The 24th East-West Center International Graduate Student Conference
Conference Dates: February 13-16, 2025
Each year, the East-West Center welcomes graduate students from around the world for the annual International Graduate Student Conference (EWC-IGSC) on the Asia Pacific region. Launched in 2002, this student-run and organized Conference provides an opportunity for scholars to share interdisciplinary perspectives formally, through presenting research papers and attending other panel presentations, and informally in the multi-cultural environment of the East-West Center in Hawai‘i.
2025 Theme: Our Unique Planet
Navigating our Shared Future
Life on Earth has become more and more challenging in recent decades. Economic recessions; teeming conflicts; humanitarian crises; environmental and climate change; and development of new technologies and explorations continue to (re) define our lives, the search for meaning and the quest for a dignified life. The complexity of these pressing challenges compels us to seek new forms of epistemology, to deconstruct existing knowledge, to construct new knowledge, and to integrate indigenous knowledge systems and ways of life with collective action.
In this process, we, as international graduate students living in Hawai‘i, learn and draw inspiration from Hawaiian and other Indigenous cultures. Native Hawaiians (Kānaka ‘Ōiwi) deeply care for and have responsibilities for their ‘āina (land) and believe in a sacred connection between people and nature. Their values emphasize sustainability and environmental protection, reflecting a deep love and respect for the earth. Hawai‘i's unique East-West cultural intersection gives the concept a deeper connotation, making it uniquely meaningful and influential globally.
For Whom
At IGSC 2025, we invite students and young scholars, practitioners, artists, and scientists whose work tries to delve into the richness and complexity of our world to seek novel approaches to understanding challenges faced by Earth and humankind, deconstruct and reconstruct meanings, rethink people’s connectivity to the Earth and look for innovative methods of accommodation while seeking to understand and learn from indigenous epistemologies and collective action towards better solutions for shared problems.
Fields of Study
We encourage submissions from all disciplines and interdisciplinary backgrounds that engage in work related to the Asia Pacific. Submissions can range from fields related to (but not limited to) philosophy, politics, conflict studies, natural sciences, technology and innovation, design, climate change, environmental and disaster management, economics, indigenous studies, the humanities, humanitarian action, health, education and the arts.
Funding
Limited funding is available to attend, and we encourage you to seek funding from other sources.
For any inquiries or questions regarding the conference, please connect with us at [email protected]
Logistical Information (FAQs)
The IGSC Frequently Asked Questions pages contain comprehensive information regarding the conference, including abstract submission, registration and fees, and guidelines for presenters.
Conference Venue and Accommodation
The conference is scheduled to be held at the Hawaiʻi Imin International Conference Center, at 1777 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96848, which adjoins the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa campus and the East-West Center residence halls. Refer to the Imin Conference Center website for more information.
A limited number of rooms at the East-West Center residence halls are reserved for registered conference participants. Special rates will be made available for conference participants but will be applicable only for the conference dates. (However, once you check out, the special rates will not be applicable if you check in again during the specified period). Make sure that you mention the International Graduate Student Conference when you reserve a room.
The rates per night for the conference participants are as follows:
Lincoln Hall
- Studio room - $70/night
- Corner Studio room - $88/night
- 1 bedroom w/kitchen room - $105/night
Hale Mānoa Dormitory
$29/night
Rent is due upon check in.
Please refer to the EWC Housing website for details (including pictures of the rooms) and reservation procedure.
Participants are requested to get in touch with EWC Housing authorities directly for their accommodation reservation as well as questions thereto by email at: [email protected]. Please wait until you are notified about the results of abstract selection committee before making a reservation.
We look forward to welcoming you to the East-West Center. In preparation of your arrival, please visit our East-West Center Participant Information webpage where you can find useful tips for your stay here.
U.S. Visa Information
Non-US participants who need a B-1 visa to enter the United States are encouraged to start looking for information related to obtaining a US visa in your country. The following websites may be useful for you:
US Embassies
- for embassy location, policies, and procedures for visa applications/issuance
Visa Appointments & Waiting Times
- for wait times for required visa appointments/issuance by consular post
Visa Waiver Program
- for countries participating in a visa waiver program with the United States
Please note that the EWC does not provide visa assistance. However, the abstract acceptance email for the conference serves as a valid document for you to initiate your visa process.
Past Conferences
For additional information, as well as photos, please refer to the web pages for past conferences, available in the right-hand menu.
