Overview

TPRC is the preeminent annual interdisciplinary conference on communications, information, and Internet policy that convenes researchers and policymakers from law, economics, engineering, computer science, public policy, data science, social sciences, and related fields working in academia, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations around the world. 

TPRC is seeking submissions for its 54th conference, including papers, posters, panels, lightning talks, tutorials and the Student Paper Competition. 

Paper, lightning talk, poster, and tutorial proposals can be submitted through March 15, 2026.

Papers: Submit an extended abstract of research in progress or recently completed and present the completed paper in a conference session. The presentation of a paper is best for work that has been completed or is near completion. Papers are presented in paper sessions.

Posters: Ideal for feedback on work-in-progress and completed work where detailed feedback and engagement is desired. Posters will be prominently displayed and provide an opportunity to discuss your research in detail with conference attendees during coffee breaks and the reception prior to dinner.

Lightning talks: These talks, limited to 5 minutes, may address work-in-progress or emerging topics. Lightning talks will be presented in groups of 5 talks.

See guidelines for submitting paper, poster and lightning talk proposals here.

Panels: Propose a panel discussion of a relevant topic. If your proposal is selected, you will be asked to organize the panel in coordination with the Program Committee. See guidelines for submitting a panel proposal here.

Pre-Conference Tutorial: Propose a tutorial session on a novel topic that is relevant to the TPRC audience. The goal of tutorials is for the audience to learn what the topic is and what it means in the telecommunications policy context. Tutorials including hands-on activities are highly encouraged. If your proposal is selected, you will be asked to organize the tutorial session in coordination with the Program Committee. See guidelines for submitting a tutorial proposal here.

Student Paper Competition: In addition to the regular conference proposals, students may also self-nominate their papers to the student paper contest. The Student Paper Contest winners receive cash prizes, travel stipend, and complimentary registration to TPRC54. Student Papers can be submitted through April 30, 2026. See more details on the student paper competition here.

Important Dates: 

• Submissions open: February 15, 2026 

• Submission deadline for papers, posters, panels, lightning talks and tutorials: March 15, 2026

• Student Paper Contest Nominations: April 30, 2026

• Notice of decisions to the submitting author: May 31, 2026

• Final, complete papers for presentation: August 1, 2026

TPRC is a nonpartisan organization that is strongly committed to rigorous research and scholarship as well as diversity, equity and the free expression of ideas. We seek to hold a conference in which responsibility, integrity, intellectual freedom, equality of respect and opportunity, and collegiality are paramount.

Topic Areas

The Program Committee encourages submissions from diverse organizations, disciplines, approaches, scholars, and geographies on the following and related topics:

• Analysis and Management of Complexity in Sociotechnical Systems

• Antitrust and Competition Policy in Communications, Information, and Internet Markets

• Artificial Intelligence Policy

• Broadband Deployment, Access and the Digital Divide, Criticality of Infrastructure

• Cybersecurity Policy

• Geopolitics, Digital Sovereignty, and Tech Regulation

• ICT and Gender, Race, Ethnicity, Diversity, Justice, and Inclusion

• ICT and Sustainability, Governance and Environmental Impact of AI and/or Data Centers

• Pandemic and Disaster Response

• Policies Governing the Digital Economy

• Policy and Governance Implications of Emerging Technologies (Open Source, Quantum Computing, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency)

• Privacy, Data Protection and Digital Trust

• Satellites and Space Economy

• Spectrum Management and Wireless Policy 

• Social Dimensions to Communications and Internet Policy

• Social Media Platform Policy and Regulation (Content Moderation, Online Harms, Elections, Child Safety, Disinformation/Misinformation, etc.)

Submissions accepted February 15 - March 15, 2026.

TPRC recognizes that AI tools can support clear and polished writing, but authors are expected to ensure that all ideas, analysis, and evidence originate from their own work. AI-generated text should be carefully checked for accuracy, and authors remain fully responsible for the originality, rigor, and integrity of their submissions.