Submissions period is closed

The conference particularly invites submissions focusing on research topics detailed in the CfP. Work on core HDCA themes is also welcome.

While the papers may come from any discipline and may be theoretical, applied, or policy-based, every paper must engage with, apply, extend, criticise, or offer insights specifically relevant to the capability approach and/or the human development paradigm and be aligned with the conference theme and sub-themes.

Each proposal will be peer reviewed by panels appointed by the program committee. The main criteria for evaluating the various kinds of submissions will be; novelty/originality; clarity and structure; significance/impact/relevance to/engagement with the capability approach and/or human development; methodology and methods; fit with the conference theme.

Important deadlines

January 20, 2024         Submission open

February 29, 2024       Submission of proposals closes

April 15, 2024             Announcement of paper acceptance/rejection

April 30, 2023             Deadline for scholarship applications

June 15, 2024             Deadline for conference registration at early-bird rates

July 15, 2024              Submission of full papers entries for the Kuklys prizes

August 22, 2024         Final deadline for conference registration at standard rates

Categories under which proposals may be submitted:

1. Academic paper sessions, for which single papers can be submitted. Each paper will be presented in a session with 2 or 3 other submissions (25 minutes per paper including Q&A). Please send an abstract of 500-1,000 words, with a list of 3-5 keywords.
2. Research and Action sessions, for which a set of presentations can be submitted, describing and analyzing a particular field of action and the way it links with the human development paradigm and/or capability approach. Each session will include 3 or 4 other presentations (20 minutes per presentation including Q&A). Please send an abstract of 500-1,000 words, with a list of 3-5 keywords describing the particular field of action and an abstract of 500-1,000 words, with a list of 3-5 keywords, for each of the presentations included in the proposed session. The coordinator will act as the contact person for all presenters.
3. Thematic panel sessions, for which a set of papers on a single theme related to this year’s conference theme or to the subject of one or more of the HDCA’s thematic groups is submitted. Panel proposals are welcome from the thematic group coordinators as well as from people unaffiliated with them. We particularly welcome interdisciplinary panels and panels that combine academic perspectives with those of practitioners. Each thematic panel should have a maximum of three presentations. It is also possible to propose two panels on the same theme. Each thematic panel must have a coordinator who submits a panel abstract of up to 1,000 words, plus 3-5 keywords as well as an abstract of 500-1,000 words, with a list of 3-5 keywords, for each of the papers included in the session. The coordinator will act as the contact person for the thematic session(s) and the other panel presenters. (NB: If not all of the papers in the proposed panel session are evaluated favorably, the approved papers will be regarded as individual academic papers and may be allocated to the sessions in point 1.)
4. Author-meets-critics sessions, in which an author presents a summary of a recent book or larger piece of research. Each author should send a 500-word synopsis of the relevant book or research project, along with 3-5 keywords. The submission should also include the names of one or two confirmed discussants. Discussants can be researchers, but we particularly encourage including at least one practitioner (or organization) as proposed discussants.
5. Roundtables, which are intended to engage policymakers or (non-)governmental stakeholders, or to organize discussions with practitioners about practical approaches to dealing with the problems that are the focus of the conference. Please send a 500 – 1,000 word abstract, plus 3-5 keywords. Also include information on the roundtable participants, affiliations, and whether the participation of each of them has been confirmed. Submissions can be academic-led or practitioner-led.
6. Young-scholar-meets-senior-scholar sessions, intended for graduate students to present their research plan or work in progress (paper proposals should be 500-1000 words, with 3-5 keywords). Senior scholars, including HDCA Fellows, will provide feedback and chair the discussion.
7. Documentaries – If you would like to present and discuss your film or documentary during this conference, please send in a proposal with background and motivation (500-1000 words).
8. Poster, for which dedicated time slots will be available in the program so that authors can communicate their ideas to the circulating audience. Posters could present a research project, some completed fieldwork, a case study, or an early-stage research proposal. Please send an abstract of 300-600 words, with a list of 3-5 keywords.

The Kolkata conference will be open to both in-person and online participation. A variety of sessions, events and panels will be organized during pre-conference days and three conference days.

Information to come

VISA INFORMATION

All participants are requested to check for visa requirements to enter India and you may qualify for the e-conference visa or via-mail or in-person depending on where you are located.

For specific details on what documentations are expected from the embassy please visit the local Indian embassy. For example, Indian embassies in China, Australia, Germany and US are listed below:

• Australia – https://www.cgisydney.gov.in/
• China –https://www.eoibeijing.gov.in/
• Germany- -https://indianembassyberlin.gov.in/pages?id=MQ,,&subid=NDI
• USA – https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/

All government agency links in India end with “gov.in” so you know the authenticity of the website as being governmental (or federal – as it is called in many countries).