Contact Information
The International Graduate Student Conference
c/o EWC Education Program
1601 East-West Road, Burns Hall 2089
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96848
USA
Ph. (808) 944-7458
Fax (808) 944-7070
Email: [email protected]
The 24th East-West Center International Graduate Student Conference
Conference Dates: February 13-16, 2025
Each year, the East-West Center welcomes graduate students from around the world for the annual International Graduate Student Conference (EWC-IGSC) on the Asia Pacific region. Launched in 2002, this student-run and organized Conference provides an opportunity for scholars to share interdisciplinary perspectives formally, through presenting research papers and attending other panel presentations, and informally in the multi-cultural environment of the East-West Center in Hawai‘i.
2025 Theme: Our Unique Planet
Navigating our Shared Future
Life on Earth has become more and more challenging in recent decades. Economic recessions; teeming conflicts; humanitarian crises; environmental and climate change; and development of new technologies and explorations continue to (re) define our lives, the search for meaning and the quest for a dignified life. The complexity of these pressing challenges compels us to seek new forms of epistemology, to deconstruct existing knowledge, to construct new knowledge, and to integrate indigenous knowledge systems and ways of life with collective action.
In this process, we, as international graduate students living in Hawai‘i, learn and draw inspiration from Hawaiian and other Indigenous cultures. Native Hawaiians (Kānaka ‘Ōiwi) deeply care for and have responsibilities for their ‘āina (land) and believe in a sacred connection between people and nature. Their values emphasize sustainability and environmental protection, reflecting a deep love and respect for the earth. Hawai‘i's unique East-West cultural intersection gives the concept a deeper connotation, making it uniquely meaningful and influential globally.
For Whom
At IGSC 2025, we invite students and young scholars, practitioners, artists, and scientists whose work tries to delve into the richness and complexity of our world to seek novel approaches to understanding challenges faced by Earth and humankind, deconstruct and reconstruct meanings, rethink people’s connectivity to the Earth and look for innovative methods of accommodation while seeking to understand and learn from indigenous epistemologies and collective action towards better solutions for shared problems.
Fields of Study
We encourage submissions from all disciplines and interdisciplinary backgrounds that engage in work related to the Asia Pacific. Submissions can range from fields related to (but not limited to) philosophy, politics, conflict studies, natural sciences, technology and innovation, design, climate change, environmental and disaster management, economics, indigenous studies, the humanities, humanitarian action, health, education and the arts.
Funding
Limited funding is available to attend, and we encourage you to seek funding from other sources.
For any inquiries or questions regarding the conference, please connect with us at [email protected]
Logistical Information (FAQs)
The IGSC Frequently Asked Questions pages contain comprehensive information regarding the conference, including abstract submission, registration and fees, and guidelines for presenters.
Conference Venue and Accommodation
The conference is scheduled to be held at the Hawaiʻi Imin International Conference Center, at 1777 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96848, which adjoins the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa campus and the East-West Center residence halls. Refer to the Imin Conference Center website for more information.
A limited number of rooms at the East-West Center residence halls are reserved for registered conference participants. Special rates will be made available for conference participants but will be applicable only for the conference dates. (However, once you check out, the special rates will not be applicable if you check in again during the specified period). Make sure that you mention the International Graduate Student Conference when you reserve a room.
The rates per night for the conference participants are as follows:
Lincoln Hall
- Studio room - $70/night
- Corner Studio room - $88/night
- 1 bedroom w/kitchen room - $105/night
Hale Mānoa Dormitory
$29/night
Rent is due upon check in.
Please refer to the EWC Housing website for details (including pictures of the rooms) and reservation procedure.
Participants are requested to get in touch with EWC Housing authorities directly for their accommodation reservation as well as questions thereto by email at: [email protected]. Please wait until you are notified about the results of abstract selection committee before making a reservation.
We look forward to welcoming you to the East-West Center. In preparation of your arrival, please visit our East-West Center Participant Information webpage where you can find useful tips for your stay here.
U.S. Visa Information
Non-US participants who need a B-1 visa to enter the United States are encouraged to start looking for information related to obtaining a US visa in your country. The following websites may be useful for you:
US Embassies
- for embassy location, policies, and procedures for visa applications/issuance
Visa Appointments & Waiting Times
- for wait times for required visa appointments/issuance by consular post
Visa Waiver Program
- for countries participating in a visa waiver program with the United States
Please note that the EWC does not provide visa assistance. However, the abstract acceptance email for the conference serves as a valid document for you to initiate your visa process.
Past Conferences
For additional information, as well as photos, please refer to the web pages for past conferences, available in the right-hand menu.
Contact Information
The International Graduate Student Conference
c/o EWC Education Program
1601 East-West Road, Burns Hall 2089
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96848
USA
Ph. (808) 944-7458
Fax (808) 944-7070
Email: [email protected]