BRiRN International Conference 2026

Conference Overview

The Belt and Road Initiative Research Network (BRiRN) International Conference 2026, organized by the Astra Institute, serves as a flagship global forum promoting interdisciplinary dialogue and policy innovation across the Belt and Road regions and the broader Global South.

This annual event gathers scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from diverse disciplines to explore transformative ideas in governance, development, and cultural exchange.

Rooted in the principles of open science, inclusivity, and intercultural understanding, the conference aims to bridge traditional knowledge and contemporary science, advancing the shared vision of a Community with a Shared Future for Humankind.

Conference Objectives


1. Promote Policy Dialogue and Global Governance
Enable evidence-based policymaking through cross-sector discussions on regional cooperation, governance innovation, and sustainable development.
2. Advance Interdisciplinary Academic Collaboration
Strengthen partnerships among research institutions and universities through co-authored publications, joint workshops, and collaborative policy research.
3. Empower Emerging Scholars and Youth Researchers
Support young academics through the Belt and Road Young Scholars Program, fostering mentorship and visibility within the global research community.
4. Integrate Traditional and Modern Knowledge Systems
Explore synergies between indigenous knowledge, traditional medicine, and modern scientific and policy frameworks to enhance resilience and inclusivity.

Disciplinary Tracks

I. Philosophy and Critical Theory
Marxist and Political Economy Perspectives: Global South readings of materialism, justice, and the politics of development.
Critical Philosophy and Feminist Thought: Postcolonial critique, intersectionality, and the politics of knowledge production.
Philosophy of Science and Technology: AI ethics, biopolitics, and the metaphysics of emerging technologies.
Other Topics:

  • Comparative philosophy and intercultural hermeneutics
  • Environmental ethics and ecological civilization
  • Philosophy of education and critical pedagogy
  • Philosophy of art, aesthetics, and representation

II. Law, Human Rights, and Governance
Comparative and International Law: Legal pluralism, constitutional development, and rights harmonization along the Belt and Road.
Technology, Law, and Ethics: Algorithmic accountability, data governance, and digital sovereignty.
Global Justice and Human Rights: Transnational litigation, international humanitarian law, and social rights protection.
Other Topics:

  • Environmental and energy law
  • Health law and bioethics
  • Migration, asylum, and citizenship
  • Law and technology in emerging economies

III. Health, Medicine, and Society
Traditional Medicine and Integrative Health Systems: Comparative studies of traditional healing systems, indigenous epistemologies, and their application in contemporary health governance.
Public Health and Social Protection: Health equity, pandemic preparedness, social resilience, and digital health systems in the Global South.
Other Topics:

  • One Health approaches linking environment and human health
  • Health policy under climate stress
  • Global health data ethics and biobanking
  • Community-based care and social medicine/Medical Social Workers

IV. Anthropology and Sociology
Cultural Anthropology and Local Knowledge Systems: Ethnographies of identity, belief, and the institutionalization of indigenous knowledge.
Sociology of Development and Inequality: Comparative perspectives on urbanization, social mobility, and class structures.
Network Society and Digital Communities: Social transformations in digital environments and online collectives.
Other Topics:

  • Religion and ritual in modern societies
  • Rural reconstruction and community governance
  • Gender, kinship, and family structures
  • Science and technology studies (STS) perspectives

V. Education and Knowledge Equity
Higher Education Reform and International Cooperation: Comparative analyses of higher education governance, mobility, and digital innovation.
Youth Policy and Lifelong Learning: Policy frameworks for youth inclusion, employability, and skill transitions.
Interdisciplinary Curriculum and Innovation in Pedagogy: Integrating social sciences, humanities, and STEM for holistic education.
Other Topics:

  • Educational technology and digital pedagogy
  • Inclusive education for marginalized populations
  • Vocational and technical education development
  • Global citizenship and intercultural competence

VI. Media, Communication, and Soft Power
Global Communication and Cultural Diplomacy: Media representations and intercultural narratives among Belt and Road countries.
Digital Media and Public Discourse: Social media governance, information ethics, and misinformation challenges.
Cultural Heritage and Creative Industries: Traditional Theatre, Performance, and Visual Culture; preservation, creative economy, and identity in a globalized media landscape.
Other Topics:

  • Documentary practices and transnational storytelling
  • Public opinion and digital democracy
  • Journalism ethics and crisis communication
  • Artificial intelligence in media production

VII. Economics and Development
Global Development and Economic Transformation: Comparative analysis of development strategies, structural transformation, and industrial upgrading among Belt and Road economies.
Trade, Investment, and Financial Connectivity: Studies on regional value chains, financial innovation, and inclusive trade policies fostering South–South cooperation.
Sustainable and Inclusive Growth: Research on poverty alleviation, rural revitalization, and equitable economic governance.
Other Topics:

