CALL FOR PAPERS Shaping Defence: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Future of Military Operations,
The inaugural student-led research conference, Shaping Defence: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Future of Military Operations, will take place on March 19, 2025, at Carleton University, Ottawa.
This event is hosted at Carleton University, supported by the Canadian Defence and Security Network (CDSN), and funded by Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security (Young MINDS). This conference provides a unique platform for students, scholars, and emerging leaders to share innovative perspectives on critical issues shaping the future of defence and security.
About the Conference
This year’s theme focuses on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in military and defence contexts. We seek to explore how inclusive leadership, intersectionality, unconscious bias, and innovative approaches to measuring DEI can drive cultural transformation and improve decision-making in defence and security. The conference aims to foster bold ideas and meaningful discussions that contribute to building an inclusive, innovative, and effective military culture aligned with the Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) goals.
Submission Guidelines
We welcome submissions from undergraduate and master’s and PhD students across disciplines, including political science, international relations, history, public policy, and other fields relevant to defence and security. Submissions may include:
• Research papers exploring theoretical, empirical, or policy-focused aspects of DEI in military operations.
• Case studies examining best practices or lessons learned from NATO, CAF, or other military contexts.
• Policy proposals or frameworks offering innovative approaches to integrating DEI in operations.
• Innovative projects showcasing creative methodologies, technologies, or strategies that address DEI challenges in defence contexts.
All submissions will be reviewed based on originality, depth of analysis, and relevance to the theme. Selected papers will be presented at the conference, with high-quality submissions considered for publication post-conference.
