Call for Papers
Call for Papers (Download PDF)
1. The conference
Academia Raetica is the association dedicated to promoting science, research, and education in the canton of Graubünden and the surrounding regions.
On November 6 and 7, 2026, Academia Raetica will host the conference “Graubünden forscht” at the Congress Center Davos for the tenth time. The conference offers early-career researchers a unique platform to present their work, exchange ideas across disciplines, and become part of a vibrant research community rooted in Graubünden and the Alpine region.
“Graubünden forscht” particularly invites PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and Master’s students to submit abstracts for oral presentations. Contributions are welcome if the research was conducted in Graubünden, addresses topics related to the region or engages with questions relevant to the Alpine context. Submissions from early-career researchers at universities in neighboring regions are also encouraged, provided there is a clear thematic link to Graubünden or the Alps.
With its strong transdisciplinary focus, the conference encourages young researchers to look beyond disciplinary boundaries, explore new perspectives, and engage in dialogue with scholars from other fields. At the same time, it provides an opportunity to present research to a broader audience, gain visibility beyond one’s own discipline, and receive feedback from both academic peers and interested members of the public.
2. Call for papers
We welcome abstract submissions from early-career researchers, including PhD candidates, Master’s students, and postdoctoral researchers (up to one year after completion of their first postdoc), in Graubünden or who work on topics related to the region. Early-career researchers from neighboring regions or countries can also apply, provided their research has a clear relevance to Graubünden or the Alpine region.
If accepted, contributors will have 10 minutes to present their research, followed by 5 minutes for discussion, offering valuable opportunities for feedback and exchange.
Abstracts are welcome from all academic disciplines, including, but not limited to, natural sciences, medical and life sciences, economics, engineering sciences, the humanities, and social sciences.
We offer some financial support for travel expenses to researchers who have a longer journey to Davos. If you are interested, please contact Daniela (daniela.heinen@academiaraetica.ch) by email for further information.
To give special emphasis to transdisciplinary projects, we will offer 30-minute presentation slots that allow research teams to present and reflect in depth on their transdisciplinary collaboration. We require that these sessions be presented by at least two team members, each contributing perspectives from different aspects of the project. When submitting your abstract, please indicate if you are applying for a transdisciplinary team slot and name the collaborating researchers in the comments section.
3. Your abstract
Please download the abstract template here: https://academiaraetica.ch/assets/gr-forscht_2026/abstract_template_grforscht_2026.dotx. If you have issues with the download, please contact Daniela.
Key specifications:
Submit your abstract in English (German as an exception upon request)
Title: maximum 100 characters (including spaces), written for a general adult audience
Abstract: 400-600 words, without authors and affiliations
Use “Arial” for all text including headings. Left align all text, images, and tables.
11-point font size with single line spacing.
Do not indent the first line of a paragraph.
Margins should be set at 2.5 cm all round.
To submit and upload your abstract please go to https://gr-forscht.ch/en/abstract-upload and complete the registration. You will receive an automated email to confirm your abstract submission.
A scientific jury will review all abstracts regarding:
Scientific output of the paper (further development of a methodological approach; scientific gain of knowledge based on the results obtained; innovative potential; approaches to solving everyday problems)
Comprehensibility of the article (title states what it is about; comprehensible structure; clear presentation of the method; meaningful derivations; clean argumentation and discussion)
Methodology (scientific quality of the methodological approach)
Social relevance
4. Your presentation and audience
The presentation language is English. On Saturday, we will also offer selected talks in German for a general audience. When submitting your abstract, please indicate whether you would be happy to present in German as well. Please keep in mind that you will be presenting to a largely non-specialist audience. This is a wonderful opportunity to make your research visible beyond your own field. We therefore encourage you to present your work in a clear, engaging, and illustrative way. Use examples, stories, or analogies, and imagine explaining your research to a family member or neighbor with little or no prior background in your topic. You should explain technical terms in simple language or avoid them where possible.
While the abstract itself may be more scientific, you should choose the title from the outset to be accessible and appealing to a broad audience—it is often the first point of contact with your work.
Audience feedback, together with the reviewers’ evaluation, will count towards the overall assessment of the presentations. Outstanding contributions will be awarded with a cash prize.
Academia Raetica is offering two workshops in connection with “Graubünden forscht”:
As a participant in either course, you benefit from a 10% reduction on the conference fee.
5. Deadlines & fees
Abstract submission and acceptance
By May 25, 2026: Abstract submission for all abstracts and transdisciplinary projects
By August 13, 2026: Notification of abstract acceptance, if you submitted your abstract by May 25.
Conference fee for contributors:
Master students
CHF 100 Early bird (registration by August 25)
CHF 150 Regular (registration from August 26)
PhD students
CHF 150 Early bird (registration by August 25)
CHF 200 Regular (registration from August 26)
Postdocs, scientific staff
CHF 180 Early bird (registration by August 25)
CHF 230 Regular (registration from August 26)
The fee includes all conference activities including coffee breaks, lunches, and the conference dinner. Information on visitors’ access will be published separately.
6. Preliminary program -> please refer to the Call for Papers (PDF)
7. Contact
We look forward to hearing from you and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the conference. Please contact:
Daniela Heinen, Project Leader
+41 81 410 60 84
daniela.heinen@academiaraetica.ch
Academia Raetica
Obere Strasse 22
7270 Davos Platz
Switzerland
www.academiaraetica.ch