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Charting Our Course: Women’s and Gender Studies Student Research Conference

Charting Our Course: Women's and Gender Studies Student Conference 2026.You are invited!

The Women’s and Gender Studies Conference is an annual event held in the early Spring on the Iowa State University campus. The event was started in 2016 and has been held annually since then, except for 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The conference is an opportunity for Women’s and Gender Studies students, faculty, and staff members to gather and share about their impactful research. This is a student conference that is open to any undergraduate and graduate student who’s research, creative project, pedagogy or other projects focus on topics within the lens of gender, women, sexuality, intersectionality, race, or class. The conference is open to students from educational institutions across Iowa as well as the broader community. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the power of student research and contribute to shaping a more inclusive future.

Note: Individuals with accepted proposals will be automatically registered for the conference.

Attendee registration is open!

The ISU Campanile with spring tree buds surrounding it.

This year’s conference

Join us on the Iowa State University Campus for the annual Women’s and Gender Studies Student Research Conference on Saturday, April 4th, 2026!

The why

This exciting event provides a platform for students to present their research on a variety of topics related to gender, sexuality, identity, and social justice. Whether you’re a researcher, advocate, or simply interested in these vital areas of study, this conference will showcase innovative work and foster meaningful discussions.

Who should attend

The conference is an opportunity for Women’s and Gender Studies students, faculty, and staff members to gather and share about their impactful research. This is a student conference that is open to any undergraduate and graduate student who’s research, creative project, pedagogy or other projects focus on topics within the lens of gender, women, sexuality, intersectionality, race, or class. This conference is open to students from educational institutions across Iowa and the wider community.

Key formats

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with thought-provoking presentations, network with peers and scholars, and participate in workshops aimed at furthering the impact of gender studies in academic and social spaces. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the power of student research and contribute to shaping a more inclusive future.

Cost and location

Anyone is welcome to attend this conference at no charge, a light breakfast and full lunch will be provided. This year, it will take place at the Iowa State University Student Innovation Center from 9 AM-4 PM.

Women's and Gender Studies Conference attendees listening to a student present.

Featured speakers (coming soon!)

Some of our past speakers have been award winning authors, industry leaders, graduate faculty members, activists, stay-at-home moms, advocates, consultants, filmmakers, and executive directors. We are excited to share with you our speakers for this year soon!

Registration and Proposal Information

  • Registration

    Students walking together through ISU campus among the spring flowers.Who:

    Students and faculty from educational institutions across Iowa, as well as members of the broader community, are welcome to attend.

    How:

    Registration is now open!

    Deadline:

    Register up until the day before the event but the sooner the better! Food is not guaranteed for those who register after March 27th.

  • Proposal Submission

    The question and answer portion of a student presenting at the Women's and Gender Studies conference.Who:

    All undergraduate and graduate students from across the state of Iowa are invited to present their research as it relates to topics within gender, women’s and sexuality studies topics. Presentations can be creative works, panels, powerpoint presentations, or other formats.

    How:

    Fill out the proposal submission form here (which also registers you for the event!). Submissions will be accepted on a rolling bases via email.

    Deadline:

    Monday, March 23rd at 5:00 PM. Earlier submissions are encouraged. We cannot wait to learn from you!

The conference will be in Ames, IA at the Iowa State University Student Innovation Center: 606 Bissell Rd, Ames, IA 50011.

All undergraduate and graduate students from across the state of Iowa are invited to present their research as it relates to topics within gender, women’s and sexuality studies topics. Presentations can be creative works, panels, powerpoint presentations, or other formats.

This conference is open to anyone and is free to attend! The event is geared towards college students. Everyone who plans on attending must register for the event. Same day registration is allowed, but food is not guaranteed.

Presenters (individual or group) will have 15-20 minutes to present their research.

There are free lots to park in over the weekend. Make sure that the lot you park in is not a 24 hours reserved lot. The closest lots to the Innovation Center are lots 3, 8, 6 and 6A. There are also limited meter spots for a fee. This map highlights the lots closest to the Student Innovation Center.

There is no registration cost. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided for attendees and presenters who register by March 27th. Those who register after are not guaranteed food.