  • Digital economy and innovation ecosystems
  • Labor markets, migration, and human capital mobility
  • Green finance, ESG investment, and sustainable business models
  • Quantitative and computational modeling for development policy

VIII. Regional and Area Studies
Regional Integration and Comparative Governance: Comparative research on regional organizations, policy harmonization, and cross-border collaboration across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.
National and Subregional Development Pathways: In-depth studies on social change, governance innovation, and industrial evolution within specific countries or regions.
Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Global Contexts: Intercultural dialogue, language policy, and the role of soft power in regional identity formation.
Other Topics:

  • South–South and China–Africa cooperation frameworks
  • Transnational migration and cultural hybridity
  • Regional diplomacy and sustainable peacebuilding
  • Knowledge circulation, academic mobility, and local research capacity building

IX. Engineering and Sustainable Technology
Sustainable Infrastructure and Smart Systems: Technological innovation in smart cities, transport networks, and water–energy–food nexus infrastructure.
Renewable Energy and Green Transition: Research on low-carbon energy systems, carbon capture, and green materials for sustainable industrialization.
Digital Engineering and Industry 4.0: Applications of robotics, IoT, blockchain, and AI in manufacturing, logistics, and construction.
Other Topics:

  • Resilient and adaptive engineering under climate stress
  • Technology transfer and capacity building in developing countries
  • Engineering ethics and global technology governance
  • Public–private partnerships in infrastructure finance and innovation

Interdisciplinary Collaboration Hubs
The Conference encourages joint panels and collaborative research that bridge disciplines — such as AI ethics and governance, traditional medicine and public health, smart infrastructure and policy innovation, or education and digital economy — to advance integrative approaches to global challenges.

Conference Features

  • Plenary Sessions: Keynote speeches by distinguished scholars and policymakers.
  • Parallel Disciplinary Panels: Thematic academic discussions across the humanities, social sciences, and applied research.
  • Policy Roundtables: Closed-door consultations among experts and decision-makers to formulate actionable strategies.
  • Young Scholars Forum: Paper presentations, mentoring sessions, and collaborative projects by early-career researchers.
  • Cultural Diplomacy Showcase: Exhibitions and performances celebrating traditional medicine, cultural heritage, and intercultural creativity.

Call for Papers (CFP)

Submission Themes

Submissions are welcome in all areas related to the conference tracks, as well as interdisciplinary work that connects two or more fields. Papers may address empirical research, theoretical development, policy design, or practice-oriented case studies.

Formats Accepted

  • Full Papers (5,000–12,000 words)
  • Extended Abstracts (800–1,200 words)
  • Panel Proposals (3–5 paper summaries + panel rationale)

Submission Guidelines

  • All submissions must be in English or Chinese.
  • Include title, author(s), affiliation, and contact email.
  • Abstracts should clearly indicate the research question, methodology, and main findings.

Important Dates

  • Abstract submission deadline: March 31, 2026
  • Notification of acceptance: May 15, 2026
  • Full paper submission: July 15, 2026
  • Conference dates: August 2026

Publication Opportunities

Selected papers will be considered for publication in:

  • The International Journal of Law, Ethics, and Technology
  • The Africa Review
  • 《华夏法学》

Submission and Inquiries

Please send all submissions and inquiries to: submissions@brirn.org.

Registration and Participation

  • Hybrid Format: Both onsite and virtual participation will be supported to ensure global accessibility and cross-border collaboration.
  • Conference Venue and Registration: The conference’s official website will announce detailed registration procedures, participation fees, and the host city in January 2026.
  • Scholarships and Travel Support: Competitive scholarships and travel grants will be available for young scholars from developing countries, with priority given to those presenting original research related to policy innovation, public health, education, and regional cooperation.
  • Field Research Opportunities: Participants will have the opportunity to join post-conference field research delegations to partner institutions and communities in African Belt and Road countries.

Contact

  • BRiRNI International Conference Secretariat | Astra Institute
  • Email: conference@brirn.org
  • Website: www.brirn.org/conference

Vision

The BRiRN International Conference 2026, hosted by the Astra Institute, aspires to:

  • Serve as a global hub for interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research;
  • Build a bridge between China and the Belt and Road nations through shared scholarship;
  • Foster inclusive global governance, integrating cultural, philosophical, and scientific knowledge systems.

By uniting academic excellence, policy innovation, and cultural diplomacy, BRiRN and Astra Institute work together toward a shared, equitable, and sustainable future for humanity.