The Inter-University Program for Latino Research (IUPLR), in co-sponsorship with the Latino Research Center at the University of Nevada, Reno, invites academics, researchers, and graduate students to submit proposals for the return of the Siglo XXI Conference—a national convening dedicated to scholarly work that examines, documents, and advances the experiences of Latinos in the United States.
This year’s conference is dedicated to Dr. Gilberto Cárdenas, co-founder and former Executive Director of IUPLR. In honor of Dr. Cárdenas, the 2025 conference theme centers on his areas of scholarly and civic interest, including Latino art, immigration, and activism that seek to establish Latino/a culture as a foundational and enduring component of American culture, predating the founding of the United States. The conference also highlights the intellectual, cultural, and civic contributions of people of Latino/a ancestry across all sectors of U.S. society. We seek proposals that explore and affirm the presence of people of Latino/a ancestry in fields such as:
• Education and Higher Education
• Social Stratification & Inequities
• Public Policy and Civic Engagement
• Health, Wellbeing, and Environmental Health & Access to Natural Resources
• Arts, Media, and Cultural Expression
• Migration, Diaspora, and Transnationalism
• Gender and Sexuality
• Community Empowerment and Social Movements
• Technology, Labor, and the Future of Work
Submission: We invite you to submit a 500-word abstract and a short bio by July 31, 2025 for review by the IUPLR Conference Committee. Panel proposals are also welcome and should include an abstract for each presentation (up to 500 words each) and a 150-word bio for each panel participant.
The Conference Program Committee will review all submissions and notify selected presenters via email by August 29. Accepted presenters must pre-register and pay the registration fee . We also encourage presentations and panels that examine the work of Dr. Gilberto Cárdenas or explore topics of special relevance to his work, such as Latino art, immigration, and activism
that affirms Latino culture as a core component of American identity, with origins preceding the founding of the United States.
Registration Categories:
Early-bird: $125 until August 15
Regular registration: $150 after October 14
On-site registration: $180
Students with ID: $50
U of Nevada, Reno students No charge but must pre-register
Table Vendor: $400
Transportation and Lodging: All registered participants are responsible for their own lodging, travel, and transportation. Recommendations for lodging accommodations will be shared soon. Registration fee applies to IUPLR former and current members.
The 7th IUPLR Siglo XXI Conference honors Dr. Gilberto Cárdenas, an inspiring scholar and dedicated advocate whose lifelong commitment and visionary leadership have transformed Latino arts, scholarship, and culture and empowered communities across the nation.