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

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.