2026 Short Papers Platform
The Prototypes for Humanity Short Papers Platform provides a forum for professors from around the world to share research and engage in interdisciplinary dialogue, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, with a focus on academic research driving real world impact.
Prototypes for Humanity and the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) have announced a new strategic partnership for the 2026 edition of the Short Papers Platform, to support research by professors addressing complex challenges, and offering tangible pathways to solutions. The 2026 edition invites academics across all institutions and disciplines to submit research addressing seven strategic themes, designed to reflect international research priorities and that are relevant to the city and to the fund.
Call for Abstracts Now Open
Professors are invited to submit abstracts from now up and to including May 22nd 2026.
Up to 60 professors will be invited to develop their abstracts into short papers, to be presented at a conference in Dubai, between 15th – 18th November 2026, with fully funded travel and accommodation for lead authors, followed by a formal publication of proceedings.
As part of the programme’s ongoing commitment to research translation, ICD will award a $50,000 prize to one project selected from the papers presented at the conference.
Why Apply?
Showcase your Research among peers and industry in Dubai
Present your research to and engage with a diverse cross-sector audience across academia, industry, and research users, including senior teams from ICD and key stakeholders from Dubai’s innovation ecosystem.
Best-paper Award
ICD will award a $50,000 prize to one project selected from the papers presented at the conference. The award recognises academic work with strong potential for practical application, identified through engagement with ICD industry experts, and will support the winning project’s next stage of development towards implementation.
Develop Networks for Future Collaboration
Expand your professional network, spark future collaborations with fellow scholars and build high-impact research teams across disciplines and sectors to explore opportunities to translate research into practical applications with industry leaders and the wider Dubai innovation ecosystem.
Publish your Research
Papers presented at the 2026 Short Papers Platform will be published in the conference proceedings following the event, forming part of an indexed ISBN registered volume.
About ICD
The Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) is the principal investment arm of the Government of Dubai. Established in 2006, ICD manages a broad portfolio of assets, both locally and internationally, across a wide spectrum of sectors that support Dubai’s dynamic economy.
Who Can Participate?
Participation is open to all teachers or researchers, currently or formerly employed in higher education or industry, with substantial academic or professional experience related to the themes and to their submission. Current PhD or research students are not eligible, including while simultaneously holding an academic position.
Registration is free with fully funded travel and accommodation for authors of papers invited to be developed from selected abstracts. Where abstracts and/or papers are jointly-authored or have multiple contributors, travel and accommodation will be provided for the main or first named author only, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
