In recent decades poverty research has changed almost beyond recognition, along with the techniques used in analytic work. Yet many researchers remain unaware of the many ways in which the frontiers of poverty analysis have been extended.

The aim of this conference is to help rectify the situation in two ways. First, by surveying the novel concepts and tools developed for poverty research over the past 25 years. Second, by presenting papers that illustrate well the range of concepts and techniques now available for use in poverty analysis.

The topics likely to be covered include:

• multidimensional issues
• social exclusion
• capabilities
• subjective evaluation and happiness
• poverty dynamics
• chronic poverty
• vulnerability
• fuzzy poverty
• poverty indices
• poverty orderings
• decomposition techniques
• targeting
• simulation methods
• behavioural approaches
• randomized experiments
• macro-micro linkages
• gender issues
• global poverty trends

The conference is intended primarily for researchers and policymakers from the academic, government, and development communities. Advanced Ph.D students in economics or other social science disciplines may attend, but the conference is not suitable for undergraduates or Master’s Degree students.

Submissions
Those wishing to present papers should send detailed abstracts or complete drafts (strongly preferred) to poverty(at)wider.unu.edu. Others wishing to attend (e.g., Ph.D students, policymakers, NGO representatives, journalists) should briefly explain their interest in the conference topics. Each applicant should complete an application form http://62.237.131.23/conference/conference-2008-2/frontiers.php and submit a short CV. The deadline for submissions is 27 June 2008. Final copies of accepted papers are required by
1 September 2008.