CALAS Call for Proposals: Platform for Dialogue

The Maria Sibylla Merian Center for Advanced Latin American Studies (CALAS)

is awarding

Funding to organize two “Platforms for Dialogue”

The Maria Sibylla Merian Center for Advanced Latin American Studies (CALAS) is calling for proposals to coordinate two “Platforms for Dialogue”; one located at its headquarters in Guadalajara, Mexico, and the other at its Southern Cone and Brazil regional office in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The “Platform for Dialogue” is a collaborative format designed to promote and foster interdisciplinary, interregional, and intergenerational discussion on a specific topic. It is an academic event intended for a group of 15 to 30 participants and can last from two to four days. Financial support of up to EUR 20,000 is provided to organize the event.

Thematic Scope: Horizons of the Future

Latin America is experiencing an intensification of multiple crises. For several years, CALAS’s research has focused on critical questions regarding how these crises and processes of change are triggered, perceived, reflected upon, and addressed by different social actors. In the current phase of CALAS’s transdisciplinary research, titled “Creating Horizons: Accelerations, Transformations, Emergencies,” the focus is on 1) the acceleration of social processes that permeates all spheres of social life and produces different social responses and consequences to civilizational crises; 2) the transformation of worldviews and perspectives, of social and politico-economic practices and structures, and of ways of thinking and knowing, with the aim of achieving a just and inclusive transformation; 3) the emergence of new practices—including social, artistic, and politico-cultural actions—their potential, their transformations, and their spread throughout Latin America, as well as exploring epistemological proposals that reflect on the relationship and confrontation between the human and the non-human. Therefore, CALAS proposes to work on the “creation of horizons” in the sense of a close exchange between the academic world and non-academic actors.

For more information about CALAS and its lines of research, please visit the Center’s website: www.calas.lat

Eligibility Requirements

The call for applications is open to scholars with a university degree in the humanities or social sciences. At least one of the coordinators must have completed a Ph.D. and have experience organizing academic events. Since CALAS promotes international, interdisciplinary, and transatlantic dialogue, coordination teams must consist of 2–3 people from different countries and disciplines with a proven track record of prior collaboration.

Proposals that address topics of high relevance to Latin America and that have not yet been addressed or explored in depth within CALAS’s research areas are highly valued. The format of the Platform for Dialogue also encourages creative approaches that facilitate reflection and discussion among event participants and includes proposals for sharing knowledge generation beyond the academic world.

CALAS encourages gender parity and is committed to the inclusion of qualified individuals with disabilities. CALAS’s research promotion programs aim for gender parity and promote affirmative action policies.

CALAS administrative staff at both locations will handle all organizational and financial matters related to the event (invitations, logistics, travel and lodging, financial arrangements).

The event coordination team is responsible for submitting a written report on the event no later than one month after its conclusion.

Application:
You must complete the online application form and attach the following documents in PDF format and in Spanish or English:

• A letter of motivation explaining how the theme of the Platform for Dialogue fits into the research program “Creating Horizons: Accelerations, Transformations, Emergencies,” noting how it relates to at least one of the three themes mentioned above, preferably the “Accelerations” theme (maximum 2 pages)

• Curriculum vitae of the coordinators, including a list of relevant publications (maximum 2 pages)

• A detailed proposal outlining the topic and issues to be addressed (maximum 10 pages), including

  • the current state of international research in the field, with background literature

  • background/preparatory work by the coordinators related to the topic

  • concrete plans for publishing/disseminating the project’s results

  • the group’s prospects for future collaboration

  • budget estimate. If the organizers have additional funds, the application must provide details on the type of funding, the amount, and how these funds will be used.

• A preliminary program designed to facilitate discussion, including a list of potential speakers (names, disciplines, country, confirmed yes/no)

• Call for participants (if applicable).

Important dates:

• Call for proposals opens: October 15, 2026

• Call for proposals closes: January 11, 2027

• Notification of results: April 15, 2027

• Platform implementation: The platforms are expected to take place between September and November 2027.

Due to the high number of applications expected, we cannot provide reasons for rejections.

Further Information:

María Sibylla Merian Center for Advanced Latin American Studies

Dr. Jochen Kemner, General Manager

Tel. ++52 33 3819 3000 (ext. 23594)

Email: merian.calas[at]gmail[dot]com