SALSA 2027 Call for Proposals

XVI SALSA Biennial Conference

Call for Proposals

XVI SALSA Biennial Conference July 28–August 1, 2027 — Unicamp, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil

---

Converging Knowledges: Diversities and Epistemic Justice

Drawing on the idea of “confluence” developed by the Quilombola thinker Antônio Bispo, this conference is inspired by a movement of sharing lives and knowledges that proliferates difference and refuses unity. The conference is guided by the possibility of bringing together different forms of knowledge: those cultivated within academic environments and those that emerge from the lived experiences of Indigenous and other traditional Peoples and communities. It seeks to embrace the vast social, cultural, and epistemic diversity that pulses across the lowlands of South America. This gathering is motivated by a desire to critically recognize the pathways of dialogue between academia and the ways in which Indigenous and Traditional peoples think, feel, and engage politically. Along this path, struggles over land, reflections on the socio-environmental impacts of capitalist enterprises in traditional territories, and the shared production of knowledge across different knowledge regimes become intertwined.

***

Proposals are now open for the program of the XVI SALSA Biennial Conference, which will bring together researchers, students, members of different communities, professionals, and others interested in discussing diverse perspectives and approaches related to the conference theme: Converging Knowledges: Diversities and Epistemic Justice.

The program will comprise Thematic Panels, Special Events and Workshops, seeking to foster inclusive and diverse spaces for presentation, discussion, exchanging experiences, and learning.

1. Thematic Panels

Thematic Panels are spaces dedicated to discussing specific topics, bringing together papers that share a common issue, theoretical approach, research area, or theme. Each panel must be proposed by 2 to 3 organizers from different institutions.

Proposals must include: a title, an abstract (150 words maximum) describing the theme, and information about the organizers (Name, email address, highest level of education, and institutional affiliation). Proposals should present a theme that is sufficiently clear and broad to accommodate different perspectives and approaches.

Submission period: September 18 – October 18, 2026.
Announcement of accepted panels: October 30, 2026.

• Each panel may select up to 12 participants.
• Once accepted, panels will be open for paper submissions from November 1–28, 2026.
• Panel organizers will be responsible for receiving, evaluating, and selecting the paper proposals submitted to their panel.

2. Special Events

Special Events aim to expand the formats of participation and expression at the conference by incorporating proposals that go beyond the traditional model of academic presentation.

Proposals must include: a description of the activity, its objectives, technical requirements, and information about those responsible for organizing it (name, email address, highest level of education, and institutional affiliation).

Submission period: September 18 – October 18, 2026.

Proposals may include:

• Film screenings and audiovisual productions;
• Exhibitions and photography shows;
• Performances and artistic interventions;
• Other forms of expression and communication related to the conference themes.

3. Workshops

Workshops will be formative and participatory activities designed to offer short courses, hands-on sessions, or practical activities related to the conference theme. It may take place over up to three days of the conference, with a maximum duration of 3 hours per day.

Proposals must include: the topic, objectives, methodology/structure of the activity, expected participant profile, maximum number of participants, any requirements for participation, and information about the organizers (Name, email address, highest level of education, and institutional affiliation).

Submission period: September 18 – October 18, 2026.

Each workshop:

• Must be led by 2 to 3 organizers;
• Should consist of a short-duration activity combining presentation, discussion, and/or practical activities;
• Will require prior registration, to take place from April 1–30, 2027;
• Will require participants to submit a brief abstract describing their research, project, or area of interest, in accordance with the specific guidelines of each workshop;
• Will have participants selected by the organizers between May 1–10, 2027;
• Will be conducted by the workshop organizers.

---