and other related issues are welcome. We welcome presentations of 15-20 minutes from HDR candidates, Honours students and academic staff from all disciplines and at all stages of their career.
Please submit abstracts to hlss.transformative.futures@gmail.com by COB Monday 5 October 2026. Please send the following as an attachment:
- Presentation Title and Abstract of no more than 250 words (in doc or docx).
- Your contact details, i.e. name, email address, phone number and affiliation.
- A short biographical statement of no more than 100 words.
The conference convenors, Manolo Iachizzi and Jing Zhi (Ben) Wong, can be reached at manolo.iachizzi@griffithuni.edu.au and jingzhi.wong@griffithuni.edu.au respectively.
Transformative Futures Conference 