List of Indian Embassies and Consulates  https://embassies.net/india-embassy

Recommended Types of Visas

• Tourist Visa
  Valid for – Five years
  Type of Entry – Multiple
  Extendable in India – No
  Fee-185$
  Tourist e-visa- 25$-80$
  Documents Required for Application – Applicants need to provide proof regarding their financial standing, that is, return ticket and sufficient money to spend during their stay in the country

• Conference e-Visa
  Valid for – 30 days
  Extendable in India – No
  Documents Required for Application – Invitation letter,  Clearance from MEA and MHA
  Fee – 13$ -113$

How to Apply for a Visa?

You can apply for a visa both online and offline. In the case of offline visa applications, usually you need to download the application form and fill it with the required details. Then, you have to submit the filled application form supported by all required credentials at your concerned visa application centre. Different countries may have different application procedures for applying for visas. Many countries may not accept offline visa applications. Also, the cost involved in applying for a visa also differs from country to country.

How to Complete an Online Indian Visa Application

• Step 1: Begin by visiting the official website of the Indian Bureau of Immigration. https://boi.gov.in/boi/ The link for visa application is: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
• Step 2: Choose the ‘REGULAR/PAPER VISA APPLICATION’ section. Fill out the application form attentively.
• Step 3: As you progress, make sure to periodically save your application and upload the necessary documents and images. Once you’ve completed the process, click the ‘Submit’ button.
• Step 4: Next, select a suitable date and time for an appointment and proceed to pay the visa application fee.

e-Conference Visa to India – Definition, Eligibility Criteria and Provisions

The major requirement for the e-conference is the production of the invitation letter to the seminar, workshop or conference even if one is not presenting a paper.

• The stay days in India one-Conference Visa will be 30 days.
• Single entry is permitted for Indian e-Conference Visa.

Unlike other visas, the e-conference visa has a validity period of three months. The duration is counted from the day you are issued with the visa and not from the time you enter India.

Application Process for the e-Conference Visa

You can find information about the process and eligible countries here – click on ‘Countries/Nationalities who are eligible to avail eVisa’ on the left hand menu.: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. The application process is online https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/ / You need to be sure that you have the following:

• A passport with at least six months validity
• Scanned copies of your recent colored photo. The size should not exceed 10 MB and the dimensions should be 2in. X 2In. Otherwise, you will not be able to upload the file until you get the correct format.
• A copy of your passport
• Enough money to pay for the visa. The charges range from USD 13- USD 113. The specific amount will be indicated as you complete the form. Payment method: VISA and MasterCard.
• Proof of the address of your residence
• Following letters
  A formal letter of invitation from India.
  Evidence of political clearance by MEA
  Evidence of MHA event clearance or an NOC

Link to the Google Form – Invitation  Letter -HDCA 2024 

For us to secure political Clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs ( MEA) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) please fill in the required Invitation letter form for HDCA 2024 to facilitate your  e-visa by getting the requisite clearances. Once these clearances are secured they will be made available on the links.

Sample e-Conference Visa Form

• Please  visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html to view the sample form details.

Please continue to follow the proper protocol for conference visa application and visit your local Indian Embassy’s website for specific details on what documentations are expected from the embassy.

Submissions are applicable to the countries listed above. Please continue to follow the proper protocol for conference visa application and visit your local Indian Embassy’s website for specific details regarding which documents are expected from the embassy to apply for a conference visa. You will not receive an update regarding the form submission. The information will be submitted to one of the Indian ministries which will distribute the information internally to the corresponding embassy/consulate.

How to check your Visa Status Online?

Visa status checks can be done online. In order to check your visa status online, you need to visit the visa status enquiry section of a particular consulate and keep certain information handy with you. To know your passport visa status, you may be required to put the following information:

• Application ID
• Passport number

You can also track your visa status by visiting a third-party website and entering your passport number and date of birth. It is very easy to track your visa status by using your passport number.

IMPORTANT

Visa approval can take a few months, and so we strongly encourage you to apply well in advance.

On-line conference registration will open in April 2024 Students and scholars from low- and mid-income countries will pay reduced registration fee, and some concession rates will be available for participants from high-income countries. 

Registration rates are as follow:

°NGO worker or similar or unwaged

Scholarships
Link to Application Form

HDCA Conference scholarships to cover part of the cost to attend are available to people presenting papers at the 2024 Conference.  Scholarships will be awarded based on merit and need to: a) early career scholars presenting single-authored papers, and b) scholars residing in low- and mid-income (for jointly authored papers to qualify for a scholarship, all authors must reside in a low- or middle-income country and only one of the authors can apply for a scholarship.) Scholarships are not awarded for poster presentations. As we are unable to assess need directly we request that you apply for a scholarship only if you would not otherwise be able to attend the Conference.

