Format

The conference will adopt a mixed format of keynote lectures, panels, and workshop activities, all of which will take place in a continuous plenary session. The conference will be practical in nature, aimed at uncovering best practices, common themes and challenges. Each session of the conference will take place as a 75 minute block, followed by a 15 minute break. We invite proposals for whole 75 minute blocks, which could take the format of a panel discussions, workshops, thematic paper presentations, or other formats.

Topics include but are not limited to:

• Interdisciplinarity in the context of the Asian liberal arts university
• Interdisciplinarity, the common core, and general education
• Transdisciplinary research and learning with industry and/or society
• Integration of humanities and natural sciences
• Building successful interdisciplinary research projects
• Managing change in institutional structures to promote interdisciplinarity
• Designing courses and curricula to foster interdisciplinary learning

Schedule

Thursday 13 November: Arrival and Welcome Dinner
Friday 14 November: Keynote and Plenary Sessions
Saturday 15 November: Keynote and Plenary Sessions; departure after lunch.

Transport and Accommodation

Speakers will arrange their own transportation. Duke Kunshan University is located between Shanghai and Suzhou and has plentiful high speed rail connections throughout China via the Kunshan South or Yangchenghu stations. The nearest airport is Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) approximately 45 minutes from the campus. Many international flights arrive at Shanghai Pudong (PVG), approximately 2 hours from the campus. Accommodation and meals for all accepted presenters will be provided by Duke Kunshan University in its well-appointed conference center. There is no registration fee.

Submissions

Proposals for complete 75 minute sessions should include a title, description (max 300 words), and the names, affiliations, contact information, and one paragraph biography of all presenters. Submissions should be sent by September 1, 2025 to aalau2025@dukekunshan.edu.cn