This three-day conference for researchers is organised by the Timor-Leste Studies Association (TLSA). The TLSA is an interdisciplinary, international research network focussed on all aspects of research into East Timorese society, including politics and history, economics, communications, health, language, agriculture and science.
The TLSA now calls for papers on any aspect of research on Timor-Leste. Next year’s conference will also have several special streams: 1975 – 50 Years on (convened by Clinton Fernandes); Timor-Leste’s International Relations and ASEAN (convened by Mica Barreto-Soares); Indigenous Knowledges (convened by Josh Trindade); Inclusive Economy (convened by Guteriano Neves); Gender Research in Timor-Leste, convened by Tam Nguyen); Tourism research (convened by Feliciano Quintas).
The Understanding Timor-Leste 2025 conference will be co-hosted by the Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e, Swinburne University of Technology, and the Institute of Contemporary History, NOVA School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Portugal.
The 2025 TLSA conference is generously supported by the Association for Asian Studies, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, and the University of Melbourne’s Indigenous Knowledge Institute
CALL FOR PAPERS
The organisers now call for papers addressing any aspect of social science / humanities / scientific research related to Timor-Leste. The conference organisers welcome papers from academics, researchers, activists, community groups, and policy makers. A refereed conference proceedings publication will be published after the conference. Conference sub-themes will include, but are not limited to:
Special Streams:
- 1975 – 50 Years on
- Timor-Leste’s International Relations and ASEAN
- Indigenous Knowledges
- Economic Development
- Gender Research in Timor-Leste
- Tourism research
- Multi-species Engagments in Timor-Leste
Open research areas:
- Agriculture
- Anthropology and Archaeology
- Community Development
- Culture and Society
- Development Policy
- East Timorese Perspectives on Regional and Global Issues
- Economics, Business and Trade
- Education
- Health
- History and Heritage
- Language and Linguistics
- Peace-Building
- Politics and International Relations
- Resource Management
- Timor-Leste’s Regional and International Relationships
CONFERENCE LANGUAGES
Papers may be presented in Tetum, Portuguese, English or Indonesian.
PAPER ABSTRACT & PANEL PROPOSALS
Please send all abstract proposals for 20-minute papers, with a 150-word abstract, by Friday 28 March 2025, to: tlsa2025conference@gmail.com
Proposals must include:
- Name:
- Affiliation:
- Paper Title:
- 150-word Abstract:
- Language(s):
- Theme:
You may also propose a 1.5-hour panel (3 papers). Please include the above information for each individual paper, as well as a panel title and abstract.
Tetum language papers should also be sent cc: Dr Mica Barreto-Soares barreto_mica@hotmail.com
Portuguese language papers should also be sent cc: Dr Zélia Pereira zeliacruzpereira@ gmail.com
Indonesian language papers should also be sent cc: Dr Mica Barreto-Soares barreto_mica@ hotmail.com
MODERATOR OPTION
Please indicate if you are willing to act as a moderator for a panel: YES or NO.
REGISTRATION DETAILS
Further information regarding registration will be available online soon.
SUPPORT FOR EAST TIMORESE NATIONALS TO ATTEND
See registration details (available online shortly) for special discounts for East Timorese participants.
FURTHER DETAILS
Further details about registration, accommodation and travel will be available soon on the TLSA website: https://tlstudies.org/
Timor-Leste Studies Association 