ESC-2026
Emerging Scholars Conference
New Thinking for a New World: Reimagining Globalization and Development
April 17 - 18, 2026
Overview
The Emerging Scholars Conference (ESC) is a pioneering initiative conceived by the Department of Economics, Easwari School of Liberal Arts, SRM University-AP, India, to provide a dynamic academic platform for doctoral and early-career researchers to learn, present, discuss, and polish their innovative scholarly research. Instituted with the mission to foster academic excellence and global intellectual collaboration, ESC seeks to establish itself within multidisciplinary economics, connecting ideas from other social science fields.
Organised by PhD candidates in their advanced/final stage, with the support of faculty members, the conference offers a platform that ignites the spirit of academic curiosity, leadership, mentoring, peer learning, and innovation. It aims to provide an inclusive and enriching environment for emerging scholars to engage with contemporary debates, propose new theoretical and empirical frameworks, and contribute to advancing knowledge for global goals and social progress.
Each edition of the ESC conference shall be guided by a unique central theme based on the organising PhD candidates’ theses/research areas and on contemporary and evolving global issues. Through keynote sessions, panel discussions, paper presentations, and workshops, the conference will promote constructive dialogue among researchers, mentors, and practitioners. Finally, ESC aspires not just to build a legacy of scholarship that transcends disciplinary and geographical boundaries, but also to empower early-career researchers to become the next generation of thinkers to shape the world.
About ESC 2026
The Emerging Scholars Conference (ESC) is a pioneering initiative conceived by the Department of Economics, Easwari School of Liberal Arts, SRM University-AP, India, to provide a dynamic academic platform for doctoral and early-career researchers to learn, present, discuss, and polish their innovative scholarly research. Instituted with the mission to foster academic excellence and global intellectual collaboration, ESC seeks to establish itself within multidisciplinary economics, connecting ideas from other social science fields.
Organised by PhD candidates in their advanced/final stage, with the support of faculty members, the conference offers a platform that ignites the spirit of academic curiosity, leadership, mentoring, peer learning, and innovation. It aims to provide an inclusive and enriching environment for emerging scholars to engage with contemporary debates, propose new theoretical and empirical frameworks, and contribute to advancing knowledge for global goals and social progress.
Each edition of the ESC conference shall be guided by a unique central theme based on the organising PhD candidates’ theses/research areas and on contemporary and evolving global issues. Through keynote sessions, panel discussions, paper presentations, and workshops, the conference will promote constructive dialogue among researchers, mentors, and practitioners. Finally, ESC aspires not just to build a legacy of scholarship that transcends disciplinary and geographical boundaries, but also to empower early-career researchers to become the next generation of thinkers to shape the world.
Keynote Speaker
Prof. N R Bhanumurthy
Director Madras School of Economics
Important Dates
- Launch of call for abstract: January 12, 2026
- Last date for Abstract submission: March 07, 2026
- Notification of acceptance: March 15, 2026
- Registration opens: March 15, 2026
- Registration closes: March 31, 2026
- Full paper submission (optional): April 07, 2026
- Conference dates: April 17 - 18, 2026
Conference Tracks and Topics
Reimagining Development
- The future of increasing fragmented globalization: Implications of global value chains for trade resilience and development outcomes
- Financial globalization and the reconfiguration of global North-South relations
- Public-private partnership for inclusive growth and sustainable development
- Measuring and understanding multidimensional poverty in a globalized world
- Climate finance, adaptation, and resilience in a new world of the Global South
- Clean technologies and green growth
- Institutional quality, governance, and economic transformation
- The political economy of inequality and development in the Global South
- The role of institutional reforms in fostering sustainable development
- Globalization, labour market, income inequality, and public health
Institutions, Governance, Inclusive Growth, and Social Protection/Inclusion
Uncertainty, Risk, and Global Crisis
Digitalization, Innovation, and Future of Work
- Economic policy uncertainty, geopolitical risks, and development outcomes
- The polycrisis era: lessons for resilience and reforms
- Global shocks, financial stability, and poverty outcomes
- The role of digital transformation and innovation in crisis response
- The digital divide and inclusive technological transformation
- Automation, artificial intelligence, and labour market disruptions
- Digital finance, digital innovation, financial inclusion, and development outcomes
- Innovation ecosystems and economic diversification
Organising Committee
Patron
- Dr T R Paarivendhar, Chancellor
- Dr P Sathyanarayanan, Pro-Chancellor
- Prof. Ch. Satish Kumar, Vice Chancellor
- Dr R Premkumar, Registrar
- Prof. Vishnupad, Dean - Easwari School of Liberal Arts
Conveners
- Dr Manish Kumar, Head of Department
- Dr Prakash Kumar Shukla Assistant Professor
- Prof. Parag J Waknis, Professor
- Dr Adviti Devaguptapu, Assistant Professor
- Sodiq Olaide Bisiriyu, Organising PhD Candidate
Abstract Submission
Abstract submission:
We invite extended abstract of 500-700 words from PhD scholars and early-career researchers. The abstract should include problem statement, research questions/aims/objectives, data and methodology, key findings (or expected results), and contributions. NB: Only one submission per emerging scholar and authors is allowed; additionally the abstract should not contain the author’s details to ensure blind peer review.
Registration Details
| Category | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Presenters: PhD student and early-career researcher | 4,720 INR* | $100* |
| Attendees: (Student, Faculty and others | 2,360 INR | $50 |
Notes:
- Presenters must be registered PhD students or early-career researchers, who have completed their doctoral degree.
- All selected presenters (PhD students and early-career researchers) will be provided 3 nights’ twin-sharing accommodation, with complimentary breakfast and dinner. Other attendees are required to arrange their own accommodation.
- The registration fee covers conference kits, certificate, lunch, and refreshments during the conference.
- Registration fee once paid are non-refundable and is GST-inclusive.
- Both presenters and attendees are required to arrange their travels.
Visa and Travel Info
Reaching SRM University-AP
The SRM University–AP, Amaravati campus is located between the cities Vijayawada and Guntur. It can be reached from various parts of the country in several ways:
By Rail
Those coming from other states of India by train should get down at the Vijayawada railway station (railway code: BZA), which is well connected with almost all parts of the country. One can also use the Guntur railway station (code: GNT). You need to get a taxi from the stations to the SRM University-AP campus.
By Air
The nearest airport (about 45km) is the Vijayawada International Airport (IATA: VGA). You must get a taxi from the airport to the SRM University-AP campus.
By Bus
The buses operated by APSRTC from Pandit Nehru bus station and NTR bus station connect the city with Vijayawada and Guntur respectively.
Contact Us
Email: conf.esc2026@srmap.edu.in