The WERO: Working to End Racial Oppression research programme invites submissions for its upcoming international conference at the University of Waikato in February 2025.

Abstract Content

1. Clearly articulate the research question, objectives, and relevance to the conference theme. Provide a concise summary of the methodology or creative approach.
2. Highlight the potential contribution to understanding or challenging racism.
3. Abstracts should be no more than 350 words in length. Please use the assigned template to prepare your abstract which you can download below. Please upload a pdf version of the abstract during the submission.

Abstract Review Criteria

Submissions will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

1. Critical Relevance to Conference Theme: Does the abstract directly and critically engage with the conference theme and sub-themes? Does it challenge existing paradigms or contribute to the decolonisation of knowledge?
2. Depth of Analysis: Does the abstract demonstrate a deep and nuanced understanding of the issues related to racism, decolonisation, or anti-racism? Does it critically interrogate systems of power, privilege, and oppression?
3. Originality and Transformative Potential: Does the abstract present groundbreaking research, ideas, or creative work? Does it propose innovative and transformative approaches to dismantling racist structures?
4. Clarity and Rigour: Is the abstract well-organised, clearly written, and methodologically sound? Does it demonstrate a rigorous analytical or creative framework?
5. Contribution to Social and Political Change: Does the abstract have the potential to contribute meaningfully to political action or societal transformation? Does it move beyond theoretical discussions to propose actionable strategies for combating racism?
6. Positionality statement: Have the authors provided a statement outlining their roles in the research? For Indigenous papers, is the lead-author Indigenous?
7. Engagement and Broader Impact: Does the abstract demonstrate the potential to provoke critical engagement and dialogue at the conference? Does it have a clear vision for broader societal impact, particularly in challenging and dismantling racial oppression?

Submission Format

1. Abstracts must be submitted in text form in the abstract submission link.
2. Include the title, author(s), affiliation(s), contact details, positionality statement for each author, and their contributions.
3. Specify the type of presentation:

If you would like to nominate yourself to chair a session, please indicate this in the abstract.

Important Dates

Submission Deadline: 31st October 2024

Notification of Acceptance: 30th November 2024

Contact Information

For any inquiries or submission issues, please contact:

Ritu Parna Roy, Research Fellow: ritu.roy@waikato.ac.nz

Waikaremoana Waitoki, Associate Professor: moana.waitoki@waikato.ac.nz

Resources required 

We will provide audiovisual equipment, you do not need to bring your laptop. If you require additional equipment, please let the organisers know. 

We look forward to receiving your submissions and engaging in critical, transformative discussions on pathways to racial justice. Kindly use the allocated template to draft your abstract, available for download below.

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