Call for Papers: 'This changes everything?'! Australia and the post-pandemic world

Call for Papers: Interdisciplinary Virtual Symposium - Australia and the post-pandemic world Led by the ANU Australian Studies Institute

COVID-19 has upended daily life with nations struggling to stop the spread of this deadly virus. The closure of factories, offices, cafes, schools, theatres, sportsgrounds and stores has thrown millions out of work and economies into a tailspin. With no effective treatment identified and a vaccine months or years away - if ever - governments grapple with conflicting priorities and concerns. There are no easy answers and the threat looms of a deep and long-lasting recession.

The virus has changed so much - how we work, play, relate to one another, celebrate milestones, and mourn our dead. It has changed the basic rhythms and routines of life in 2020 and beyond. The virus has reconfigured so many things but has it changed everything?

What about existing social divisions and inequalities? Where will the costs and burdens of covid-19 fall now and into the longer term? Will the virus affect other major issues, such as climate change? Will it alter the trajectory of global trends, such as the rise of populism and the alt-right, the retreat from globalisation, or the rise of China? Will we perceive the role and trustworthiness of scientists, politicians, doctors, social media, traditional media, unions and corporations differently? Will there be a travel and tourism industry?

Which changes will endure? Which practises will revert to their pre-covid-19 status quo? In short, what does a post-covid-19 future look like?

Who is invited: We invite contributors to consider the post-pandemic world from a broad range of perspectives including but not limited to economics, public policy, population health, law, philosophy, epidemiology, medicine, security studies, international relations, history, politics, digital humanities, statistics, management, finance, communication, social marketing, literature, art, information systems, cyber security, and sociology.

Focus: As the title of the symposium suggests, we place Australia at the centre of our discussions but welcome analysis that positions Australia, post-covid-19, within international and global contexts. Comparative studies are also welcomed.

Format: Successful applicants will be required to record a 5-8 minute video presentation based on their abstracts. Videos will be grouped by theme, uploaded and made available for viewing by all participants in advance of the symposium. The virtual symposium will take place on 22 October, with facilitated virtual roundtables held according to theme. The program will be organised to accommodate presenters in different time zones where possible.

Outcomes: Selected presenters will be invited to develop their presentations into chapters for an edited book. Selected video presentations will be shared publicly via the Australian Studies website and social media (subject to participant approval).  

Key dates:

31 July 2020: Due date for submission of your 250-500 word abstracts via Eventbrite 

28 August 2020: Organising committee will advise participants of acceptance and provide details on production and uploading of 5-8 minute video presentations.

2 October 2020: Presentations grouped by theme, uploaded and available for viewing to participants.

22 October 2020: Facilitated virtual roundtables held according to theme. The program will be organised to accommodate presenters in different time zones where possible.

Organising Committee:

Professor Mark Kenny: ANU Australian Studies Institute

Professor Shirley Leitch: ANU Australian Studies Institute

Professor Paul Pickering: ANU Australian Studies Institute

Professor Sally Wheeler: ANU College of Law

Ms Jemima Parker (Secretariat): admin.ausi@anu.edu.au