SVKM’s NMIMS KIRIT P. MEHTA SCHOOL OF LAW, MUMBAI | International Research Conference 2026 on “GOVERNING TOMORROW: LEGAL PATHWAYS FOR INNOVATION, EQUITY, AND GLOBAL STABILITY”

SVKM’s NMIMS KIRIT P. MEHTA SCHOOL OF LAW, MUMBAI’S

CENTRE FOR RESEARCH AND CONFERENCES is organising an International Research Conference 2026 on “GOVERNING TOMORROW: LEGAL PATHWAYS FOR INNOVATION, EQUITY, AND GLOBAL STABILITY” On the 31st January – 1st February 2026

ABOUT NMIMS KIRIT P. MEHTA SCHOOL OF LAW

NMIMS (Deemed-to-be University), also known as Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, is one of India’s leading private universities, headquartered in Mumbai. Over the years, NMIMS has grown into a multidisciplinary institution with multiple campuses across India, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. It was granted the status of a “Deemed-to-be University” in 2003 by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India.

Kirit P. Mehta School of Law (KPMSOL), Mumbai, is a part of the SVKM group of schools and colleges under NMIMS (Deemed-to-be University). It was approved by the Bar Council of India in the year 2013, which is also its year of establishment. The School of Law inculcates and nourishes all professional virtues in a well-calculated and planned manner, without undermining societal values.

The institution is named after Mr. Kirit P. Mehta, a visionary leader, and it aims to deliver comprehensive legal education with practical training. KPMSOL is committed to fostering a culture of research and innovation. The school encourages students and faculty to engage in research projects, contribute to national and international legal journals, and participate in seminars and conferences. It also organizes workshops, guest lectures, and symposiums on emerging legal trends and issues.

Vision: A Law School with global focus and social outreach dedicated to advance human dignity, social and economic welfare, and justice through knowledge of law.

ABOUT CENTRE FOR RESEARCH AND CONFERENCES

The Centre for Research and Conferences (formerly the Centre for Excellence) of NMIMS Kirit P. Mehta School of Law, Mumbai, was established as the Centre for Legal Research and Application in 2018. The Centre aims to understand and improve the quality of research and development in all legal spheres and propagate legal values.

The Centre for Research and Conferences is constantly committed to promoting research in various legal and interdisciplinary fields by involving a variety of stakeholders. Through this engagement, participants can enhance their awareness, interact and exchange ideas, critically evaluate the functioning of various legal policies and frameworks, and make recommendations to various policy-making institutions for effective implementation of existing legal provisions.

The Centre for Research and Conferences has organised various intra-national and international research conferences as well as national and international seminars, webinars, and competitions. It has also conducted events like “Lawquest” – an online competition featuring article writing, strategic governance, blog writing, and case commentary.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Scheduled for 31st January to 1st February, 2026, this significant gathering will delve into emerging legal reforms and developments. The event will open on 30th January with an inaugural ceremony featuring esteemed judges, advocates, and representatives from leading law firms.

Participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions on global governance, economic development, climate change, international relations, and humanitarian concerns. Students, researchers, and academicians will have a prominent platform to share their ideas and perspectives on contemporary global issues.

This conference offers a unique opportunity for emerging scholars to contribute their research and innovative solutions to the global legal discourse. It fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas among participants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. By creating a dedicated space for the academic community, the conference aims to facilitate an inclusive dialogue and ensure a well-rounded exploration of the legal aspects of global challenges.

The balanced focus on both legal professionals and scholars encourages a comprehensive and engaging examination of global issues. Ultimately, this conference will contribute to a deeper understanding of the legal frameworks necessary for addressing the complexities of our globalised society.

ELIGIBILITY:

All Law students, Professionals, and Academics are welcome to participate.

THEMES

THEME 1: CRIMINAL LAW – CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM AND THE SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF CRIME

Reforming the Criminal Justice System: Towards Fairness, Efficiency, and Accountability
• Rethinking Punishment: Rehabilitation, Deterrence, and Restorative Justice Models
• Prison Reforms and Alternatives to Incarceration
• Sentencing Policy and Judicial Discretion: Balancing Uniformity and Individualization
• Media Influence and Public Perception in Criminal Proceedings
• The Role of Forensic and Scientific Advancements in Criminal Trials

THEME 2: IPR, TECHNOLOGY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE – INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INNOVATION, AND GLOBAL DIGITAL GOVERNANCE

The Role of International Organizations in Regulating Emerging Technologies
• Open-Source AI and the Tension Between Innovation and Protection
• Digital Trade, Data Localization, and Transnational Policy Challenges
• Intellectual Property Rights in the Era of Generative AI and Deep Learning
• The Role of Digital Governance in Addressing Global Tech Inequalities
• Fostering Ethical Innovation through International Legal Cooperation

THEME 3: ENVIRONMENTAL LAW AND CLIMATE POLICY – INTERNATIONAL LAWS FOR CLIMATE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION

Climate Justice and Equity: Responsibilities of Developed and Developing Nations
• Climate-Induced Migration and the Emerging Need for Legal Recognition
• The Role of International Courts and Tribunals in Environmental Disputes
• Financing Climate Action: Green Funds, Technology Transfer, and Capacity Building
• Integrating Human Rights into Climate Governance
• Strengthening Global Cooperation for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

