University Research Center (URC), a division of Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) is hosting its fourth annual “Advancing Mississippi” Conference on Friday, September 6, 2019 in Jackson. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to making Mississippi’s future brighter for all citizens.  Conference papers should address long-term challenges facing the state. For example, Mississippi faces systemic challenges such as low human capital, low educational attainment, and relatively poor health.  Other potential topics include trends in population growth, crime, tax policy and additional issues that may enhance or inhibit economic growth.  The goal of the conference is to uncover productive ways to overcome challenges and foster growth in Mississippi, while creating better economic conditions for all Mississippians.

Abstracts will be accepted until June 17, 2019. To be considered for the conference, abstracts must include a clear research question, data to be used (including sources), and a clear discussion of possible policy recommendations. The selection committee will notify the author(s) by July 8, 2019 as to whether their paper has been accepted for conference presentation.

This annual conference aims to promote URC’s newest publication The Mississippi Review. This peer-reviewed journal features articles examining long term economic issues affecting the state. To learn more about The Mississippi Review, please visit URC’s webpage at www.mississippi.edu/urc.

Please submit abstracts for the conference to Dr. Sondra Collins at scollins@mississippi.edu using “Conference Abstract” in the subject line.