LIST OF PANELS

Unlike dominant policy approaches that are rooted in western neo-colonial and neo-liberal ideals, the transformative paradigm is principled on social justice and aims to create systemic and structural changes against oppressive systems and power structures in society.

Transformative policy research, policy-making and policy evaluation seek to advance epistemic and policy justice through reflexive praxis, the centering of the living experiences and needs of the target community, and the use of appropriate theories and methodologies.

As the world faces greater uncertainties and instability as a result of the global shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturn, rising rates of inflation, global climate change, wars and humanitarian crises, a deepening of social polarization, and a rise in populism, the need for transformative policy is greater than ever.

This interdisciplinary policy panel focuses on the use of the transformative paradigm to support policy research, policy-making and policy evaluation. The objectives of this panel are:

-To showcase diverse examples of transformative policy in research, policy-making, policy analysis, and policy evaluation from across the world;
-To create a platform for scholarly researchers, policy practitioners, decision-makers, students and the public to engage in dialogue on transformative policy;
-To promote reciprocal knowledge exchange in innovations in transformative policy research, policy-making, policy analysis and policy monitoring and evaluation approaches;
-To provide networking opportunities for conference delegates interested in engaging in transformative policy. 

The first two-hour panel will provide a space for policy scholars, researchers, policy practitioners, decision-makers, students and the public to learn about various theoretical, methodological, or empirical research related to transformative policy topics, as well as the authors behind such work.  

The second two-hour panel will provide attendees reciprocal learning opportunities to:

1) engage in groups to engage in deeper discussions with presenters (45 minutes) and

2) on topical subjects relevant to transformative policies (45 minutes).

Each group discussion will close with a larger report back to promote knowledge exchange amongst participants.

As an interdisciplinary panel, we would welcome submissions that exemplify policy approaches that are rooted within the transformative paradigm, and are principled on social justice with aims to create systemic and structural changes against dominant and oppressive systems and power structures in society.

Our panel would welcome submissions from the following:

For the first panel:

- Theoretical or conceptual frameworks on transformative policy research, policy-making or policy evaluation
- Methodological approaches to engaging in transformative policy research, policy praxis, or evaluation
- Normative or empirical research related to transformative policy-making, policy analysis, or policy evaluation
- Indigenous, anti-colonial or decolonized approaches to transformative policy research, policy-making, policy analysis, or policy evaluation
- Transformative policy research in policy-making, policy analysis, or policy evaluations impacting historically oppressed communities (e.g. BIPOC, 2SLGBTIQ+, people living with (dis)abilities, migrants, etc.)
- Scholarly, research or creative project that have led to transformative change(s) within the policy sphere or broader community

For the second panel: 

Proposals for group break-out discussion topics and reciprocal learning activities related to transformative policy research, policy-making, policy analysis or policy evaluation (person submitting the proposal should be willing to facilitate the proposed activities).

Submission proposals should be made in English and in 250 words or less. 

All submissions should have titles of less than 150 characters.

Submissions for the first panel should have clear headings. 

For theoretical or methodological abstracts, only four elements from the following: 

- Rationale
- Summary of Literature review 
- Theoretical/Conceptual or Methodological Approach
- Case example of application
- Conclusion/Recommendation 

For policy research, policy-analysis or policy evaluation abstracts, the format should be: 

- Background/Problem
- Method
- Result
- Conclusion/Implication

For proposals for the second panel:

- Names of Facilitator(s)

- Background 
- Proposed Activity
- Learning Objectives
- Materials required (laptop for presentation, flip chart, markers, notepads, pens)