Association of Paranormal Study Seeks Submissions for Upcoming Symposium

The Association of Paranormal Study is seeking applicants to submit papers for their upcoming Paranormal Research Symposium on August 17th, 2024, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

According to their website:

The Paranormal Research Symposium, presented by the Association of Paranormal Study, invites researchers, scholars, investigators, and enthusiasts to submit abstracts for our upcoming conference on paranormal research. This interdisciplinary conference aims to explore and discuss the unexplained, pushing the boundaries of academic and scientific inquiry into paranormal phenomena. The Paranormal Research Symposium will also publish a journal with the presentation topics after the conference.

These abstracts can be for presentations, workshops, and panels.

Topics they’re looking to cover at the symposium:

Parapsychology: Exploring extrasensory perception (ESP), telekinesis, and other psi phenomena.
Anomalistic Psychology: Investigating paranormal beliefs, experiences, and their psychological underpinnings.
UFO and Extraterrestrial Phenomena: Analyzing sightings, encounters, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
Cryptozoology: Examining elusive creatures and beings that challenge conventional zoological categorization.
Spirituality and the Paranormal: Discussing the intersection of paranormal experiences and religious/spiritual beliefs.
Tools and Technologies: Showcasing innovative methodologies and technologies for paranormal investigation.
Paranormal Science: Explore how to seamlessly integrate scientific principles into paranormal investigations.

According to Alex Matsuo, co-sponsor and organizer of the event, there has so far been a dearth of entries exploring cryptozoology.

"We are prioritizing diversifying conference topics for the Paranormal Research Symposium," she told the Singular Fortean Society. "We are actively seeking additional abstract submissions, specifically within the realm of cryptozoology. The aim is to broaden the scope of discussions and provide our audience with a varied exploration of the unexplained and the strange. Interested contributors are encouraged to submit abstracts to contribute to a more comprehensive examination of mythical creatures and unknown phenomena, fostering a deeper understanding of the extraordinary aspects within our field of study."

Requirements for submission include: a 300-word abstract that specifies whether it represents a panel, presentation, or workshop; the number of people involved, their names, and who will be the point of contact; any audio-visual needs; if the submission is for a panel, clarify if that panel is open for additional panelists outside of those specified; and if a workshop, how many people may attend and what the price will be per person.

Submissions will be assessed by the Paranormal Research Symposium Proposal Committee based on a point-scale determined by a rubric.

Abstracts should be submitted as Word documents via email to paranormalresearchsymposium@gmail.com by March 15th, 2024.

Prospective speakers should note that they "will be expected to submit a full paper of their presentation topic for a journal dedicated to the 2024 Paranormal Research Symposium. Papers should be no more than 5,000 words. Speakers will be provided with two complimentary copies as well as the option to order additional copies at a discounted rate for resell."

The deadline for research papers is September 15th, 2024.