Middle East and Islamic Consortium (MEICON)

The Middle East and Islamic Consortium of British Columbia (MEICON-BC) was founded in 2008 as a collaborative project of the University of Victoria (UVic), Simon Fraser University (SFU), and the University of British Columbia (UBC) with the participation of other universities and colleges in British Columbia. Its purpose is to provide an organizational basis for communication and cooperation among academics interested in the study of the Middle East and Muslim societies and cultures. They host an annual student conference (typically held in March of each year), where students are invited to present their papers and receive feedback and support in a lively and nurturing environment.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

17th Annual Middle East & Islamic Consortium (MEICON) Student Conference

at Simon Fraser University

Submissions Due 23 November 2026

Submissions Form

The Middle East and Islamic Consortium (MEICON), a collaborative academic and research project, is now accepting submissions for the 2027 MEICON Student Conference, to be organized by SFU’s Centre for Comparative Muslim Studies. This in-person conference will be held on March 18 and 19, 2027, at Simon Fraser University’s Harbour Centre campus. There is no fee for participation.

Graduate and upper-division undergraduate students are invited to submit proposals for a presentation. Presentations can focus on any aspect of the Middle East (broadly construed) and/or Islamic Studies from all disciplines and time periods.

The submission deadline for your proposals is 23 November 2026. To apply, please submit a 200–250-word abstract, 50-word bio, and contact details to the form.

Relevant papers could pertain to the following area studies, disciplines, fields, and beyond:

Central Asian Studies, East Asian Studies, Southeast Asian Studies, South Asian Studies, African Studies, SWANA Studies, Middle East Studies, and North African Studies Sociology, Religious Studies, History, Anthropology, Political Science, Comparative Literature, and International Studies Critical Ethnic Studies, Muslim Studies, Black Studies, Arab Studies, and Diasporic Studies… and more!


The MEICON Committee also adjudicates two paper prizes – the Andrew Rippin Essay Prize (value $500) and the MEICON Undergraduate Essay Prize (value $250). Accepted presenters will be invited to submit essays of approx. 3000 words by 29 January 2027 for consideration. Prize winners will be announced at the conference.

Accepted presenters will be notified by 8 January 2027.

Please email any questions to ccms@sfu.ca.