THEME 4: CORPORATE LAW – GLOBAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND EFFORTS TOWARD REGULATORY ALIGNMENT

Harmonizing International Standards: OECD Guidelines and UN Principles
• Cross-Border Mergers, Acquisitions, and Governance Challenges
• Role of Independent Directors and Board Diversity in Governance Reform
• Transnational Corporate Liability: Bridging Domestic and International Regulations
• Digital Governance and Corporate Ethics in the Age of AI and Data Capitalism
• Towards a Unified Global Corporate Governance Code: Possibilities and Limitations

THEME 5: HUMAN RIGHTS AND GLOBAL JUSTICE – RETHINKING EQUALITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND PROTECTION IN AN INTERCONNECTED WORLD

Global Inequalities, Geopolitics, International Relations & the Future of Human Rights Protection
• Human Rights in the Age of Digital Governance and AI
• Migration, Refugee Rights, and Statelessness in a Globalised World
• Gender Justice and Intersectionality in Global Human Rights Standards
• Conflict, Humanitarian Crisis, United Nations and Human Rights Protection
• Strengthening Multilateralism and Global Governance for Human Rights

THEME 6: SPACE AND MARITIME LAW – BEYOND EARTH AND OCEAN: EVOLVING LEGAL FRAMEWORKS FOR SPACE AND MARITIME GOVERNANCE IN A GLOBALISED ERA

Space Commercialisation and Maritime Trade: New Frontiers of Global Economic Activity
• Security Challenges in Space and Maritime Domains
• Jurisdictional Complexities and Sovereignty Claims
• Disaster Management and Global Infrastructure Security
• International Cooperation and Multilateral Institutions
• Future of Resource Utilisation: Deep-Sea and Outer Space Mining

N.B.: Contributions relevant to the subject of the conference other than those mentioned are also welcome.

IMPORTANT DATES

EVENT	DATE
Last day of Abstract Submission	7th January, 2026
Date of communication of Acceptance of Abstract	10th January, 2026
Last date for Registration and Payment	14th January, 2026
Last date for Full Paper Submission	23rd January, 2026
Last day for PPT Submission	25th January, 2026
International Conference	31st January & 1st February, 2026

MODE OF CONFERENCE

The conference will be held in hybrid mode (both online and offline).

FEE STRUCTURE

For Indian Participants:

Single student author: ₹1,200/-
Student co-authors (2): ₹1,600/-
Student co-authors (3): ₹1,900/-
Academicians/Professionals: ₹1,800/-
Academicians/Professionals (2): ₹2,200/-
Academicians/Professionals (3): ₹2,600/-
Academicians & Students (2): ₹1,800/-
Academicians & Students (3): ₹2,200/-

For International Participants:

International single student author: $20
International student co-authors (2): $25
International student co-authors (3): $30
International Academicians/Professionals: $25

Payment Process:

STEP 1: Once the communication of acceptance of abstract is made, the selected authors shall be provided with the bank details in order to complete the registration through payment as per the above-mentioned criteria.

STEP 2: After receiving the abstract confirmation and making the payment as per the above-mentioned criteria, fill out the payment confirmation form with all necessary information and add the screenshot of the payment details.

Registration fee does not include accommodation, travel (international, national and local transportation). Although we may assist the participants with the details regarding logistics/possible accommodation nearby.

REGISTRATION

For Abstract Submission: Paper presenters are required to send their abstract of the paper in word doc. format with the subject “Abstract submission- Name of paper presenters” attached to the google form provided:
https://forms.gle/SWkzc8pTNnGdmTc97

For Author’s Registration and Payment Confirmation: After acceptance of abstract selection, the selected papers’ authors are required to register for the event using the following link after making the payment as per the criteria mentioned:
https://forms.gle/8xVNCtuMYmxXkEeWA

For Full Paper Submission: Paper presenters are required to send their papers in word doc. format. The paper should be uploaded on the google form provided:
https://forms.gle/VUvwKhUtrrLh2uSMA

PPT Submission: Paper presenters are required to submit the presentation in the form provided:
https://forms.gle/RZds3n5zkLhbfcoJ6

On registration, each participant shall be provided with a unique three-digit Code (e.g. T01, T02, etc.) which shall be used by both the CRC and the participants over the course of the conference.

AWARDS

First Best Paper: ₹16,000/-
Second Best Paper: ₹11,000/-
Third Best Paper: ₹8,000/-
Best Presenter: ₹5,000/-
Authors of the TOP 10 papers shall be considered with an opportunity to intern with our Partners as per the given schedule.
Top 5 papers shall be considered for publication in an ISSN numbered journal.
Certificate/E-Certificate will be provided to every participant.
Certificate of Merit will be provided to 30 best paper presentations.
Selected papers will be published in a journal with ISSN or as a conference proceedings book with ISBN.

Note: Additional charges to be paid for publication.

OUR PARTNERS

Vis Legis Law Practice Advocates
Unison Legal
Desai Desai Carrimjee & Mulla
Zerick Dastur Advocates & Solicitors
Solomon & Co. Advocates & Solicitors
Yende Legal Associates
Divekar and Co. Advocates & Solicitors

CS Legal Advocates

For abstract guidelines, full paper guidelines, or any other information, please refer to the attached brochure.

CONTACT INFORMATION