Call for Papers: European China Law Studies Association 15th Annual Conference: Warsaw 18-20 September 2020

I am delighted to pass along the Call for Papers of the 15th Annual Conference of the European China Law Studies Association.  It will be held this year at the University of Warsaw form 18-20 September.

 Since its founding in 2006, the European China Law Studies Association (ECLS) has become a major international venue for scholars and practitioners who are engaged in the study of Chinese law, from both comparative and interdisciplinary perspectives. The Association currently counts about 300 members from all over the world, who are committed to advance the research on Chinese law. The annual conferences of ECLS are leading international academic events for the exchange of information omega replica and ideas on Chinese law, as well as platforms for the initiation of research collaboration. (ECLS About)

Details follow below.

1. Introduction
The Polish Research Centre for Law and Economy of China and the University of Warsaw School of Law and Economy of China are happy to join the fine tradition and exciting opportunity to host the Annual Conference of the European China Law Studies Association (ECLS). The conference will take place in Warsaw (Poland) from 18 to 20 September 2020.

2. Main tracks

We are confident that the Conference will attract a diverse array of scholars and exciting scholarship on a wide range of issues. We expect to structure panels and presentations on a wide variety of topics related to the Chinese legal system. There is no strict category of tracks or themes to which papers must be aligned. Nonetheless, we encourage and particularly invite contributions that address the following themes:

- Blockchain, big data & artificial intelligence in China
- Sino-US trade war and its legal implications for Europe - Legal aspects of the Belt and Road Initiative
- Codification of Laws in China
- Rule of Law and Chinese Constitutionalism
- Chinese and Comparative Labour Law
- Legal Issues of Poland-China Relations
- Chinese law and society
- China’s new structure of Party and state
- National supervision law and the new supervisory mechanism
- New developments in China’s judicial reforms
- China in the international legal order

As with previous ECLS conferences, the event is open to any other contributions with regard to Chinese law (as always, broadly conceived), in particular, those addressing China’s recent legal development.

3. Format

ECLS aims to ensure diversity in formats of presentation and discussion. We very much encourage the submission of papers for presentation in panels, as well as proposals for full panels or book presentations. Nevertheless, we also encourage proposals for innovative modes of participation that depart from traditional models of interaction.

We invite submissions as follows, noting that all proposals will be subject to peer-review by the organizing committees:

Paper abstract: scholars interested in presenting papers are invited to submit an abstract of up to 300 words. Please include: 1) the title of the paper; 2) name, institution and email address of the author(s); 3) up to five keywords.

Panel session: scholars are also welcome to submit proposals for full panel sessions, which include 4 papers; or 3 papers and a discussant. Proposals (up to 1000 words) should be submitted by the convener of the panel (who can also serve as the chair), and include abstracts of all proposed papers as well as a short integrative statement explaining the theme of the panel (all in one document). Please include also: 1) the title of the panel; 2) name, institution and email address of the author(s); 3) up to five keywords of a panel session.

Book presentation: scholars who recently published a book around an important Chinese law issue, are invited to propose a panel with 4 speakers (author & discussants). Proposals for a book presentation require a short explanation of the book’s importance and brief biographies of the participants.

Young scholars format: this year we are looking forward to receiving proposals from young researchers (young post- docs; i.e. 5 years from the PhD award, PhD candidates, MA students). Young scholars’ participation will promote scientific discussion and cooperation with senior colleagues working in the field of Chinese law.

Alternative formats: we also invite people to signal their interest in other forms of presentation and participation; roundtables or ‘fishbowls’ in which people make short interventions addressing themes or issues from the standpoint of their research, ‘TED’–style short talks on specific topics of interest; moderated or ‘hot seat’ encounters with a guest; films – plus discussion; art exhibits and music. The conference organizers will ensure that papers of presenters in alternative formats are available on the conference website.

The Polish Research Centre for Law and Economy of China will collaborate with the ECLS in peer-reviewing the submissions.

4. Key dates

30 April 2020 - Last day to submit abstracts/panel proposals
30 May 2020 - Decisions on acceptance of papers/panel proposals 7 September 2020 - Last day to submit full papers

5. Submission

Abstracts and panel proposals should be submitted online. The submission form will be available in early March.

6. Venue

The Conference will take place in Collegium Iuridicum II building (Faculty of Law and Administration University of Warsaw) at Lipowa 4 street in Warsaw. Collegium Iuridicum II building is situated in the Powiśle area, located between the Wisła (Vistula) river and the main Campus of the University. The Powiśle area is a pleasant 5-10 minute walk from the Campus and the Royal Route (Krakowskie Przedmieście street).

7. Accommodation & lack of fee

The city features accommodation for all budgets and all occasions – from exclusive apartments frequented by royalty to youth hostels. Conference participants will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs. Information about recommended hotels and other lodging options, will be provided by the organisers closer to the date.

ECLS members’ participation is free of charge.

8. Contact

All questions and suggestions should be addressed to eclswarsaw@wpia.uw.edu.pl. We also invite you to visit our website: chinalaw.wpia.uw.edu.pl 

See you in Warsaw!