CfP: Global Business and Human Rights Scholars Association & Teaching Business and Human Rights Forum Conference

 

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 Delighted to pass along this Call for Papers/Panels for the Global Business and Human Rights Scholars Association & Teaching Business and Human Rights Forum Conference to be held 21-22 May 2026 at Pontifica Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil, which also marks the 10th anniversary of the founding of of GBHRSA and the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Teaching Forum.  

We invite contributions—both papers and panels—that reflect the interdisciplinary character of business and human rights, in both theory and in practice, from all disciplines. As described below, we are accepting both academic research submissions and teaching-focused submissions.

Details follow below. 

 

 Global Business and Human Rights Scholars Association & Teaching Business and Human Rights Forum Conference

May 21-22, 2026
Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná 
Curitiba, Brazil
 

The 2026 Conference of the Global Business and Human Rights Scholars Association and the Teaching Business and Human Rights Forum will be held at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná in Curitiba, Brazil, on May 21-22, 2026. This conference will mark the 10^th anniversary of the founding of the GBHRSA and the 15^th anniversary of the founding of the Teaching Forum
 
We invite contributions—both papers and panels—that reflect the interdisciplinary character of business and human rights, in both theory and in practice, from all disciplines. As described below, we are accepting both academic research submissions and teaching-focused submissions.
  
Research Paper and Panel Submission Guidelines

For research paper and panel submissions, we welcome abstracts from faculty members, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD students who are on the academic job market or preparing for academic careers. Please note that each research paper or research panel attendee of the conference is likely to be called upon to serve as a discussant for another attendee’s paper. This will require the discussant to read the full paper in advance and to provide approximately five minutes of commentary on the paper at the conference.
 
For those submitting research papers, please indicate whether you would like to be included in a research cohort. Each cohort will bring together the authors of approximately five papers and will meet separately from the other presentations during a designated block of the conference (e.g., one afternoon). All cohort members will be expected to read all papers in advance, remain for the entire session, and provide feedback. This format is subject to change and will only be included in the conference if there is sufficient interest and room availability. Election to be considered for a cohort will not affect the paper’s acceptance decision.
 
Research Papers
Please submit an extended abstract of 300–500 words. The topic must be directly related to the field of business and human rights. Abstracts will be reviewed on the basis of originality, academic rigor, and clarity. If accepted, the author is required to submit a full paper approximately 6 to 8 weeks prior to the conference.

 
Each abstract must meet the following guidelines:

• Clearly articulate the central research question(s)
• Specify the methodology employed (qualitative, quantitative, doctrinal, comparative, case study, etc.)
• Present preliminary findings or arguments
• Include five (5) keywords
• Contain relevant references to existing literature (footnotes or in-text citations acceptable). References are not included in the word count.
• The author(s) name, affiliation, contact information, and academic qualifications (e.g., advanced academic degree (or progress towards), faculty position, etc.).
• Indicate if you would like to be considered for a research cohort (this is voluntary and will have no impact on the acceptance decision of your abstract).

 
Panel Submissions
We are also accepting panel proposals that bring together 3 to 5 scholars around a shared research theme in business and human rights. 
 
Each panel proposal should include:

• A panel title and 300–500 word description of the theme and its relevance.
• Contain relevant references to existing literature (footnotes or in-text citations acceptable). References are not included in the word count.
• Names, affiliations, and contact information for all presenters
• Individual 75-100 word abstracts for each presenter’s contribution
• Five (5) keywords for the panel
• Indication of the organizer/moderator for the panel

 
Teaching Focused Submission Guidelines
We are also inviting presentations and panels focused on teaching business and human rights, including curriculum development, experiential learning, or clinical education. Each submission should include the following information:

• A title and 300–500 word description of the paper or panel and its relevance.
• Names, affiliations, and contact information for all presenters
• If a panel, please include individual 75-100 word abstracts for each presenter’s contribution. Indication of the organizer/moderator for the panel
• Three to five keywords for the panel 

Submissions deadline
The deadline for submission of abstracts and panel proposals is November 15, 2025. Applicants of selected submissions will be notified by December 15, 2025. Full papers must be submitted by March 22, 2026.
 
How to submit
All submission information should be included in one email to 2026BHRConference@gmail.com with the email subject line “2026 BHR Proposal."
 
Please note that the working language for the sessions will be English. 

Efforts are being made to support scholars from outside the Global North who do not have funding to present at the Conference. In your email with your submission, please indicate if you would like to be considered for funding. Any scholarship applications will be addressed separately from the paper application process.