Ideas in Action: Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Conference on Humanities, Social Sciences, and Public Policy
The Ideas in Action conference offers an opportunity for undergraduate students to present interdisciplinary research in the humanities, social sciences, and public policy. Hosted in Hong Kong, this event fosters intellectual exchange among emerging scholars. It provides a platform for students to share their academic work, engage with peers, and receive feedback on their contributions to these critical fields.
Committees & topics
Why it matters
This conference is significant for its focus on undergraduate research, providing a crucial early-career platform for students in the humanities, social sciences, and public policy. By emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches, it encourages participants to consider complex issues from multiple perspectives, a skill increasingly vital in global problem-solving. The event's location in Hong Kong places it at a crossroads of diverse cultural and academic traditions, potentially enriching the discussions and perspectives shared.
The gathering of young scholars from various disciplines underscores the growing recognition that contemporary challenges rarely fit neatly into single academic categories. Whether addressing social inequalities, historical interpretations, or policy effectiveness, an interdisciplinary lens can lead to more robust and innovative solutions. This event, therefore, serves as a foundational experience for future leaders and researchers, equipping them with the analytical tools and collaborative mindset necessary to tackle multifaceted global issues.
How to prepare
Prospective participants should focus on developing research that demonstrates a clear interdisciplinary connection, bridging at least two of the conference's core areas: humanities, social sciences, and public policy. Submissions should highlight how different methodologies or theoretical frameworks inform a more comprehensive understanding of their chosen topic. Given the international setting in Hong Kong, considering how global or regional contexts influence their research questions would also be beneficial.
Students should prepare to articulate not only their findings but also the process of their interdisciplinary inquiry. This includes explaining why a multi-faceted approach was necessary and how it enriched their conclusions. Being ready to engage in discussions that challenge their perspectives and to articulate the broader implications of their work will be key to a successful presentation and a valuable conference experience.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 5 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
ChinaAs a major global power, China's academic institutions frequently engage in interdisciplinary research, particularly in social sciences and public policy, to address its rapid development and societal changes.
Role in topic
Chinese universities and research centers are significant contributors to studies in public policy and social sciences, often focusing on governance, economic development, and cultural studies within a national and regional context. Participation from CHN scholars would bring perspectives on policy implementation and societal evolution in a large, dynamic economy.
United StatesThe United States has a strong tradition of interdisciplinary studies, with numerous universities encouraging research that crosses traditional academic boundaries in humanities, social sciences, and public policy.
Role in topic
Academics from the USA often lead in theoretical advancements and empirical studies across these fields, particularly in areas like behavioral economics, political science, and cultural studies. Their participation would likely introduce diverse methodological approaches and theoretical debates.
United KingdomThe United Kingdom's universities are known for their robust humanities and social science departments, often fostering interdisciplinary collaboration on historical, social, and policy-related research.
Role in topic
Researchers from the GBR could contribute insights from established traditions in political philosophy, sociology, and public administration, offering comparative perspectives on policy development and social structures.
IndiaIndia's academic landscape is increasingly emphasizing interdisciplinary research to tackle complex development challenges, integrating humanities, social sciences, and policy studies.
Role in topic
Indian scholars could bring unique perspectives on issues related to development, social justice, and cultural heritage, often drawing on a rich tapestry of historical and contemporary challenges in a diverse society.
South AfricaSouth Africa's academic community actively engages in interdisciplinary research, particularly in social sciences and public policy, to address post-apartheid societal challenges and development goals.
Role in topic
Participants from ZAF could offer critical insights into transitional justice, post-colonial studies, and the complexities of nation-building, drawing from their unique historical and social context.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
Humanities and Cultural Studies
Key players
- United States
Hosts the largest humanities research infrastructure and leads debates on academic freedom and AI in scholarship.
- United Kingdom
Origin of cultural studies; central to ongoing decolonization and museum-restitution debates.
FranceMajor exporter of cultural theory and a key actor in repatriation of African heritage objects.
- China
Invests heavily in Confucius Institutes and heritage diplomacy as instruments of cultural soft power.
- India
Drives postcolonial scholarship and active negotiations over the return of looted artifacts.
NigeriaLeading voice in restitution claims (e.g., Benin Bronzes) and African humanities renewal.
Social Sciences
Key players
- United States
Largest producer of social-science research; epicenter of the replication-reform movement.
- United Kingdom
Home to influential survey infrastructure (e.g., ESRC, British Social Attitudes) and mixed-methods traditions.
GermanyAnchors European comparative social research via Max Planck institutes and the ESS.
- China
Rapidly expanding computational social science, with distinctive constraints on field research and data access.
BrazilLeading Global South voice on inequality, urban studies, and democratic resilience research.
- South Africa
Hub for African social science and decolonial methodological debates.
Public Policy and Social Issues
Key players
- United States
Major laboratory for industrial policy revival, federalism, and contentious social-policy debates.
- United Kingdom
Pioneer of behavioral public policy and What Works evidence centers.
- Germany
Model for codetermination, vocational training, and energy-transition policy.
SwedenReference case for universalist welfare-state design and active labor-market policies.
SingaporeInfluential exemplar of technocratic public administration and housing policy.
- Brazil
Source of major conditional cash transfer (Bolsa Família) and participatory budgeting innovations.
Economics, Business, and AI Applications
Key players
- United States
Home to leading economics departments, frontier AI labs, and the dominant capital markets.
- China
Second-largest economy and a major AI producer pursuing state-directed industrial strategy.
- United Kingdom
Global financial center and convener of the international AI Safety Summit process.
- Germany
Industrial powerhouse navigating AI adoption, energy costs, and the EU AI Act.
JapanAging-economy testbed for automation and robotics in business and services.
- India
Fastest-growing major economy and key supplier of AI talent, IT services, and digital public infrastructure.
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for Ideas in Action: Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Conference on Humanities, Social Sciences, and Public Policy.
Lessons
Bite-sized lessons to build the basics
Courses
Guided courses that go deeper on the topic
The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance