The University of Kentucky’s Graduate Appalachian Research Community (GARC) invites students, researchers, artists and others to attend the 2025 UK Appalachian Research Symposium and Arts Showcase.

The 14th annual event will be held on March 8, 2025, with a location to be announced soon. It will create a supportive community where students can learn from others’ research about Appalachia. 

This year’s theme is “Insider/Outsider” and focuses on a broader aspect of Appalachia.

“Although Appalachia is often portrayed as firmly rooted in its rural past, our emphasis is on a more expansive, urban Appalachian future,” said Shelby Roberts, organizer of the symposium. “By spotlighting the ‘Insider/Outsider’ divide, we hope to bring together impactful transdisciplinary work that helps the full Appalachian context.”

This year’s symposium will showcase interdisciplinary research and the arts, exploring how diverse groups have reimagined the region’s identity. Through these perspectives, the event challenges static representations of Appalachia and celebrates its complexity and ongoing evolution.

GARC, the UK Appalachian Center and the Appalachian Studies Program encourage undergraduate and graduate students from all colleges and universities who are doing research or work on Appalachia to participate.

Students can present individual papers, group papers, full panel presentations, artistic work or posters related to Appalachia. All abstract submissions are due Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, by 5 p.m. ET. The submission form is online here.

This free event is open to everyone interested in learning about Appalachian research. You must register online by 5 p.m. ET Feb. 14, 2025. Anyone interested in presenting must also register.

Whether presenting or attending, this is a unique opportunity to share work, network with peers, and learn others’ insights into Appalachia. The event will primarily be in person, but people who cannot attend can join online through Zoom.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can email ukgarc@gmail.com.