Why TRACES?

 

The Transdisciplinary Academic Conference for Emerging Scholars (TRACES) is a student-led initiative founded at the University of Hong Kong that empowers students from all disciplines to participate in academic research, publication, and cross-disciplinary dialogue.

 

Built on the belief that meaningful ideas emerge at the intersections of knowledge, TRACES encourages students to explore complex global issues through transdisciplinary thinking — combining perspectives from the sciences, humanities, social sciences, and technology.

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From research conception to presentation and publication, TRACES provides a complete academic experience typically reserved for postgraduate scholars. It is an accessible and inclusive platform where young researchers can make their first scholarly contribution in an international environment — and all completely free of charge.

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What TRACES Conference Offers:

 

TRACES provides undergraduates with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the full academic journey — from submission to publication — in a supportive, student-centered environment.

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• Early Publication Opportunities

  • Accepted abstracts are published in the official TRACES Book of Abstracts.

  • Full papers are peer-reviewed and published in the TRACES Conference Proceedings, each with an ISBN and DOI registration for academic recognition.

• Official Presentation Certificate

  • All presenters receive both digital and physical certificates, formally recognizing their academic achievement and contribution.

• No Fees at Any Stage

  • Submission, presentation, and publication are all entirely free of charge to ensure equitable access to research opportunities.

• Global Networking & Recognition

  • Connect with student researchers, faculty advisors, and professionals from around the world.

  • Gain mentorship, exposure, and opportunities for future academic collaboration.

• Skill Building in Research Communication

  • Develop experience in academic writing, public speaking, and defending research in a friendly yet intellectually rigorous environment.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning

  • Engage with research that spans and connects multiple fields, fostering creativity and new perspectives that transcend traditional academic boundaries.

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TRACES Workshops and Curriculum

 

Expanding beyond university campuses, TRACES collaborates directly with schools to design tailor-made curricula and workshops that introduce students to research fundamentals — from critical inquiry and data interpretation to academic writing and the ethical use of technology.

 

In addition, TRACES regularly hosts a variety of workshops for both secondary and undergraduate students, all grounded in its transdisciplinary philosophy. These programmes illustrate how fields such as AI, law, philosophy, and science intersect to shape innovation and society.

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Through these initiatives, TRACES bridges the gap between secondary and tertiary education, offering an early foundation for students to approach complex global challenges through integrated and collaborative thinking.

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Our Educational Mission

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At its heart, TRACES is more than a conference – it is an educational initiative.

 

We believe that access to academic research and publishing should not be reserved for postgraduates or professionals. By offering undergraduates a full academic platform, we empower emerging scholars to think critically, communicate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to global discourse.

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This mission extends beyond university walls: through TRACES Workshops, we bring transdisciplinary learning to secondary school students, introducing them to research skills, academic writing, and ethical inquiry from an earlier stage. In doing so, TRACES aims to foster a generation of thoughtful, innovative thinkers prepared to shape the future across disciplines.

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TRACES isn’t just a conference – it’s a stepping stone into the academic world. Participants leave not only with a publication and certificate, but with the skills, confidence, and connections to pursue future academic and professional endeavours. Whether you're just starting your research journey or already have something to share, TRACES is your chance to make your voice heard.

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