Theme: Worlds Beyond

The Jack Williamson Lectureship at Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) invites scholars, academics, and researchers to submit abstracts for academic papers and/or proposals for panel presentations focused on the intersection of speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, horror, and hybrid genres) with the evolving notion of the (post)human. The theme for this year's Lectureship is "Worlds Beyond” with distinguished guest of honor Darcie Little Badger, the Locus, Nebula, Ignyte, and Newberry Honor Award winning author of Elatsoe and A Snake Falls to Earth. The event will also feature several other speculative fiction authors.  

About the Jack Williamson Lectureship:

The Jack Williamson Lectureship is an annual event honoring the legacy of the renowned science fiction author Jack Williamson. It brings together scholars, writers, and enthusiasts of speculative fiction to engage in critical discussions and explore the profound impact of speculative fiction on society and culture. This event will take place April 10-12, 2025.

Topics of Interest:

We welcome proposals on a wide range of topics related to speculative fiction and its relationship with society. Potential topics include but are not limited to:

• The Influence of Technology
• Dystopian Visions / Utopian Dreams
• Representation, Diversity, and Social Justice
• Environmental Concerns
• Political Allegory
• Post-Apocalyptic Narratives
• Ethics and Morality in Speculative Fiction
• Alien Cultures / Intercultural Encounters
• Time Travel and History
• The Influence of Speculative Fiction in society
• Feminism and Gender Studies in Speculative Fiction
• Race and Identity in Speculative Fiction
• Fan Communities in Speculative Fiction
• The Future of Speculative Fiction
• The Legacy of Jack Williamson in Science Fiction

Submission Guidelines:

Individual paper abstracts should be submitted in English and must not exceed 250 words. Panel proposals should not exceed 500 words. Abstracts should include a title, a clear description of your paper, and the specific topic(s) of your paper. Panel proposals should include the title of the panel, a general description of the panel’s topic, and panel participants. All materials should be sent to JWLAcademicConference@gmail.com by March 15th, 2025.

Registration and Participation:

Accepted presenters will have the opportunity to register for the Jack Williamson Lectureship. The event will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and opportunities for networking with fellow academics and speculative fiction enthusiasts.

Publication Opportunities:

Selected papers from the Jack Williamson Lectureship may have the chance to be published in a dedicated academic publication or journal.

Contact Information:

For inquiries or additional information, please contact JWLAcademicConference@gmail.com.