Conference | 24–26 February 2027
Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
Bengaluru, India
Call for Papers
Understanding an object involves examining the network of relationships it has with other elements in its environment. Investigating the Field invites researchers and practitioners to explore the idea of the field as both a method of inquiry and a framework for understanding interdisciplinary research and practice.
Abstract Submission Deadline – 5 October 2026
About the Conference
Investigating the Field explores the idea of “the field” as a space of inquiry, practice and knowledge production. Bringing together researchers, practitioners, artists, designers, architects, social scientists, filmmakers, writers and ecologists, the conference examines how field-based approaches shape observation, making, collaboration and interdisciplinary research.
The conference welcomes proposals that investigate the relationships between research, practice and context across diverse disciplines.
The conference will be held in person at the Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bengaluru, on 24–26 February 2027.
Conference Themes
Field as Method
Methodologies of fieldwork across anthropology, sociology, ecology, architecture, design, media and related disciplines.
Interconnected Meanings
Relationships between multiple fields of knowledge and practice that contribute to meaning-making.
Research and Practice
Practice-led, practice-based and field-based research that bridges theory and application.
Reflecting on Fieldwork Experiences
Ethics, reflexivity, positionality, documentation and the politics of working in the field.
Submission Categories
The conference welcomes submissions in the following formats:
- Individual Papers
- Panels
- Posters
- Multi-modal Presentations
Please refer to the Call for Papers for submission guidelines and formatting requirements.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
| Call for Papers Opens | September 2026 |
| Abstract Submission Deadline | 5 October 2026 |
| Notification of Acceptance | 20 October 2026 (or earlier) |
| Early Bird Registration | 25 October – 10 November 2026 |
| Regular Registration | 11 November – 22 December 2026 |
| Auditor Registration Closes | 30 January 2027 |
| Conference Dates | 24–26 February 2027 |
Venue
Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Govindapura, Yelahanka
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560063
Google Maps
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FQrbD7jSHXNmWNBE8
Downloads
Registration & Submission
Abstract Submission
Email your submission to: fieldconf.smi@manipal.edu
Deadline: 5 October 2026
Organising Committee
(To be updated)
Conference Chair
Conference Co-chair
Scientific Committee
Organising Committee
Student Volunteers
Conference Programme
A detailed programme will be announced following acceptance of submissions.
Tentative programme includes:
- Opening Plenary
- Keynote Sessions
- Parallel Paper Sessions
- Poster Presentations
- Multi-modal Presentations
- Publishers’ Exhibition
- Networking Dinner
- Closing Plenary
Optional Conference Activities
Selected optional activities are being planned alongside the conference, including:
- Narrative Walks on and off campus
- Practice and Research Tours
- Multi-modal Site Presentations
Details will be announced closer to the conference.
Accommodation & Travel
Accommodation recommendations and travel information will be published following acceptance notifications.
Contact
Conference Email : fieldconf.smi@manipal.edu
Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Bengaluru