NMC 2026 – NUALS International ADR Seminar
NMC 2026 – NUALS International ADR Seminar
About the Host Institution
The National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS), Kochi, was established in 2005 by an Act of the Kerala Legislature. Known for its academic rigor, diverse research ecosystem, and skill-based legal training, the university offers undergraduate as well as postgraduate programmes. With over sixteen active research centres, NUALS is committed to promoting forward-thinking legal scholarship, including the advancement of dispute-resolution studies.
About the ADR Society
The ADR Society of NUALS aims to cultivate competency in alternative dispute-resolution mechanisms such as mediation, negotiation, conciliation, and arbitration. The society regularly conducts training programmes and hosts academic events, including its annual international seminar. The 2026 edition marks its second international seminar.
About the Seminar
The NUALS International ADR Seminar 2026 will be conducted entirely online.
Theme of the Seminar: ADR in Frontier Domains: Digital Economies, Global Governance, and Technological Futures
The seminar intends to explore the role of ADR in sectors shaped by rapid technological innovation, evolving global policies, and complex multi-jurisdictional interactions. A special academic emphasis is placed on maritime dispute resolution, reflecting the influence and relevance of Kochi as a maritime hub.
Suggested Areas of Presentation
The seminar invites papers broadly connected to its central theme. Illustrative sub-areas include:
– Maritime and Admiralty Dispute Resolution covering freight disputes, insurance conflicts, port-related arbitration, and charter arrangements
– ADR in digital economies, including cross-border e-commerce, online dispute-resolution models, and technology-enabled contracts
– Space, aviation, defence and procurement-related disputes
– ADR in global health, biotechnology and pandemic-based contractual issues
– Data-localisation conflicts and digital sovereignty matters
– ESG-based corporate conflicts involving social equity, governance failures, and ethical compliance
– Emerging FinTech-driven disputes relating to crypto-assets, smart contracts and central-bank digital currencies
– AI governance, algorithmic decision impacts and accountability disputes
– Dispute-resolution relating to migration, humanitarian rights, cross-border families, and disaster rehabilitation
– Indigenous rights, cultural-heritage conflicts and restoration issues
– E-sports, gaming technology, sports regulation and associated commercial disputes
These sub-themes are indicative and not limiting; authors may select any relevant issue.
Important Deadlines
Last date for abstract submission: 25 December 2025
Notification of acceptance: 28 December 2025
Last date for registration and payment: 31 December 2025
Last date for full-paper submission: 23 January 2026
Online seminar and presentation date: 25 January 2026
Registration Fee
– Students (single author): ₹1000
– Students (two authors): ₹1650
– Academicians or practitioners (single author): ₹2450
– Academicians or practitioners (two authors): ₹3000
Registration is confirmed only upon submission of proof of payment.
Submission Requirements
Authors must submit abstracts along with payment proof and a cover letter within the timeline. Final submissions must be original, unpublished, and accompanied by a declaration of authorship. The organising committee will not be liable for any copyright-related issues. Adherence to deadlines and format guidelines is mandatory.
Review and Selection
All submissions will undergo blind review. Shortlisted authors will present before an expert panel comprising academics, practising professionals and jurists. The decision of the panel will determine prize winners.
Awards and Recognition
Certificates of Merit will be issued to finalists. Selected papers may be considered for publication through NUALS or partner outlets. Cash awards are as follows:
– Best Paper: ₹10,000
– Second Best Paper: ₹8,500
– Third Best Paper: ₹6,500
Contact Information
Faculty Coordinator: Dr. Aparna Sreekumar – aparnasreekumar@nuals.ac.in
Student Convenor: Swathi Jayachandran M – +91 9445176255
Student Convenor: Pranav Mruthyunjay – +91 9363008312
Official Email: adrseminar@nuals.ac.in
