Santo Domingo · 10–11 December 2026
Call for Papers
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The National Office for Prison Reform Support (ONAPREP), in cooperation with Universidad APEC (UNAPEC), Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD), Universidad Federico Henríquez y Carvajal (UFHEC), the School of Law of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Universidad Abierta para Adultos (UAPA), Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE), Universidad de la Tercera Edad (UTE), Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU), and Fordham University School of Law, invites researchers, academics, professionals, policymakers, international organizations, and graduate students to submit proposals for presentations at the Congress, to be held on 10 and 11 December 2026 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in a hybrid format.
The Congress serves as an international forum for the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and research aimed at strengthening the transformation of correctional systems through innovative, evidence-based approaches centered on human rights, rehabilitation, and social reintegration.
Central Theme
Innovation, international cooperation, and rehabilitation for the transformation of correctional systems.
Objectives of the Call for Proposals
Submitters are invited to present original research, case studies, public policy evaluations, institutional experiences, and practical innovations that contribute to the development of more effective, humane, and sustainable prison systems.
Proposals must provide evidence, critical analysis, or replicable experiences that foster international dialogue and the development of public policies.
Thematic Areas
Proposals may fall under one of the following thematic areas:
Social reintegration and reduction of recidivism
Human rights and international standards in the correctional context
Correctional innovation and institutional transformation
Restorative justice and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms
Education, vocational training, and skills development in correctional settings
Modern correctional management, leadership, and organizational innovation
Physical and mental health of persons deprived of liberty
Technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation applied to correctional administration
Gender perspective, vulnerable groups, and inclusion policies
International cooperation, comparative research, and best practices in corrections
Forms of Participation
Proposals will be accepted in the following formats:
- Research presentations
- Case studies
- Institutional experiences
- Innovative projects
- Thematic panels
- Academic posters (optional)
Submission of Proposals
Authors must submit a proposal that includes the following elements:
- Title of the presentation
- Thematic area
- Name(s) of the author(s)
- Affiliated institution
- Country
- Email address
- Abstract of the presentation (300–500 words)
- Brief description of the topic
- Biography of the presenter (maximum 2 pages)
- Three to five keywords
Proposals must be clear, relevant to the selected thematic focus, and reflect significant contributions in the areas of prison innovation, human rights, and social reintegration.
Individual or co-authored proposals are accepted.
Official Languages
Proposals will be accepted in:
- Spanish
- English
Evaluation Process
All proposals will undergo a peer review process using double-blind review, based on the following criteria:
- Originality
- Methodological rigor
- Relevance to the conference theme
- Academic quality
- Contribution to prison innovation and social reintegration
Proposals will be evaluated as they are received, and acceptance decisions will be communicated on a rolling basis. Early submission is recommended to facilitate planning of the scientific program.
The decisions of the Scientific Committee will be final.
Publication
Accepted papers will be included in the Official Proceedings of the Congress, with an ISBN.
The best papers may be selected for publication in a special issue or in an affiliated academic journal, subject to the corresponding editorial and peer-review process.
Important Dates
Notification of acceptance: on a rolling basis, as proposals are evaluated.
International Scientific Committee
The Congress will feature a Scientific Committee composed of specialists and representatives from universities, international organizations, and research centers worldwide, who will ensure the academic quality of the selection process.
Organization
National Office for Prison Reform Support (ONAPREP).
With the support of national and international universities, multilateral organizations, and international cooperation agencies.
Invitation
The transformation of correctional systems requires knowledge, scientific evidence, and international cooperation. We invite researchers, professionals, policymakers, and representatives of organizations from around the world to share their research, experiences, and innovations to contribute to the development of correctional systems that are safer, more humane, more inclusive, and focused on rehabilitation.
We look forward to receiving your proposal and welcoming you to the Congress on 10 and 11 December 2026 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Ready to take part? Submit your proposal through the online form.
Submit a Paper