CfP: Comparative Borders

Comparative Borders
A Multi-Disciplinary Student Conference Focusing on Borders and Gateways
March 13, 2027
Niagara University

Niagara University in Niagara Falls, New York, in association with The Centre for Canadian Studies at Brock University, invites undergraduate and graduate students to submit papers to the annual Comparative Borders student conference (previously known as Crossing Borders).

This conference brings together students from both sides of the US/Canada border, to share and discuss research of mutual interest. It is intended as an inclusive and supportive event where students can gather, discuss, debate, and network, while honing their research skills and developing new perspectives.

The conference theme is open, with comparative approaches especially valued. Topics are limited only by the need to be related to border issues around the world, including those pertaining to the United States and Canada.

Suggested topics include, but are not limited to:

• Trade and business
• Border relations/conflict
• Border security
• Migration and immigration policies
• Cross border crime and policing
• Sports and games
• Environment and boundaries
• Indigenous peoples
• Education policies
• Tourism and transportation
• Borders in art and/or literature
• Energy policies
• Popular culture and mass media
• Borders in the visual arts
• Communication and cultural policy
• History of border regions

Deadline for abstracts: February 6, 2027, sent to srisk@niagara.edu

Abstracts should be 250 words or less

Presentations will be 15-20 minutes long, depending on the session

For students who wish to be considered for the Comparative Borders Best Paper Award, the deadline for submission of full paper is February 27, 2027

Please submit your paper abstract along with contact information (name, university, level of study, and program) to Dr. Shannon Risk, Department of History, Niagara University

Only work by students currently enrolled in a university will be considered