HKN 2026: Innovating the Future: HKN's First Papers Conference Embassy Suites by Hilton Grapevine DFW Airport North Dallas, TX, United States, November 6, 2026 |
| Conference web page | https://hkn.ieee.org/innovating-the-future |
| Submission link | https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=hkn2026 |
| Conference program | https://easychair.org/smart-program/HKN2026/ |
| Abstract registration deadline | April 15, 2026 |
| Submission deadline | August 1, 2026 |
Innovating the Future: HKN’s First Papers Conference
Sponsored by Eta Kappa Nu (HKN), the honor society of IEEE, this one-day, in-person conference on 6 November 2026 is dedicated to showcasing the pioneering work of IEEE Student Members enrolled in accredited U.S. institutions of higher education, and HKN students in worldwide institutions with an HKN Chapter. Eligible contributors must be undergraduate or graduate students in disciplines aligned with IEEE’s mission and scope.
This event provides a focused platform for students to present original research, engage in mentorship, and gain firsthand experience with the academic publishing process. The conference is structured exclusively around paper presentation sessions, with a limited number of accepted papers to ensure high-quality discourse and meaningful engagement.
The program will feature:
- Opening remarks and keynote address
- Thematic paper presentation sessions
- Networking breaks and mentor-student meetups
- A closing session recognizing outstanding contributions
This conference is more than a venue for presenting research—it is a launchpad for future innovators committed to advancing technology for humanity. Through mentorship, publication, and community engagement, the conference embodies the mission of Eta Kappa Nu and IEEE: to elevate excellence in engineering, computing, and the sciences
Submission Guidelines
All papers must be original and not simultaneously submitted to another journal or conference. Check the website to see detailed author instructions.
Two-Phase Structure
This conference follows a two-phase submission and review process designed to support students through the full lifecycle of academic publication:
Phase 1: Extended Abstract Review and Mentorship Assignment
Participants begin by submitting a 2-page extended abstract that outlines the scope, significance, and methodology of their research. These abstracts will be reviewed for thematic alignment, technical relevance, and clarity. Accepted abstracts will be matched with mentors—experienced IEEE members and faculty—who will guide students through the development of their full papers.
Phase 2: Full Paper Submission and Review
Following mentorship, students will submit a 5–6-page final paper, formatted according to IEEE conference standards. These papers will undergo peer review, with mentors continuing to support revisions and refinement. Only papers accepted through this process will be scheduled for presentation.
Scopes and Disciplines
Submissions are invited from a broad spectrum of IEEE-related fields, including but not limited to:
- Core disciplines: Computing, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering
- Extended disciplines: Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronics, Photonics, Telecommunications, Power Systems, Embedded Systems, Intelligent Transportation Systems
Research topics may span emerging and transformative technologies such as:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Quantum Computing
- Cybersecurity and Privacy
- Sustainable Energy and Smart Grids
- Robotics and Human-Centered Design
- Edge and Cloud Computing
- Advanced Communication Systems
Information for Authors
All authors are invited to submit their extended abstract contributions to Innovating the Future: HKN’s First Papers Conference. To ensure a high-quality publication process and seamless integration into the IEEE digital library, all submissions must strictly adhere to the following formatting guidelines.
Submission Phases and Page Limits
The conference utilizes a two-phase submission process designed to provide mentorship and support the development of your research.
- Phase 1: Extended Abstract (Initial Submission)
- Format: PDF file.
- Page Limit: Exactly 2 pages.
- Purpose: To outline the scope, significance, and methodology of your research for thematic alignment and mentorship assignment.
- Phase 2: Full Paper (Second Submission)
- Format: PDF file.
- Page Limit: 5–6 pages.
- Purpose: A full-length manuscript that incorporates feedback from mentors and undergoes formal peer review for inclusion in the conference program and proceedings.
General Formatting Guidelines
All submissions (both Phase 1 and Phase 2) must be formatted according to the IEEE Conference Paper standard. Please visit IEEE Author Center - Conference Authors (https://conferences.ieeeauthorcenter.ieee.org/) for the details of IEEE Conference Paper standard.
- Templates: Authors must use the official IEEE conference templates (available for both Microsoft Word and LaTeX). These templates ensure the correct margins, column widths, line spacing, and font sizes.
- Download templates from the Authoring Tools and Templates in IEEE Author Center (https://conferences.ieeeauthorcenter.ieee.org/write-your-paper/authoring-tools-and-templates/)
- Sample files: You may download LaTeX and Word sample files for the Phase 1 extended abstract
- Download sample filess from the link Submission templates in the EasyChair submission page (located at the top right corner)
- latex-sample.zip: Zip archive for LaTeX sample files
- word-sample.zip: Zip archive for Word sample files
- PDF Requirements:
- All files must be submitted in PDF format.
- Ensure all fonts are embedded in the PDF.
- Do not use password protection or digital signatures.
Note on Double-Blind Policy
To maintain fairness in the review process, the HKN First Papers Conference employs a double-blind review system. Therefore, authors are requested to remove all identifying information—including names, affiliations, and contact details—from the paper’s header in the versions submitted for review: extended abstract and full paper. Additionally, any references within the paper that reveal the authors’ identities, such as citations of their own previous work and acknowledgements to the funding sources, must be anonymized or omitted during submission. After the full paper finally is accepted, authors may restore their names, affiliations, contact information, references and acknowledgements to their prior work in the final camera-ready version.
Note on the Use of AI
The use of content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) in an article (including but not limited to text, figures, images, and code) shall be disclosed in the acknowledgments section of any article submitted to an IEEE publication. The AI system used shall be identified, and specific sections of the article that use AI-generated content shall be identified and accompanied by a brief explanation regarding the level at which the AI system was used to generate the content. Full IEEE information regarding the Submission and Peer Review Policies may be found in IEEE Author Center (https://journals.ieeeauthorcenter.ieee.org/become-an-ieee-journal-author/publishing-ethics/guidelines-and-policies/submission-and-peer-review-policies/)
Presentation
All accepted papers must be presented in person at the conference. This requirement ensures that authors engage directly with peers, mentors, and reviewers, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and feedback.
Following the presentation, all accepted papers will be:
- Published in the official conference proceedings
- Submitted for inclusion in IEEE Xplore, the IEEE digital library, providing global visibility and academic recognition
Timeline
- Submission for Abstracts: Open February 15, 2026
- Deadline for Abstracts: April 15, 2026
- Notify Abstract Authors & Mentor Assignment: June 1, 2026
- Receive Final Paper Submissions: August 1, 2026
- Notify Authors: By Sept 11, 2026
- Final Papers Due: September 25, 2026
- Conference Date: November 6, 2026