In addition, the HDCA, in association with the Human Development Report Office (HDRO), will also award up up to three prestigious Ul Haq Early Career Scholarships to attend the Conference in person. Each award will provide up to $2500 to cover travel, visas, accommodation, and registration fees. Please note that applicants must have received a score of 4/80 or higher on their conference proposal. Awards will be determined by a joint selection committee of the HDCA and HDRO.

Applicants can be considered for both types of scholarships but only one scholarship will be awarded per recipient. The deadline for scholarship applications is: 7 May, 2024.

Ul Haq Early Career Scholarships – Details

The HDCA in association with the Human Development Report Office (HDRO) is pleased to invite applications for up to three prestigious Ul Haq Early Career Scholarships to attend the HDCA 2024 annual conference, in person.

Mahbub ul Haq was an economist, international development theorist, and politician who served two periods as the Minister of Finance of Pakistan  Mahbub ul Haq was the pioneer in developing the concept of human development, and led the establishment of the United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Report and the Human Development Index, pivotal in placing people at the heart of global development policy debate. He not only articulated the human development philosophy for development planning, but he also provided a now widely used statistical measure to quantify indicators of human development.

Each award will provide up to $2500 to cover travel, visas, accommodation and registration fees for the conference in Kolkata, India, 24-26 September.

Eligibility Criteria:

1) Applicants should be enrolled in a PhD programme in any discipline, or early career researchers who are within 5 years of finishing their PhD.

2) They must have had a proposal accepted for the conference with a minimum grade of 4/80.

3) Priority will be given to scholars studying and working in low- and middle-income countries but high-income country applicants will also be considered.

4) Disciplinary diversity will inform the selection.

5) Financial need for conference support.

In the year following the conference, successful applicants will be expected to:

• Join a Thematic Group and Regional Network and to be active members.
• To present at least one joint HDRO- HDCA webinar.
• To develop their conference paper into an article for submission to the JHDC. Each successful applicant will be assigned a mentor to assist them with this process, including reading and commenting on their draft article.

Information to come

The Kuklys prize is annually awarded at the HDCA conference for the best conference paper written by a graduate student. Normally the same person can only win the award once. The Kuklys Prize is aimed at promoting the work of graduate students in the field of human development and the capability approach. It is named in memory of Wiebke Kuklys, who, as an Economics PhD student at Cambridge University, advanced the capability approach by exploring the application of new statistical techniques. Wiebke studied in Germany, Chile, and England, and combined an open mind for new ideas with a concern for the most vulnerable people and she believed that high-quality research could contribute to making the world a better place to live in. Wiebke died in June 2005, at the age of 33, only a few months after receiving her PhD degree. Her dissertation was published posthumously by Springer under the title “Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach: Theoretical Insights and Empirical Applications.”

If you would like to be considered for the prize, please notify the Kolkata organizers at hdcakolkata2024@gmail.com by May 31. Full papers must be submitted by July 7.

HDCA Summer School 2024
Friday 20 and Saturday 21, September 2024
Kolkata, India

Registration will open in early May

Summer School Programme

We are excited to announce that this year HDCA Summer School will take place in person on Friday 20 and Saturday 21, September 2024, Kolkata, India, ahead of the HDCA conference.

The summer school aims to develop participants’ knowledge and understanding of key concepts in human development, with a particular focus on the capability approach. Giulia Greco (Giulia.Greco@lshtm.ac.uk) and Oliver Mutanga (oliverm.junior@gmail.com) will lead the summer school, joined by special guest tutors and speakers.

The two-day programme will include sessions delivered by senior capability scholars and practitioners covering foundational concepts in human development and the capability approach, measurement issues, inequalities, and sustainability. Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss their research projects and receive feedback in a workshop-style. All sessions will be in person and in English.

Summer School Eligibility

The programme is specifically designed for doctoral students and post-doctoral scholars who already have some understanding of development issues and are currently working with the capability approach.  To be eligible for the 2024 HDCA summer school you must be a current doctoral student or postdoctoral researcher (within 2 years of receiving your doctorate) working with the capability approach. You must also attend the main HDCA conference in Kolkata (separate registration and payment required).

Priority will be given to students who have not previously attended an HDCA summer school. Applications from students who have previously attended an HDCA summer school will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you have any queries about your suitability for the summer school, please email the Education Officers, Giulia Greco and Oliver Mutanga for clarification.

Registration

The registration fee for the summer school is USD 80. It will include participation in the two-day programme, refreshments, two lunches, one evening meal, and course materials. It will not include travel or accommodation costs, so participants will need to budget accordingly. A wide range of accommodation is available locally.

If you are awarded a scholarship for this year’s main HDCA conference, you will be eligible to apply for up to USD 100 towards your accommodation costs for attending the summer school (payable following summer school registration).

Further details regarding the summer school registration process and practical information for the event (venue, etc.) will be provided when the main conference registration opens in May.

Please note summer school places are limited and usually fill up very quickly.

Giulia Greco, HDCA Education Officer
Oliver Mutanga, HDCA Education Officer