Call for Papers Signals Growing Momentum for Policy Research in India
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru is set to host the 6th India Public Policy Network Conference from June 8 to 11, 2026. The event carries the theme “Public Policy Praxis in the Global South: Building Coherence and Capacity for Future Challenges.” Organizers have issued a call for papers that invites researchers, faculty members, and policy practitioners to submit abstracts by January 31, 2026.
This gathering represents a significant platform for scholars focused on public policy in developing economies. It emphasizes practical applications of policy knowledge drawn from real-world experience rather than purely theoretical frameworks.
Understanding the India Public Policy Network and Its Evolution
The India Public Policy Network serves as a collaborative platform connecting academics, practitioners, and institutions across the country. Previous editions have addressed topics ranging from governance reforms to economic policy challenges. The network has steadily expanded its reach, drawing participants from universities, think tanks, and government bodies.
Hosting duties for the sixth edition fall to NLSIU, one of India’s premier law schools with a strong tradition in interdisciplinary studies. The university’s location in Bengaluru provides convenient access for scholars from across South Asia and beyond.
Conference Theme and Its Relevance to the Global South
The chosen theme highlights the need for coherent policy approaches tailored to the unique contexts of developing nations. Public policy praxis refers to the iterative process of learning through practice, reflection, and adaptation. In the Global South, this approach gains particular importance amid rapid urbanization, climate pressures, and technological shifts.
Discussions will explore how Indian experiences can inform broader regional strategies. Participants are encouraged to examine intersections between law and policy, comparative governance models, and innovative teaching methods that move beyond Western-centric frameworks.
Submission Opportunities and Deadlines
Researchers may submit abstracts for individual papers or propose full panels. Accepted contributions can take the form of working papers, case studies, monographs, or documented interventions. The process supports both established scholars and emerging voices, including doctoral candidates seeking to present early-stage work.
Key dates include a panel submission deadline of December 12, 2025, and the abstract deadline of January 31, 2026. Full details and submission portals are available on the official conference pages hosted by NLSIU and the network website.
Conference Tracks and Focus Areas
Three primary tracks structure the program. The Teaching Track examines curriculum design and pedagogy in public policy programs within developing economies. Panels will consider how Indian institutions integrate emerging issues such as digital governance and sustainability into coursework.
The Research Track invites methodological innovations in studying policy-law intersections and comparative governance. The Praxis Track focuses on practical interventions and reflective contributions that bridge theory and implementation.
Benefits for Academics, Administrators, and Early-Career Researchers
Attendance offers direct engagement with peers addressing shared challenges in Indian higher education and policy training. Faculty members gain insights into curriculum development that can strengthen their own programs. Administrators may identify partnership opportunities with fellow institutions.
PhD-track job seekers benefit from exposure to potential collaborators and visibility among hiring committees. The conference environment encourages networking that often leads to co-authored publications or joint research projects.
Role of Regulatory Bodies and Institutional Support
Events of this scale align with broader efforts by bodies such as the University Grants Commission to promote interdisciplinary research. They also complement initiatives from the Ministry of Education aimed at enhancing India’s global research footprint in social sciences.
NLSIU’s involvement underscores the growing integration of legal education with public policy studies. This model supports the development of professionals equipped to handle complex governance issues in diverse regional contexts.
Implications for Policy Research and Higher Education in India
The conference contributes to capacity building in an area where demand for skilled researchers continues to rise. By focusing on the Global South, it positions Indian scholarship as a leader in context-specific policy analysis rather than a follower of imported models.
Outcomes from previous IPPN meetings have influenced policy discussions at state and national levels. This edition is expected to generate similar contributions, particularly around coherence in multi-level governance and responses to future challenges such as climate adaptation and digital transformation.
Practical Steps for Prospective Participants
Interested scholars should review the detailed call for papers on the NLSIU website. Abstracts should clearly articulate relevance to the Global South theme and demonstrate a balance between theoretical grounding and practical application.
Early preparation of panel proposals can strengthen submissions. Collaboration across institutions often enhances the appeal of proposed sessions. Registration information will be released closer to the event date.
Photo by Amaan Abid on Unsplash
Looking Ahead: Strengthening India’s Policy Research Ecosystem
As the conference approaches, it highlights the maturation of public policy as a distinct academic field in India. Continued investment in such platforms supports the training of the next generation of researchers and practitioners.
Readers interested in related opportunities can explore faculty positions and research roles through dedicated academic job platforms. The event serves as both a scholarly milestone and a catalyst for ongoing collaboration within India’s higher education landscape.
