Submit research, practice, or policy work
Social Capital 2027 brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, community leaders, professionals, and organisations working to understand and strengthen social capital.
We invite proposals to present original research, practical experience, policy initiatives, programmes, projects, case studies, and other work related to social capital. You do not need to be an academic or have completed a formal research study to contribute.
Social Capital 2027 is a field-building conference that recognises multiple forms of knowledge and contribution. Submissions will be assessed according to their relevance and value, using criteria appropriate to the type of work being presented.
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Stay updatedKey dates
Abstract submission opens: July 14, 2026
Abstract submission closes: September 30, 2026
Conference: March 17-20, 2027
Topics of Interest
We welcome contributions relating to any dimension of social capital. Submissions do not need to fit perfectly within one of the listed conference themes, and interdisciplinary contributions are encouraged.
Key themes include:
- Health, Wellbeing, and Human Flourishing
- Governance, Civic Engagement, and Institutional Trust
- Theory and Measurement of Social Capital
- Community Resilience, Preparedness, and Disaster Recovery
- Environment, Sustainability, and Climate Change
- Economics
- Entrepreneurship
- Social Capital and Mobility
- Social Capital in the Age of AI
- Education, Learning, and Knowledge Systems
- Agriculture, Rural, and Community Development
We invite submissions on any topic related to social capital, not limited to the key themes above. We encourage the submission of abstracts positioned to produce research highlighting both scholarly and practical components of Social Capital and its impact on a global scale.
Submission guidelines
Length: Maximum 250 words.
Language: Submissions must be made in English.
Affiliation: Please include the names of all contributors and their university, organisation, community group, government agency, independent practice, or other relevant affiliation.
Presentation preference: Contributors may indicate their preferred presentation format. Depending on the nature of the submission and the programme, accepted contributions may be presented as an oral presentation, poster, practice or policy session, case-study discussion, panel, roundtable, workshop, or showcase. The programme committee will determine the final format in consultation with contributors where appropriate.
Review: All submissions will be reviewed. Academic submissions will undergo scholarly peer review. Practice and policy submissions will be assessed for their relevance, clarity, implementation insight, transferability, and potential to contribute to productive discussion.
Presentation limit: Each person may deliver up to two presentations at the conference but may be listed as a contributor on additional submissions.
The person listed first will be treated as the presenting contributor and primary contact unless otherwise indicated.
All presenting contributors must register for the conference.
How to Submit
Abstracts must be submitted through the official Social Capital 2027 online submission portal below. Please ensure your abstract adheres to the guidelines before submission.
Please direct questions regarding the abstract submission process to the Chair of the Academic Committee, Clemens Mielke.
We look forward to receiving your contributions and welcoming you to Social Capital 2027 in Dubai!
Types of submission
Academic and research submissions
These submissions may present empirical research, theoretical arguments, methodological developments, literature reviews, or other scholarly contributions.
Academic submissions should briefly explain:
- The purpose, research question, or argument
- Relevant background or theoretical context
- The methodology or analytical approach, where applicable
- Key findings, expected findings, or conclusions
- The contribution and implications of the work
Academic submissions will be peer-reviewed for their relevance, originality, contribution, and scholarly quality.
Practice and policy submissions
We welcome proposals from practitioners, policymakers, organisations, initiatives, community groups, consultants, and professionals who wish to share applied experience or engage participants in discussion.
Submissions may describe a programme, intervention, policy, project, organisational initiative, community experience, practical framework, or important challenge.
Practice and policy submissions should briefly explain:
- The problem, need, or opportunity being addressed
- The organisational, community, or policy context
- What was implemented, tested, or proposed
- The main outcomes, lessons, challenges, or unresolved questions
- What other participants may learn from or contribute to the discussion
A formal research methodology is not required. We are interested in honest and useful accounts of implementation, including work that produced mixed results or unexpected challenges.
Hybrid submissions
Contributions that connect research with practice or policy are particularly welcome. Hybrid submissions may use whichever structure most clearly communicates the work and its contribution.
Conference Proceedings
Following Social Capital 2027, all presenters will be invited to submit a full paper for inclusion in the official conference proceedings.
Full papers are optional and not required to be submitted.
The proceedings will provide a lasting record of the event and showcase cutting-edge research and practice in the field of social capital. Submitted full papers will be peer reviewed to ensure relevance and quality. The International Social Capital Association will publish the conference proceedings, which will be available on the association’s website.
Full paper submission deadline: May 1, 2027.
Publication date: September 2027.
Although full paper submission is optional, we encourage all presenters to consider contributing a paper to help advance global dialogue and visibility in the field.