Submit Proposals
Our virtual 2024 conference welcomes ESS-related panel and presentation proposals for research studies of the environment – both natural and social sciences -as well as presentations related to pedagogy in primary, secondary, and higher education, research methods, and community engagement.
The link on the button above is correct for all proposals other than posters. We are aware that there’s a system error making the welcome text the same as the poster call. We are waiting on our software provider to correct this.
Hub Host Program for 2024
Open a downloadable copy of the 2024 proposal submission guidelines or review them below.
Presentation Formats - Virtual participation only
Individual Presentations
5 minute lightning talks, grouped into panels by organizers with a discussion period
Abstracts should be 300 words (2000 characters) or less and include a:
- Brief overview of the topic background
- Specification of content type (e.g. empirical research results, theoretical contribution, project description, pedagogical experiment, presentation of artistic work, personal or institutional experience, etc.)
- Statement of content, including presentation purpose
- Provide sufficient information that we can judge the quality of your proposal and its relevance to the conference audience
- For example, research results might include focal question, method, results and conclusion; pedagogical experiment might include description of experiment, outcomes and lessons learned; presentation of artistic work might include creation of the work, presentation to the public and potential impact; etc.
Lightning Talks In More Detail
Lightning talks are 5-minute oral presentations with the main purpose of sparking conversation and new collaboration. They are very unlike traditional conference presentations that are much longer and contain more detailed information. You can view detailed guidelines for presenting a lighting talk.
Academic or Research Panel Discussions
45 minute session
A proposal for a fully formed panel session should be a summary abstract which gives a brief description and justification of the session in 300 words or less (2000 characters) in the text box. This might include applicability to the conference theme, contribution to your field, connection to the mission and goals of AESS and the broader environmental studies and sciences community, and/or scholarly and professional merit.
This submission requires two steps:
- Panel chair/organizer to select “full panel” and submit brief description for session. Please include presentation titles and authors for all other panelists in the “additional abstracts” text box.
- Other panelists must also submit their abstracts as a separate proposal. Please have them select “full panel” and include a reference to the panel session title in their “additional abstract” text box. Their abstract description should be included with their submission.
In the “additional abstracts” text box, please include a list of abstract titles and authors who will be part of this panel. Full panel sessions will be considered completed and go to review once all panelists have submitted their abstracts as separate “full panel” proposals. 300 words (2000 characters). Note: tentative titles are fine and can be updated later by authors on their individual proposals.
Professional Development Seminar
30 or 45 minute seminar
A proposal for a professional development seminar should give a brief description and justification of the session in 300 words or less (2000 characters). Seminars might include professional development in areas such as grant writing, publishing, how to prepare for academic interviews, etc. You might include applicability to the conference theme, contribution to your field, connection to the mission and goals of AESS and the broader environmental studies and sciences community, and/or scholarly and professional merit.
The description for a professional development seminar need not include individual abstracts or biographies for each discussant but should include names, affiliations and email for each facilitator involved. List these as co-presenters.
Workshops
45 or 60 minutes
Proposals should contain sufficient detail to justify the length of time participants will commit to this session. Workshops will be advertised as part of the conference but will not require separate registration. Advanced RSVP list of participants’ intention to attend can be provided upon facilitator’s request.
The proposal should cover (in 700 words or fewer) the items below.
- Workshop title
- Length (45-60 minutes)
- Proposed theme and justification
- An outline of goals and learning outcomes, and, if appropriate, plans for communication of results or follow-up
- An outline of the progression of topics and types of learning activities or teaching methods
- A list of confirmed leaders and a sentence or two about their qualifications and proposed role (you may also list these names under co-presenters — see below)
- Description of target audience for workshop and methods leaders will use for recruitment of participants, beyond the ESS Forum; keywords may help here for advertisement on social media
Poster Presentations
live, virtual gallery with supporting visuals
Abstracts should be 300 words (2000 characters) or less and include a:
- Brief overview of the topic background
- Specification of content type (e.g. empirical research results, theoretical contribution, project description, pedagogical experiment, presentation of artistic work, personal or institutional experience, etc.)
- Statement of content, including presentation purpose
- Provide sufficient information that we can judge the quality of your proposal and its relevance to the conference audience
For example, research results might include focal question, method, results and conclusion; pedagogical experiment might include description of experiment, outcomes and lessons learned; presentation of artistic work might include creation of the work, presentation to the public and potential impact; etc.
Note: if you presented at the Student Poster Symposium in April, you are eligible to present at this academic conference in June.
Proposals due by March 18
After years of researching and publishing I came across AESS and found others exactly like me – interdisciplinary academics who research and teach about environmental problems and who don’t fit squarely within traditional academic homes. ~D. Murphy
Areas of Emphasis for 2024
In addition to general submissions for the 2024 event, AESS is seeking presentations that specifically relate to several areas of emphasis. When submitting a proposal, select the area of emphasis, if applicable.
Drawing from the IPCC’s Special Reports, we encourage proposals that address innovative adaptation and mitigation strategies, energy savings and resilience-building practices to combat climate change impacts.
Innovative approaches to making cities more sustainable, including green infrastructure, sustainable transportation systems, and urban greening initiatives.
Research and initiatives focused on preserving and restoring biodiversity, protected areas management, and the role of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem services.
Analysis of environmental policies, governance structures, and international agreements, including their effectiveness in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.
Novel approaches to environmental education and public engagement that foster environmental literacy, critical thinking, and active participation in sustainability efforts.
Proposals that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries, integrating insights from environmental science, social sciences, humanities, arts, and beyond to address complex environmental challenges.
Each area of emphasis connects with broader commitments of AESS to social, environmental, and racial justice. Proposals beyond these areas are welcome.
All relevant topics for presentations (lightning talks, discussed below), poster sessions (for undergraduate and graduate students), professional development seminars (e.g., academic interview preparation, grant writing), and academic/research workshops or panel discussions will be considered.