New Orleans, LA

AEJMC 2026 Conference 

Research-in-Progress Call

AEJMC invites submissions for a new Research-in-Progress submission category at the 2026 Conference. This format provides scholars with an opportunity to present and receive feedback on projects that are underway but not yet complete at the time of presentation. It is ideal for emerging research ideas, pilot studies, data collection efforts, or early analyses that show strong potential for scholarly contribution.

Divisions, Interest Groups and Commissions with research programming may choose not to participate in the Research-in-Progress symposium competition.

Submission Deadline

·      11:59 p.m. CDT, April 1, 2026
All submissions must be uploaded as a single file through the AEJMC submission site.

Purpose

This category supports projects still in progress at the time of the conference.  Submissions should be developed enough for meaningful peer feedback during the review process but not substantially complete or under review elsewhere. This format allows participants to present their project’s purpose and current progress to encourage discussion and constructive feedback. Any submission that is uploaded with author’s identifying information will not be considered for review and will automatically be disqualified.

Eligibility

• Projects must be actively in progress—data collection, analysis, or writing should be underway.
• Submissions must include sufficient detail for reviewers to evaluate scholarly potential (see below under Submission Requirements for further details)
• Completed papers or those under review elsewhere are not eligible.

Presentation

·        Research-in-progress will be accepted for in-person presentation, and registration for the conference will be required.

·        You do not have to be a current member to submit.

·        Participating DIGs will decide on presentation format for accepted Research-in-Progress submissions.

Submission Requirements

●      Abstract (75 words or fewer)

●      Proposal of 1,000–1,500 words (PDF preferred, Word accepted) outlining:

○      Purpose and significance

○      Theoretical framework and/or literature grounding

○      Research questions and/or hypotheses

○      Methodology

○      Expected contributions to the field of communication or media studies

○      Preliminary results or findings

○      Areas needing feedback that would benefit the research project

○      References, tables, and figures (not part of word count).

●      Labeling & Submission

○      Select “Research in Progress” in the AEJMC Submission Portal.

○      Clearly include “Research in Progress: [Your Paper Title]” in the title and on the title page.

○      Anonymize all files—remove identifying author information.

○      Each submission may be sent to only one participating Division, Interest Group, or Commission.

●      Review & Eligibility

○      Submissions will be evaluated using criteria specific to Research-in-Progress projects, distinct from full paper reviews.

○      While these submissions are not eligible for AEJMC-wide or DIG Top Paper Awards, they may receive Top Research-in-Progress recognition at the DIG level.

Additional Guidelines

●     All submissions must follow AEJMC’s 2026 Uniform Paper Guidelines and reflect best practices in accounting for diverse perspectives as applicable to the field.

●      Adhere to AEJMC’s policy on AI usage.   

Important Dates

●      Submission deadline: 11:59 p.m. CDT, April 1, 2026

●      Notification of acceptance: May 20, 2026