Call for Focused Sessions for City+2027@HongKong

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

City+2027@HongKong invites proposals for Focused Sessions that bring together researchers, practitioners and policymakers around clearly defined research topics. We particularly welcome interdisciplinary and forward-looking proposals that foster dialogue across geographical, disciplinary and professional contexts.

Accepted Focused Sessions will form part of the official City+2027@HongKong programme. Following acceptance, sessions may be included in the conference-wide Call for Abstracts, allowing additional contributors to submit abstracts for consideration. 

01   Proposal Requirements

Focused Session Proposals addressing any area of urban studies are welcome. Each proposal should include:

1. Session title of approximately 10–20 words.
2. Session description of approximately 200–300 words, outlining the topic, rationale and key research questions.
3. Session convenor(s): name, position, affiliation, email address and a short biography (50–100 words) for each convenor. Each proposal may have one to three convenors, all of whom must hold a PhD degree.
4. Potential contributors: details of at least five potential speakers, including their names, positions and affiliations.

PLANNING NOTE  Convenors are encouraged to identify a broad pool of potential contributors so that the session remains viable if one or two prospective participants are subsequently unable to attend.

02   Review and Session Organisation

All Focused Session proposals will be reviewed by the City+ Conference Committee. Once a session is accepted, its convenor(s) will work closely with the Committee to organise the session.

Abstracts submitted to accepted Focused Sessions will also be reviewed by the City+ Conference Committee. Convenors are not expected to serve as formal reviewers, but will be consulted, where appropriate, on the selection and arrangement of contributions to their sessions.

CONVENOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Promote the session through academic and professional networks
2. Encourage suitable contributors to submit abstracts
3. Coordinate with contributors and the City+ Conference Committee as necessary
4. Organise and chair the session during the conference

03   Attendance and Session Confirmation

At least one named Focused Session convenor must register for City+2027@HongKong, attend the conference in person and chair the session. If the designated convenor is unable to attend due to exceptional circumstances, the City+ Conference Committee must be informed in advance and approve a suitable replacement.

Focused Sessions will be confirmed based on the number of registered presentations by the session confirmation deadline. Sessions that do not meet the minimum requirement may be merged with another relevant session, or their presentations may be transferred to appropriate general sessions.

There is no maximum number of presentations for a Focused Session. Convenors are therefore encouraged to invite and engage as many relevant prospective contributors as possible, both to accommodate potential withdrawals and to broaden participation. Where a Focused Session attracts a larger number of accepted and registered presentations, the contributions may be organised into multiple related sessions within the conference programme.

04   Recognition and Registration Benefit

Convenors of accepted Focused Sessions will receive:

1. Official recognition. Convenors will be recognised as Focused Session convenor(s) on the City+2027@HongKong conference website and in the official conference programme and/or handbook.
2. Reduced registration fee. Each Focused Session will be eligible for one convenor registration at the student rate.

Please note: The benefit applies to the registration fee only. Travel, accommodation and other associated expenses remain the responsibility of participants.