#WAC2026
World Anthropology Congress
Celebrate the power of Anthropology to foster a more compassionate and peaceful world
Theme:
Human Journey across Time and Space
Dates:
18th to 22nd of November, 2026
Organizer:
United Indian Anthropology Forum
Venue:
Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
Unlocking the Conference
“World Anthropology Congress-2026
Human Journey across Time and Space“
The focal theme of WAC-2026, titled “Human Journey across Time and Space,” aims to explore the dynamic evolution of humanity through the integrated perspectives of the four major branches of anthropology: Social-Cultural, Biological, Archaeological, and Linguistic. This theme seeks to understand how humans have adapted biologically, socially, and culturally to diverse environments, how material remains trace our movements and transformations, and how languages have evolved as markers of identity and communication. The theme invites reflections on continuity and change, migration, globalisation, and the shared future of humanity. Acknowledging that the human experience transcends disciplinary boundaries, WAC-2026 warmly welcomes scholars from related fields such as management, history, sociology, law, economics, tribal studies, human genetics, development studies, geography, psychology, rural development, public policy, climate change, childhood studies, community medicine, and environmental studies, among others. The Congress also encourages the participation of applied and action researchers who are addressing contemporary human issues and challenges. Together, these diverse perspectives will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the human odyssey through time and space.
Organiser
United Indian Anthropology Forum (UIAF)
UIAF is a unique platform for the Indian Anthropology fraternity, including budding and veteran anthropologists and aspiring and alumni anthropologists as well as senior and young anthropologists engaged in teaching, research and applied areas, across different specialisations for exchange of views and ideas, with an integrated perspective.
Hosted by
Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS)
Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences – KISS, comprises of KISS Foundation, KISS School & College and KISS University. KISS Foundation is an NGO in India headquartered in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. School, College and University is the educational wing of this initiative located at the intersection of food, education and empowerment.
News &. Events
Latest News and Updates Regarding WAC 2023
Blog
Cohesive online community of individuals interested in anthropology – This blog intends to promote and facilitate discussion, review research, extend stewardship of resources, and disseminate knowledge.
Why KISS
KISS is proud to host the confluence of anthropologists at the unique and pioneering World Anthropology Congress 2026. As a residential educational institution for indigenous children, KISS has always believed in and followed indigenous control of education. For the last 30 years, under the leadership of Dr. Achyuta Samanta, KISS has grown to be a holistic model for empowerment of tribal children through Education. KISS has always engaged with anthropologists for evolving a strategy to have education that is inspired from tribal heritage and helps students reconnect with their indigenous culture and tradition. In this effort, KISS has hosted several academic conferences and summits like Science Congress 2012, All India Sociological Conference 2015, Youth Science Congress 2016, World Congress of Poets 2019 besides including IUAES Inter Congress in 2012. With excellent state of the art infrastructure and world class facilities, support from the anthropology fraternity in India and abroad and patronage of the Government of India and support from Government of Odisha, KISS is the best platform with potential and experience to host and organise a stellar World Anthropology Congress.
