The Emerging Scholar Program
Two categories of Emerging Scholars are recognized: In-Person and Online Only. Across both formats, Emerging Scholars play an active role in the conference—chairing parallel sessions, leading discussions, and engaging with delegates from around the world. Awardees are also offered a publication pathway to share their research more widely, maximizing visibility for this selected group of early-career scholars.
Emerging Scholars receive complimentary registration and formal recognition during the conference proceedings. Recipients are expected to be available for training the day prior to the event and to participate fully throughout the conference in support of their assigned roles.
The Emerging Scholar Award is open to anyone currently enrolled in a graduate studies program or identifying as an early-career scholar in a field related to the conference for which they are applying.
Applications for the Emerging Scholar Award can be submitted through the conference website associated with each Common Ground Research Network. Every annual conference offers an Emerging Scholar Award specific to that event.
Early Application Deadline: 8 months prior to the start of the conference
Final Application Deadline: months prior to the start of the conference
To view upcoming conferences and access application links, visit the Research Network page, select the relevant Research Network, and navigate to the current year’s conference under the “Emerging Scholar Awards” section.
Applicants should wait to register until receiving the results of their application.
Award Recipients receive complimentary registration.
Non-recipients will still have time to register at the price active at the time of their application or written request.
If a recipient registers before notification, the registration fee will be credited to their Scholar Wallet for use at a future conference or in the CGScholar Bookstore. Refunds are not issued. For questions about pricing or registration timelines, applicants may submit a support ticket when applying.
Early Applicants: Notified 7 months prior to the start of the conference.
Final Applicants: Notified 3 months prior to the start of the conference.
Some early applications may be deferred to the final round for consideration.
Each Research Network hosts an annual conference with its own Emerging Scholar Award. Conference-specific deadlines and details can be found under the “Emerging Scholar Awards” section of each network’s website. For example, information on the 2027 Arts in Society Conference can be found on the Arts in Society Research Network website under the 2027 Conference tab.