Leiden 2019: international centre for knowledge exchange on Asia
In July next year around 1,500 Asia experts will come to Leiden for the eleventh International Convention of Asia Scholars (ICAS 11). With participants from over 60 countries, this biennial convention is the biggest meeting place between academics and civil society players involved professionally with Asia.
In 2019 ICAS will return to the place where it all started in 1998: Leiden. The first convention was organised by the Leiden-affiliated International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS). Subsequent conventions were held in Berlin, Singapore, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, Daejeon, Honolulu, Macau, Adelaide and Chiang Mai.
Preliminary programme
The programme for ICAS 11 is being developed together with Leiden University and the city of Leiden. The convention will take place mainly in the Kamerlingh Onnes Building where the Law Faculty is located. This is also where most of the 300 panel meetings and round tables will be held, along with a public exhibition and fair where publishers and other organisations can offer their services and products. A range of Leiden organisations are also working on a cultural programme, including exhibitions at different locations and an Asia film festival in the Sijthoff Cultural Meeting House in Leiden.
Call for proposals
Paul van der Velde, ICAS secretary at the IIAS: ‘We are still working hard on finalising the programme, because submissions are allowed until 10 October this year. We're really excited to have ICAS here in Leiden again: over the years it's gained an international reputation as a true "knowledge hub" on Asia. It's also a unique opportunity for Dutch Asia experts to meet their international colleagues, and we're hoping for a good turnout from Leiden and the rest of the Netherlands.'
ICAS Book Prize
The deadline of 10 October also applies to submitting publications for the ‘ICAS Book Prize’ (IBP). This prize will be presented for the best publications and dissertations in Asia studies. The IBP, the most prestigious prize in this field, has been sponsored since 2015 by Leiden University's Asian Library van de Universiteit Leiden. Submissions can be sent in for publications in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish/Portuguese, French and German.
About the IIAS
The IIAS is an international research institution and knowledge exchange platform for the Humanities and Social and Behjaviural Sciences. It promotes multidisciplinary knowledge development on Asia and initiates programmes involving Asian and other international partners. IIAS has its own fellowship programme and also organises conferences, workshops and round table meetings. The institute functions as a worldwide mediator that brings together academic, cultural and societal institutions in Asia and other parts of the world. ICAS 11 will take place in Leiden from 16 to 19 July 2019.
For more information and calls for proposals: www.iias.asia/event/icas-11 and www.icas.asia