We invite scholars of all levels (BA, MA, ReMA, PhD), based in the Benelux region to participate in the annual IASPM student conference on 12th June 2026.
Each year , we highlight the roles that music performs in contemporary societies, in all its diversity and breadth. We intentionally encourage a diverse range of approaches, as one of the primary goals of this conference is to foster connections between research topics across genre categories and disciplines. We also encourage and welcome different perspectives and methodologies – from sociological, musicological, and ethnomusicological approaches to music industry and practice-based studies. Finally , we welcome students who are particularly motivated to blur boundaries between established methodologies in their research. In this sense, we hope to strengthen the contributions that explore new ways of examining music scholarship in the Benelux academic world. Ultimately , we hope to share insights with each other to promote greater contact between our various specializations and to make visible the important role that all forms of popular music research perform for culture and society .
This conference is an excellent opportunity for students to present their research on music to a broader audience and receive feedback from experts in their fields. Bringing different communities together , the conference also enables students to network across disciplines and professions, getting in contact with other students, researchers as well as musicians from across the Benelux region.
Abstract Submission:
If you are interested in participating in this conference, please submit an abstract of 250 words maximum on your music related topic before Friday the 20th of May , 2026 at 18:00. If you wish to receive 2 ECTS for attending the full day and presenting, it is important to note that all ReMA and PhD students from Dutch partner universities will be able to do so, as long as our previously successful collaboration with NICA is renewed and as long as they are registered at one of the research schools in The Netherlands. If you intend to obtain credits, please mention this in your application.
Your application must include the following information:
- Your full name;
- Your education level;
- Your study program/department;
- Name of your academic institution;
- Your email address;
- The title of your research and an abstract (short summary);
- Whether you wish to possibly receive 2 ECTS for participating or not.
Presentations will be around 15-20 minutes, followed by a short discussion. In order to accommodate members of all backgrounds, the preferred language of presentations is English, but Dutch-language presentations are also welcome.
Practical information:
Please send your abstracts to iaspm@bentz.cc
Deadline for submissions: 20th May 2026
Acceptances will be sent by Friday, May 26th, 2026
There is no cost to participate or attend, though speakers must be members of IASPM Benelux (which involves a €10 annual fee for students, for more information visit https:/ /www.iaspmbenelux.org/becomeamember).
We are happy to assist participants who do not own a student product with their travel expenses if needed - if that applies to you, please mention it in your application.