Tatmadaw’s 2021 coup d’etat precipitated a crisis for Myanmar and its people. Scholars are taking stock of how the coup has reshaped a wide range of issues, encompassing conflict, livelihoods, gender relations, and the environment. In doing so, they ask if the coup has indeed undermined long-held orthodoxies in Myanmar, or if much of what appears to have changed is actually a continuation of underlying processes. But although crises tear apart, they can also mend. New social relations are being formed among people and groups who were once divided, and as a result, new aspirations for the country are taking root. As scholars continue their support for research and educational endeavours, they too participate in co-creating these new futures.

The 15th International Burma Studies Conference 2023 brings together students and researchers of the country and the region. By sharing findings, debating ideas, and discussing difficult issues, the conference will contribute to understanding crisis, change, and continuity at a pivotal point in Myanmar’s history. The Burma Studies Group, the Myanmar-Institut and the University of Zurich cordially invite you to participate in this exciting conference! We invite papers on all aspects of Burma/Myanmar Studies.

The conference is accepting proposals for either individual papers or whole panels by November 15, 2022. Prospective participants must submit – via attached Word document (.doc .docx) or pasted in an email – a title and 150-250 word abstract for his or her paper, as well as the presenter’s name, affiliation, contact information, and mode of attendance (in-person or online participation). If you are a panel organiser, kindly also submit a panel abstract in addition to individual abstracts for every participant on one continuous document. Please send this information to: conference@myanmar-institut.org.

Accepted participants and panel organisers will be notified on or before January 15, 2023. The conference will be held at the University of Zurich. The possibility for online participation is planned. It will open for registration on Friday morning, June 9th, with panels starting on Friday at noon, Saturday and Sunday morning. More information will be forthcoming on program, and updates will be posted on the conference website.

The conference conveners look forward to seeing you in Zurich in June 2023!