HKU-Cornell Asian Legal Studies Workshop 2026

This workshop aims to foster rigorous studies on Asian jurisdictions, preferably using empirical methods. It brings together a select group of junior scholars to present work-in-progress in an intensive, feedback-driven environment. Each paper will receive sustained commentary from senior discussants, with the goal of strengthening the work for publication in leading peer-reviewed journals and law reviews.

1. Career stage: All authors must be at the rank of Associate Professor or below (including Assistant Professors, Postdoctoral Fellows, and equivalent research-track positions).

2. Subject matter: Papers must focus on Asian jurisdictions, preferably with empirical methodologies (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods).

3. Language: Papers must be written in English.

4. Status: Papers must be unpublished at the time of the workshop.

5. Co-authorship: Co-authored papers are welcome, provided all authors meet the career-stage requirement.

Approximately eight to ten papers will be selected for full presentation. The host organization will reimburse travel costs (economy airfare) and two nights' lodging. Each paper will be assigned to a senior commentator, who will offer detailed remarks before opening the discussion to all participants.

1. Abstract stage: Submit an abstract of no more than two pages in English. The abstract should state the research question, describe the methodology, summarize the argument, and explain the paper's contribution to the literature.

2. Selection: Abstracts will be reviewed by the workshop organizers. Successful applicants will be invited to submit full papers.

3. Full paper: Invited papers should not exceed 15,000 words, including footnotes. The final deadline for full papers will be approximately two weeks before the workshop.

1. Abstract submission deadline: 20 October 2026

2. Notification of selection: 1 November 2026

3. Full paper submission deadline: 7 December 2026

4. Workshop: 21–22 December 2026, Hong Kong

Please direct all submissions and inquiries to Mr. Yumo Yao at yaoym6@hku.hk.