Emerging Scholar Awards


Each year a small number of Emerging Scholar Awards are given to outstanding early-career scholars or graduate students. The Award offers complimentary registration and Network Membership. It provides a robust professional development opportunity for early career academics to meet experts in the field, interact with colleagues from other parts of the world, and create networks and lasting connections. In our model, we have two kinds of Emerging Scholars -- In-Person and Online Only. Across all formats, Emerging Scholars play a critical role in the conference by leading discussions and chairing parallel sessions and are offered a publication pathway for their research. This way, we can provide maximum exposure for this selected group of researchers.

To apply, follow the link below. You may also view further instructions by selecting our "Step-By-Step Guide."

Early Deadline: 15 February 2026
Final Deadline: 17 June 2026

In Their Words

As an Emerging Scholar, I found the IMAGE conference really refreshing and rewarding, as it was an intimate experience that allowed me to have depth of engagement with fellow conference attendees. The breadth of disciplines and the quality of conversations fostered is really commendable, and I look forward to being in ongoing community with the scholars and artists I met over the two days of the conference."

Anuj Vaidya, 2022 Awardee

Presenting my paper to an interdiciplinary audience and recieving their feedback has provided me with valuable input into the ways of approaching my future research."

Pat Naldi, 2014 Awardee

I really loved being an active participant in the operational side of the conference. It made this conference stand out for me in comparison with other conferences at which I have attended and presented papers."

Ulrike Sturm, 2014 Awardee