The Guatemala Scholars Network (GSN) is pleased to announce that we are seeking proposals for participation in this year’s conference in Antigua, Guatemala. The conference is open to proposals from scholars across all disciplines as well as activists, journalists, artists, practitioners, and the generally intellectually curious. 

Following the democratic victory of the 2023 elections, a victory sustained by a month of protests led by indigenous authorities, Guatemala is facing a governance crisis. Bernardo Arévalo’s dark horse presidency confronts fierce opposition from business and political elites who aim to stymie his agenda. The mercurial priorities of the United States in the region add geopolitical pressure and intensify the climate of uncertainty. 

Migration and remittances and their impact on Guatemala’s society and economy continue to be central to Guatemalan discourse, as do the growing pressures of extractivism, conflicts around land tenure, and the juridification of indigenous and social movements, which continue to redefine territorial struggles and collective rights. Urbanization and urban inequality continue apace while other crucial issues such as biodiversity, public health, Mayan languages and archaeology all require attention, analysis and reflection.

We invite all interested parties to share their research and perspectives at the 2025 conference. We look forward to sessions as diverse as Guatemala itself.

We accept four types of proposals:

1.  Individual presentations:

Individual presenters can submit a 250-word abstract of their paper, and the conference organizers will assemble thematic sessions of four papers each from among these submissions.

2. Panel proposals:

We also accept proposals for organized panels with four to six presenters and a moderator (this can be the panel organizer). The organizer of the session should submit a 250-word abstract for the panel along with the names of all confirmed participants, their affiliations, and the titles of their papers. Individual paper abstracts are not required as part of a panel proposal.

3. Workshop proposals

These are like panel proposals but should have a more applied or hands-on focus. Activism, professional development, and more generative sessions qualify as workshops. The organizer of the workshop should submit a 250-word abstract including the names of the other confirmed presenters.

4. Early-stage research speed session

Individuals that are in the early stages of developing a research idea can submit a 250-word abstract for our early-stage research speed session, in which each presenter has five minutes to present. This opportunity might be especially useful to graduate students or those beginning new projects. It provides an opportunity to share ideas and give feedback.