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ABOUT THEMES

This year’s theme, Futures, Evolution, and Change, explores the intricate pathways shaping the future we stand to inhabit. It highlights the interplay and juxtaposition of continuity and disruption, inviting reflection on how humanity innovates, adapts, and thrives amidst uncertainty. It encourages us to imagine bold futures, trace key moments of evolution, and understand the forces of change that shape our world—past, present, and future.

The theme seeks to uncover the trajectories of progress and pivotal crossroads, whether through science, technology, art, or through human experience. It highlights and further emphasizes the inevitability of evolution and change, showcasing ideas and research that transcend disciplinary boundaries and inspire transformative thinking.

Note:

The sub-tracks provide examples that engage with the theme. They are not restrictive. We encourage submissions that engage with the overarching theme, even if they don’t follow a particular sub-track.

This track investigates the convergence of food, medicine, public health, technology, culture, and policy. It highlights the dynamic interplay between science, culture, and human experience in shaping the future of health and well-being. 

Subtracks: Medical Advances and Public Health addresses AI in diagnostics, personalized medicine, COVID-19 lessons, healthcare disparities, and innovations in nanomedicine and robotics. The Human Experience of Health examines ethical dilemmas, cultural influences, gendered practices, mental health, and storytelling in recovery. Food, Body, and Health Systems focuses on agricultural innovations, lab-grown meats, food security, cultural heritage, and global nutrition.

This track uncovers the dynamics of conflict and pathways to resolution. It explores the bridges between policy, technology, and cultural narratives in shaping a peaceful and cooperative world.

Subtracks: Inequality, Resources, and Global Governance examines economic disparities, resource scarcity, migration, and legal frameworks for peace. It also addresses environmental management and game theory in conflict resolution. Digital and Cultural Dimensions of Conflict highlights the impact of AI, cybersecurity, social media, and art in shaping narratives and perceptions of war and peace, alongside cultural diplomacy. Post-Conflict Recovery and Innovation focuses on rebuilding infrastructure, advancing public health, and scientific strategies for recovery.

From theoretical musings to technological leaps, this track delves into humanity’s quest to understand and explore the cosmos.

Subtracks: Theoretical and Philosophical Explorations delves into ancient and modern theories of the universe, temporal paradoxes, artistic and metaphysical interpretations, and the commodification of space-time. It also includes cosmology, gravitational waves, and the physics and mathematics of the universe. Engineering and Technologies for Space highlights innovations in rocket design, interplanetary travel, and sustainable resource management in space. Society and the Cosmos examines the cultural, political, and economic impacts of space exploration, speculative fiction, ethics of colonization, and human identity in the cosmos.

This track investigates the evolving intersections of education, technology, and entrepreneurship, this track offers insights into how innovation and education drive change.

Subtracks: Directions in Pedagogy and Knowledge addresses interdisciplinary thinking, AI ethics, colonial legacies, indigenous knowledge, neurodiversity, and the role of digital humanities in interpreting history and culture. Technology and Design focuses on assistive technologies, gender gaps in STEM, linguistic diversity, and innovations supporting global education. Knowledge Economies and Policy examines demand and labor market alignment, equity in education funding, EdTech, privatization, and online learning.

This track aims at understanding the intersection between the human and the natural world, and what steps we take forward in order to ensure its sustenance. 

Subtracks: Sustainable Cities and Governance explores innovations in transportation, waste management, energy efficiency, and urban greening, as well as the role of IoT, AI, and renewable energy technologies in creating eco-friendly cities. Forests and Ecosystems examines human interaction with forests, and ecological management. It also explores indigenous practices, alongside the role of AI in ecosystem management. Narratives in Sustainability address food and water security, legal frameworks, social justice in environmental goals, and the role of media, art, and literature in shaping sustainability narratives and fostering behavioral change.

This track looks towards the orientation of financial markets and how developments in both innovation and policies are going to shape the future of the market. 

Subtracks: Global Trade and Policies examines cross-border regulatory challenges, international cooperation, and the impact of organizations like the IMF and World Bank in managing digital finance, including fintech, cryptocurrency, and automated trading. Consumerism, Culture and the Economy explores how consumerism is represented in popular culture alongside the rise of green and digital consumerism. The shifting cultural consumption patterns and their economic implications. Disruptive Innovations in Markets looks at AI's role in markets, the influence of Gen Z and Gen Alpha on consumption, and the evolution of convincing them to consume products.