Technology, Knowledge & Society Research Network

Emerging Scholar Awards

Each year a small number of Emerging Scholar Awards are given to outstanding early-career scholars or graduate students. The Award offers complimentary registration and Network Membership. It provides a robust professional development opportunity for early career academics to meet experts in the field, interact with colleagues from other parts of the world, and create networks and lasting connections. In our model, we have two kinds of Emerging Scholars -- In-Person and Online Only. Across all formats, Emerging Scholars play a critical role in the conference by leading discussions and chairing parallel sessions and are offered a publication pathway for their research. This way, we can provide maximum exposure for this selected group of researchers.

To apply, follow the link below. You may also view further instructions by selecting our "Step-By-Step Guide."

Early Deadline: 25 August 2026
Final Deadline: 25 December 2026
Apply Now Step-By-Step Guide

2027 In-Person Recipients

For each conference, a small number of Emerging Scholar Awards are given to outstanding graduate students and emerging scholars who have an active research interest in the conference themes. Emerging Scholars perform a critical role in the online conference by commenting and engaging the parallel sessions, and presenting their own research papers. The 2027 Emerging Scholar Award recipients are as follows:

Matthias Sturm

Matthias Sturm

Simon Fraser University, Canada

Matthias Sturm holds a Ph.D. from Simon Fraser University (2026), where his doctoral thesis investigated social inclusion, digital equity, and adaptive digital pedagogies for newcomer adult language learners in Canada. Reframing the digital divide into interconnected layers that focus on their permeability, and the innovation and resiliency of digital citizens, his research explores how digital fluency fosters cultural, social, and techno-capital. With over 50 publications, presentations and workshops in academic and professional settings, Matthias has also contributed to policy papers advocating for adult education playing a significant role in addressing digital inequities for newcomer settlement and labour market integration.

2027 Online Only Recipients

Kulvir Moudgil

Kulvir Moudgil

Thompson Rivers University, Canada

Kulvir Moudgil is a Registered Nurse and Master of Nursing student with interests in health equity, digital health, knowledge translation, and community-based healthcare. Her research explores how digital platforms shape public understanding of health information, including her work examining perceptions of dementia prevention on YouTube. Alongside her clinical practice, Kulvir has contributed to nursing education as a teaching assistant and mentor and has been actively involved in student leadership and community initiatives. She is passionate about connecting research, technology, and clinical practice to improve access to reliable health information and support more equitable, informed, and patient-centred healthcare.

William Zhou

William Zhou

George Washington University, United States

William Zhiwei Zhou is an educator and researcher whose work explores the relationships among education, culture, migration, knowledge, and subject formation. He holds an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the George Washington University, an Ed.M. in Arts in Education from Harvard University, and a BFA in Art Education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. His research draws on interdisciplinary perspectives to examine how educational and cultural institutions shape ways of knowing. His broader interests include teacher education, arts-based inquiry, and the changing social and institutional conditions through which knowledge is produced and circulated.

In Their Words

There was a significant amount of learning as a result of attending and participating in the conference. However, the most important lesson was realizing the significant benefits that can be gained from interdisciplinary collaboration."

Reshma Prashad, 2017 Awardee

I gained unparalleled knowledge from the presentations from other participants while also gaining confidence and encouragement."

Ali Ahmed, 2014 Awardee

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